Why is clothes shopping on my self care list?

Thrift shop finds. I know I'll wear the grey one but the top one is not my usual so we'll see!

A pretty mundane to do most of the time especially if you don’t like shopping for clothing but do like to have nice, well fitting, flattering clothes to wear - such an approach avoidance area for me!

But, and this is big to me. I’m only 5ft 3in tall and gained 10 pounds in the first few months after we moved 2+ years ago and have only now started to very slowly make progress in dropping it. 

So some things are tight, some things I'm just very tired of wearing, almost everything is 2+ years older and I am clear that I need a somewhat different wardrobe for the weather here as well as my current lifestyle. 

All to say, I need some new clothes and I made a plan to shop and end up happy with the outcome. I’m considering this is part of better self care.

I decided to try a seasonal color palette a wardrobe capsule again as I did when I first turned mostly gray back in Atlanta - much grayer now. Mostly I will live in jeans as I have a very casual life right now, but occasionally I would like some smart casual slacks and appropriate tops. 

I also need to make sure I have dog walking, lounge, exercise and sleepwear. My outerwear and shoes will do for another season and I have rain gear for dog walking. September is really a continuation of summer here so my plan is for October thru December.

I started by pulling items I have that fit me, my colors and the coming season. That was 9 tops for various weather (2 tees, three 3/4 sleeve, 2 long sleeve and 3 sweaters), 1 cardigan, 5 bottoms. I demoted several tops to lounge and will see if I wear them. If not, I may upgrade what is in my emergency GO bag.

That left me needing several long sleeve tops, a cozy cardigan, and hopefully also nice slacks. I think that will be a good size Fall capsule for my needs. I didn't give myself a budget so we will see how much I spend.

There are few in person shopping options nearby where I can find clothes that will fit and flatter so I opted to try the 3 local better thrift stores because at least then you know tops won’t shrink! There are also the benefits of seeing a wider range of brands, being environmentally conscious and helping out the charities they support. The costs are low so if I end up not wearing them it’s no big deal. I found the long sleeve top and cotton sweater shown above for $16.25 total.

Next was some online browsing of stores/brands that have worked for me in the past. Then starting trips to stores that are within a reasonable driving distance. Then I will head back to 2 thrift stores to see what they have added. Online shopping is going to be my last resort as the whole order and return cycle is annoying. It is a project for sure from my point of view.

I’m quite curious how other people approach clothes shopping? I used to enjoy it when stores were better stocked and I could always easily find something that fit and flattered me.