Low Buy Update: October
Decoding what my scolling tells me about the state of my wardrobe.
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I bought 3 things in October and already regret one of them. Picking up an ultra warm heattech high neck t-shirt from Uniqlo to wear under my vests felt like a no-brainer and not something I debated at all. Afterall I’ve been happy with my regular heattech t-shirts, so a warmer version seemed like a good idea. Turns out that was a mistake. It’s too flat, too boring and it already pills under the arms after two wears. Not ideal. I hate when that happens. It just feels like such a waste. I need to be more mindful when it comes to buying basics and not just statement pieces.
As my workwear generally felt in a good place, my plan for October was to to focus more on weekendwear and loungewear. Those casual outfits that for some reason can be so hard to get right. The plan got a bit derailed though as I got distracted by colour, texture and interesting shapes. I’m still largely satisfied with my wardrobe, but the colder weather exposed a few gaps, which ended up causing quite a bit of scrolling if I’m being honest.
This made me step back and reinstate the pause between seeing something and actually adding to cart. Recentering the focus on what I truly wished I had when getting dressed for real life and not getting caught up in all the beautiful fall fashion.
Inspired by Lin who analysed her wishlist to see why she was desiring those pieces I wanted to try a similar exercise to ascertain which patterns might emerge from what caught my attention while scrolling.
Texture and Colour
One of the main things I’ve been drawn to is pieces with colour or texture - or even both. The green croc print bag might be a little much for what I’d actually wear, but the attraction is definitely there. I think this craving for visual interest comes from having mostly focused on building a good foundation for my wardrobe. I still love my neutrals, but my wardrobe might benefit from adding one or two items with more personality.
When it comes to the bags, I can’t deny being influenced by Ariane’s beautiful bag collection. Seeing how much a colourful or textured bag does for her otherwise neutral outfits makes me want to step up my bag game - even though I’m not really a bag person - and go for something beyond my usual black and brown.
Jackets with interesting shapes or details
Another category that featured heavily in my browsing was jackets with interesting shapes or details. Leather bombers, barn jackets, checked coats and more - this was mostly due to realising that I don’t have a great jacket for when the weather is too cold for a trench coat, but too warm for a wool coat. Sometimes my light puffer just feels too casual. It’s amazing how much impact a great jacket has on an outfit. Although this category isn’t as colourful as the first one, it still is about creating visual impact, further underscoring that I have most of my basics covered.
(Near) Duplicates
A lot of the pieces catching my eye were very similar to things I already own - or even the exact same item in a different colour. It makes sense: I know they work, so it’s easy to want more of the same. But I have to be careful. Adding near-duplicates might feel like a good idea in the moment, but it can quickly turn into a hurdle to building a wardrobe you truly love. But as one reader commented on a recent post, the pressure to have variety and not focusing on what feels right can cause trouble as well.
It’s a tricky balance between refining what already works and still leaving room for a bit of play or experimentation. I know my preferences, so I naturally gravitate toward familiar shapes and fabrics. Still, if I only keep adding variations of what I already have, things start to feel a bit repetitive or even boring. Some of these could count as upgrades - a touch more texture, a different neutral - but I want my wardrobe to feel inspiring, not just reliable.
Sometimes though, there are very good reasons to stick with what you know and love. Take sweaters, for instance. I have a bit of wool sensitivity on my chest, so I usually go for V-necks and skip crew necks altogether. To add some variety, I’ve looked for subtle differences - a slightly different binding, a heavier knit or just a different colour (which even grey or navy would count as in my wardrobe!). Recently, I’ve been wondering if layering a tee underneath would make it possible for me to wear a crew neck (and make my knitwear slightly less predictable).
When I look at these three categories - Texture and Colour, Interesting Jackets and Duplicates - they are basically telling me the same thing. The foundation is pretty solid, but it’s time to add a little more fun and variety. Not by overhauling my wardrobe completely, but by slowly introducing just enough interest to keep things feeling fresh and intentional.
Practical boots
Another gap exposed by the changing season was the need for a somewhat polished, practical boot. Almost a paradox in itself. In general, I tend to prefer a square or pointed toe - they just feel a bit sharper and more refined. But when it comes to biking and walking, a round toe is simply more practical. A thicker sole with a bit of shock absorption is another must. So my second purchase of the month ended up being the pair with laces in the middle as they were the most comfortable and looked the best in person.
Secondhand finds
Interestingly, my secondhand browsing ended up focusing mostly on out-of-season items. Not sure I have a good explanation for it - a bit of fantasy shopping, maybe? Or making up for things I missed during summer? I definitely don’t need a summer dress with the current temperatures! To the experienced preloved shoppers reading this—do you find it easier to score great secondhand pieces out of season?
Still, my third purchase of the month turned out to be slightly more seasonally appropriate. For a while I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of elevated indoors shoes. Something to wear for dinner parties at friends’ homes - especially in winter, when boots have to come off, but padding around in socks just doesn’t feel very festive. When I came across this preloved option from Vagabond Shoemakers, I couldn’t resist. The mules also doubles as a great option for working from home, when I want to feel more put together. I even wore them around the hotel on a recent weekend trip, when I just couldn’t be bothered to put on boots.
Reflections
So, three purchases, one regret, and a few lessons learned. My wardrobe feels more grounded than ever, but I’m also itching to add a bit more texture, colour, and play into the mix. The foundation is there - now it’s about refining, experimenting just enough, and making sure every new piece earns its place.
What I didn’t browse, but maybe should have - was loungewear and home wear. It’s become clear to me that both great loungewear and comfortable, but still somewhat polished clothing to wear at home, are categories that are severely lacking in my wardrobe and something I would wear a ton. I still have a hard time prioritising it, as long as other areas still need attention, but it might be the ultimate form for self indulgence! Something to make you feel great when nobody is watching.
Building a wardrobe I love isn’t about getting everything right - it’s about paying attention. Each small discovery (or regret) teaches me something about what I actually value: quality, comfort, polish, and a sense of ease. If anything, this month showed me that feeling good in what I wear - whether it’s a sharp jacket or the perfect set of loungewear - might be the ultimate goal.
Low buy count - October:
New items: 13/20 (2 pairs of shoes added)
Replacements: 16 (1 high neck top added)
What have you been lusting after recently? What does it say about the state of your wardrobe?
When I started knitting, I was sooo sensitive to wool and other natural fibers, but I got used to it over time (to the point that I can wear rustic wool now!). Wearing a T-shirt underneath has always been a must for me — especially since it means I don’t have to wash my sweaters all the time. You should definitely try it! Even when I don’t want the collar to show, I still wear one underneath; I just adapt the neckline.
Also, thanks so much for the mention! My bags really make such a difference for me, especially now that I can only wear my winter boots 🥲
I love your new boots and mules! I’ve never had mules — I don’t know why, but I always assumed they wouldn’t stay on my feet 😅 (which is probably pretty stupid considering I wear flip-flops all the time).
I also itch easily on my chest and upper back, so I always wear a tee under my knits, fit/tightness depending on the fit of the jumper. Also, I like to see a bit of white neckline peeking out from under the jumper. So no itching, a bit more style and I don’t get a sweaty jumper, but a sweaty tee instead, which can be washed in warmer water. Love your new boots and Gabor is great quality!