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Embarrassing Closet Discoveries

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Shannon's post of her closet discoveries My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long) prompted me to do a little discovering of my own. Heavens to Murgatroyd, I can't believe there is so much crammed in my little closet! Here goes (as I hang my head in shame):

Pencil Skirts: 12
Flared Skirts: 2
Tube Skirts: 2

Crazy Pants: 4
Ankle Pants: 3 (I'll wear these in milder winter temps with booties, and by "milder" I mean above freezing)
Cigarette Pants: 2
Dress Pants: 1
Jeans: 8 (2 colored, 2 black, 1 flared, 2 blue, 1 white)
Upscale Sweatpants/Track pants: 3

Button Downs: 29
Long Sleeved Pullovers (tees, sweatshirts): 14
Pullover Dressy Tops: 7
Indoor Jackets: 9 (3 denim, 1 tuxedo, 1 bomber, 1 moto, 2 military, 1 long)
Blazers: 9
Sweaters: 15 (pullover and cardigan)
Ponchos: 2
Vests: 2
Dresses: 3 (2 sweater, 1 regular)

Boots (mid calf to tall): 5
Gear Boots: 3
Flats: 8
Pumps: 5
Booties: 9
Cowboy boots: 4

Good grief! I didn't even do a grand total, I don't think I can count that high! And what's with all those button down shirts? Who the heck needs 29 button downs? On the other hand, this is actually my Fall, Winter, and Early Spring Wardrobe, and in my defense, it's a looooonng Winter here in upstate NY.

The thing that strikes me the most (other than holy moly I need to purge those button downs) is that my wardrobe is a little lopsided. Like, I have 1 pair of dress pants but 12 pencil skirts. The other thing I noticed while counting is that I keep my clothes in pristine condition and they last for a long time. Today I wore a pair of booties that are 7 years old, and there isn't a mark or scratch on them.

The majority of my clothing comes from Macy's, JCP, and Gap, and several favorites are from F21, J.Crew, and BR. Most of my favorite items (clothes and shoes) are ones that I saw here on YLF, mostly from Angie's Finds, some from other forum members.

I'd love to hear your comments - but please go easy on me in regards to all those button downs

Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

trekkiegirl

Veteran

I'd say with that much, you could break it down into seasonal capsules and have 4 smaller wardrobes! Not sure if that's a thing people do, but you could. And no judgement on the button downs, I probably have nearly as many haha

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Yay, someone has more button-downs than me! I think I had 14, at last count. But that's all seasons, weights and dressiness, including flannels that I wear more as cardigans/jackets.

I think as long as you're wearing everything, and you like it all and aren't stressed by it, it's a great size. Do you think you'd wear more dress pants if you had them?

deb

Veteran

I am wearing button downs a lot lately. I cannot imagine ever have too many. So you have another half of your wardrobe to count? (Just kidding) It sounds like you wear all of your clothes so this must be a good size for you.

Joy

Veteran

I haven't counted my buttondowns lately but know I have a bunch. I have been wearing knits more, often with a buttondown under them. Buttondowns are starting to appeal to me again, especially as an alternative to tees. I don't have as many skirts as you do, but also don't have daily occasions for wearing them and pencil skirts seem classic with staying power, especially a pencil skirt with a buttondown

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Karie, my friend -- button downs love your shape so why shouldn't you love them?

I would simply start running a little tally and find out which ones you're wearing and which ones you are not. I've been doing that this season for the first time and it is enlightening. The upshot -- maybe not terribly helpful for closet editing -- is that I am actually wearing all but one or two of mine -- I'm just not wearing any one of them terribly often. Yet they all seem to serve some kind of need.

The fact is, we live in a cold climate. Layering is important for us.

As for your bottoms, it's not "lopsided" unless you feel the need for fewer skirts and more dress pants.

BTW, I counted 129 clothing items there, not counting your footwear. And I think you allude to something important -- if you have a lot of clothes it is POSSIBLE to keep them all pristine. I think when we have a very small wardrobe this becomes more difficult. I experienced it myself on my first few years of YLF. I had one dress I wore constantly and it was basically dead after two years. Even though I was really careful and washed it by hand.

I guess it can take a while for us to reach our individual sweet spots.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Ha, Deb! No, not another half to count. My summer wardrobe is quite small (comparatively speaking) as that season is short here and I don't work during the summer.

Laura, the button downs are all long sleeved, including flannels and various weight cottons/blends. I have additional 3/4 and short sleeved ones in the basement closet for spring and summer.

tr3, I like the idea of breaking this down into capsules. Some would fit into seasons (like our current season of Bizarro Winter) but a good chunk of it goes cross seasonal, so perhaps capsules according to wear, like work, play, at-home, etc.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Suz, ACK! 129! Yikes! Although as you say, in our climate layering is important and necessary! I am rarely happy with the way dress pants look on me, but pencil skirts? They're my favorite. More, please. And as for the button downs, one thing that impressed me when I met Angie in Boston was how pristine her button down was - the collar stayed perfectly in place, and the quality (from what I could tell) looked exceptional. So instead of buying 10 of lesser quality, buy one of the best quality. An important lesson that I need to keep reminding myself of.

Joy, yes, a pencil skirt with a button down does have staying power, and it's one of my fav combos - in fact, I wore it today. With pencil skirts I like a tailored button down, and with skinnies or jeans I like my Gap "shrunken boyfriend" ones.

Laura

Hi Kari,
The buttondown conundrum. I too have many of them. In fact I will soon get to posting them to have this really cool community, you too I shall hope, rate them and from that I will keep or toss them.
My old job was perfect for buttondowns. Now I need a little more diversity and formality. So some need to go
I have to admit that I am a sucker for a good buttondown shirt, especially J. Crew's. My most recent one, my husband got for me while on a trip was one from a European designer, sold by Gorsuch in CO. The light blue one and it is to die for. The fabric is so soft

http://www.gorsuch.com/product.....y=ourPicks
It's a keeper.
So don't feel bad. Many of us are fans and have great buttondowns!
Laura

Janet

(website)

Veteran

In defense of buttondowns... I have a bunch, too. More than you. But they span such a variety, I can't lump them all together. There are a few fitted, crisp cotton ones (ie, those Brooks bros ones) that get layered under sweaters but I'm not wearing them much lately. Then there are drapey, not fitted, silk ones (ie, Equipment), and then some flannel, chambray, plaid, and a couple of patterns...

I'd say if you wear them and enjoy them, what's the harm in a number? (Yes, my closet numbers would horrify some of you, but you've seen my closet, and no one said anything judgmental, thank goodness.)

If each serves a purpose or you love it, I'd say it deserves a place in your closet. But if you do feel like this is excessive, I understand. I have too many skirts, considering I haven't worn one since September.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I did lump all of them together, and some are silky, most are cotton, some fitted, some are fitted, some are the looser Gap boyfriend fits, etc. I took a second look at them earlier and you know what? Not one is getting purged, I like them all! So yes, there's no harm in a number.

Larua, that shirt by Gorsuch looks beautiful. I've heard good things about J.Crew's shirts, and I fit very well in their clothes so I might have to try one on soon. I should start applying the "one in, one out" rule. I should...

Suz, yes, it's true that I can keep things pristine because if I'm wearing and rotating everything in my closet, it would take forever to wear out any single item. I like your tracking system and will have to start one of my own.

DonnaF

Veteran

Other than the button downs, I don't think you wardrobe is out of whack. I am very impressed that you found so many to fit you well. I just returned five (mail order) button downs today but was able to get a fit on a sixth. I don't think I'll ever catch up to you, but I'd like another couple as I finally figured out that the collar keeps my neck warm enough that I'm not forced to wear a scarf for warmth, and these days I don't always want to wear a scarf.

It is probably a reflection of the size of my wardrobe, but I think you are just fine. I passed on a couple of pairs of dress pants but kept one pair of semi-dress pants; I found I don't need or want dress pants and really don't like the typical trouser width on me. Why have dress pants if you prefer pencil skirts (like me, lol) And I never wear out my clothes either. It's not such a good thing because pre-YLF I suddenly noticed a lot of my stuff was 15 years old and more and obviously very dated.

rachylou

Veteran

Well but think of it this way... At least all your button downs aren't red and blue plaid... Anyways, that's only a month of shirts. One laundry load.

Haha. When I have to move into box under the freeway, I'm gonna be in such big trouble...

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Your numbers seem quite reasonable to me. I'm encouraged. Not enough to go into my closet and count, mind you. I feel you have a decent sized wardrobe, fwiw. And you wear it well!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Back to say: the buttondowns I get. But have I ever seen you wear cowboy boots? Just asking.

Laura

Karie. For sure keep them if you like them and wear them. That's what is at issue in my closet. I can't really say I like all of my buttondowns. Plus a few are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. That brings me to J.Crew. The shirts I have from them are fantastic. All but 2 in Liberty Print cotton/silk blends. These two beautiful and cute shirts did not last compared to their others. Not long ago one ripped unbeknownst to me till someone, a stranger, pointed it out to me. I was so embarrassed. I had been walking around all afternoon probably like that. I was also furious and let's say I was happy to give it to my husband to use as an expensive work shop rag! I always love telling that story!
Xxoo

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Laura, so weird you bring those J Crew shirts up. I just let my two go. They're a few years old now, and I think they actually haven't worn as well as things in my closet that are far older. I tried them on and they just looked, I dunno, tired.

Staysfit

Veteran

Karie, it's interesting and enlightening to do a closet assessment like this. I did the same thing recently and found that I have a ridiculously large number of jeans, I think it was 28 pairs, and I have many fewer button downs than you. I'm not sure how many sweaters I have right now. I don't think I've done a complete fall/winter assessment, only one to start preparing for spring/summer. I knew my closet was too full when I couldn't find things, and when I had items with tags that went unworn. The new things were buried to the point I forgot about them! That's what prompted my massive closet purge in the summer of 2014.

If you want to purge your button downs and they are all in good shape, why not use the test of whether you love them, and if they make you happy when you wear them? That's my current test for keeping anything I purchase or currently own, does it look good, do I love it, does it make me happy? I like Suz's idea also. Clearly if you're wearing them, you must like them enough to keep them.

retailgirl

Veteran

I won't beat you up on the buttons downs...I have more than that! I was in Brooks Brothers yesterday and had to pull myself away from the sale shirts. ( but 50 percent off!). Also had to say no to cashmere sweaters..my other weakness. I put some of my shirts away depending on season. They're all the same weight, but some just look more springy or fallish. And, like you, another reason I have so many is because I take good care of my things. Today I'm wearing a ten year old cashmere cable pullover and a pair of stuart weitzman Creampuff loafers that are also ten yers old!

Tanya

Veteran

So interesing to read Karie! I wouldn't beat myself over it, like Janet, I do not want to count, but I have way more then you in pretty much every category (well other then pencil skirts, I only have a couple of those). As long as you wear everything and enjoy it when you do, all is well.
I also find that haveing a larger wardrobe keeps clothing in nice shape for much longer. The same is nit true for me for shoes though, it must be the way I walk as I tend to scrape and scuff them on their first wear.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Retailgirl, Hooray for wearing 10 year old items that have stood the test of time and wear! And 50% off on Brooks Brothers button downs? That's a brand I really want to try. I'm starting my car right now...

Staysfit, I have been using the test of fussiness. Regardless of how much I love the item (that's the hard part) if it's fussy at all, I've been purging it. Just two weeks ago I put on my favorite sweater dress, which has always been a little clingy in the middle - it's a little short so I always wear it with pants and the fabric lumps over the button of the pants - so I've decided to purge it.

Laura and Janet, thanks for the tip on the Liberty Print shirts.

Firecracker, I didn't quite know how to categorize the cowboy boots. One pair totally fits that description (pic #1), the other three kind of do. Maybe I should have called them "Western style boots/shoes?" #2 and #3 are Freebird by Steven, #4 is Old Gringo. #1, 3, and 4 are older pics but I have worn the boots more recently (I wore the outfit in #4 last week). The boots in #1 I hardly ever wear as I always seem to reach for the other three, but I really like them and still don't want to purge them.

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Laura

Janet, am curious, were they the Liberty Print perfect shirts? Mine were. I sent one back to J. Crew and I received a credit on the first one. Second one, kept in the garage as an expensive rag. Close to $200!
What became of yours? And what were they made of?
I want to comment to J. Crew again.

Laura

In all fairness to J. Crew, my third Liberty is 100% cotton and is living up to the quality we know of and expect of J. Crew.
I make sure to check the fabric make up first before I order.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Actually, mine weren't liberty print. They were both silk cotton blend -- one was paisley, one dotted. They were good for maybe 3 years with not very frequent wear or laundering. Maybe I'm asking too much, but it seems they should have looked better longer for the prices J Crew charges.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

This makes more sense, Karie. Those are great outfits, and the boots are really cool looking. I was picturing multiple pairs of the more classic pointy-toe cowboy boots. (Janet rocks them.)

karymk

Veteran

For pete's sake Karie do you have to warehouse all that stuff? Hey, if you have the space for that much, then no sense in downsizing. But get a pencil and pad out and take notes on what is actually worn. And maybe slow down on the intake. Be more discerning if you feel you have too much in one category.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I hardly keep items "pristine." In fact, I'm rather hard on my clothes, but I do tend to keep them a long time. It seems a favorite item will often be in high rotation for awhile, and then falls into occasional use -- keeping my count higher than it "has" to be. That's OK with me, as long as I have space, and I'm not confused/distracted by too much stuff when I'm putting together outfits.

I also have 10 pencil skirts -- but 3 are on their last legs, and only make infrequent appearances. I wear these far more than dress pants, so I match you at one pair of wide legs black pants. It seems lopsided, but I wear mostly casual pants and enjoy skirts in the workplace. Lopsided can me you've honed your signature style!

It's good to have an idea of what is in the closet and how it's worn. Kudos to you! It doesn't sound like you've got a celebrity sized closet -- not everyone is a minimalist!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Beth Ann, I feel like I do have a good idea of what's in my closet (from counting the items) and how they're worn (from all the outfit pics I've taken) and now the next step is to keep track and see how much they're worn. I did miss a few items in my count: 1 pencil skirt and 1 button down (in the laundry) and one dressy jacket (at the dry cleaners). I also didn't count workout gear (3 sweatpants and a few old tee shirts), or long sleeved tees that I wear as an under layer (about 15).

Karymk, interestingly enough, I don't have a large sized closet at all! It's a 1960's ranch sized bedroom closet. I installed a 3 tiered rack/shelving system myself a few years back and it has proved quite useful.