Claire add me to the chorus of your admirers. I love how you write about your experiences. I think a big part of what makes this works is you have refined your always excellent taste. You really do understand your style, and what you will want to wear for a season. You also understand your fit and comfort issues. And you manage to look classic yet current and be prepared for most anything while doing it. Write on sister!

Claire, thanks for sharing your wardrobe thoughts with us! I used to have a very small wardrobe, and in some respects, I really liked it. It was very easy to get dressed in the morning; you knew everything you had, and you knew exactly what went with what.

Please don't be too hard on yourself about the shoes. Shoes are just tough to figure out! It seems like wearing them in the house to assess them isn't enough—it's when you get outside on the sidewalks and the streets and the gravelly paths, or after half an hour of solid walking, that you notice they're not as comfy as you thought they were. And there's no way to duplicate that experience without truly wearing the shoes, such that they're not returnable.

I wish I could do a small wardrobe, but I am so hard to fit that I have to have a larger wardrobe and plan to hold on to things for a while. That way, when stuff starts to wear out, I have enough current items as backup while I look for a replacement. Back when I had a small wardrobe, I would panic when the clothes started getting old, because I knew that shortly I would start seeing holes and rips, and then the hunt would be on!

I can't wait for your F/W instalment either Claire!

Also- will this be the first time you have met Angie in person?
I am excited to live vicariously through the lucky Fabbers meeting-up later this month

I also really have enjpoyed this thread, both the original comments and the follow up ones.

I admire your truthful and honest approach about what has worked and what has not. And the less pieces we have the less tolerance we have for "almosts" or "maybes" . I also agree with your comments on jeans - there is always something new and tempting but sometimes it is okay to not go there. I think the beauty with your approach is that you will wear clothes out, so you can buy into a new trend when you want to.

Thanks for sharing!

Jaime(shevia), good morning! I have been thinking about you a lot for obvious reasons. I hope all is well for you and your loved ones. Thank you for your encouraging words. They means a lot to me. You write on, too, sister!

Gigi, you are so right about the shoes! That's why it's so tempting for me to duplicate them. I've having fun with my small wardrobe because it's not completely out of austerity that I'm doing it. And I can usually stay one jump ahead of the holes. Once I have to mend something, I know the writing is on the wall.

Lyn, Thanks, I'll post F/W soon. Yes, it will be my very first time going to a meet-up where Angie is present (not to mention Inge). I'm sure it will be just electric and I will no doubt be buzzing for weeks with all the excitement!

ETA: Kiwigal, You said some really nice things! Thank you for that. I'm just trying to be transparent there are definitely pros and cons to this approach.

Claire, even though I'm pretty sure that I won't be going truly "minimal" any time soon, your desired approach to shopping really resonates with me.

It's funny, but back in the days when I lived in the big city as a young woman, I just naturally shopped like that.

I did two expeditions a year. One for my S/S wardrobe, and one for the F/W wardrobe. Between times, I thought about clothes plenty often. I read fashion magazines, enjoyed window shopping, and had fun wearing my own clothes. But I rarely felt the need to buy anything extra.

Now, that's not to say I never bought anything outside those expeditions....but truthfully, I didn't purchase outside of them all that often. Partly because I couldn't afford it, partly because I didn't have time to shop (and this was long before online shopping) and partly because I just didn't feel a need to very often.

Of course, it probably helped that if I did have a need, I could go out and look for what I wanted. So I never really needed to feel panicked.

But shopping wasn't really a hobby in itself for me. I loved clothes and longed for a fantastic wardrobe (which, admittedly, I never had then) -- but I didn't really love to shop for the sake of ...shopping.

Since YLF (and perhaps since online shopping) I've actually learned to enjoy the experience (much to my own surprise).

But I still prefer to do it in seasonal "binges." So the monthly "no shop" challenges are not true challenges for me -- unless I haven't bought my seasonal complement yet. In which case they are impossible, because I probably need to replace some essential!

Anyway -- this is becoming long winded, but I definitely like this approach for myself. By not shopping in between my main shopping phases, I seem to enjoy the actual wearing of what I have all the more. I do like to have a mid-winter refresher shop, but given the length of that season here, I feel as if it's either that or an Arizona holiday in February!!

Interesting -- I wonder if this preference is related to the way that we like to edit our wardrobes each season very carefully?

Nothing to add Claire but just wanted to chime in and say I read it all. And I am always in awe of your super minimal closet. I am not sure if I will ever be a minimalist but I love the simplicity of it all. May be someday ..... ^_^

Another admirer here, Claire. Just wanted to say I'm reading with great interest. I'm happy for you that you've found this approach that you are really enjoying. I could see myself cutting back on my wardrobe quite a bit, if not going as far as you have, once I have a clearer sense of my style. It struck me, reading through this thread, that clarity is key. I know I don't have it now, and I'm not sure it's in my nature to achieve it, but who knows. . ..

I so much admire you for doing the 10 items closet. You inspire me! (But I fear I won't be able to).

Thanks for your response Claire:) I totally the get the endless cycle of buying and that is what I am trying to break as well:) Rather than be seduced by the newest thing, I find I am quite enamored with a very narrow aesthetic and I just keep buying the same things over and over. How many draped black skirts does a girl need lol. One good one should do the trick right? I will be watching your A/W with great interest.

Wow, always love to read your threads on the 10 pieces wardrobe formula, and believe that has to be your very own registered trademark, Claire:-) and now I am so eager to see your F/W wardrobe!

I am also very annoyed at realising the buying circle for a perfect wardrobe will never get to an end. I really wanted to build a fab wardrobe for the 40+ me, and felt many times I have mostly achived it but I could never really stop buying. Scaring! But also fun!

This year was the first I really felt like my brands (which are only a few) have designed both their S/S and F/W collections special for me! I don't know how can one feel like that, but these longer length, almost always stretchy, rich textured (instead of patterned), trimmed in leather like fabrics, and the new fluid and hi/low cuts are having so much character and are so much wearable and enjoyable, even for the office!

After years of bootcuts, skinnies were not really my thing so I avoided pants outfits for a long time. Then, just after filling up my closet with fab skirts and dresses, it came the BF's look. I always loved the look of some rolled up ankle showing pants but now I feel even fashionable and trendy doing it:-)). Oh, and the hi/low hem trends for tops is SOOO great for hiding my flat rear I cannot stop stocking up on them....

Not to speak about some colors I always craved and hardly seen in my shops (like citron for colthes and navy-esp for shoes) now they are here to tickle my fancy....Who could say NO to such a clothe's heaven:-).

Then, I am mad again on realising that these will all too pass:-(...I figure at least now I have a core of a very individual wardrobe, and will hopefully not have to start all from scratch again:-).

Claire I am always keen to read the threads about your minimal wardrobe. I find it fascinating!! As has the whole thread.

I have a bigger wardrobe of course, though on the small side by YLF standards, and I have been doing a compare and contrast with you. Like you I am pretty careful with my shopping and don't enjoy it all that much. Unlike you I am not that in to purging.

It doesn't bother me to have a few items that I really like, but only get worn occasionally because the set of circumstances to make them work only occur a few times a year.

I also need more capsules for activities - work one, a going out casual one, a loungewear plus very casual going out - and for climate - hot summer, pleasant summer, spring/autumn and winter.

And as I commented on Laura's thread, I would hate to have the burden of replacing clothes as often as you do!!!

Suz, I wonder if you and I both like to get our wardrobes "set", knowing that if we bring in any new players it might shake up the the way everything plays together? Although mid-season refreshers are certainly necessary for one's dominant season, IMO. Or maybe it's because shopping has become more intentional for me and now I'm adopting your method of doing it all at once. And don't think I didn't catch that line about a holiday in Arizona in February! It's high time for me to host a meet-up. Kyle lives here and I'm not sure what city Karen is wintering in, but there are definite possibilities.

Sharan(Firecracker), Narrowing down my style has been the key to making a small wardrobe work for my needs. I can't put as many varied looks together, and there's not any juxtaposition going on, but I can dress neatly and be presentable for most any occasion that crops up, which is my main goal.

lyn, Thank you so much for coming back to make a longer comment. I'm so happy that you're enjoying the retail season! I will have to enjoy it through you. Your enthusiasm for some of the trends is contagious and will help me look at them a different way (like how the hi-low tops do good things for the figure). I think you're smart to stock up when things are in your favor. You have a large enough wardrobe that you will have enough clothes to last you through a dry spell if you don't like the trends in the next few years.

anne, I don't know why I like purging so much. Well, yes I do. I hate to have things hanging around, waiting for an event that might happen in the future, when someone else could be making use of that item (who maybe even needs it) right now. I remember the years I could only shop in thrift stores and I would literally pray that women would clean out their closets so I could have something decent to choose from! So part of my desire to purge is philanthropic. The other part is more selfish; my personality thrives on closure. I need to decide if I'm going to wear something or not, and if not, then out it goes! Too many times I've held onto something really mediocre for a special occasion and when the occasion finally presented itself, I did not (or did not want to) wear it. Lesson learned. I don't feel it's burdensome to have to replace something that has provided good utility and has finally worn out. I look forward to it, because it's fun to have something new--and this way, there's no guilt.

Love your posts, Claire! Although I don't think I could have the discipline to get down to 10 items for every need for the entire season, I did find great success with a 10 item dressy work wardrobe for Spring/Summer. I'll be doing this again for Fall/Winter. I expect that I will also be able to do another 10 item wardrobe for holiday events and fundraisers throughout the year. Baby steps!

Looking forward to your F/W capsule reveal!

I love your posts on how you figure out your wardrobe needs.

I won't be doing 10's, but I am really noticing that I might as well "identify" the ...20? 30? or whatever pieces I think I'm going to wear for a season, and why, and see if that tells me what I ought to toss, what I shouldn't duplicate. Whatever number you use, some kind of attempt at really admitting what's being worn, or what you think you want to wear, can help focus. Even if you move extras to the off-site "boutique" as Lisa did.

Claire, I think you hit the nail on the head when you said "my personality thrives on closure."

I am like this, too. I like decisions to be made, not hanging (um...iiterally, in this case, LOL.)

Maybe that's why we are eager editors of what we no longer wear or want, and possibly it helps to explain the preference for shopping in one or two "bouts" per season (where we are able to do that).

Interesting.

I think Viva is also a very eager editor. I wonder if she shares this quality.

This has been such an enlightening read Claire as always! Even though I'm firmly in the 'happy w a big closet' and 'slow to purge' camps, I do try to think about functionality in my wardrobe. And I've spent this year being much fussier about what I bring home, inspired by you and Suz and others.

I would be terrified at having to replace much of my wardrobe every season, precisely because of that fussiness. Granted, with thrifting you need more time and patience for the right thing to turn up, but even shopping retail you're at the mercy of what's available when you need it. I'm so glad it works for you though and like everyone else I look forward to 'meeting' your f/w wardrobe.

Such a great read and informative post Claire - thank you! I continue to learn from your insights and careful shopping habits. I also can't wait to see you 10 item F/W wardrobe.

While I don't buy much from resale (no good shops near me) I have learned to be extra particular before making a final purchase on many more things. I ask for measurements, get fabric content details, read reviews and do everything possible before even getting most items delivered these days. I would never have done that before. I used to buy much more on impulse - pretty color, something to wear to xyz, etc. Now my closet has most every possible event covered with something that is at least appropriate for the occasion. I think my closet is probably more like a 30 item S/S wardrobe and I am happy at that general count. I do count some tees that many people may not count because it's my reality to dress in casual clothes every day.

Your 10 item wardrobe posts are pushing me in the right direction. I'm retired now and just don't need that many clothes and have gotten "a bit" carried away shopping after joining YLF; it makes me sick to see the clothes I had to have hanging unworn in the closet, apparently I thought I was meeting someone for lunch in Paris. I'm now asking myself will this get worn a few times every week?

Hi Claire,
While reading and catching up, I came across this. I gotta say that these months I have been absent, I culled about 60% of my wardrobe and kept on thinking about you. I have to say, it is such a relief to know what I have, what goes well together. I feel in control. I just wanted to say that your "less is more" philosophy inspired me.

Well done, Claire! I am in awe......I loved reading (somewhere on the Vivienne Files) how her goal for simplifying her wardrobe, and life, was related to living life to its fullest...it was quite inspiring.

Like the others, I do sympathise with you re the 'mistakes', and get annoyed with myself for still making them! Perhaps we should label them 'learnings' and accept that they'll continue to happen, xo.

I'm looking forward to your post on your F/W wardrobe. I find your posts on the 10 item wardrobe so fascinating and enjoy looking at what you've chosen for the season.

I've been channelling my inner Claire this summer so much as I was unpacking my clothes after the move. I'm far from 10 items wardrobe, but I remain steadily on the path to less stuff, more winers. One thing - can you please keep posting the photo of your wardrobe? It's is such powerful and inspiring image, and seeing this wardrobe the other day reminded me of you. When I see "one of us" looking so fab (those Seattle photos! You look stunning!) with so few pieces, I am reminded it IS possible.

Count me in among those looking forward to your fall/winter post.

You guys! You are all so nice to dig this up and begin commenting on it again. I will put together a post for F/W soon...I just got back from Seattle so I'm going to write something about that first. Believe it or not, I'm a bit shy of 10 items for F/W, but since I'm still wearing some of my S/S items, together they make at least ten. I definitely have enough to meet my needs, and I took all ten pieces on my Seattle trip, lol! It was nice to have my entire wardrobe to choose from, and we all had a laugh thinking how devastating it would be to lose my suitcase (which I did NOT check, BTW). ;D

Ornella, I just read your lovely long post, and I need to comment on it straight away. If I could only have the buying success you had this Summer! That's what I'm aiming for. Less purchases in general, and all of them hits, rather than misses. Thanks for the link to that pristine closet! Here's a sneak peak of mine when I did a clean out a few weeks ago. There are even less items in there now, but you get the idea.

Your closet looks lovely, Claire! (Colour coordinated, peaceful, and - do I spy polka dots?)

I love your closet too. I've been tracking what I wear for almost a month and can already see that I am very very far from being able toil e with a minimal closet except when traveling. So far, just counting stand alone tops, bottoms and dresses, I have worn over 50 pieces! I'm looking forward to your fall report.

Claire! I feel like a wuss... I have 18 pieces in my capsule & it only needs to last about 8 weeks (maybe 10 if the hot weather lingers!) You have my admiration. I agree with some above -- it's hard to tell the dogs in advance. I had to swap out a pair of pants that were driving me crazy & looked awful in photos. Buggers!