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My "100 piece wardrobe", spring cleaning and a plan (long)

Sal

Veteran

Yesterday was a good spring day to clean out four wardrobes. Mine was in the best shape. I got rid of a lot from DH, and the youngest son. the teenagers clothes get passed on of course.

Our closet got washed, wiped and vacuumed! We have lots of room now!

This morning I counted and my wardrobe numbered exactly 100 pieces. This is all footwear and clothing but excludes:
- gym gear on,y worn to the gym,
- gardening and painting gear,
- sleeping attire
- lingerie and camisoles
- hats, glasses, scarves and jewelry
- handbags
- rainboots and coat.

It does include the following:
- 21 footwear items
- 4 coats
- 27 tops- sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve
- 10 sweaters
- 10 jackets/cardigan/kimono
- 3 skirts
- 11 pants including jeans, harems, pointe and shorts
- 8 work and casual dresses
- 6 pieces of occasion wear

Some categories are in better shape than others, such as footwear, tops and jackets. Others are not ideal such as sweaters and coats. So I realise the 100 pieces is not exactly true as I wear underwear and jewelry every day( thank goodness).

But I was struck that should this week I need to attend a job interview, a wedding, a funeral, a cocktail party, present a seminar, go to the races, go on a school trip, or a rock concert I would have a suitable outfit for all these events. Some I would love, but most I would be very satisfied with. I don't have lots of choice- I only have one race worthy hat, and a couple of cocktail party options, but my wardrobe is in pretty good shape.

YLF and you all are to thank for this. So a big shout out to you all
especially those who are so generous and helpful in my threads.

Moving forward I am trying to maintain the closet at this size, give or take 5 either way. My spring summer shopping list is as follows with the first three already purchased.

Sunglasses
funky Work dress
Work/ evening black pants
casual lightweight colourful sweater
white or off white tee/top
Shorts
swimsuit
long sleeve light sun cover up that can be worn with shorts
Shoes/ sandals - wildcard

This is long sorry, so thanks for sticking with it. And thanks again, I really appreciate the support and advice!!

General

23 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Wow Sally. 100 pieces is actually pretty tight! Yet it sounds like you've got variety to cater to all your lifestyle needs. Bravo!

Your shopping list seems very well thought of. New sunglasses will update an on old outfit. Work dress will add variety to your work capsule. Other options are all in sync with your casual and active lifestyle.

Good job on the closet cleaning and happy shopping to you! I'm going to go through a very similar process myself once my winter wear comes out. So your thoughtful analysis really helps!

Anonymous

What a great feeling, Sally! Bravo! You are an inspiration to me in organization, planning and thoughtfulness. I like your thinking in terms of being prepared for different events.

Elly

Veteran

Congrats on the successful spring cleaning-- a lot of work but it feels great afterwards! I'm so glad to hear that you feel prepared to dress for most events-- it has to be a huge weight off your mind. It sounds like 100 is a good number for you and from here you can just work on polishing what works the best or is most versatile for your life. That is an amazing place to be at.

I started feeling really good about dressing for those really unavoidable moments in life (funerals, job interviews, etc.) when I had nailed together a capsule with a turtleneck, a button down, a drapey blouse, a leather jacket, a pencil skirt, and classic slacks. I can do SO much with just those pieces and I stopped feeling panicked-- over time I've learned which of those items feel more like me, but in the meantime I'm covered except for certain events of certain formalities in certain seasons. My biggest holes are in my regular workday and weekend wardrobe--- my closet there remains small enough that I feel like I'm always on the hunt for tops, knit jackets, knitwear, footwear, and jeans. Right now I'm right about 46 pieces total (including occasion-wear and shoes, but not gear) and would like to be closer to 80. I like to add very slowly as I'm still trying to make sure that my closet stays a comfortable size for me.

deb

Veteran

Great job!!!!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Aliona, Maneera, Deb and ELLY.

Maneera, I have bought the sunnies, dress and work trousers. I have worn the glasses a lot already and am loving them. I also have worn the pants, and they will be great too. I hope to wear the dress this week, last week was lounge wear pretty much all week being sick.

Aliona, thanks. Yes it is nice to think that I can pull out outfits for foreseeable events. Of course some are better than others. I don't really have a winter wedding look, nor a super formal interview look.

Elly, I think 80 is a great number. I have quite a few pieces that get very little wear, and are not so versatile. If starting again I may not buy them- but then again I love my Grecian floaty dress, but it is only really a summer wedding or garden party piece. I love my Handmade silk floaty top, but wear it once every two years! I also like my silver cropped jacket, but have only worn it twice! And I do agree spending money on the most used areas makes total sense.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Sounds like you are in a great place. Versatility is the key for me too. I'm trying to buy things that work for most of the year & for different levels of formality. Not everything can fall into this category but that's where I want most of my money to go

Helen11

Veteran

It must feel great to see everything and have it all clean and neat. I should really do the same! Enjoy shopping for the next special pieces on your list.

unfrumped

Veteran

That sounds like a great place to be! Keep in tune with which items and outfits feel the best and measure new additions against them.

Summer

Veteran

Good work, Sally. The most telling part is that you have an outfit for any likely occasion - that's a great position to be in: no last-minute panic shopping.

carter

Veteran

Wow, Sally! How great to have that done and to feel so great about the state of your wardrobe! You mentioned that the coats and sweaters categories were not ideal. Are they larger or smaller than they need to be?

I loved your comment to Elly that you still have a few items that you love, even though they don't get out very much. I know I enjoy having some of these in my closet too.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hey Sally, I think 100 is pretty impressive particularly considering the seasonal differences here. (I say "here"
because I am in your country at the moment. It is so beautiful! But I digress.) I personally would not be ready for a cocktail party at all - let alone during winter or summer ie regardless of season. You must have a very adaptable wardrobe. How great to be satisfied with where you are and to have a plan for the future. Look forward to hearing more

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fantastic!! You did a great job cleaning all the closets. I am impressed that you did your DH's and also the kids' as well as your own.

And 100 pieces sounds like a really tight wardrobe.

Mine is currently quite a lot larger because I have 150 (!!!) pieces not including shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, jewellery, undies, sleepwear, gear. But including coats and all other outerwear.

This is the largest my closet has ever been and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I have not done my autumn edit yet. I do expect that some pieces will go. On the other hand, I'm wary because I think I need somewhere between 120 and 160 to provide variety in my 4 season climate. Admittedly I have some items that I rarely wear. But they are pretty much only special occasion items.

Last year I had around 120 pieces and noticed that my closet was about 80 pieces for winter and 60 for spring/ summer. (There was overlap, obviously). Since my winters last for many months (at least 5) it felt as if I needed more in that season to stave off boredom and unrest.

Elly

Veteran

I'm glad to hear it! I find wardrobe size hard to nail down because I'm afraid of having clothes that I don't wear languishing. It is good to have special pieces that aren't all about use wear-- sometimes that makes them more special though.

I also have a few pieces that aren't as versatile as I would like, but they work for now. I have a great summer dress I love, but it is a summer casual-but-not casual dress-- and I think I've worn it 5 times in as many years while in the meantime I'd have to cobble together something out of black separates for any wedding that wasn't a summer wedding. Likewise, I have a pair of shoes bought to go with it in a rush that are perfect for that dress and really have no other place in my closet. I have a pair of heeled oxfords that are my only non-boot dress shoes and they read "business" and aren't as comfy as I'd like.

I also have some clothes I didn't invest much in because of our short CO transitional seasons and summers (jackets, sandals, non-waterproof boots) and some winter things that I own that probably won't get much wear in AZ (my ski jacket, wool slacks, fur lined boots)-- but that is life!

Anonymous

Sally, what's going on with your sweaters? Are they worn? Do you just not like them? I seem to have perpetual issues with knitwear, to the point where I might just give up and wear scarves and pashminas instead (cheaper).
Great that you cleaned out DH and son!
My SO will not let me touch any of his things- he seems to have an emotional attachment to every t-shirt (purchased and free-wear) since the 1990's Kids also don't like getting rid of anything so I purge in secret and hope they don't notice

Have you posted a pic of your new sun glasses?

Anonymous

First off - I am in awe that your DH let you anywhere near his closet! I'd love to get my hands on my husband's but he's terrified I'll toss out his tennis shorts from the 70's and his Tommy Bahama Hawaiian print shirts from the 90's.

Anyways, I like the size of your collection - sounds like it's working, and that must be a great feeling. I haven't done a full fall edit yet here - but when I do.....it's going to be ruthless.

Anonymous

Congratulations!!!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

It's a great feeling, isn't it, when you know if an unexpected event happens you can find something suitable in your closet. Congrats.

This kind of analysis can be really helpful in what to shop for and where to put your shopping dollars.

Apartment Therapy has been doing a closet clean out on their website if anyone's looking to be inspired. I pulled out my fall stuff this weekend and did a quick cull while putting most of it in the laundry, but I should do a proper look at everything, try it on and all that jazz.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Ok I just couldn't get past this statement: "I only have one race worthy hat"

I actually have quite a collection of (non-gear) hats, but I don't think I could make that statement. On the other hand, if I ever do get invited to the races (DH keeps promising. But travel would be involved), I would look upon it as a prime opportunity to go shopping for a new hat.

Back to you: Congrats on all you've accomplished. I think I'm afraid to count mine.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Caro, Helen, Unfrumped and Summer!

Carter - I think 4 coats is about right for me, I would ideally like to replace my khaki parka and one of my wool coats for better versions. I am happy with one wool coat and my puffer. With the knitwear/sweater I could do with another one or two, and more variety. Half are either dark grey or black, which is a little limiting, and all the black ones are more fitted/tailored fits.

Thanks Brooklyn, Suz, Sterling, Elly and Laura.

Smittie- I love sweaters and find them mostly easy to fit, but they get a hard time. In my case I need more colour than I have. I have attached a sunglasses pic.

Lisa - DH did help with his wardrobe, his was in worse shape than mine but I have a list for him for summer too. He is working on a special project meaning he is dressing more casually than he used to which was a good chance to throw out some tatty old work shirts. And the sons- well they have small numbers of clothes. I refuse to spend money on boys who don't care, leave clothes on the floor, and are happy with a sports tee and shorts. The older one wears a uniform anyway!!

L'Abeille- haha I only go to the races once a year, if that!! But I do have one great hat. I love hats and have a couple of other nice sunhats. In our harsh sun it is a vital accessory so it may as well be a stylish one

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Great work, Sally! I'm impressed. I think the size of your wardrobe sounds like it's working for you. Are you going to try to do one-in-one-out with your next purchases, or just go with the flow?

You look gorgeous in your new sunglasses! They are such a good shape, size, and color for your face and hair. Speaking of which, your haircut looks fantastic, too.

Sal

Veteran

I am not sure if one in one out will work for me or not.....I have just let about 6 pieces go (blue work trousers, pink dress, patterned bermudas, waterfall cardigan, sequinned tank, a muslin shirt not in my colours). I have already replaced the trousers with some new black slouchy pants a few weeks ago.

My issue is not with overshopping or spending, but more making sure I choose wisely. My list for the summer includes two items that are what I call needs (long sleeve thin shirt/popover for sun protection, and a swimsuit). The others are things that will make what I have go together more easily, but are not needs.

But it is a goal for me to stay at a similar level....within 5 either way I hope.

Thanks, sadly the hair does not always look that great. Day of a haircut

Anonymous

Oh yes, I've seen your sunglasses before, I just forgot. They're cute!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Love your sunglasses and your haircut; they both look great.