Splitting wears - good or bad? - YouLookFab Forum

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Splitting wears - good or bad?

Anonymous

I hear forum members talking about 'splitting wears' which I take to mean 'multiples of a very similar clothing item that you're splitting across multiple wears'. When people refer to splitting wears, the connotation is always negative - as in, "I don't want to buy this shirt because I'll just be splitting wears with another shirt I already have".

But doesn't splitting wears make sense if you're a uniform dresser?
How do you feel about splitting wears? Do you like to split wears for certain things?

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from retailgirl

Anonymous

I read these comments too and never know what to make of them. They certainly are valid, in that if you have too many grey tank tops (for example, and not referencing my own closet or anything, lol) and don't wear any one of them often enough, they'll be out of style, not current, you'll be over it etc, long before the tanks have ever worn out. It's one of my worst habits - I have tons of the things I like the best, and it's a waste of money. But I get out there shopping and want to treat myself to something new, but somehowI get drawn to the same old grey tank tops (or whatever it is) over and over again. Now that I've typed all of this, I've now reminded myself what a bad shopping habit it is. Thanks !!

Astrid

Veteran

I don't really keep track of what I wear how often, so the whole talk of splitting wears sounds strange to me. I do get the fear of unecessary duplication, however. I duplicated some favourites in another color in the past and didn't work out so well. I still wore the first item all the time and the second one was languishing in my wardrobe. They were too similar. If I was craving change I went for something else altogether and if I wanted style xy my preference was always for the first item.

Anonymous

My experience has been similar to Astrid's. If I loved something in the past, I duplicated. I can't think of one single instance when this worked to my advantage. The duplicates never got worn and languished in the closet. I eventually ended up donating nearly-unworn items.

I TRY not to duplicate, but it is an odd habit I have.

unfrumped

Veteran

That's a good point--"it depends"! It depends on how many times you want to wear a given item per unit time vs do you need more variety.
The negative origin of splitting wears is that you find you are not wearing something enough to justify its cost or place in your wardrobe. So it's not wrong per se, it's that I may want to try to get a lot of use out of an item.

Our entire wardrobe could, in fact, be reduced to the concept of splitting wears--for example, having a "10-item wardrobe" for 3 months means a lot of repeats but fewer items, less clutter, perhaps able to spend more on each item; 20 items, half the repeats (or whatever % distribution) and so on.

But, if you have a very small wardrobe and find you want/ need more items so that you actually don't have to repeat as often, then you will "want" more similar items for that purpose. That's why splitting wears tends to focus on the negative, in cases where you already have "enough" of something and you want to think, do I need to add, or am I tired of one and want to replace, or do I really just not need any more?

I think it's most useful for being mindful that each item purchased then in theory means less wear for existing items--is that okay, or is that not what was intended? Also good for the idea of fashion updates; if I have a lot of sweaters, I might find I can only wear each one once or twice during the winter but am storing a lot in the off season, and then if somehow am ready to shift to a different fit or style, then I've got a lot invested in my existing sweaters!

Alassë

Veteran

I think Angie refers to helpful splitting wears as avoiding laundry bottlenecks. If you find yourself reaching for an item, but it's in the wash, go ahead and "split your wears" with a 2nd.

MTBGirl

Veteran

Splitting wears could be good in avoiding laundry bottlenecks as Alasse said and also for loved items that are worn alot they will last longer.

gryffin

Veteran

Smittie - I am the princess of duplication. If I love something enough I don't want it to wear out. I have duplicates of my Theory salata jacket - one lives in the suit capsule so it is pristine, the other is in weekly rotation. The JCrew Jackie shell is my go to weekend tank - one old for casual and one still pristine for nicer wear. Two pairs EF skirted leggings, two pairs of gentle souls bay unique - one leather one black suede for variety, two pairs gap always skinny skimmers black and gray. The list goes on and on...... I'm a happy clam but I like what I like for uber long periods of time. I seem to be the anomaly but then you have to do what works for you. Deep inside we all know what we really want to have and you just have to listen to your inner voice!!

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I'm personally ok with having duplicates, usually the same item in different colors. I wear lots of different colors and all of the neutrals. Sometimes a pair of pants is so perfectly fitting, I want another pair because by the time they wear out, that fit may not be available any more (yes, the GAP always skinny skimmers - they changed the fit this year!). Or I find a sweater that hits at exactly the right spot to wear with skirts (not easy to find when you are short). A really comfortable shoe turns up. I'm good at wearing all the options - I don't buy a color that I don't like, it has to make sense for my wardrobe and my taste. I do try to limit myself to two of the same item, and to be mindful of items that may look dated quickly.

Jeweled

Veteran

The most helpful tidbit I've read about buying multiples of a garment in different colors was in a discussion somewhere her in YLF. That advice was this:

If you're going to get more than one of an item, get no more than three of it -- one light neutral, one dark neutral, and one color-color or print. That way they each serve different needs in your wardrobe.

I often do like to get more than one color of a garment I love - and I feel freer to wear them as often as I want, because I don't have to worry about wearing out my only one of that garment.

And I agree, Smittie, I think multiples in a variety of colors, for a workhorse or other garment that really works for you, works well for uniform or "signature style" dressing!

Sal

Veteran

I rarely duplicate - in saying that I just bought two pairs of jeans EXACTLY the same. This was because I really did love them and it was one pair for $90, two for $99 and I only loved the one style and shade.

I occasionally duplicate in styles of tee or tank in different colours, but usually I prefer a few subtle differences. I have five black tees/shirts (excluding sweaters and jackets) but they are all different. One tank, one plain tee, one sheer textured blouse, one high-low tee with a sheer back and one three quarter sleeve popover blouse. I wear them all in slightly different ways.

Staysfit

Veteran

I must be queen of splitting wears! I have 7 pairs of my favorite J Crew matchstick jeans, all identical. I never get tired of wearing them. I have maybe 10 J Crew long sleeve cashmere crew sweaters. The same goes for those. I don't see anything magical about a number like saying the ideal limit for identical items is 3, etc. It's just a guideline that you can use as a benchmark to think about. It may or may not fit with your lifestyle, and you can make adjustments accordingly. The same goes for the concept of splitting wears.

annabelle

Veteran

I'm with Donna and Gryffin. If you love an item, and it is a classic, to you, it's worth buying duplicates and keeping them in your wardrobe longer. I once had three identical ivory EF textured silk shells, because they were a staple. I just bought my husband two exact duplicates of a Patagonia jacket that fits his style super well. When he wears them out, he won't have to search again for the "perfect" jacket for another three go's. And I agree with three max. Once we've worn out three, it's time to get into the current century with the rest of the shoppers.

I can never have too many Velvet t's, whether in different colors or cuts. Like lisap, I can look through my small wardrobe,count 7 grey t's and still gravitate to grey with every new purchase.

Anonymous

I tend to have formulaic outfits for each season so I used to buy duplicates in different colors but like Astrid I found that I really only wore the original. Then I let myself duplicate the exact item to reduce anxiety about washing and wearing out.
But I realized that actually I take very good care of my clothes and since I have so few things per season I never want to see them again by the end of the season.
I've decided to refrain from buying duplicates, except for jeans, and take the wild and crazy chance that I will actually have to find something new that I like, mid season.
Because I always can.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's already been said, but if you know that an item is a wardrobe essential to YOU, and you wear it more than once a week, then buying a duplicate is not a bad idea at all. I don't tend to do this myself, but I can certainly see why one might.

Buying the same item in different colours can be useful if you like the style enough to wear it frequently. I have a few items like this. Jeans, tops, mostly. I would theoretically do it with footwear, too, but I have not, as it happens.

The real risk is with buying standout items that are just too similar, or with buying too many identical things, so they never get wear.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I tend to think of splitting wears in the context of similar items that fill the same niche, rather than exact duplicates. For example, you might have one black sweater you love and wear every winter all the time, and then you've got one that is OK and you have to force yourself to wear instead of the first one. In that case, it might make sense to get rid of item 2 or look for a dupe of item 1, if you need it for laundry reasons, that makes you just as happy.

Re literal duplicates, I duplicate in different colors and wear them all, although usually two colors is my limit so I don't feel like I'm wearing a uniform. I don't usually duplicate exact items; I figure that by the time it's worn out I'll be tired of the look or it will be out of fashion.

unfrumped

Veteran

I also became more tuned in to whether something really was perfect enough to duplicate (or stockpile, regarding fits or items you think will stop being made), or whether I just had fear that there wouldn't be something better. I've had more and more experiences in which a later item was better than what I'd thought was "best" at the time.

So I'm trying to ask myself, what's the worst thing that would happen if this wore out and I never had another like it? I'd get by, I'd be open to some new direction or enjoy the hunt for a replacement, and meanwhile would not have too many dupes. I'm not talking about tanktops or tights that you duplicate because you literally wear them everyday for entire seasons, but being more careful not to always get 3 colors of the same sweater or whatever.
I guess part of the problem is, ideally you really get to test drive something and be sure it's durable (example, pilling in knits) enough that you want exactly the same thing.
I have been a big duplicater for a long time, so it was actually hard for me to raise the bar and wear the one this or that. And I'd run of of days in one type of season before I'd worn some things as much as I'd like.
But perfect jeans--now that's worth it!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I have a lot of repeats and duplicates in my wardrobe. It's also because I like neutral colors and mostly solids, and this becomes tricky. For example - I have a black button down shirt, black shirt with mandarin collar, black shirt with V neck and black shirt with lace sleeves. It's just an example - but I do manage to wear them all. They all serve different purposes and get paired info different outfits. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Also, if I love a particular style of dress, top or even jeans, I do buy it in different colors. It's mostly because I feel the best when I'm dressed in something that flatters my body. If I think a style works, different colors or prints is the only variety I need. Atleast I am sure that they all look good on my body.

Elly

Veteran

I get into trouble both ways. Nobody likes to have to donate three of the same top when their size shifts a bit, but at the same time I often wear out my favorite pieces.

Anonymous

Thanks for the replies!
The reason I asked about splitting wears is because I want to buy a second pair of nude strappy heels.

But as Astrid and others point out, if you have two very similar things, you'll likely wear one way more than the other. This hadn't occurred to me until you pointed it out, but it's so true!

In my case, I'll likely stop wearing my current pair of perfectly good strappy heels if I buy this new pair. So basically, I've not increased my shoe capsule at all with this purchase, and won't be getting any longevity benefit from splitting wears. My shoe capsule is only at 5 for this summer, excluding running shoes. Adding a bit of variety is a top priority. I better look harder at some other styles and colours.

Helena

Veteran

Smittie, I'd never heard the term but I think your summary nails it, and this is something I'll keep in mind, esp. since I am one of those people who gravitates to a comfort zone - do I need 10 breton-striped tops?? Probably not!! As you say, it doesn't give me anything extra as I'll only be wearing each one less. One the other hand, if I found the absolute PERFECT one that I couldn't possibly live without, I might grab a dupe a la Gryffin, just in case

Very helpful thread!

anchie

Veteran

I don't think that having duplicates in different color is splitting the wears. I just bought two same basic tops, one in navy, another in black. But I will not wear them in the same outfits because they will belong in different capsules. Splitting the wears will be getting another basic black top that I like more or less than the first one. And depending which one I like better one will get worn, and another will just sit in my closet because they fill the same role and are worn in the same outfits. And I will probably feel guilty and force my self to wear both and eventually get rid of the one that I like less just to stop feeling guilty

Susie

Veteran

I was just thinking about this the other day, in terms of black shoes. I have more black shoes than any other color, though for this season I am also wearing more lighter colored shoes, maybe thanks to Angie's idea of bookending shoes with our haircolor.

Anyway, some would say if you have one pair of black sandals, that's enough. Don't get another one that fits the same purpose or you will just be splitting wears. But I want to do that! I like variety. I don't want to have to wear the same pair every time I want to wear black sandals. Plus, if I really like something, I don't want it to quickly wear out. I want those sandals to still be wearable next year too.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have purchased the exact same specialty item if I loved it and didn't want to be without it in case it got ruined or worn out before I grew tired of it. And for shoes I can justify buying multiple sandals in various shades of nude/tan/taupe (bookending) for example, because I wear them every day for about six months of the year and I need to give them a rest in between wears. But I try not to buy too many things in the same style/different color because I typically really like one of the colors more and the other would be orphaned. The exception is cashmere sweaters - I have and love two of the same style in different colors and I wore both very often this past winter.

retailgirl

Veteran

I have been a duplicator for years. I like to have duplicates of dry clean only basic pants. To avoid. "laundry bottlenecks", I have duplicate white shirts and shells. ( I've found that duplicating basics in other colors does not work for me...I end up with orphans...I usually only wear white or black or light blue for shirts or shells,) I do duplicate shoes because I wear a weird size, and if it comes in more than one color in my size, and the other color works for.my wardrobe, I buy it. It's nice to have a varied wardrobe but I pretty much dress by a formula and that means duplicates? I try to make it look different with my jewelry and other accessories.