Defining Wardrobe Holes

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Defining Wardrobe Holes

— by Angie

on October 13, 2022

Wardrobe holes are items that you need, but that are currently missing from your wardrobe. You keep reaching for them to complete outfits, but they aren’t there. Of course, wardrobe holes vary greatly in their level of importance and can become a bit of a moving target. Some wardrobe holes are dire needs, awfully time sensitive, and we can’t get dressed without them. We prioritize these purchases, and budget permitting, urgently fill the holes. Other wardrobe holes are less time sensitive, and we can dress fine without them. While the hole exists we can make do with what we have.

Here are some of the more urgent wardrobe holes that I regularly see among my clients:

Bottoms and underwear that no longer fit due to weight loss or gain.
Semi-formal or formal items that are needed for important upcoming events.
Workwear that needs to be updated.
Eyewear that is well past its prime, or needs a new prescription.
Solid wardrobe essentials and layering tops that are the key to turning wardrobe orphans into wearable outfits.
The right outerwear for Seattle’s rather unique four-season climate.
Workout wear that is falling apart and beyond repair.
A lack of comfortable shoes that look great, and go the distance.

Common wardrobe holes that need filling but aren’t quite as urgent, include:

The right tops to wear with a slew of orphaned skirts.
Bottoms that are dressier than Athleisure and jeans, but not as dressy as business casual trousers.
Dressy bottoms that aren’t black.
Casual jackets that aren’t denim jackets, motos, or utility jackets.
Shoes that are dressier than sneakers, but not as dressy as classic loafers or pumps.
Tops that are just as comfortable and easy to wear and launder, but less casual than a tee.
Casual dresses, pants, and skirts in natural fibres to wear in high heat.
Items that will embellish a beach and pool capsule.
Items to embellish a formal wear or business casual capsule.
Shoes that will work with many smart casual outfits.

A few years ago, I had a high-priority wardrobe need. My very old yoga wear was falling apart and I had put off replacing it because I don’t enjoy wearing sports gear or spending money on it. Recently, the leggings that I was wearing for yoga became extremely uncomfortable. So much so, that it prevented me from practising. I replaced them with roomier salutation joggers as soon as they went on sale.

Less urgent wardrobe holes that I’ve managed to fill over the past few years include a bright trench coat, a citron bag, a pair of dressy trousers jean, white jeans in wide and relaxed silhouettes, re-building my formal wear capsule, and adding versatile and dressier solid tops and bottoms to my wardrobe so that I can create a wider assortment of fab outfits with existing items.

Over to you. How do you define a wardrobe hole? Care to share examples of urgent and less urgent ones that you’ve managed to fill in the past, or are trying to fill right now?

Shopping Strategy · Wardrobe Planning

44 comments · Add a comment

Forum conversations about this post

New shoes — by anne
The long cloth winter coat — by Runcarla

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Some of the first list made me lol because they’re things i have plenty of—enough to last years, at least.

Not sure if these count as “holes” but the things I want most are
*warm leggings for outdoor workouts*; when my sisters asked for birthday suggestions for me, I sent them advice from the forum. Fail. So I need to get my own.
*an opera coat*
April’s response to my recent post about mid-thigh coats with a bit of a flounce made me realize that my lilac raincoat fills that need, but I’ve never had anything to fully cover midi skirts. I’m thinking I want 54” in a deep red like burgundy, blackberry, or cherry. There is zero rush on this.
*midi skirts and summer dresses in those natural fibers you mention*
No real rush there either, but I’m open to them, should they universe provide an opportunity as it almost did at a recent market.

October 13, 2022 at 4:32 am

Tanya

Veteran

I define wardrobe holes similar to your, Angie. My wardrobe is pretty large, so last couple of years it has been pretty rare to find a true clothing wardrobe hole. For me, the wardrobe holes have usually been accessories, that is shoes and bags. With the partial return to work this spring, the most important holes were work totes in my main neutrals ( I only had black) which I had several requirements for: big enough to fit my laptop ( which I need to carry to work every time I go to the office), zip-top, real leather, silver hardware, and reasonable mid-range price. Ideally, also, not completely classic, with a bit of an edge to the design. I managed to find the white one I needed for the summer pretty easily. However, I have been struggling for months trying to find the right navy one for fall and no success so far. I have an open navy tote (so for dry weather only) and brown bag that works for more than half of my fall outfits, so it is not completely impossible, but I still get annoyed every second week. I could also use a taupe tote, but that is of lower importance.

October 13, 2022 at 4:36 am

April

Veteran

I am working on replacing numerous pants that no longer fit, after I replaced a bunch of pants that no longer fit in the opposite direction. I am too quick to purge.

In deep winter, I find myself most happy to wear a certain turtleneck sweater I’ve had for years from Peruvian Connection. The neck is not fitted but is chunky and stands away from my neck. Would love something similar before this one gives out on me.

I continue to want more sun protection, so will continue adding covered-up pieces from Coolibar, preferably pieces that don’t look like I’m wearing camouflage for Barbie’s Tropical Forest.

The hunt for comfortable, useful, non-hideous shoes that work with my foot issues is ongoing, always.

And I would dearly love to replace a deep blue leather jacket I deaccessioned a few years ago.

October 13, 2022 at 4:44 am

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

camouflage for Barbie’s Tropical Forest.

Hahahaha. I feel so seen.

October 13, 2022 at 4:48 am

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Just realized I have one more:
workout tops. I don’t like the common elastic-y, very fitted ones. The “solution” of a fitness bra that can be seen and a loose-fitting top over it is too much work. My favorite three are all mostly cotton, have a simple shelf bra, and fit fairly loosely. One is currently in the US, and the other two are starting to lose shape or pill, so I really do need to figure this out.

October 13, 2022 at 5:02 am

gryffin

Veteran

Wardrobe holes are always the same things for me. I wear the EF scoop neck elbow sleeve tunic on repeat. It works with legging for work. My gray one got destroyed and I can’t replace it. This item is HEWI because the above has the perfect length and tailoring for a hip belt and I literally have two other that fill the same hole but not as great. So I have multiples in black but that’s not ideal. Knit tops for under jackets, the jackie shell from JCrew is no longer, I have multiples in black but when they do they are impossible to replace. They get super high wear. These essentials are so specific in material, length, tolerance of wear, comfort, fit that they are almost impossible to find. I have bought replacements only to find, not good enough, and off for donation. These are my most difficult holes.

October 13, 2022 at 5:13 am

RobinF

Veteran

For several years I needed a good raincoat – found it this year! I am very picky and wanted a longer coat with a hood, not too crinkly sounding, not too thick or too thin. I ended up with my tan trench that I already wore all over London and several times this week at home.

I can’t really think of others off hand, although I know there are some things that I thing “x would be nice” and then promptly forget about until next time. Either it isn’t too important or I need to write it down.

October 13, 2022 at 5:18 am

Eliza

Veteran

Most basic ‘frequent wear’ wardrobe holes are filled pretty quickly here. I have a medium large wardrobe and can usually work with it to create needed outfits. I was even good with wedding wear without shopping this summer and have an unworn gown as the March,2020 NYC event it was purchased for was cancelled. Have a casual lifestyle day to day.

Harder to find things are on an open list, with a few are almost always on it because if the right one were to appear, I would likely add it. This list includes jeans that are more unique somehow, and ‘interesting’ pants in black and another dark color. I have not prioritized a search for them lately (due to diminished need), but keep my eyes out for them. Less time in brick and mortar stores has also slowed the process down.

Thinking about wardrobe holes has made me appreciate ylf even more; over the past decade, there a fewer of them as establishing and maintaining my closet has become a more deliberate process. Thank you!

October 13, 2022 at 5:19 am

Sisi

Veteran

Timely post Angie, as always (do you read my mind? ).
I define a wardrobe hole something that I need for my everyday life or for a certain occasion, but cannot find (thanks to my pickiness). I have learnt the lesson that if I quickly buy a “placeholder” just to fill the hole, I will wear it only a few times and feel unfab. Therefore I rather do not buy and make do. This means that my wardrobe holes can last long!
At present my wardrobe holes are:
1- Formal/elegant attire. I have a smart casual wardrobe, therefore every time an elegant occasion occurs I am in trouble. Not urgent, but I’d better take care of this once for all.
2 – Now that our summers are “tropical”, I miss a capsule of pretty breezy dresses. Urgent, since Summer comes every year!
3 – Summer tops. This Summer a good number of my t-shirts arrived to the end of their career but I continually postponed going shopping and eventually survived with what was left.

October 13, 2022 at 5:21 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Like Tanya, my wardrobe is large enough that true holes that are actual *needs* are rare. When they do occur, it’s usually because something like a favorite basic white tee or the like has gotten too beat up for actual wear and needs to be relegated to the sleep/paint the house capsule.

I do have an occasional “want hole” in the form of a piece that will complete a capsule to make an infrequently worn piece more workable. For instance my recent post featuring my taupe suede boots. When a forum member suggested a bag to match, the lightbulb went off — I quickly found an inexpensive and cute bag that makes the boots much more cohesive with my wardrobe.

My most urgent wardrobe holes occur in workout wear — running shoes or hiking boots that all of a sudden are causing issues are the most likely, as those seem to spring up quickly. I was in the habit of buying a new pair of running shoes when the old ones were about halfway through their usable life, so I could sort of stagger the use, but now that I’m not training for long events, I’ve fallen out of that practice and I don’t keep track of how many miles are on the shoes. Suffice to say I’m probably due now.

I’m also finding that some of the leggings I wear for Pilates are starting to ride down my waist during my workouts. I wish I could say it was because I’m losing weight/inches, but let’s not fool myself. More likely they’re starting to wear out, since some of them are quite a few years old! A hole in the making… Like you, Angie, I don’t love shopping for gear, so not a task I’m excited about.

October 13, 2022 at 5:28 am

suntiger

The most urgent, though low PUPY value, wardrobe hole I have is black flat transitional shoes that are not sneakers. Transitional shoes are such a mare to fit that I’m hanging on to my loafers for this purpose, but they’re in bad shape.

Non urgent wardrobe holes for pants would be: linen or other lightweight black flowy pants for transitional days, burgundy pants (hoping to find pleather), and dark brown wide legs. All must be pull on to accommodate weight fluctuations.
Sleeveless tops- black natural fiber and olive to match my Kettlewell skirt. Both repacements for ones I had to pass on.
Gear wardrobe holes are: cozy pre/ post swim wear, a bikini bottom to replace my faded one, warm (maybe fleece lined) hiking pants/leggings, a burgundy skort that’s longer than the skorts I own, a couple more long sleeve gear tops.

October 13, 2022 at 5:38 am

unfrumped

Veteran

Thanks for the reminder to actually target wardrobe holes by using a list. I’m bad about not doing that- I say “ bad” because I’m not completely happy with the outfit options I get when I do more random picks.
Several of mine are on your list of in- between items. Not an actual “need” for just getting dressed , but turning up because I bought easier- to-find very casual items which at times don’t feel the way I’d like to.
Another wardrobe hole relate to items for travel capsules to be more versatile— what I refer to as “ travel ____( shoes, jackets ) that are comfortable and versatile enough that I will commit to that for the whole trip and not stuff in multiples “ just in case”,

October 13, 2022 at 5:43 am

Sigrid

My current holes are 1) a pair of high waisted jeans that can make me use my shorter tops more, 2) a light coloured coat for autumn/early spring so I can wear dark pants wothout the entire outfit being dark, and 3) light coloured boots for autumn/winter, same reasons as for the coat.

Reading yout lists, Angie, makes me curious about what examples of the following items would be:
* Bottoms that are dressier than Athleisure and jeans, but not as dressy as business casual trousers.
* Shoes that are dressier than sneakers, but not as dressy as classic loafers or pumps.
* Shoes that will work with many smart casual outfits.

All these sounds like items that would suit my lifestyle and that I’d love to wear, but I can’t quite picture in my head what these items would look like. Perhaps ideas for some future blog posts? (I remember well that my wishes have come true in the past!)

October 13, 2022 at 5:56 am

Kathie

Veteran

Your lists encompass all of my holes. Right now, layering tops, that are dressier than a tee, but easy to launder are my top hole. And, they usually are. I really should duplicate when I find these- both the style and buying more than one of some colors. Next on my list is footwear, and in particular booties that are dressy enough for work events, but durable/comfortable for an urban, walking lifestyle. This has become an even bigger need, as I figure out my hybrid work schedule, and thus have fewer days that I stop by my office to change out of my Dansko/clog “commuting shoes” into something else, before heading to meetings.

October 13, 2022 at 6:05 am

LJP

Veteran

I know the term ” wardrobe hole” and idea of ” need” is all relative – after all , this is a fashion blog – but I would feel wrong claiming any real holes or needs. I have lots to get through any normal situation , and I never feel I cannot get dressed without a certain something. Sure, I get ideas for what would be great to add to an outfit, or what would be great to have, but are they holes or needs? No. I don’t typically wear out things other than workout stuff, but I’m aware of it as it happens and never let it get to the point where it all looks shabby.

October 13, 2022 at 6:36 am

Joy

Veteran

An urgent hole was warm full length pull on pants about this time last year. I panicked and made some mistakes of materials that are too thin and colors that are a bit off. This year, if they still fit, I am ok, if they are too big, another urgent hole.
An example of a more leisurely hole is my need to replace many of my shoes and booties. The old ones are still wearable so I will take my time. I am also looking for a new holiday skirt. My old beaded wool is in a new home. I am not in a hurry as some I have can fill in. I have a long and a knee length velvet skirts in a dusty rose and a rose pattern plus a brocade in a watercolor print of black, white and grey. Each has ok hops and toppers. I can always wear a LBD with lace or beaded overlay top or a white out skirt addition outfit. So no hurry.

October 13, 2022 at 6:36 am

BlueJay

Veteran

I didn’t know I had wardrobe holes until I read your post, Angie! :p

-bras (mine are uncomfortable), but I don’t know where to shop;
-tennis shoes.
Other than that, I’m pretty set. I’m trying to whittle down my wardrobe.

October 13, 2022 at 6:48 am

Joy

Veteran

Angie, looking at your list you might want to look at Ann Klein athletic flats. One out this fall has a small wedge heel and patent toe cap but is basically a flat. Some athletic flats are fabric, not leather.
In accessories I find some colors impossible to find like olive and orange. I have both colors in multiple coats but there are no flat booties in those colors or gloves. I have managed to find print scarves, but not boots or booties. Even some browns have been elusive.

October 13, 2022 at 6:53 am

Kim M

(website)

Active Member

I’m needing tank tops in natural fibers, not clingy, neutral colors, stat! I should break down and get an EF silk one…

October 13, 2022 at 6:57 am

Irina

Veteran

What I would call a “wardrobe hole” is always an essential item for me. Right now, I have one – thin wool black wide cropped pants, a replacement for my already gone COS pants. I have two pairs of black pants in other silhouettes and black jeans but this cut is essential for my style and really feel that it’s missing. In terms of holes, I think I have them filled and just have to keep an eye on getting replacement before an item is gone.
Other things, like a “dressy winter top” are wants but not wardrobe holes and it is a big difference for me.

October 13, 2022 at 6:59 am

Bonnie

Veteran

I just filled a gear wardrobe hole this week, my waterproof boots were three years old, worn daily, and becoming floppy around the ankles. A not so urgent wardrobe hole is a pair of white sneakers that is less refined and more sporty than the white pair I have now. An ongoing wardrobe hole is banded sweaters that are short enough for me in basic colors. I’m really hoping Everlane brings back my favorite style someday.

October 13, 2022 at 7:41 am

Runcarla

Veteran

My wardrobe holes are at opposite ends of the closet continuum: (1) a long cloth winter coat and knee high leather winter boots for ‘dressier’ occasions, and (2) nearly everything for a poolside/beach capsule – a couple of bikinis, cover-ups, flip flops, cheery tote. These areas got neglected when activities were restricted during the peak of the pandemic, but are more pressing now that things are opening up!

Let me know when you find ‘tops that are as comfortable and easy to launder, but less casual than a T’ and I’ll take half a dozen!

October 13, 2022 at 7:42 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for sharing your detailed thoughts! I much enjoyed reading them

I see wardrobe hole similarity, even reading this! Essentials are often a hole. Placeholders can do the trick, but aren’t perfect. I’m nodding along with all of you!

Joy, yes. Sporty loafers and ballet flats have been a great hybrid for some clients.

Sigrid, those items are trickier to find – hence they remain unfilled wardrobe holes for longer. Some examples from my own wardrobe:

I found these that straddle the line between dressy loafer and sneaker:

https://youlookfab.com/finds/item/?product=175478

I found this faux leather ’70s jacket as a casual topper:

https://youlookfab.com/finds/item/?product=163337

I found these for casual bottoms:

https://youlookfab.com/finds/item/?product=162472

https://youlookfab.com/finds/item/?product=171945

Not that I don’t wear dressy trousers and love them. I do that too!

October 13, 2022 at 7:47 am

Helena

Veteran

Like Lisa, I couldn’t say I have any true holes … I can get dressed just fine for any realistic occasion. That said, stylistically, I would ideally like a darker brown set of leatherwear (purse, shoes/boots, perhaps a belt) to give me an easy bookending look, similar to my light taupes for summer, but pulling the deeper tones of my hair. I do find myself wishing I had something like this recently, so I’ve added it to my wishlist!

October 13, 2022 at 7:52 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If anyone wants to thrash out their wardrobe hole needs on the forum, feel free to do that.

Eliza, you are welcome!

Sisi, I know! The right formal wear is hard to find. That's why I'm always looking for it, and am in no rush to commit. I've managed well this year though. Filled some holes and am relieved about it. That way an upcoming fancy event won't bite me in the bottom

April, like you, comfy shoes that look great and aren't sneakers are always on my shopping list.

October 13, 2022 at 7:52 am

Lesley

Veteran

I am like Sisi, where though I know I have a wardrobe hole for stuff to wear for nice occasions, it often gets de-prioritized when I have a real urgent hole. I wear jeans almost every day, and only have about 6 pairs, so when one pair wears out, I really feel its loss until I replace them, so my energy and money typically goes towards that.

I also have a habit of filling my “want hole” (haha Janet, what a funny phrase) before this actually medium-urgent hole for nice occasion stuff. So, for example, I genuinely needed a new short puffer this year and I just kinda wanted a new pair of ankle boots since I have started to have foot issues that leave some of my ankle boots null and void. So I bought them, and they are relatively big ticket items, which leaves me with nothing left for that special occasion hole. I am thinking of making myself a rule that I only get to indulge in one of these big ticket items per season and force myself to really put the rest towards actual clothes, since this is a hole I have had to fill for years at this point.

October 13, 2022 at 7:54 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good to hear some of those wardrobe holes being filled too!

October 13, 2022 at 7:56 am

Bijou

Veteran

The only recurring wardrobe hole for me is summer sandals that are nice looking and comfortable enough to walk long distances. Every time I find this HEWI I wear them into the ground and then need to find replacements.

October 13, 2022 at 7:59 am

slim cat

Veteran

I don’t have anything super urgent but I have a wish list. Interesting pants/jeans in mid/low rise ( work appropriate but fun ) would be the current ones. I did fill the need for fun jackets that are not classical blazers – 2 faux leather ones in blue and dark green that I’m wearing non-stop. They fit slightly loose on me that prevents me from overheating at work and give enough possibilities for layering.
My clients often express the wish to find some items that would be good for both – work and days off. Like you perfectly put it in your post – dressier bottoms that are not jeans or joggers, casual jackets that are not denim or motor, or utility .

October 13, 2022 at 8:32 am

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I usually define wardrobe holes for me as ‘You keep reaching for them to complete outfits, but they aren’t there’.

The biggest 4 I’m still hunting for are:
~ a 3/4 sleeved round neck cotton top in chocolate brown (since that’s now my main dark neutral),
~ a deep orange-red straight maxi skirt (now my main pseudo-neutral),
~ REALLY comfy ‘smart casual’ slip-on dark shoes (somewhere between lace up trainers & dressy work loafers – to not look out of place with ‘laidback but going out’ sorts of looks lol),
~ REALLY comfy flat dark brown sandals (similar rationale to the above).

Others I could wait a little longer for:
~ a swishy maxi cardigan,
~ a cropped bomber zip jacket,
~ a mid-thigh puffy but shaped gilet,
~ a 3/4 collarless knee-length jacket,
~ a lightweight deep orange-red scarf.

I guess that looks like a pretty long list, but many of these items have been HEWIs for years (if not at least 2 seasons). I’m hopeful that I’ll find some of these this F/W 2022 though, since both warm chocolate & deep tomato red-orange are supposed to be trending now – right?

October 13, 2022 at 8:41 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Most of my wardrobe holes on analysis turn out to be missing essentials. That’s why I have found that category so useful in thinking about my closet. Still, even knowing what my essentials are, I still run into holes when I can’t find an acceptable version of a true essential and it wears out or I don’t have enough versions of it to prevent laundry bottlenecks. For instance, I know that in all seasons I need plain navy and white tops. Merino or a silk or some substantial woven for winter and sleeveless and sleeved cotton or linen or lightweight knit for summer. But sometimes I have trouble sourcing these tops and am left with a hole to fill. This summer, my favourite white shorts lost their zipper. I was immediately thrown into a frustrating emergency mode. I wear white shorts several times a week and without them, I truly struggled to figure out what to wear in specific situations.

October 13, 2022 at 9:01 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Just to add, my additional wardrobe holes at the moment are also HEWIs — a long coat to cover midi dresses (or even a short dressy jacket). But this one is not at all urgent since I so rarely go out at night in “dress up” mode. So I don’t prioritize it.

Another minor but still niggling wardrobe hole — cool, patterned sleeveless or short sleeved tops to wear with shorts or skirts. I need more of these since a top with a pattern is often my solution to adding some interest to a rather bland summer outfit. But in the last few years the patterns have rarely appealed (ditsy florals) or the colours were all wrong for me (earth tones and cream), or the style details wrong for me (ruffles and butterfly sleeves, hyper feminine detailing). Pretty to look at on others but not right for me. So I’ve had to wait.

October 13, 2022 at 9:05 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh! (This topic clearly appeals to me, ha!) Another hole I recently experienced when I was teaching in person was a nice professional looking backpack I could use to carry laptop and student work on bike or transit. I have an exceptionally serviceable Patagonia but it isn’t particularly stylish and looks like what it is — gear.

However, the replacements I canvassed did not suit or were out of stock at the time, and by the time some were available, I’d stopped doing the work. So this is no longer a true wardrobe hole.

October 13, 2022 at 9:07 am

kkards

Veteran

WFH has made me acutely aware of some wardrobe holes, mostly filled now. For example, when i was in the office 5 days a week, if i wore socks it was a nylon trouser sock, but WFH, when i wore socks i wanted a wool sock with more weight. WFH i needed skorts and shorts, because suddenly i was wearing them 7 days a week all day instead of 2 days a week and maybe an hour or so a day the rest of the week. my other wardrobe holes tend to be when i’m trying to replace a workhorse that has broken down, for example, i’m trying to replace my favorite long sleeve v neck white tee, that now has a stain that will not come out…wish i would have duplicated that one.

October 13, 2022 at 9:59 am

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

My wardrobe holes–those items I keep reaching for to complete outfits but aren’t there–are not urgent ones. They are things I would like to have, to get more wear out of some pieces or just to have better versions of current outfits. Or to make a more effective travel capsule. Examples: 1) a short, warm cardigan in the right shade of dark olive and 2) same, in a grayed-out white. (I make do with a charcoal, black, navy, or cream cardigans.) 3) a navy dress in techno fabric to match pants I have, and to wear over the pants. (this is unlikely to materialize, but I can dream; I have this kind of matched set in a slate-teal color and in black.) 4) a jean jacket in a fluid fit and dark-ish wash (I am not sure how much I need this, but it would replace a jacket that feels too small now–but that I won’t let go of till I find another.) Recently I filled a non-urgent hole: I found a blush bag that goes perfectly with blush pumps I have. I am ready with a dress, scarf, shoes and bag for a summer event, should I ever need them.

October 13, 2022 at 10:02 am

Kate

Veteran

Like Lisa, I don’t really have any wardrobe holes or needs. Wants I can always come up with. My last real need a few years ago was appropriate summer wear. Because I loathe our summers, the thought of spending money on this category really depressed me no end. Since looking like a dejected slob was no longer an option, I finally buckled down and did it. I have been a lot happier—and appropriately dressed—after finding some great shorts and skorts from Athleta, a couple of skirts from Lululemon, and sleeveless rayon blouses from Uniqlo.

October 13, 2022 at 10:37 am

Allora

My biggest wardrobe hole is a cashmere sweater. I really need a sweater and want something that will last 4 to 5 years or beyond. But it scares the bejeezus out of me to commit to one because I’ve seen horror stories of people spending hundreds of dollars and having them pill sooner rather than later. I’ve been eyeing the $50 one offered by Quince but not sure of the quality for such a low price. Has anyone purchased that particular one? If so, has it worked for you?

October 13, 2022 at 11:35 am

Sal

Veteran

I have worked in 2022 on filling these and have done so – practical
Boots, a new tote that works in winter, black and white tanks snd most recently a navy sweater. These pieces just make getting ready easier. I also added a dressy long wool coat which was an expensive purchase but one that filled a few holes.

October 13, 2022 at 12:39 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow! SO MANY GREAT thoughts! Thanks for sharing, and hope you fill those holes

October 13, 2022 at 3:42 pm

Joanna

(website)

Active Member

I have filled some footwear wardrobe holes over the past few seasons, but truthfully, I have a lot of clothing and can usually come up with outfits for most occasions. I’m not a huge fan of formal outerwear so I don’t have a nice coat, but I haven’t needed one for a while. One thing I have noticed is I don’t have enough patterned items (because it’s difficult for me to find ones I like). I have a lot of striped tops, which used to fill that pattern hole, but now I want something different. Still looking to see what that might be. I did buy a couple of tweed jackets, that’s a start.

October 13, 2022 at 4:30 pm

kj2008

There are definitely holes in my wardrobe. The ones that bother me the most: Pants. The khakis I’ve been wearing to work were discontinued, and some are looking worn. I could also use some trousers that would be good in a business-casual environment (ideally they would come down to my shoes. So, like a 32″ inseam.) Jackets. Some sort of spring/fall jacket that looks OK. Also a blazer or something like it. Maybe the worst for me is shoes. Leather shoes that fit. Also maybe some ankle boots. And a pair of plain flats I could wear with a dressy dress.

October 13, 2022 at 5:04 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I cannot claim to have real holes as I do not have any lifestyle situations where I have nothing satisfactory to wear. My holes are more along the line of a wishlist of things that might help me evolve or improve my experience getting dressed. So perhaps they are emotional support holes?

October 13, 2022 at 6:30 pm

Shannon

I’m loving the masculine wide legs with sneakers look. It elevates the casual office but not so much to be threatening.

This summer I filled in holes for these:
~ Breezy long-sleeved white button down (not poplin)
~ Patterned midi skirt
~ Cashmere sweaters > love my local consignment shops for these

MAJOR holes I’m in desperate need to fill:
~ Belts to fit a waist (not hips)
~ Wide leg pants for a small/petite frame
~ Elegant moto jacket and/or Toppers that work with the latest silhouettes
~ Tallish caramel colored boots (not knee highs)

October 20, 2022 at 6:08 am

andeshere

Active Member

This is great Angie! Can you please give some examples of “common but less urgent” bullets 2, 4, 5, 6? I think I might have these wardrobe holes, as I can’t think of what they would be (though I feel that I should know!).

October 21, 2022 at 11:22 pm

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