There are times when purchasing duplicates can work well for your style. It can make dressing and shopping easier, and add consistency to your look. It reduces decision fatigue, shopping fatigue, and ensures that you are never without your favourites. 

You can purchase and wear duplicates in different ways. Some ways might be more suited to you than others. I distinguish between two types of item duplication.

1. Exact Duplicates

When you duplicate exactly the same item and have two or more of them in your wardrobe at the same time. For example, I have many exact duplicates of wardrobe basics like bras, panties, knee-highs, hosiery, socks, footies, and camisoles. All in current circulation.

You might like the look of two of the same jewellery pieces worn at the same time, like two cuffs or bracelets worn on the same wrist instead of sticking to one. I wear two of the same pearl bracelet on one wrist.

You can also duplicate exactly the same item, but store it until the one you’re wearing has worn out. I tend to do this with extra comfortable and affordable shoes. I keep a spare new pair of a tried-and-tested style in the wings of my closet, ready to bust out right after the first pair has died.

2. Duplicates in Different Colours

Here you duplicate the same item in different colours, and wear different colours of said item on different days. This can work well across clothing, footwear and accessories.

I’m a bit of a serial duplicator. I have the same item in different colours across pieces like handbags, loafers, yoga outfits, sleepwear, sweat pants, hoodies, belts, trousers, jackets, knitwear, scarves, dresses, and shirts. If I like something and it works, I duplicate because it simplifies my shopping strategy. The items feel sufficiently different in another colour (or solid instead of a pattern) so I don’t get bored of the piece. Sometimes I wear one colour more than another, and that’s okay. Items seem to be worn more or less equally in the end.

I have yet to see a wardrobe that is void of duplication, even if it’s just undies, athleisure items, and socks. But some people tend to duplicate items more aggressively than others.

Do you like to duplicate items? Which wardrobe items do you duplicate, and does the strategy work well for you?