I like or love every item in my wardrobe. The exception is an almost ten-year-old Philip Lim skirt. It’s a tiered navy scattered polka dot midi with a front and black slit, and jagged asymmetrical hemline. It fits perfectly and is in great condition. It swooshes when I walk and is a little longer on me than on the model. 

For years, this was my favourite skirt. I felt fabulous when I wore it, and much enjoyed the way it looked and felt. Now I feel annoyed and unpolished when I wear it. Visually, the jagged hemline looks chaotic, and not in a way that is energizing. I prefer simpler lines. The long points on the hem are a tripping hazard when I climb stairs several times a day, or bend down to pick up Yorkies Sam and Jo. I don’t remember these impractical aspects being problems before. Maybe I’m more aware of them now that I’m older.

For two years I’ve tried to like this skirt again. Yet every time I put it on, I take it off and opt for something else. Question is, will I rekindle my affection for this beautiful designer piece? I might. I might not. Should it stay in my wardrobe, or should I pass it on to its next great home?

Have you felt similarly about a favourite wardrobe item that over time became your least favourite item? If so, what happened to the item, and what do you think I’ve decided to do with the skirt?

Some Fabbers mentioned that they are “anxious duplicators” in response to my recent post on the importance of a shopping list. That means that they purchase multiples of items that they think will be in short supply in future. That way they have extra on hand when said items wear out, which relieves their anxiety. Some also mentioned that they sometimes over-duplicate. 

I relate to this.

I am an anxious duplicator of some wardrobe basics and footwear. It’s hard to find comfortable bras and knickers that look good, fit well, and launder well. It’s even harder to find great fitting and comfortable shoes that look current and go the distance. When I can afford to buy multiples of my bras and knickers, and duplicate a pair of hard to find shoes, I do so to prevent future stress.

The Tommy John panties that I love wearing have been discontinued, so I’m MUCH relieved to have anxiously duplicated them last year, and the year before. I’ve bought four of my new favourite bra too, just in case my size is hard to find again. These items go into rotation right away.

From time to time when I duplicate a pair of shoes, I wait until the first pair is worn out before I break out the brand new pair that’s conveniently waiting in the wings of my wardrobe. It makes me happy and relieved to have a pristine pair of tried, tested, and ready-to-go shoes that work for my fussy feet.

So far, I don’t think I’ve anxiously over-duplicated items. I think I have duplicated in the right amounts and I haven’t regretted any duplications. Quite the opposite! As far as wardrobe basics go, it’s been money well spent. I’ll continue to anxiously duplicate my undies.

Over to you. Do you anxiously duplicate, and do you sometimes over-duplicate?

We see Autumn and Winter plaid skirts every year because they have a high longevity-factor. They can be classic and trendy, depending on the silhouette. Lengths, colours and the scale of the plaids vary. Dress them up or down, and wear them season after season. Plaid skirts with movement are easier to wear casually with a suitable support act.

Onto the outfit inspiration, which showcases two casual looks and two dressier ones.

1. Elevated Everyday

An asymmetrical grey and black plaid skirt with genius gathered draping and pockets is combined with a white tucked tee, which you can wear un-tucked if that’s your preference. If you’re wearing it un-tucked, you might prefer the outfit’s proportions if the tee isn’t too long. A black hoodie is left open and worn as the topper. Chunky black boots are the relaxed shoe of choice, matching the black in the outfit and the model’s hair. I see a casual crossbody bag that matches the palette complete the look.

2. Classic Party

A two-toned tartan kilt is combined with a Winter white blouse. It’s tucked to showcase the waist strap detailing of the kilt. Tall black boots that match the model’s hair add a dressy touch. A Winter white sweater is draped over the shoulders like a scarf, creating a twinset effect with the blouse. A small dressy red tartan bag works with the tartan of the skirt, looking playful and punchy.

3. Mismatched Set

Two mismatched and very complementary patterns are combined through a sweater and pleated plaid skirt. The bright pink flower motifs and cream components in each of the patterns unite them, creating a harmonious effect. The dark green belt is attached to the skirt, so the sweater has been tucked to showcase it. White sling-back pumps are the trendy dressy shoes of choice. I don’t prefer them with the outfit, but Essential Antwerp is a fashion forward clothing brand, so the off-kilter shoes makes sense for the brand. I’d have preferred to see cream, gold or neon pink pumps or boots, and a gold bag.

4. Haute Hiking

Last, a casual asymmetrical navy and grey plaid skirt is combined with a chunky stone oversized turtleneck. It’s partially tucked to showcase the waist of the wearer. White striped socks are worn inside cream haute hiking boots adding a rugged and relaxed integrity. These whites work with the whites in the outfit. A toffee and cream aviator jacket further amplifies the casual vibe. Add jewellery, watch, bag and eyewear as desired.

An ill-fitting item of clothing doesn’t look or feel good when we wear it. Items that no longer fit are generally passed on to their next home. But sometimes there are reasons to keep the ones that are a great colour and in stellar condition. 

Some ill-fitting clothes can be altered if the alteration is simple and affordable. Others can serve as a place-holder until you find a better version. They can also be passed onto to family member when the time is right or kept for sentimental reasons.

It can be cost-effective to keep items in a range of fits when your weight fluctuates, and you might be a size up or down in the not-too-distant future. When the time is right, you can reassess fit and pass items on if they no longer work for you.