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.

A wardrobe hole is an item of clothing, pair of shoes, or accessory that you need but is missing from your wardrobe. When getting dressed you intuitively reach for something to complete an outfit or add that fab finishing touch, but you don’t have it. That’s a wardrobe hole. These missing items go on your shopping list. 

Wardrobe holes can be wardrobe basics, essentials, outfit completers, or statement pieces. You can have multiple wardrobe holes. Sometimes an entire capsule or wardrobe category can be a wardrobe hole. Super cute occasion wear, loungewear or sleepwear can be a wardrobe hole. Comfortable shoes that go the distance but are not sneakers can be a wardrobe hole. Trendy jeans, the right layering pieces, breezy Summer dresses, casual tops that aren’t t-shirts, or non-scratchy knitwear can be wardrobe holes.

Wardrobe holes clearly present themselves when I’m helping clients edit their wardrobes and create ready-to-go outfits. We make a note and prioritize the most important pieces so that a client’s current wardrobe can function more effectively right away.

My recent wardrobe holes include non-sneaker, gold Summer shoes, since I passed on some old pairs I hadn’t replaced. I was constantly reaching for gold loafers and flats to wear with summery white pants and dresses this year, and really missed them. I found them, and they became instant workhorses. I’m wearing my gold loafers into Autumn.

My next big wardrobe hole is a textured oatmeal or cream wool coat with gold or light neutral buttons. I passed on the one I had because it pilled terribly no matter how much I de-pilled it with my collection of tools. It was an absolute workhorse. I keep reaching for it, and desperately miss it. In fact it was the first item on my Autumn and Winter shopping list this year. I’ve found one I love, but it’s more than I’m prepared to spend. I’ll either get it on deep discount, or find a cheaper option.

Over to you. How do you identify wardrobe holes, and have you been successful in filling some of them?