https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:28:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317784 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:31:05 +0000 Jen 2317784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, this adage seems to date from an older era when things only went on sale at the very end of the season and hung sadly in a dark corner of a store. Nowadays large chains like JCrew, Boden etc. have mini-sales all the time, and even the big sales come earlier than they used to. Then we have sites like Rack or Saks Off 5th that have loads of things from previous seasons that I don’t think are simply there because they failed to sell. Poshmark etc. (where I get most of my clothes these days) are yet a different case, as they are garments that may well have been bought originally early in a season or at full price. In sum, this seems to me outdated advice in an era when there are multiple ways of buying clothes at a discount that are not simply the dregs and rejects of a particular season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317703 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:15:11 +0000 Anonymous 2317703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I disagree. I have found that sales racks are not equal. In my last city, most of the women were large and the sales racks were full of good stuff on small sizes like I wore.<br /> Here the women are smaller and exercise a lot. The small stuff is the first to go. Sales racks are full of plus sizes.<br /> I am on my third year of buying 90% used stuff, and feel I can put pretty good outfits together although maybe not stylish. Most of my footwear is new, so makes an outfit more current. I pick up tips on this site as to tends and look for them. Right now I am looking for more green that is not bluish and trying to decrease black. Sometimes what is wanted is just not available new. Like the terrible winter of no full length pants or nothing but sweaters with dropped sleeves in awful-on-me colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317683 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 22:27:01 +0000 Sal 2317683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are so many ways to be stylish - as seen on the forum..</p> <p>But I have always loved an eclectic style that people wear from clearance and vintage and op shop etc - and I love the curated high end look as well.</p> <p>For me - I do shop clearance and general sale and second hand - and full price new.&nbsp; I could spend less - but would spend more time - it's a trade off.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Things I have added in my closet from the clearance rack (not second hand, not 20% off shop wide and not full price).The theme would be more statements than essentials, and not workhorses.&nbsp; I do view one of these items as a mistake (the navy dress) with one wear in two years and nothing planned..... The skirt and two blouses have had reasonable wear (12-15 I think) and the heels have been worn to a wedding, a funeral and are a great classic to own.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317678 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:18:58 +0000 Style Fan 2317678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some people are very creative and have an eye for seeing the potential in a garment. I see lots of people with fabulous wardrobes that shop clearance, charity shops, consignment, etc. I am not sure what this person means by stylish. They also have the time and patience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317647 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:47:33 +0000 Kyle 2317647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With a lot of patience and luck, yes you can. For example, Anthropologie currently has a pair of very on trend PIlcro Skipper jeans marked down to less that $40, and they were more than $120+ new. Very small sizes only by the time I saw them, but for someone who is small it would have been a great and stylish find.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317630 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:57:35 +0000 Zaeobi 2317630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe you can, if you have patience, an off-the-rack size &amp; a clear style direction. </p> <p>The clearance rack is great but can produce wardrobe orphans (which I suspect the author is alluding to). So I now ask myself 'Would I still buy this if it was full price?' </p> <p>Which reminds me of my Zara haul last season - I felt guilty about buying it without a discount, because I've been trained to wait for the sales (especially for fast fashion), but buying early on in September ensured that I could still find my true size AND be able to use the items throughout the 'Autumn' (we don't really get distinct seasons in HK lol). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317603 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:29:18 +0000 Dee 2317603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If there’s a distinction between “clearance” and “on sale”, I think it could be difficult to pull together a completely stylish wardrobe for most people if they were shopping only “clearance” items.&nbsp;</p> <p>To me “on sale” is a different kettle of fish, as many stores usually offer a variety of items on sale at some point and “clearance” tends to be the remnants of these sales that didn’t so sell well, now deeply discounted.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317601 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:28:01 +0000 unfrumped 2317601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course it’s a mixed concept. Not much use in phrases like “ you can’t “.</p> <p>I might alter it by saying , it’s hard to build a great wardrobe without SEARCHING for specific items”. For me nowadays anyway. </p> <p>Because I find I do have a medium- large wardrobe but still wardrobe holes that are related to things like proportions— length of tops or jackets; colors— with “ softening” of my coloring over time, I gravitate toward a mid- range palette and often heathery colors for even my main pieces and then they don’t work together as well, compared to using black, white or navy.</p> <p>Or, if I find things are not fitting right or giving me the look I want, it’s too easy for that to lead me to just buy something new that doesn’t really address the issue. Especially if it’s on sale! But often I need to try some different brands that might fit better, or a new silhouette , but I have very limited brick &amp; mortar options for inspiration &amp; experimenting in the dressing room, , and often can’t tell online what to order.<br /> Or have to pay shipping and return fees to just try something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317580 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:03:53 +0000 Jenni NZ 2317580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get lots of great clothes on sale. But the strongest items are sometimes full priced ones, at more of a “building” phase. I’m no longer building my wardrobe I’m just maintaining it and tweaking it. So while I don’t agree with her, I agree a tiny bit. It’s easy to be more serendipitous when you already have a good base? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317563 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 02:34:10 +0000 Jaime 2317563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everyone has made excellent points. I am not sure what she means by the clearance rack - not quite the same as sales or second hand to me. The clearance rack brings to mine a small collection of leftovers, not the huge array of things available on sale or second hand these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317562 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 02:07:39 +0000 Echo 2317562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree that many a fashion movement has been started by those who had the least to spend, which later was emulated by those who had loads to spend. As Dolly used to say, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!"</p> <p>But realistically, everyones "basics" are different. I've never subscribed to the idea that every woman needs the same ten items in her wardrobe. That's absurd and cookie-cutter. People can be great shoppers and very stylish regardless of the price point at which they shop. And people can spend lots of money and look dreadful because all the money in the world can't buy style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317557 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 01:20:50 +0000 Indigoprint 2317557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just fer saying influencers make their livelihood influencing their influencees' to buy what they reccommend...... most likely not on the clearance rack given their income is directly related. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317554 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:38:43 +0000 jussie 2317554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou: “necessity is the mother of invention” would have to sum it up perfectly! I can certainly relate to that quote in a lot of areas of my life at the moment!<br /> Just got an email from one of my favorite stores, gorman, saying they’re having 20% off store wide right now. Though I guess that’s not what the stylist meant by clearance rack…. I think she meant things at the bottom of the barrel kind of thing.<br /> I think a mixed approach is good. I know my favorite puffer jacket that is a big building block in my wardrobe because it’s a great shape and fit, never, ever, comes on sale. But it’s fundamentally important for me so I buy one every year at full price,<br /> However much of my “fun” stuff is sale.,<br /> And probably about a third of my building block stuff too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317509 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:07:20 +0000 rachylou 2317509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a big no way! Fashion designers get their inspo from the street. The most creative comb the discount racks. Plus, the mother of invention is necessity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317493 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:11:30 +0000 kkards 2317493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I believe that you can get a huge percentage of your closet on the sale rack or 2nd hand and it can be fabulous. but I totally agree that if your goal is a fabulous, off the rack, wardrobe, you will need to look else where. Which is not to say that you must pay full price. (Just a little disclaimer here-I don’t equate take 40% off all sweaters etc with clearance, and I’m assuming this influencer didn’t either. Clearance happens when a retailer has basically given up on an item and is in the process of making it go away. Semantic maybe, but I think it’s important to understanding this statement). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317492 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:06:07 +0000 judy 2317492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I noticed the quote is "build a stylish wardrobe" and not "have style", so the statement is about the clothes and not how one wears it...which I think is what style is!&nbsp; One can have very nice things and wear them with little style.&nbsp; Or buy mostly thrifted items and look incredibly stylish.&nbsp; It's how we carry it off, isn't it?...how we feel about ourselves in it that determines stylishness to me.&nbsp; </p> <p>But back to wardrobe and her statement, I disagree with the quote because of course it depends how discerning one's eye is at any price point.&nbsp; And depends on what size we are, meaning what is available on those sales racks, and what stores we are shopping in.&nbsp; I think she is probably just advocating for not settling, which is a good thing to keep in mind when I come across something on a clearance sale, not just buying it because it's only x amount of dollars.&nbsp; But I have scouted some things online that have been marked down from their original price, from brands I love, or even on ebay occasionally, hardly worn at all. It can be way to have very good items...and build a stylish wardrobe!... on a limited income.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317474 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:18:28 +0000 phoebe 2317474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Especially because stylish is not the same as on trend perhaps completely false.</p> <p>I have participated in fashion eras when the greatest inspiration was from people who had the least to spend and their creativity and imagination was imitated by those who had the most.</p> <p>*edited for clarity, sorry about that!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317472 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:14:54 +0000 slim cat 2317472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mostly shop sales, clearance and good deals in general. Some items may get away from me however lots of fun, stylish pieces will be mine with patience and time . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317466 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:41:27 +0000 Suz 2317466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Roberta</b>, what fascinating stories! <b>SO</b> interesting!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have nothing to add of value but I'll echo <b>Janet </b>and <b>Mary Beth</b> and others who've said, of course your can build a stylish wardrobe from the sales racks and discount or consignment! But it does take time, patience,&nbsp; knowledge of one's own style and a refusal to wear sales goggles.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317463 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:17:12 +0000 Roberta 2317463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Tosh" is what comes to mind! But like all sweeping statements (as <b>Janet</b> says), there is a kernel of truth in it. I had a friend many years ago who bought all her clothes from the clearance racks at Bonwit Teller. Everything was beautiful and nothing went together. Her ONLY criteria was a sale price.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the other hand, I have a friend who not only will <b>not</b> buy sale items, but usually has a store order an item for her so she is not wearing something other folks have even tried on. This isn't a germ thing, she just likes everything fresh and new. Years ago, when I told her I had bought a used coat on eBay, she gave me a look as if I had dug up a grave to get the clothes off the body. She dresses beautifully, by the way.</p> <p>ANYWAY, we should be a mix of all of these attitudes, so we find exciting clothes, have a coherent and shoppable closet, and don't have to be named Rockefeller to do so. Very few of my clothes are purchased at full price, but I know how to pull the trigger when needed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317462 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:11:27 +0000 nuancedream 2317462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What LaPed said. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317460 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:52:51 +0000 LaPed 2317460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along with what others have said! It's rare for me to pay full price when it seems there's always a sale or promotion around the corner. My mentality, for better or worse, is that 10-15% off is the true sticker price, and that full price these days includes a convenience fee that I'm only willing to pay if I really can't wait. "The "wait until it goes on sale" mentality also builds in a cooling off period, which I find helps me make better decisions in the long run.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's been a long time since I shopped a literal clearance rack in a physical store, but I do love end-of-season sales, whether online or in person. It often takes me the full season to deduce what my real needs are, and filling those holes at a discount is gratifying.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thrifting is sort of the ultimate clearance rack, and secondhand is really the only way I can afford (and justify, from a consumption/waste perspective) a lot of the things that catch my eye. I wonder what this podcaster would have to say about buying secondhand clothing...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317457 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:47:01 +0000 Irina 2317457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love a bargain. There are some brands I can only afford on sale. But I also will say that it pays off to buy key pieces @ the full price. So, I’d say a combination works the best, imo.&nbsp;<div>I also smile when I hear a “stylish wardrobe “. Who is a judge? What is a stylish wardrobe? :)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317454 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:41:52 +0000 cat2 2317454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s silly. You can be a good or bad shopper at any price point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317448 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:35:37 +0000 Angie 2317448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I disagree.&nbsp;</p> <p>Second, I echo<b> Janet</b> and <b>Tanya</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>Third, in the US, we have GREAT SALES. If you are lucky and sleuthing - you can nab a lot on sale. I never buy from J.Crew, Boden, or BR full price, for example.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317447 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:34:50 +0000 Vildy 2317447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, actually, if someone is looking for the very latest styles, in many cases these may be on the sale rack exactly because many people are trend averse or outright timid and don't want to consider what the folks around them aren't already wearing.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317439 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:18:26 +0000 Helena 2317439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As mentioned by others, I take what I think her point is (avoiding sales goggles and buying items simply because they are cheap) but disagree with her wording ... I've bought some terrific pieces on deep discount and some duds at full price! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317438 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:15:48 +0000 Anonymous 2317438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Getting into semantics here, but if by “stylish” she means clothing that is “of the moment,” no, the sale rack might not be the place to go. &nbsp;But a person with style can find clothes to suit their taste and look on any rack, anywhere, on sale or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317428 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:16:08 +0000 Vildy 2317428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, I do have to admit that my ability to tailor and remodel does give me confidence.&nbsp; My husband likes to say that I remanufacture clothing to my specifications. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cyou-can%e2%80%99t-build-a-stylish-wardrobe-from-the-clearance-rack%e2%80%9d#post-2317419 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 12:58:06 +0000 always trying 2317419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess it largely depends on your size.&nbsp; <i>&nbsp;rarely find anything to fit me on sales, especially on line.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i> </p>