https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:07:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned/page/2#post-2377447 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:32:16 +0000 Suntiger 2377447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Things are definitely not static in my life- my winters vary a lot year to year, my weight fluctuates, my work and hobby activities change. And I had quite a lot of churn, which made my tracking sheets messy so I had to keep rewriting.<br /> I was mainly just looking for what was constant, the Real essentials, and to see if my wardrobe category numbers were good, or if they should be lower. Plus I wanted to get an idea of how quickly things wear out and where it was worth spending more or less money. </p> <p>The 5PF is sort of seperate from that, it's to slow the churn and be more mindful, stop automatically buying duplicates in different colors, and move to a simpler and essentials focused wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2377163 Tue, 31 Dec 2024 01:43:20 +0000 SarahD8 2377163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis and insights here, <b>suntiger</b>. I love these sorts of posts, thanks for putting it together.</p> <p>I'm especially impressed by your analysis of how your wardrobe needs have changed over time and your ability to fold that in to your future plans. That's a bit that is often missed in wardrobe tracking, I think -- we tend to imagine/assume that we are gaining insights into a static system, but life doesn't work that way. (At least, I have a tendency to make that error.)</p> <p>I'm also impressed by the way you have been able to use these data to *actually* shift your shopping habits. Me, I know what I should do, but I want the shiny thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376999 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:08:02 +0000 Star (Lise) 2376999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To answer you question ST our winters are always very cold.&nbsp; Cords and Turtlenecks and puffers are my uniform for a few months.&nbsp; Last year was a bit warmer and so I did not wear my thickest turtlenecks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376991 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 18:33:03 +0000 Suntiger 2376991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni- I think if I tracked another year, most of my wardrobe would hit 30 wears, and most of my older pieces likely hit it. My spreadsheet included by season too, plus ins and outs, but similar idea.<br /> Star- are your deep winters very consistent? Mine vary a lot, weather wise. Last winter it was lot of sandal booties and short sleeves, this year my big puffer, gloves, and hats. Most years no snow, but occasionally a foot or more at once :/<br /> Sabimct- I did paper and pencil with a page per category. It got messy as I added and subtracted pieces though. I don't use my computer much and didn't want to commit to that every day.<br /> Bonnie- I need to watch out for dressy things too, especially how much I spend, since they're not worn much. I didn't do CPW exactly, but I did write the costs. Many of my more expensive things have low wears, cause they're dressy or specialty things (like snowboots), not great, but now I know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376988 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 18:03:51 +0000 Suntiger 2376988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sisi- I'm going back to habit tracking for next year instead I may track my wears of benchwarmers, but not sure yet.<br /> Sal- I'm off patterned tops (own 2 but won't add). They just feel too much since I'm low contrast. I will count gear (except swimsuits) in F5P, unless I really start using it again.<br /> Runcarla- I'm not passing on the warmest puffer yet, as it did get 20 wears in 2 years. Tried your trick, but sleeves were too tight. Maybe a warm vest would work better for me.<br /> Olive Green- my summers are very consistent too, May- Oct is always over 70 so easy. It's the other 6 months that I need the variety.<br /> Suz- probably no statements per se for me, just simple non neutral pieces will make up my F5P next year.<br /> Whidbeygirl- re: adding pieces to make things work, it's much easier to remove the difficult piece instead! Do you have less worn categories, or things those pieces have in common? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376892 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 01:52:11 +0000 sabimct 2376892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenni and Star, for sharing your tracking systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I am excited to try this starting January 1! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376865 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 18:33:08 +0000 Jenni NZ 2376865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, E is for Essential (Angie’s word) and a tick is for 30 wears. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376864 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 18:30:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2376864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sabimct I do this on paper. I have divided my wardrobe into Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter and written paper lists. It does take a little prep but I prefer it to using a computer which I do all day at work. The actual tally marks when I wear something are so quick, more so for me than turning on a computer. I rewrite the lists when they get scrappy.<br /> Here is the front page ( it’s summer here) and the shoe page. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376860 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:27:27 +0000 Star (Lise) 2376860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>sabimct&nbsp;</b>I have a document in my laptop that lists every item of clothing I own.&nbsp; I group them by sort, ie. skirts, dresses, jackets, etc.<br />I go into this document daily, it just takes a few minutes, and enter the number of wears in brackets in the same line of the item.&nbsp; So initially there were no brackets. A made up example is&nbsp; below<br />white skirt (2)<br />white jeans (5)<br />red dress<br />pink dress (1).<br />Hope this helps you.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376858 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:26:46 +0000 Bonnie 2376858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've tracked for 9 years and have learned a lot from it. I don't bother tracking loungewear, sleepwear, or gear because they get plenty of wear. I do track my good and dressy items because that's what I like to shop for. I've put a freeze on coats, jackets, and dressy items because I have enough to cover most events. Now, I just track that I'm wearing everything. Daily wardrobe items get a lot of wear and some of them need to be replaced every year but tracking has taught me that shoes and pants get lots of wears and are worth the price I pay. They just last longer. Tops and dresses get worn a lot, too, but they don't seem to last as long. I can get over 100 wears for shoes, pants, and toppers but am lucky to get 36 to 45 from my dresses, sweaters, and tops. They need to be laundered more often and that eventually makes them look faded and floppy, not a look I'm going for.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376854 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 15:17:19 +0000 sabimct 2376854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was super interesting to read - thanks for sharing!</p> <p>Your post has made me realize that I *really* need to do this. And the start of the new year makes it seem possible.</p> <p>I would be grateful for any tips from others who have successfully tracked as to exactly how they do this tracking.&nbsp; Post a paper on the inside of my closet door?</p> <p>I'm excited to try tracking my wardrobe. I have a strong sense that it will make my wardrobe function better and be more fun! [Also will likely save $$!] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376842 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:17:11 +0000 Star (Lise) 2376842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been tracking since 2021 and as of last year I have stopped tracking December to end February.&nbsp; Reason for that is my deep winter wear is obvious and no need.&nbsp; For the rest of the time it is extremely valuable and has really highlighted what I should and should not be buying.&nbsp; I will continue March 2025. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376779 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:21:25 +0000 Jenni NZ 2376779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I can’t (don’t want to) stop tracking after 8 years of it! It is the most important thing I did to control my wardrobe. It has made me much better in my choices. So has Angie’s advice and the forum, of course, but even then I think it’s the black and white evidence of what I actually do wear and how much that has helped the most. Looking over the list, I can see that most of the post 2020 clothing has easily reached the #30 wears, where some older items have not. If I still like these, I keep them (sunk cost, sustainability etc) and try to slowly get there on the wears, but as I do so I can see there’s always a reason why the wears are lower. Like with dresses- have been deliberately putting on less worn ones for different events this month, but I don’t wear them for usual work or home days, and there are too many of them. Not buying more!<br /> It sounds like your 2 years has given you a good handle on your patterns of use though.<br /> I do like variety and have had to hold myself back from purchases, but happy with the 4 items this year. Meeting the Tiffanie Darke “Rule of Five” challenge!<br /> This year: new Skechers, cropped green cardigan, wide leg navy ponte pants, and bright pink summer top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376695 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:03:58 +0000 whidbeygirl 2376695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting analysis. Thanks for sharing it. I'm completing my first year of wardrobe tracking. &nbsp;I haven't yet done a thorough analysis but it is obvious that some pieces are real go-to workhorses and others... meh...not so much. &nbsp;I'm looking forward to try and figure out why some pieces were not worn much (or at all) and see if there is a styling option I haven't considered within my existing wardrobe or if it's worth finding something new that will make that piece work. Or... just pass it on. &nbsp;This will be a fun project in the new year.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376691 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:16:05 +0000 Sal 2376691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sort of use the 5 Piece but have found there is some variation - and probably some things I count as replacements are not quite...</p> <p>I have added 32 pieces this year including gear and accessories etc....8 are activewear or gear, and 11 are FFP items.&nbsp; It feels like quite a lot.&nbsp; I would like to get down to one a month but it seems a long way away.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376670 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:24:41 +0000 Suz 2376670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember it the same way, <b>Suntiger</b>. I mean I remember <b>Jenn'</b>s version that way.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think it is an excellent plan for people whose styles are consistent and probably on the classic side OR who rely a lot on their essentials as their core wardrobe, with statements as the 5 pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p>I can see it working well for you, for sure.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376667 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:06:39 +0000 Suntiger 2376667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn had written something about the French 5 piece that made me decide to try it, but maybe it was in an email. It was something to the effect of, if essentials need replacing, they can be replaced (no limit), if the non essentials (statements, fillers) need replacing (or to add more) it's limited to 5 per season. At least that was how I understood it/will use it. This was the top of the search queue though: <a href="https://radiantlydressed.com/5-piece-french-wardrobe/" rel="nofollow">https://radiantlydressed.com/5.....-wardrobe/</a></p> <p>I had tried a yearly item limit before, with some success, to try to reduce churn. It works better for me than a $ budget. $1000 in a boutique could mean 10 pieces or less, the same $1000 at a thrift shop could be 100 pieces. </p> <p>My goal is a relatively small, simple (essentials based) wardrobe, just enough to meet my yearly needs and have a bit of variety.<br /> Back later... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376655 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:55:05 +0000 Sisi 2376655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent analysis! I like the idea of having a range of things but not many similar. I am tracking since 2015 and learnt many precious lessons. Every year I think I could stop tracking but ... I got addicted!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376653 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:23:18 +0000 Sal 2376653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing - and for summarising your lessons.&nbsp; I quite like tracking, its something I almost look forward to doing.&nbsp; I have lightened up on the gear tracking - and could probably ditch that.</p> <p>Your lesson that you need lots of options but not many of each resonated with me too.&nbsp; That's the challenge:)&nbsp; Especially when weight and weather change, and sporting hobbies can come in and out of favour.</p> <p>I have one top (outside sports gear) that hit 20 wears in this calendar year, and seven others that are between 10-18.&nbsp; I have to be careful in this category too especially with patterns.&nbsp; This includes short, long and sleeveless but not sweaters.&nbsp; I also have to be wary of dresses which I love, but don't get as much wear as I think.&nbsp; Whereas shoes, bottoms and gear get an awful lot and I don't have to be as cautious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376651 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:36:16 +0000 Carla 2376651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Great ‘learnings’ from your tracking experience. &nbsp;I don’t have the confidence to stop tracking, and think I might end up on a wild shopping spree if I did stop counting wears!</div><div><br /></div>Thanks for the shout out re layering a puffer under…something else! &nbsp;I’ve layered a puffer under a spring/rain coat, under mid-weight wool coats (long and short) and under another puffer! &nbsp;Cuts down on having a coat for every 10deg shift in temperature, and is especially useful for short seasons - like when&nbsp;<i>really&nbsp;</i>cold winter is only 2 weeks long. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376612 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:33:31 +0000 Olive Green 2376612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really do need a range of things, but generally not many similar things.”</p> <p>Yes, that makes perfect sense for people with short seasons, for example. One heavy coat, one midweight, and a puffer get me through winter and any travel needs.&nbsp;<br />Summer season is a lot of similar clothes, not a range.&nbsp;<br />Also been stealing Runcarla’s puffer layering trick the last year or so, great for travel. Looks polished, for some reason.&nbsp;<br />My love of variety is tempered with my desire for less clutter, and less fussing to get it right.&nbsp;<br />However, I now have three pair of Oboz clog type shoes pretty much all the same except for colours. Those and Birkenstocks all I need so far this winter.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376609 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:12:19 +0000 Dee 2376609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job tracking your wardrobe for so long, glad you've been able to sort through your data and come to much better understanding of your wardrobe needs.<br /> I'm not too clear about what a french 5 piece is though. Are these statement items to your basics? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376604 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:38:26 +0000 Suntiger 2376604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay to the guitar playing Bijou :)<br /> The F5P will probably be mostly tops, Suz, as I need to replace them for stains or damage. I always think I don't have enough, but excepting the ones I sleep in, only a few hit 20 wears in the 2 years.<br /> Re: changing needs, Angie- one of my goals for the project was trying to figure out what the real essentials are, beyond any lifestyle change. Some things are definitely work/climate/ hobby dependent, but others are permanent fixtures in my closet.<br /> I'm a serial duplicator too, Slim Cat. It works great for the often worn things, but I've duplicated non tested things too and regretted it. The 5PF will force me away from that! That said, I'm up to 4 pairs of Birks *smiles at Jaime* cause they get more wears than all my other shoes combined!<br /> My coats all have distinct functions, Firecracker. They have to as I have no coat closet. I'm actually wondering if I'd be better off layering a thin puffer under my wool coat on very cold days, as Runcarla does.<br /> I don't generally tend to return to older pieces, Lisa, unless my size changes. With limited space, I can't keep things that I don't use. That said, I didn't pass on the cycling gear, cause I do want to restart in spring! Hobby related supplies I tend to keep, as I cycle in and out of different things.<br /> That said, nothing was unworn in the 2 years, except 3 dresses (wedding dress +2 too small sheaths). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376601 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 09:08:25 +0000 Jaime 2376601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You gained a lot of valuable insights from the tracking. I don't track but my Birkenstocks are my most worn item (I have an inside pair and an outside pair). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376580 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 01:10:48 +0000 Lisa 2376580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got some great insights here. I've tracked my wardrobe and wears for years. I find it helps me to avoid duplicate purchases and to pin point when something isn't getting worn that often. Sometimes a piece is just out of favor for a season but other times my needs have changed. This has helped me to keep my wardrobe a consistent size over the years.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376555 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:27:41 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2376555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Interesting analysis. I'm glad the tracking was helpful for you. What stood out to me is this comment: "I really do need a range of things, but generally not many similar things."</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't tracked my wears, but I feel this statement applies to me also. I could get by with a much smaller wardrobe if I didn't want different colors of items (coats, for example) that serve similar purposes. I don't end up wearing a lot of my clothes all that much. I crave variety, though. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376553 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:09:33 +0000 Angie 2376553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad you learned from your tracking <b>Suntiger,</b> and thanks for sharing!&nbsp;</p> <p>My favourite part of this analysis is that you mentioned how&nbsp;<b>needs change</b>. Keeping up with this, and effectively pandering to changing needs is one of the ways we stay honest with our styles. THAT is the crux!&nbsp;</p> <p>WELL DONE :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376550 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:36:01 +0000 slim cat 2376550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis - perfect solutions! I don't do trucking but usually keep an eye on what moves in my limited clothet space. I duplicate best things when I can and try to limit my spending. Pants wining over skirts with tights ( or dresses ) - that happened some time ago for me while living in Seattle.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376548 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:45:20 +0000 Suz 2376548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's an excellent analysis. It's really clear how lifestyle changes affected your use of certain items and you have a great plan going forward. I like that idea of 5 piece for less used categories of items -- I could adopt this -- it would really make me think hard about specific purchases and also decide if it would be worth the one-in-one-out strategy.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-of-wardrobe-tracking--what-i-learned#post-2376545 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:57:55 +0000 Bijou 2376545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, a great analysis. I have not been on the forum as much either, as I am trying to learn to play the guitar and that takes up my spare time in the evening! </p>