YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2025 Wardrobe Planning

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2025 Wardrobe Planning https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:25:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php cat2 on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2380073 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:49:24 +0000 cat2 2380073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really identify with where you are. Left to my own devices I would have lots of pretty pieces and not much to wear. I did a budget, and two lists: one of what I really need, and one of what not to buy because I have so many. I did a piece count so I could remind myself how many tops and skirts I have so I could see I had plenty! I am still shopping, but in a more focused way. And the odds of finding orphan or unworn pieces in my closet are slowly going down. Figure out what works best for you; cold turkey wasn’t the path for me. RachelNZ on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2380060 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:06:26 +0000 RachelNZ 2380060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are too kind Jenni :) I know it has been challenging for friends to adjust to some of those changes post-kids and I hope your daughter is able to remember this wisdom from her wise Mum! I like the idea of embracing working with what I have as its own sort of creative endeavor Jaime.  I definitely do not want to lose that enjoyment Ange. I think the shopping pause will give me some breathing space to adjust how I have been using shopping to deal with work stress - especially with the second hand items. I'm planning to post some weekly WIWs (have been taking my photos already) over this time as that will also prompt me to think about why I chose those outfits and what I enjoyed about wearing them. Angie on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2380046 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 15:56:31 +0000 Angie 2380046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like you have some fab time off ahead on you. Splendid, and I'm envious! :)  Comparison CAN be the thief of joy. So true!! And gratitude too.  RachelNZ, the strategies you've thought of to focus your wardrobe additions are sensible! Sticking to buying what you need, as well as replacing and replenishing as you road test your wardrobe through the seasons, are great ways to keep things in check when the goal is to limit additions. In my experience, that's easier to do when you don't shop secondhand. When you thrift, you often need to grab it when you see it - because that's how that type of retail works. When you shop secondhand for a specific item or need, it's often not there right away.  The best bit of guidance I can give you is not to allow these impending wardrobe strategies to stress you out. Focus and discipline is good! But lack of enjoyment is not. The fashion and style component of your life must stay stress-free and lighthearted - (especially given the state of the world these days). Finding the right balance is key. Wishing you luck and fun! :)  Jaime on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2380017 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:45:03 +0000 Jaime 2380017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have received excellent advice above so I am going to focus on one aspect of that jumped out at me as a second hand shopper/thrifter.  There are also elements of perfectionism, I often continue searching for an item even when I have a serviceable version because I believe there is a perfect one somewhere. I think this is a special danger for second hand shoppers because we are limited by what is available second hand. I have had to learn to interrogate my idea of perfection and rather see working with what I have as its own sort of creative endeavor. Not to get all philosophical but it is the thing as it is compared to the Platonic ideal of the thing - which really doesn't exist because the world and fashion are constantly evolving. Hope that made some sense (but understand if it didn't!). Jenni NZ on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2380014 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:29:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 2380014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The first thing to say is how young and beautiful you look to me in the photos in your previous post, even though I can only see from neck down! And I would hate you to lose your pleasure in pretty clothes. I was talking to my own 34 year old daughter about this last weekend when we went for a lovely walk on Orewa beach, just the two of us. Her body has changed a little after the pregnancy 3.5 years ago and also breastfeeding until Miss M was 3 (Miss did not want to stop and had to be told that big girls did not do that, the third birthday became a deadline!) DD has gained a bit of weight but not much, I was encouraging her not to be critical of her body since looking back from this vantage point it seems such a shame to do that so relatively young. But having struggled as you know with my own too large wardrobe I do understand some of the issues with rewarding ourselves when work is stressful. I stopped emails and for my biggest temptation of shoes, I still went on Styletread for some mindless scrolling/reward/stress relief but I used the Wishlist in the “Art Gallery” method of nice to look at but not to own. This along with tracking and environmental mindfulness has helped me the most. And after sharing my feelings here on the forum of losing some of the fun of fashion, just sharing seems to have brought some of the fun back. RachelNZ on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2380000 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:25:26 +0000 RachelNZ 2380000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks everyone for your wisdom, it has been good to put this out there rather than just keeping it in my head. I do well with a bit of accountability so even doing this makes me feel like I've got to live up to what I've shared! Some recent purchases prompted me to acknowledge that I need to address the underlying behaviours. I have really been enjoying wearing blouses casually this summer, they feel like they 'dress-up' a pair of denim shorts/jeans compared to a tee while still fitting within the relatively casual environmental norms. I already have a number of blouses that have been filling this role very well and then became obsessed with the idea that I needed more, in my mind there was a gap. When the 4th one arrived (all second-hand) even I had to acknowledge that no way would I have enough time to wear all these options, there are diminishing returns. What I should have done is play with my wardrobe lists (that's definitely something I can do when I'm tired laying on the couch) as Star suggests and identify all the potential options I already have. When I had energy I could have put them all on, taken photos and even posted here. That process may have identified if there truly was a gap e.g. enough short sleeve vs long sleeve options and then I could have had parameters for a search rather than just seeing more pretty blouses! Also as Lisa suggests had I been doing one-in-one out, the item would have to surpass existing pieces (two of them definitely would not have!). Sal I have engaged DH to assist with a shopping pause until the 31st of March. He suggested that if any packages turn up over that time, he will hide them until after then. I think this will help identify if I'm enjoying the dopamine hit of the purchase or the actual receiving/using of the item. Sarah you are so right about the intermittent rewards aspect of scrolling second hand options! I will definitely have to restrict my exposure to items over this time Suz but I also like the idea that when the desire for something new is overwhelming to try find a wild card. Carla I'm definitely planning to build the capsule for our trip from my existing wardrobe and will ask those of you living there whether I'm on the right track. I do want to allow space for additions as I'm excited to explore whats available compared to here. Like you Roberta I get a bit grumpy about having to restrict myself too much. In the past there was a natural restriction in this area because my budget meant I couldn't shop as much as I do now. I am lucky to be able to prioritise a bigger allowance but I want to ensure I am using that to add items that bring more pleasure to my wardrobe! Suz on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379999 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:03:34 +0000 Suz 2379999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Re the digital tools -- i use Finds here, and it works great! I have collections for all kinds of things. I track my yearly purchases, what I edit out, what I currently own in various categories, travel capsules, other types of capsule. My entire wardrobe is on there with a few exceptions -- mostly scarves and such that I just never took a photo of.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?member=susanolding">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....usanolding</a> SarahD8 on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379997 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 18:31:51 +0000 SarahD8 2379997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am an online secondhand shopper and I recognize in myself a lot of the pitfalls you mention here. Admirable of you to think through and articulate them so honestly. I think that online secondhand browsing can also be hard to disengage from because it offers "intermittent rewards" -- i.e., you scroll through a bunch of sweaters that you don't want and then suddenly come upon just exactly the sweater that you do want. Makes it hard to stop scrolling -- a well-known psychological effect. I keep thinking that I need to find some digital way of playing with my existing wardrobe in order to make it as easy to do that as it is to shop for something new -- just pick up my phone. I haven't had a great track record in the past with clothing apps but maybe there is something in the digital realm that I could do. Food for thought. Congrats on your work contract -- and on having that long trip to look forward to! Suz on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379996 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 18:15:18 +0000 Suz 2379996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First off, congratulations on the new contract, and on the upcoming travel!  Second, I expect you're right that your previous ideas of how you'd manage your closet this year might need some adjustment, based on these unanticipated lifestyle factors.  I think you've already come up with some excellent ideas to curb impulse shopping without draining the joy and others have already offered excellent additions. Track wears. Join or create a self-challenge here; try one in, one out; set strict requirements for yourself for some types of item; do not buy list.  Another idea that may seem obvious is to shop by season. I tend to shop twice a year only -- over a period of time. So, for example, I'll start browsing/ dreaming for spring / summer in March (I live in Canada), do most of any actual shopping by June, and then I don't shop any more until I'm ready to stock up on undies (which I do in late summer sales). I'll shop for fall/ winter mostly between September-November. Of course, if I discover a genuine wardrobe hole in between times or something wears out unexpectedly, I will search for that item. Shopping by season means I don't really need to enforce a hiatus on myself -- it happens naturally. I get rebellious when I try to restrict myself too much. So this works better for me. To assist me -- Any store email lists I belong to go directly to my junk folder. That way, I only look at them when I am ready to shop.  (I'm also not on social media so I don't see ads there -- it helps! -- but of course this is not possible for everyone.)  Another idea: If you are tempted to impulse shop, instead of buying the thing you always buy (floral dress or skirt) buy a wild card item. Something that appeals to you but falls outside your usual parameters somehow -- maybe it's a new colour, a new cut, a new type of item. This will help you expand your style. And if you are shopping second hand it is low risk. The wild card item injects far more interest and fun in your closet than the thing you always are tempted to buy.  Good luck with this! You've done so much good reflection, it sounds as if you are already well on your way to feeling better about your shopping habits and your closet.  Roberta on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379991 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 17:25:20 +0000 Roberta 2379991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tracking wears is a really good approach. I have never done this formally, but I recognize when I have worn something "too often". It feels stale. Sometimes I see that an item is actually tired and needs a shave or a proper scrub (sneakers). Or, I can put the item or pattern or style out of mind and look for something very different in my closet. If I don't want to wear stripes right now, I rummage around for dark florals or solids with lots of texture (like a cable sweater). Saying no, no, no to myself too often makes me surly, so I look for ways to say yes. Second hand clothes are often fun to hunt down, much better made, and satisyingly cheap. And I always plan to bring home a wearable souvenir when I travel. I also like moving things around in my closet. I like to rearrange my furniture and art too! I learned this at the library - when you shift the books around, people think they have discovered a whole new crop of authors because the O'Brians are suddenly at eye level. Star (Lise) on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379969 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 08:20:07 +0000 Star (Lise) 2379969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Creating an inventory for tracking purposes has helped me.   The inventory ensures that what I have is staring me in the face.  I also can create new outfit combinations from it.   Finally of course the actual tracking gives me vital info for going forward.  I mostly only shop from 2nd hand actual stores but this can really get out of hand.  To unwind I play with my wardrobe via lists, and my inventory helps with this.  I come up with seasonal capsules, style-type capsules, colour palette capsules.  I use the internet to 'window shop'.  I look at new clothes available but never buy.  Often I see something new on-line that I already have in my wardrobe and it makes me want to come up with new outfits.  As you love clothes and style I think you must still incorporate this aspect as a de-stress tool, just use it/them differently.  Buying is a very short-lived satisfaction, playing and creating with what one has can be even more satifying.  Hope this helps. Lisa on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379964 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 03:32:22 +0000 Lisa 2379964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great strategies mentioned above and I have two more. First is to do 1 in and 1 out. When I'm forced to decide what has to let go to make room for something new, that will often make me thing really hard about if the new item is worth it. Many times I put it back because I realize that I have nothing to edit out of my wardrobe. Do a challenge of creating new combinations with your existing clothes. Thinking about new outfit combinations get's creative juices flowing, while not adding to one's wardrobe. I have found it helpful when I discover new outfits with things I already own. The outfit is new giving me that "hit" that shopping provides but without spending any money. It also gives me a chance appreciate the clothes I already own. Good luck with your journey! Carla on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379963 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 03:28:25 +0000 Carla 2379963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tracking wears has been a game changer for me.  Primarily it has revealed what garments I reach for the most (which I analyze), and how long garments can really last.  I’m also a second hand shopper.  I’m more impressed by what I source second hand, than what I find ‘new’ in the shops these days.   <div> </div><div>I love dreaming and planning travel, and play a lot with planning travel capsules for trips.  I’ve discovered that just about everything I need for travelling is already in my closet - so there isn’t a need to buy anything new.  On the other hand, if there is a true void - why not shop when you are abroad? Some of my most loved items have been purchased abroad - some thrifted!  The process of shopping a foreign department store, market, or charity shop just adds another layer to the travel experience! I’m ‘gamifying’ shopping by applying a lot of requirement on what I buy this year.  I’m already fussy about fabrication (natural fibres as much as is possible and practicable, please) - but i’m also paying attention to the provenance of the item.  </div> Sal on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379961 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 03:07:37 +0000 Sal 2379961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done on the new contract! Good way to save before your travel adventures. Strategies I use to stop or pause shopping are: - six week total ban. This length seems to suit me. I often do one or two of these each year. - do not buy list. Things I buy too many of eg floral skirts or heeled sandals etc - focussing on the gaps you do have -this year I will need at least two more cycling outfits (I have two pairs of cycle shorts both with a hole in the thigh due to falls…..). Last year I focussed on my work wardrobe. It’s not easy when you enjoy style and clothes - and shopping second hand is a fun hobby. RachelNZ on "2025 Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2025-wardrobe-planning#post-2379955 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 01:47:06 +0000 RachelNZ 2379955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m late to finally getting this down as over January I’ve had some further changes in my life circumstances which changed how I was thinking about approaching my wardrobe for the year. I started the year thinking I would be having a break from work for a few months as I had made the decision last year to finish up my previous role in mid-Jan. Just as I was finishing up, I was approached about a contract role which I started this week and should be there until the end of June. DH and I will then be travelling through Canada and the US over July/August and at this stage September onwards is a little hazy, but most likely when we return home I will go back into a permanent role. Initially when I thought about the first part of the year, I was planning to spend most of my time hanging out at home and focusing on running. When I have done that previously, my desire to shop and add things to my wardrobe just naturally pauses as it’s hard to justify adding ‘wants’ when you are living on savings. In my <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024-stats-thoughts">2024 Stats & Thoughts</a> post I mentioned that I'm not that comfortable with the turnover which has been occurring in my wardrobe. I bring a lot in each year and then move other items on so that I don’t become overwhelmed by options. So initially I planned to pick a certain number of items I could add to my wardrobe across the year. However already I can feel the behaviours which drive this turnover sneaking back in and I know that a number limit will not stop me, I will just blow past it as I go through the year. I am often mentally drained by my work and in the evenings/weekends I use clothes shopping as stress relief and a way to feel productive. Over the last few years, I have gotten into the habit of searching for second hand clothing online via TradeMe (NZ equivalent to eBay) and Designer Wardrobe (similar to Poshmark/Vinted) and have become a bit addicted to the deals compared to buying new as well.  There are also elements of perfectionism, I often continue searching for an item even when I have a serviceable version because I believe there is a perfect one somewhere. This leads to dissatisfaction with my existing items - comparison is the thief of joy! So I am trying to think of ideas that will help with making sustainable changes to these behaviours. I think a key action is to continue tracking wears, I started tracking wears in June last year which began revealing how little items I love are being worn. I believe this helped me to challenge potential additions later in the year – I tried to be honest with myself about when I would wear it and thus what wouldn’t I wear from my existing wardrobe. I’m also interested to see how the items I wear shifts across the year. Another aspect I want to explore is that my wardrobe additions are rarely due to me identifying a gap or need, they are driven by what I see available. Last year I spent some time working through what didn’t feel like it was working for my travel capsules and identifying items that could help. I then found those items and have been happy with these capsules the last few times we have travelled. So how do I make space/find the energy for actually playing with my existing wardrobe and thinking about what would make it work a bit better rather than just seeing and then adding another floral/patterned dress or skirt to my collection? Blocking access to certain websites and finding alternative activities when I'm feeling drained will have to be part of this. I could also join in on some of the challenges that others post in the forum and try get my creative juices flowing a bit more.  It will take me time to change these behaviours and I also don’t want to lose the pleasure I currently get from my wardrobe – I do enjoy wearing all my floral/patterned dresses and skirts! I know that others on the forum have been on similar journeys, and I would appreciate any wisdom or thoughts you have to share :)