https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:27:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348697 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 19:55:08 +0000 Mo 1348697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, I had to get out of that 'do it all' mentality too. &nbsp;Mine was more expecting items to both dress up and down equally, when in fact they often were neither dressy enough or casual enough for the specific occasion at hand! &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348691 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 19:40:07 +0000 anchie 1348691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>alaskagirl, so true about "all purpose items", I struggle with that too. I am currently on a black shoe quest but it seems that I am looking for a shoes that does not exist. They suppose to fill all my needs - they should go with skirts and pants, should be comfortable, at least 8 hours shoes, and should also work for different weather, be waterproof, but stylish, suitable for work and weekends, and definitely not boring basic. Variety of shoes is probably the answer for me too, but for some reson it is difficult for me to accept that. I dismissed so many beautiful shoes just because they did not tick all the boxes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348668 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 18:31:50 +0000 Anonymous 1348668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on my phone, so I'll second what Henley said. With a very small wardrobe, dessing (and packing) is so easy; shopping is so hard! All of my my items are favorites, the basics and the statement pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348662 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 18:24:16 +0000 catgirl 1348662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Archie, that was an issue for me too - I wanted a closet full of statement pieces.&nbsp; I finally realized that it wasn't possible to have them all play well together, and that some supporting items were needed.&nbsp; But I still had to find supporting acts that fit MY style and needs.&nbsp; For instance, where some people use leggings, I needed warmer heavier ponte skinnies.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also I realized that there are many times it seems like one item will suit all needs, but it's not true for me.&nbsp; For example, I no longer crave the One Pair of All Purpose Tall Black Leather Boots.&nbsp; I know many people are good with that one perfect pair, but that's not going to work for me and my endless winters&nbsp;- I'd be bored stiff.&nbsp; Instead, I collected a variety of black boots in different styles.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348593 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:41:38 +0000 shiny 1348593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>"</i><span><i>They are all workhorses that get worn regularly, but are more like a steady, reliable backdrop for my favorites or serve a specific function that my lifestyle requires. Purging them would leave a hole in my closet, but I'd have no trouble finding a replacement that would work just as well."</i></p> <p>I wish I had such confidence in finding workhorse replacements! As a petite with fussy feet, this can be quite a struggle. Most of what I consider "favorites" <i>are</i> the workhorses. To others they may appear boring and functional, but I know just how long it took me to find exactly the right item that fits, flatters, and is comfortable and natural and easy to wear, in a quality fabrication that will stand the test of time and result in great cost/wear.&nbsp;I don't like futzing with my clothes. I don't like scratchy fabrics,&nbsp;tight waistbands, and stiff fabrics. I want structure -- but structure that is comfortable to wear. </p> <p>These ARE the exact pieces I'd grab if there was a fire! &nbsp;Frankly,&nbsp;I'd leave the starring role, dramatic pieces behind. I love these&nbsp;pieces too, but they are on trend today and may not be next year. Emotionally, these play a critical role in my closet (mood dresser) but emotionally, I know my whims change with the trends, so I could part with these. But not the favorite, supporting-act&nbsp;workhorses, the clothes I could not get dressed without.&nbsp;</span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348587 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:20:35 +0000 Angie 1348587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great points:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Favourites change over time</li> <li>Favourites are faves for different reasons</li> <li>Favourites can be faves for sentimental reasons</li> <li>Favourites can be passed on because of a change in style persona</li> <li>Favourites can fall out of favour in favour of a new favourite (try saying that 10 times fast).&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348470 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 10:21:46 +0000 anchie 1348470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have closet full of favorites but it seems that this is not the answer for me. I really like all individual items but somehow they don't play nicely with each other and I am still strugling with creating outfits every day. And I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. Does anyone else have similar problem?&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348418 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 03:59:22 +0000 Anonymous 1348418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@avettestingray: I've been reading a lot of miminalist blogs and I got the opposite impression. that you should have only clothes that you love. i know if my very small wardrobe were just "meh" i'd be very sad every morning. I read this on Into Mind a week or so ago:<br /><i>Using the </i><i>minimalist approach to build your wardrobe will simplify most wardrobe-related tasks (</i><i>creating outfits,<br /> packing for trips, organising your closet), except for one – shopping<br /> for new stuff will suddenly become a lot more complicated. The trouble<br /> is that once you take the time to really define what you want your<br /> wardrobe to express and make more conscious decisions about what you<br /> want to spend your money on, the range of clothes that fit your criteria<br /> will shrink.</i></p> <p>I actually felt better when I read this, because shopping for me is very difficult. I go home empty-handed more often. And, when I do buy, I wind up returning most items. But the few I keep are winners. </p> <p>As for a closet of favorites, I do love to wear almost all of what I have and some items are true favorites. But I answer to in the true spirit of the question, I would say "yes - I have a closet of favorites". I am feeling very fortunate to be able to say that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348272 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:25:04 +0000 Gigi 1348272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree with Ingunn: my favorites change quite a bit, depending on different circumstances, so I'd be afraid to try to whittle my closet down too much based on my current whims. </p> <p>In fact, just a few weeks ago, I was going through my wardrobe spreadsheet and came across a crop top that I'd worn only once since buying. I had originally really loved it, but then after one wear, I was like, meh. So I berated myself for buying it too rashly and determined to take it to consignment the next year (it was too late to sell in the current season). Well, would you believe that the next morning, as I was getting dressed, I thought about what I wanted to wear, and I wanted to wear that top? And since then I've worn it a few more times. So I can't even trust myself to determine what a favorite is. There's just too much danger that the item will fall back into favor if it's currently on Fashion Death Row. </p> <p>And sometimes a particular item is not a favorite simply&nbsp;because the supporting act isn't good. But when you find the right supporting pieces, the item becomes very important to an outfit and thus joins the ranks of "favorites." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites/page/2#post-1348271 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:24:06 +0000 catgirl 1348271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, Gaylene.&nbsp; This is why I said on Deb's thread that I think there are two kinds of favorites - those we favor in terms of wearing often, and those we adore.&nbsp; I need that Venn diagram to have a lot more overlap! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348268 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:21:46 +0000 Gaylene 1348268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that there is a high probability that a functional item that fits and flatters would be a favorite, but I'd be stretching to say that my black pencil skirt is a favorite. It fits, flatters, and is totally useful when I need to show up in that kind of attire, but I don't love it or get a particular thrill out of wearing it. Same goes for my plain black sweater, my winter boots, my J Crew navy peacoat, and my black pumps. They are all workhorses that get worn regularly, but are more like a steady, reliable backdrop for my favorites or serve a specific function that my lifestyle requires. Purging them would leave a hole in my closet, but I'd have no trouble finding a replacement that would work just as well.</p> <p>My favorites, on the other hand, would be what I'd grab if a tornado or firestorm threatened--I'd be devastated to lose my leather moto jacket, my well-worn Gloverall duffle coat, my sleek black Chelsea boots, my perfect white T-shirt that I found after years of searching, or even my favorite, knock-around Blundstones.</p> <p>ETA: I guess, to me, liking something for its functionality is different than liking something because I love to wear it. Focusing too much on my favorites in my recent purge made me forget that these functional, but unexciting, items also serve an important role in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348245 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:57:59 +0000 Aziraphale 1348245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess it's how you define "favourite". I like almost all of my clothes quite a lot, but my favourite items change from time to time depending on what I'm in the mood for. I can't be madly in love with every item all the time!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348235 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:52:35 +0000 Caro in Oz 1348235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have all favourites too - if they aren't they go. I understand Gaylene's point about the danger of this approach but I think the answer to this problem&nbsp;lies at the time of purchase. If an item I love&nbsp;won't play with my other clothes then I no longer buy it. By my definition a favourite has to be functional otherwise it won't be a&nbsp;favourite. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348188 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:09:27 +0000 Deborah 1348188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say I have a closet full of things I love:). Favourites change for me from week to week, as I find I might not wear something for a couple of weeks and when I pop it on again my love affair with that piece is reignited. I think it is possible but it requires discernment and intentional planning and perhaps a strong sense of what it is you want to communicate through your clothes and knowing how you want to lookk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348169 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:40:17 +0000 Alana in Canada 1348169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is useful. Today, I came home from work and wantedto change out of my work clothes. I thinkabout what's in my closet and mentally choose something to wear. Then, I get excited about wearing it and I go put it on. I take a picture.&nbsp;</p> <p>That little frisson of excitement is what I am going for. I tried on a top today I bought for fall way back in early August. It is not exciting to me. Not in the least. Thanks to your question alaskagirl, I realise it has to be returned,&nbsp;if it not too late.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348158 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:26:36 +0000 Laurinda 1348158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking about it, I'm pleased that&nbsp;my closet is composed of <i>Just Favorite Enough</i>&nbsp;items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348151 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:17:24 +0000 Mo 1348151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dunno, just by definition favorite means in preference to another similar thing. &nbsp;Perhaps, terminology aside, liking all the clothing you have is the issue at hand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348132 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 21:52:27 +0000 Lyn D. 1348132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>True Laura- my work capsule is a separate category entirely. Not mixed with favourites except perhaps for the coats worn with it.</p> <p>I am another lucky one with a closet full of favourites.<br />I say lucky because it takes time and funds to achieve this, and I am grateful for this luxury! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348124 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 21:44:53 +0000 Angie 1348124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, I can really relate to what you wrote: "a piece that is functional and fits my life and flatters my body is almost a favorite by definition!"</p> <p>Furthermore, amongst my closet of favourites - I have FF's - FAVOURITE faves. They get a little extra love because of reason x, y or z.&nbsp;But truly, I hug my closet each day - like you and Janet. I am extremely happy with it all, and feel very blessed to have it.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348118 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 21:17:23 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1348118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much depends on how you parse 'favorites,' and I agree with Gaylene that expecting giddy joy from every item every time you wear it may be counterproductive. I don't have anything in my wardrobe that I hate, or that has an aspect that annoys me substantially. And thanks to Angie and YLF I have learned to buy for my real life and my figure so everything is at least appropriate, so if I don't wear it it's my own fault! I guess you could say that's a wardrobe of favorites. </p> <p>It occurs to me to think about work and dress codes as regards this subject - if you have to wear something for work, whether it's an actual uniform or just a guideline, then it makes sense that it might not be a favorite emotionally. It is something you have to wear, rather than something you choose freely to wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348101 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:40:45 +0000 catgirl 1348101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, impressed with all the closet-huggers here! It is a luxury even to think about topics like this, I know! And today as I alternate between lying down with tea and sorting through my current closet, I am wondering if I need to come up with a term other than "favorite", since that implies a hierarchy, when my goal at the moment is to love everything equally for its purpose.</p> <p>Gaylene, can't wait to read your post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348100 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:38:09 +0000 MsMary 1348100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think some of us may have different definitions of the word "favorite."&nbsp; To me, a piece that is functional and fits my life and flatters my body is almost a favorite by definition!&nbsp; And yes, after three years at YLF I do have a closet of favorites (by that definition, also I love them!), because if it's not a favorite -- out it goes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348097 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:34:12 +0000 Anonymous 1348097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On another related note, I am always torn between having a closet full of favorites or having clothing that is "good enough" (which is the subject of a lot of minimalist blogs).&nbsp; Sometimes I want to have the perfect sweater that is my favorite and I wear it all the time, but I feel like I spend a lot of time, energy, and money in search of it - when maybe I could be happy with a sweater that is good enough.</p> <p>Does anyone else struggle with this concept? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348086 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:12:07 +0000 Gaylene 1348086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to be a spanner here and argue for a closet of functional clothes that fit my life and flatter my body. I've realized that, for me, thinking in terms of "favorites" can be dangerous because I get swept up in an emotional response to certain items, only to wonder what was I thinking when the glow inevitably starts to fade. </p> <p>I just finished a huge closet purge/edit (and will post about it in a day or two) but have learned that a little less emotion, and a lot more pragmatism, would serve me better. I'm obviously too fickle to base my decisions on love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348078 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:57:18 +0000 Janet 1348078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm actually pretty darn close to that. I have some things that are functional if not objects of adoration, but I really do feel the need to hug my closet lately. :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348076 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:56:17 +0000 deb 1348076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also almost there. I the way home from work this afternoon, I decided to purge any shoe that is uncomfortable in any way. My daughter will have quite a selection to go through on Sunday when we go to dinner. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348074 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:54:42 +0000 Angie 1348074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a closet of favourites too. High five, IK. I love all my pieces, and am sooooo grateful for the immense luxury.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348057 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:37:46 +0000 Alassë 1348057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say I'm almost there; most of my closet falls under favourites. (And the ones that aren't may be out-of-season, I don't want to think about that weather types.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348043 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:12:32 +0000 ironkurtin 1348043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a closet of favorites, because if I don't love something, it goes away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-closet-of-favorites#post-1348042 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:11:08 +0000 Mo 1348042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think at the most basic level I aspire to want to wear everything in my closet. &nbsp;And like wearing it. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I'm getting a lot closer by tossing the things I just don't wear and/or don't like to wear once I've put them on. &nbsp; </p>