YouLookFab Forum » Topic: A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:05:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php shaz on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600909 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:27:37 +0000 shaz 1600909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For tops of I loved the cut I would get them in other colors I love for footwear I'm pretty much a black boot wearer so maybe if I seen something I liked in the sales I would buy more then one pair budget allowing for jeans and pants I find mine are pretty much all the same style just in different legs lengths 34 inseam for flats and 36 inseam for heals April on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600906 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:21:35 +0000 April 1600906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For the record, I vote that underwear doesn't count as duplicating.  We all have multiples of the same bra and panty, because we're all constantly looking for what makes our clothing look better, and when we find it, we usually stock up.  (Many kinds of panties or knickers aren't even sold singly, but in three-packs and up.) So, I think that to count as duplication, the item must be meant to be seen. Toban on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600874 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 21:24:09 +0000 Toban 1600874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll duplicate dress pants in different neutrals, like chocolate brown, charcoal, or black, and seem to get approximately equal wear out of each 'duplicate' pair. Penny on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600712 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 14:19:35 +0000 Penny 1600712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For the most part, I'm inclined to duplicate the exact item as a future replacement, although when I find a style that I love, I may buy two colors if they will be useful in different contexts (e.g., nude pumps for the summer, and black pumps for the winter). And then I may duplicate those to have replacements for each! For me, it's helpful to assess the independent need for each color if I'm thinking of buying a non-exact duplicate; e.g., I'm likely to wear a black or navy cardigan, but as those are the only color cardigans that I regularly wear, I've learned to skip other colors. lyn67 on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600706 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 14:03:20 +0000 lyn67 1600706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Think I'm the worst of duplicating, LOL:-). My first  ankle wedge sandal I mention in my comment by Angie's post was a navy one. Wore it for all summer and duplicated the next  year in tan. Wore the tan all the new season (while the navy was a bit neglected) but then duplicated again,  the tan one in the same color. See what happens next, LOL!!:-) JAileen on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600545 Sun, 10 Jan 2016 22:34:55 +0000 JAileen 1600545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Back when I went to work everyday I often wore soft leather flats by Enzo Angiolini. After reading this thread I looked up those shoes and they have disappeared. I used to buy them at Macy's. Did the company go out of business? I had them in brown, tan, navy, cream, white, black, red. Maybe more. Now I'm just so surprised that they're gone. WitchyD on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600476 Sun, 10 Jan 2016 16:57:29 +0000 WitchyD 1600476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't duplicate often, but I will for jeans and work trousers as I'm so hard to fit being short and larger size. So if the pants are a great fit, I'll snap them up in multiple colors.  Keix on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600258 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 18:58:39 +0000 Keix 1600258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't duplicate frequently, only over multiple seasons after I've figured out that an item works for me--and most things disappear by that time! 1) I bought a second identical pair of black harem pants from H&M and ADORE them as lounge bottoms that can also go outside or to the airport in a pinch. 2) I have two Everlane basic v-neck tees, first size S in white and size XS in muted black. Originally I had a size S in dark purple, but it got ragged looking. I definitely prefer the size S for more drape, and I'm thinking about replacing the XS muted black with a size S in true black now they have that color. 3) Lots of duplicates of my favorite bra, the Natori Feathers! I own it in emerald green as well as two each of the black and nude. Honestly it'd be most useful to duplicate again in nude, but the green color cheers me up. 4) A vintage Anthro skirt which I first bought in plum and loved so much that I duplicated in kelly green from an online reseller a few years later. But magenta fits much better into my wardrobe than kelly green does; I'm thinking about passing on the green skirt. 5) Almost forgot: BF jeans! I finally bought a pair this summer and wore them so much that I duplicated, albeit again in a different wash and size. I don't like the size up as much, but still wear them a ton. 6) Over time I've bought several pairs of AG Stevie colored skinnies, but I don't really think of those as duplications--I know that the fit works for me and each color serves a distinct purpose. Hmm, evidently I duplicate a lot more than I thought!  kerry on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600164 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 14:35:27 +0000 kerry 1600164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I do 3 types of duplicating and some are more successful than others. 1. Exact same item - somewhat successful. I do this with white tops. White never lasts long and in summer is worn a lot so the duplicates are all in rotation at the same time. I also did this with a pale pink cardigan and black dress/tunic (both pretty cheap). The duplicates here were back ups for when these wardrobe workhorses bit the dust. This is the first year I've done this. I was very hesitant about bringing the duplicates into rotation, thinking I was being decadent retiring the older ones too soon. Then I thought I didn't really like them any longer. But, when the season finally changed (late this year), the new ones were/are in heavy rotation again. 2. Same item different colour. Birks - definite success in taupe and black - wore both equally this summer. Short and long sleeve tees often purchase online where it's difficult to gauge colour. I'll buy multiples thinking I'll choose the best colours and always end up with one more than I end up wearing (usually three where I should have kept two). 3. Similar items different colour (skinnies) - dark rinse, medium rinse, light colour, and some in between colours that no one but me notices is any different! Wow! Going through finds I realized I duplicate a lot! Too many to attach. Need to think more about this. Is a serial duplicator a uniform dresser? Anonymous on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600145 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 13:23:14 +0000 Anonymous 1600145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always fall in love in the store, get two (in the same or different colours) and then when the novelty wears off, regret my decision. The way I think of it is that there is an opportunity cost when duplicating: You've sunk money into an item when that money could have gone to another potential favorite, or something that adds more variety to your wardrobe. Staysfit on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600140 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 12:07:02 +0000 Staysfit 1600140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've done both. I have duplicated the exact pair of shoes, including color, three times. I have duplicated the same style of shoes in different colors. I have multiple colors of J Crew long sleeve crew neck cashmere sweater, and of the number two pencil skirt. I have multiples of the same color of a Vince skinny rib turtleneck sweater in grey that I wear frequently. Sal on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600127 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 10:09:26 +0000 Sal 1600127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting! I rarely duplicate, I am constantly doing laundry so I don't have this excuse. I did once buy two pairs of the same shorts in brown and black, I have two gym tanks the same in blue and coral. And this year I bought two identical pairs of jeans on a deal-the second pair costing $9. I have replaced footwear with the same style once worn out but changed the colour. I have worn things out and wished I had a replacement. But it is hard to know which pieces they will be when I am shopping. Gigi on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600119 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 08:49:31 +0000 Gigi 1600119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting post. I have duplicated an exact item only once, and I regretted it, because although I wear the item frequently, I don't wear it enough to wear it out. I also have found that by the time something wears out, my style has changed, and I am ready to move on to something else.  I do like to duplicate items in different colors, although I try to have rules for myself here. I duplicate only if the item is a basic item (pretty nondescript in its cut and design), and I try to duplicate in a different saturation (that is, I will buy a light color and a dark color). The latter rule is because I am a high-contrast dresser, so if I buy a light and a dark version, they won't compete for wears in my closet. I did recently break this last rule, though, and bought a very distinctive tee from Anthro in two dark colors. I did this because the variant color was teal, and I have none of that color in my closet. It is very hard for me to find teal items, so I bought this when I had the chance. Only time will tell whether it was a good purchase! Anonymous on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating/page/2#post-1600083 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 04:42:44 +0000 Anonymous 1600083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do both, but mostly in different colors because I like the colors, fit and fabric. I can understand duplicating exactly if there are laundry back-ups, but I tend to then duplicate in the same color but a different but similar fit. For example I have white Kut From The Kloth Diana jeans in a regular and in a boyfriend fit plus a pair of white coated denim. Each is a little different but can be worn with the same tops if the one or more are in the laundry. Beth Ann on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1600079 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 04:25:25 +0000 Beth Ann 1600079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I seldom duplicate.  I crave a lot of variety, and am always looking for a perfect piece, but rarely finding it!  I do sometimes by basics in more than once color.  Perhaps I should be learning from the rest of you! Bonnie on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1600007 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:06:34 +0000 Bonnie 1600007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If I find an item that fits really well, I will buy it in several colors. It makes shopping for basics easier. gryffin on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1600003 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:52:50 +0000 gryffin 1600003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April - I do both.  First I am a huge duplicator on wardrobe lynchpins.  EF skirted leggings, Danskin Leggings, Ariat heritage lacer paddock boots, Dansko lucille boots etc, etc, etc same color many back up pairs.  Since I limit my color palate to primarily black and gray, I sometimes find a piece in both black & gray and will buy both.  I did this with the gap skinny skimmer jeans, EF merino tunic, the EF merino cropped sweaters.  I give all of those pretty equal wears but I have to love the gray, otherwise the black would get preference.  But I am a uniform dresser, have a high resistance to boredom and like what I like.  So it all works for me. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599990 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:28:20 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1599990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I voted 'nay' to duplicating in the same color.   But really, it's a 'yay', just less of a 'yay' than duplicating in different colors. I'm really only basing this on two experiences - both fine-knit sweaters.   In one case, I got tired of the original before ever getting around to the second.   In the other case, I wore out the first sweater, then got tired of the duplicate about four wears in.  Whereas I have the same long-sleeve J. Crew tee in both black and navy, and they both get worn frequently.   I wear the black one more often, and now that I think of it, a second black l/s tee would get worn a lot as well. So.... It occurs to me that if the sweaters had been in regular rotation, and not something I saved for 'special', duplicating the same item, in the same color, would have been a great idea.   Hmm.   Maybe I should change to 'yay', after all. Okay.   "Yes to both" is my answer. MsMaven on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599981 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 22:58:49 +0000 MsMaven 1599981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I duplicate some items in the same color--jeans I like and basic tee shirts. When it comes to different colors and I find a style I like I will duplicate, especially in shoes, because it is hard to find comfortable shoes that look decent. I have at least 3 pairs of Munros in different colors and wear them all with one exception, a pair of booties in the same style but one year later. They don't fit as well as the original. Sigh. Last summer I bought Nik + Zoe tanks in four different colors, 3 of them on sale, because they fit me better than other tanks. I don't see the point in duplicating more expensive items such as blazers since I tend to wear them for years and years and the styles and fit eventually change.    Anonymous on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599964 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:36:34 +0000 Anonymous 1599964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My first thought was that I am not a duplicator.  Then I remembered I do duplicate sleep pants (same brand, same style, same color).  Then I remembered I also duplicated camisoles (same brand, same style, same color).  The more I thought about it, the more I realized I duplicate ALL the time, but depending on the article, sometimes it is an exact duplicate and sometimes it is the same thing in a different color.  I agree that some colors will get worn more than the another color, but I always seem to be happy to have both in my wardrobe.   Finally, I also found that two duplicates is perfect.  Three is one too many.   Mellllls on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599960 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:22:29 +0000 Mellllls 1599960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i've done both--different and same color.  but i've only done the same color for very very basic items--camis, etc. Lyn D. on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599959 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:21:10 +0000 Lyn D. 1599959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do both but with my moderate wardrobe not very often. I have a pair of Skechers I have duplicated in the same colour, and figure that if I change my mind they will sell on Ebay as they are brand new in the original box. I am thinking about duplicating a pair of shorts I just purchased (same colour), as they weren't pricey and are a staple in Summer. I have duplicated some basics in different colours and that has worked well. Kaelyn on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599957 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:19:28 +0000 Kaelyn 1599957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've duplicated the same item in different colors before, but it very rarely works for me because after a few weeks I've settled on one and the other just doesn't get worn much if at all. I DO buy duplicates in different colors when it comes to T-shirts and camisoles because I'm super picky about them and if I find one that's perfect I try to buy it in black, white, and charcoal, which are my favorite neutrals. TraceyLiz65 on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599939 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 20:52:31 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1599939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think if it was a classic piece that would make sense to me. I personally only dupllicate in diffrent colors.    Anonymous on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599934 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 20:45:44 +0000 Anonymous 1599934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, you are so right about CVS! I duplicate, sometimes in the same color, but most of the time in different colors. I don't go beyond 2 different colors of the same item, though. Somehow that just seems like too much, like I'm going too far. I have to say that if price were no object, I'd buy duplicates of the 2 Chelsea style boots I just got (two different brands, one pair in black and the other pair in dark brown) because I can tell already that I'm going to wear them a lot. shedev on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599932 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 20:42:27 +0000 shedev 1599932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've never duplicated the exact item. I used to do it for different colors all the time for basics. I'm better about it now, but not completely. I have these American Eagle jeans in dark denim and Raisin. Considering getting some in black. kkards on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599873 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:59:00 +0000 kkards 1599873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ other than basic's (tee's, tanks, and makeup), i rarely, if ever, duplicate in the same color. but I often duplicate in other colors-especially in pants and shoes! JAileen on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599872 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:51:44 +0000 JAileen 1599872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For things I wear nearly daily, such as long sleeve tees, I duplicate in both the same and different colors, mainly due to the item being in the laundry basket. Come laundry day I may wash five or six long sleeve tees. April on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599859 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:16:33 +0000 April 1599859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So interesting to see how we all differ (and don't)!   Good to see you too, Sveta -- I was glad to see you were still here when I first peeked back in the other day.   :) TS -- ah, yes, duplication for fear of something not being available in the future.  I have been trained in that fear by the drugstore chain CVS.  I swear they have a corporate policy that states, "April has come to rely on this product -- let's discontinue it!"   Sveta on "A lesson learned from Angie about duplicating" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-lesson-learned-from-angie-about-duplicating#post-1599852 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 16:51:15 +0000 Sveta 1599852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, it is so nice to "see" you again - I missed you! :-) Having only one black turtleneck in my wardrobe (which is currently in laundry) prevented me from creating an outfit from Angie's ensemble post this morning - so maybe I should consider this duplication strategy from now on? :-) For myself I can see sense in duplication for items which are workhorses and which require frequent washing or cleaning (like tops and shirts) to avoid bottlenecks. On the other hand when some things are in laundry it gives me an opportunity to break out of the rut and wear different items and combinations from my closet (and kind of justify having a mid size wardrobe) so maybe it is good as is? Ah, decisions, decisions... As for duplication of the same item in a different color - I do it sometimes but it usually does not work for me. As Angie pointed out  I tend to prefer one color to others anyway. It works for very basic things though - like t-necks or very basic pulovers - in my neutrals or colors which ALL make me happy. However it also worked surprisingly well for my 2 "dance" dresses which are exact style but differen color and one is solid and another one is patterned. Pattern vs solid gives them  avery different vibe so they both see a lot of use.