https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:50:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-708125 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:28:37 +0000 Louise 708125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have the willpower for SYC I prefer to work towards SYB. I say work towards as I am prone to whipping out the credit card if I see something I love!!!<br /> I don't think I have a particularly large wardrobe and I get bored easily so 30 for 30 challenges wouldn't work for me, though I love reading about them x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-708103 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:17:51 +0000 Ingunn 708103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SYC is short for Shopping Your Closet:) This is a useful method if you want to try to be more creative with what you've already got, and it means that for a defined period of time you deny yourself to buy any new garments and/or accessories, and instead you have to create new outfits from your closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-708098 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 07:54:45 +0000 ElleH 708098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is SYC? I couldn't find a glossary. Thanks:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-708042 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 06:01:01 +0000 Ingunn 708042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is an excellent starting point, Aida, thanks for sharing the links to your blog! You are right, I'm more interested in the experimenting than anything else, and my closet is not that crowded, so I know what's in there. I don't need to cull it. On the contrary, I probably don't have enough clothes in different colors to do an adjacent color experiment. </p> <p>Gaylene, that makes totally sense to me. I think I will make a list over my favorite garments as a start, and then a wish list based on that. I think 12-15 items would be sufficient for me over the course of a year, and it would be helpful when I try to stay clear of too much "fast fashion". I also have environmental concerns, and with three teenagers (girls) in my house, I want to set a good example as a consumer. Buying too many clothes is not a good idea then.</p> <p>Isabel, thank you for the book tip. I'll look it up! The idea of add-ins sounds like a very good plan. I think I do this already, to some extent, but it will be interesting to find out more about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707800 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:32:17 +0000 Aida 707800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you like experimenting, you may find shorter but more focused challenges more useful. For example, I did one last winter where I used <a href="http://aidascloset.tumblr.com/post/18572679015/adjacent-color-week-recap">tertiary adjacent colors</a> in outfits for a week, and also we did a <a href="http://aidascloset.tumblr.com/post/18579901827/neutrals-week-recap">neutrals challenge</a> for a week. The art challenges are also a lot of fun (outfits inspired by art). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707724 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 23:22:31 +0000 Isabel 707724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, your reasons are exactly the same as mine for not including outerwear. It will also be very cold here in a couple of months and I will need warm coats, jackets and rain/snow gear. The same with boots. There is too much variation. I am going to start on Dec. 1. I have about 15 warm scarves that I enjoy wearing and keep me warm...but they won't work in Sept. This shouldn't be a punishment ! : )</p> <p>I read a little of Jessica Quirk's book on wardrobes. I really liked her idea of a core wardrobe and then "add-ins" for the season or taste. I am going to do that. Jeans and black ponte pants, an interesting chambray skirt, will be some of my core. But I will have an "add in " of corduroy pants and wool sweaters as we march into Nov. I really like the idea of add-ins as needed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707706 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:41:38 +0000 Gaylene 707706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think limiting the number of purchases for a year worked for me because I had spent the previous year re-building most of my wardrobe after losing quite a bit of weight. While it sounds like fun, I actually found re-building very disconcerting since I had to give away most of my favorite items which were now too large and looked terrible on me. The need to find something to wear meant I often ran out to the shops and bought things that fit and looked nice on me, but, when I got home, didn't seem like "me". My new wardrobe was starting to be a mismash of styles. I'd also buy cheaper items, often in multiples, just to have a variety of colors-- for example, the same pants in black, grey, and tan, or a stack of "buy 2/get one free, mix and match" T-shirts.</p> <p>During this process, I did acquire some items that I absolutely adored; they were usually, but not always, more expensive and better designed pieces that made me feel wonderful when I wore them. That made me think that what I really wanted was a smallish closet full of clothes that I loved and would wear until they were ragged.</p> <p>I started by pulling out the items that I loved, and then tried to fill in some of the holes with items from rest of my closet. I did a bit of remodeling and redesigning (like ripping off the ruffle that was sewn onto one of my sweaters--my satisfaction at that told me that I need not ever look at anything with a ruffle again!) Once I had a small core group together, I could see that I did have some quite specific likes and dislikes. I figured, for better or worse, that was the beginning of my style evolution. For example, I could quite easily give up dresses but you would have had to tear my straight-legged pants from my cold, dead fingers. The same was true for pumps (toss) vs. boots (mine!)</p> <p>Personally, I think that, for me, it was the culling down made my preferences much clearer. And wardrobe "holes" became things that I couldn't conceive of living without, such as my dark-wash, straight-legged jeans, a scoop-neck T, a great jacket, a pair of short boots, and a trench coat. Truly, if these things were not in my closet, I'd have a hard time getting dressed most mornings. But, if they were important to my "style", I wanted the perfect ones that would take me every where and make me feel wonderful every time I wore them. So, it made sense to think of any of these as one of my 12 items, if I didn't currently have it in my wardrobe. I also realized I dislike wearing most jewelry, but I always wear a watch. Because I didn't have a watch that I loved, that also became one of my 12 (and I found my perfect Seiko men's watch at a flea market for under $10!)</p> <p>This is going on a bit longer than I'd intended, but, I think, if you want to try something like this, you need to figure out what you are trying to get out of the process so you can set your own goals and "rules". You might want to give yourself "free passes" if you need certain items to carry you over, or you may exempt certain categories from your number, or set a different number, or use a dollar amount-- whatever seems reasonable to you. If you learn more about what you like and don't like, and, ultimately you are happier with your closet, in my books, you end up winning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707570 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:06:26 +0000 Ingunn 707570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How interesting to read your replies! A lot of food for thought. </p> <p>Gaylene: When you decided to slow down on your numbers, did you have all your basics covered already? I find that I still need a better core wardrobe, because, for example, my only dark wash jeans that fit me are 16 months old and starting to wear. I need to replace them soon. There are other holes, too. Are your 12 items basics also? I'm intrigued by what you say about finding your own style this way. This is my main goal for a challenge, too. </p> <p>fern: I totally hear you on why project 333 is not for you. I've made the list, too, and I like the idea, but I don't find my wardrobe that overwhelming in the first place, and like you, I rather need to learn how to use what I have more carefully, and supply when needed, not on impulse. I love what you say about respecting what we already have.</p> <p>Isabel: I made my list recently, and like you, the idea of including everything seems very difficult. In my climate, the temperature will vary from quite warm right now to freezing cold by the end of November. I will be needing at least four or five jackets and coats during the next few months, and the same number of shoes. I will be needing a warm scarf, a hat and mittens/gloves, too. That would leave me about 20 pieces, including accessories, and I think that would be more frustrating than creatively inspirational. I think your take on the challenge is wise, and I hope you will share your experiences here on YLF.</p> <p>Jyoti: I think your reasons resonate with a lot of people. I notice that my spending on clothes and accessories this year has taken off to some extent. The more I try to find my best basics, the more I seem to be needing. That's one of my main reason for wanting to try one of these challenges. I want to examine what my real needs are. Your idea of shorter timeframes is very interesting, and I will certainly consider that. </p> <p>Mo: A shopping budget is a sensible approach, challenges or not. I have a budget, too, but I'm not very good at sticking to it! I like the idea f a set number of clothes per year, because like you, I tend to buy more of the cheaper pieces, and not wait for the better ones. On the other side, the garments I like the most in my closet are most often the ones that had a higher price tag in the first place. I think that after an initial round of SYC, 30x30 or something like that, I will be planning a more thorough shopping strategy where less and better are keywords.</p> <p>This is an interesting thread! What I've started to consider more seriously after reading is the limited number approach. I guess a list of what I wish for and/or need would be a good place to start. The Project 333 is interesting, but it's not where I want to go. SYC or a 30X30 could be fun to try, but I feel that such games shouldn't be taken too seriously either. If they are no fun, there is no shame in quitting. No? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707491 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:56:19 +0000 Mo 707491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've done SYC due mostly to budget reasons and been fairly successful. I do Shop My Budget and have since the start of 2011. It works for me. If I find a piece I love that puts me over, I just rein in the next month until I am back on budget. (This happens a few times every year, incidentally. I found shopping comes in spurts.)<br /> I am looking at restricting items purchased next year. 26. Sounds like an odd number, but it works out to 2 a month, plus something extra for Christmas and something extra for birthday Or, every other week. I have found that while SYB works for me, I still get in the mindset of four $20 pieces instead of holding out for one fab $80 piece. I have enough clothes. I know this. I need to now work on steadily updating and refreshing at a reasonable amount (both dollar and sheer volume of items). Some quick math shows most of my categories will turn over completely within 6 years average at this rate. I'm thinking this is sustainable for the long term for me. Eager to see how next year pans out </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707446 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:22:34 +0000 Jyoti 707446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's my personal experience with challenges:</p> <p>I don't like SYC, because whenever I think about totally cutting myself off from shopping, all I can think about is shopping. xD I prefer a monthly budget.</p> <p>I have tried 30x30 a few times, but I get really bored really easily. I also figured out I can't do it well because where I live has totally insane weather and I can't factor in all the possible shoes and coats into the 30 items without being super gimped in the regular top and bottom items.</p> <p>The reason I have tried 30x30 challenges before though is I have a fairly large closet and my idea was to choose 30 items that encompassed older pieces and stuff I don't wear that often and force myself to figure out how to wear them in fresh new ways. And I really think its a good challenge for that, but I had to figure out how to adapt the challenge for my personal goals.</p> <p>Here's my solution:</p> <p>?x7. Choose a certain number of pieces to remix for the week. I haven't tried this for a while because I've been traveling and such recently, but I think this would work better in that I wouldn't get bored because I'm only restricted to certain clothes for a week. Also, it gets around the climate issue a bit because its easier to predict the weather for a week. xD</p> <p>I have to tighten up my rules a bit in regards to rescue shoes for work or a coat for a freak snowstorm or something (which happens sadly often), but I think this is a challenge I'm going to try again in the future.</p> <p>The responses in this thread are so interesting to read! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707408 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:58:24 +0000 Isabel 707408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coincidentally enough, I am going to try Project 333. I just bought a big storage, canvas bag last night to store clothes once I decide what to try.</p> <p>I have done SYC in the past for 6 months. I allowed myself true needs. For example, I had no swim shorts that fit and I was going on vacation. So I bought that. For me at least, I really wanted to get a handle on what was truly useful and loved in my wardrobe. I also don't do well with too much to choose from...I get easily overwhelmed with too much choice. I also wanted to get a handle on my real life wear. Not what I would like to wear that didn't really fit into my lifestyle. There were also environmental reasons for me. </p> <p>I don't follow anything strictly because each person is so different. I have my list of clothing, but I am doing 35 pieces, not including outerwear, accessories or shoes. I want to get a handle on my clothes - not the other stuff. I will switch in and out as I decide on things. IE... if my current jeans aren't working, I will get rid of them and rotate in something else. Lastly, I want to divert some of the budget to other things, activities or a day trip somewhere.</p> <p>I LOVE Fern's idea of respecting what she has !! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707345 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:00:57 +0000 fern 707345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene's answer is beautifully written.<br /> I am interested enough in those challenges to have read lots about them, but I haven't seriously committed to doing any.<br /> What I think people learn from 30x30 is about remixing, and also that 30 items is enough. I have no desire to do this challenge because I have the opposite problem - I need to think more carefully about specific outfits and not assume everything in my closet goes with everything else.</p> <p>I have looked at 333 a lot, and made lists of my 33. However, the people who do this challenge say "oh I never have to think about my clothes anymore" which is not my desired outcome. And I still feel new to accessories - this is not the right time to choose just one for the next 3 months. I sorted out a streamlined summer wardrobe, and put my other clothes away, but I'm not limiting my shoes &amp; jewelry. I will say making the lists helped me see the abundance I have.</p> <p>Now I think I'm on... maybe 24 for 12? It's not actually a challenge, but just trying to respect the wardrobe I have and add/replace thoughtfully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707230 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:17:31 +0000 Gaylene 707230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I think challenges are just goals that you choose to set for yourself so I think it makes sense to create "rules" that fit your situation and will help you reach your objective. That makes the whole process positive rather than restrictive.</p> <p>My goal in restricting my shopping to 12 items in a year was to force myself to become a more careful shopper. I was unhappy with the number of rarely used items in my closet and I did not like my rationalization that, because I was "donating" instead of "throwing out" perfectly wearable clothing, it was somehow OK.</p> <p>The number 12 was arbitrary and had no particular significance; in actual fact, if I just bought 15 or 8 items, I would have accomplished my goal, as long as each item was carefully and thoughtfully considered before I purchased it. I was aiming to become a "healthier" consumer and, by setting arbitrary restrictions, it did make me pause and really think through a potential purchase. Just asking myself "Is this important enough to become one of your 12" made me walk away so many times.</p> <p>And, as the year is coming to a close, I have noticed some major changes in my shopping. I no longer spend time obsessing about an item, nor do I buy something just because it fits and someone tells me it looks nice on me. I can look at a trend (like BF jeans) and realize I don't like it enough to hop on that bandwagon. But, best of all, this year has shown me that I really do have a quite definite style--even if I couldn't articulate it before now. Discovering my own unique style has been an unexpected bonus. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-discuss-wardrobe-challenges-syc-30x30-etc#post-707172 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:31:32 +0000 Ingunn 707172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I announced earlier that I consider trying some kind of wardrobe challenge: A 30x30 (30 items, 30 days), or maybe even a project 333 (33 items, 3 months). A more relaxed SYC is also interesting. Before I finally make up my mind about this, I'm very interested in hearing about your experiences with various SYC challenges: How did you decide on the "rules", what did you pick, and why, and what did you learn from the experience? Did you allow any breaks from the self-imposed restrictions on your wardrobe? Any other information and tips you'd like to share is of great interest.</p> <p>I guess the bottom line for me is: WHY should I do this? I like to play with shapes, colors, structure, but is this worthwhile? If you have any thoughts on this, please share. </p>