YouLookFab Forum » Topic: DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:13:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Lisa on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1087509 Sat, 16 Nov 2013 22:37:44 +0000 Lisa 1087509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deb-Thanks!  It's been an interesting challenge so far.  The good thing is, all the time I spend analyzing each week means less time I spend shopping. :) Mtgirl-It sounds like we think the same way, neat!  I absolutely grow tired of items because I see them often.  Right now I'm thinking two solutions to this, own less items, so I only see what I wear or store overflow items in another closet so again I only see what I wear.  My long term goal would be all items back in one closet but for now, separation has been key to making this experiment work for me. Ornella-Thanks!  I used to store out of season items in boxes in an attic, but then it was a real hassle to get anything if I wanted it.  So much easier to go buy something new.  Having items in a second easy to access closet has been quite helpful for the challenge thus far.  I'm looking forward to hearing about your classmate! Aida-I agree, I think transitional seasons does make this challenge a tad harder, because it's not so black and white.  Some items will carry over and others will have a short window of wear, but be workhorses when that time comes.  I'd really like to figure out how much I need for a full year, but for now, baby steps. :) E-Thanks for chiming back in!  I also find I own more tops than bottoms and repeat bottoms more often that tops.  I also wash tops more often. DonnaF-You are correct, I do have items that have a small window.  And I am overfilled in those areas and cannot sport them all in their smaller "season."  My sweatercoats were a culprit this year.  I only got to wear two of them, and I own 4.  I also do own a LOT of sweaters.  When DH and I first met, I owned over 30 of them!  I've paired down to about 12 but it's still far more than I probably need.  And we do not have consistent weather.  Some years it's been colder longer than others.  This does not help in streamlining a closet.  I think remixing portential across seasons is one key to a smaller wardrobe in a 4 season climate.  Too many one season specific items and it can be overload. DonnaF on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086840 Sat, 16 Nov 2013 02:22:06 +0000 DonnaF 1086840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think I have the guts to do this experiment!  I used to think I lived in a two season climate (SF Bay Area), but I'm realizing that it's more nuanced than that, and that I feel that due to color, weight, fabrication, and limited layerability of certain items, I can only wear them for a short period each year.  Oops!  I missed the window this year on a few things I actually really like.  Have you found that?  I'm a keeper and a saver, so those things won't get purged, but I plan to be more mindful during the next twelve months. I'm wondering how much the weather fluctuates from year to year where you live?  You have a lot of heavy sweaters, but I'm wondering if in some years it's so cold for so long that you really need them, and in other warmer years maybe not so many? E on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086812 Sat, 16 Nov 2013 01:53:49 +0000 E 1086812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That makes sense Lisa! I thought the plan was to get dressed as normal and see how many pieces were added to your wardrobe that way. I like variety and thus have quite a few clothes, but since my outfits are weather dependent I still end up wearing items frequently enough that I don't feel bad. Plus I figure rotating them lets them last longer! I don't mind repeating bottoms as much as tops so my wardrobe is heavily skewed towards tops. Aida on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086737 Sat, 16 Nov 2013 01:03:46 +0000 Aida 1086737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm also curious whether it's boredom or guilt or simply love for an item that's making you want to pull out some additional things. I am certain that 5 bottoms wouldn't be enough for me though, 8 maybe would cut it; I rarely repeat bottoms in a week, and tend to wear different stuff on the weekends. If I had only 5 in rotation I would absolutely be reaching for additional favorites! Like Suz, I also have a few items that have a short window of wear (usually transitional spring things when it's Solid Rain All The Time). I don't mind having those things even if they're only worn for 2 months of the year, because without them many outfits just wouldn't be complete. I think for transitional weather especially this becomes the case; you simply can't manage with the same completer pieces because the weather is just too hectic! Ornella on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086593 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 22:13:20 +0000 Ornella 1086593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Impressive. I'd so like to do something similar, but for now I'm so starved of the decent storage space (hopefully, we'll move out of this tiny place and to our own house by next summer) that although the space itself should be an incentive, I feel some things have to be available even if I don't wear them because it's not fair to "neglect" them. So they continue to take up valuable shelves and hangers... But you and Claire (and my class-mate Flavia, more about her to come next week) are really making me think. Reading and following with great interest. Anonymous on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086577 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:56:53 +0000 Anonymous 1086577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, I have loved following along on your journey. At this point in my life I don't have enough clothes, but I fear that I will get to where you are at. After spending so much time trying to find the right things for me and my lifestyle I *really* want to wear the heck out of my clothes. Your wrote "Because items that sit unworn for too long, I still grow tired of..." That is sooooo me! Whether I actually wear my clothes or see them hanging I do get tired of them. I have a polka dotted shirt that I absolutely love. I think I wore it 5 times last year, but feels like I wear it a lot more because I looked at it for 9 months. I think I need to copy you and move everything out of my closet and into a "boutique" so I can bring only items I am actually wearing into my closet. Too many clothes confuses me immensely! deb on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086560 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:37:50 +0000 deb 1086560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You get so much credit from me because I could never do this willingly. Lisa on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086467 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 19:44:46 +0000 Lisa 1086467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pastrygirl-DH will be very happy to hear his idea is catching on.  Please check in on your thoughts and progress! Angie-So far I'm missing my new NAS items that haven't made it into the closet yet.  Particularly my grey metallic skinny jeans and my boyfriend jeans, both items that refreshed my wardrobe when they were purchased.  I have to figure out how to work them in, swap, or just add.  Hmm... Alexandra-I expect some clothing items to wear out quickly.  This is a good way for me to see if something was worth the purchase price.  Two washes and it's ready to donate, I may not purchase that brand again then.  And for unworn items, that's exactly the issue I am working through right now.  Do I swap, or just add.  I haven't decided which is the best choice yet. Alexandra on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086330 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 18:05:29 +0000 Alexandra 1086330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a very interesting experiment. I'm wondering how the more frequent wear is going to affect the longevity of your clothes. Also, about swapping items - would that mean having the same number of pieces in the closet but keeping the "other" piece in storage? So it would be available for swapping in the next time change is needed? Angie on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086322 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 18:03:03 +0000 Angie 1086322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting exercise. Fascinating, Lisa. Which items do you miss wearing?  pastrygirl on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086148 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:23:09 +0000 pastrygirl 1086148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, I LOVE this idea. I marveled at Claire's minimal wardrobe and wondered if I could do it. Your version of getting there is very tangible to me, and I have a spare closet that I can use. I'm going to do this. Lisa on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086122 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:09:38 +0000 Lisa 1086122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle-Thanks!  It's been an interesting challenge so far. Suz-Great insight.  We really do have more than 4 distinct seasons and when they blend together (such as our today it's 60F tomorrow it's 35F weather is) it becomes difficult to figure out how much I need.  I have found from tracking my wardrobe in the past, I would wear some items often in a short time frame and then they would sit and sit and sit.  I think that's ok, because they were worn quite a bit (sweatercoats are biggie here, I like them as fall outerwear/indoor wear but as soon as I have to layer a puffer over them, I'm not interested in them anymore) but I was also finding that I was a bit overloaded in some areas and not able to make it through everything in a season.  One sweatercoat that's a workhorse for a month or two is ok, but now I have 3 and did not sport them all when it was their "time" and now they sit again waiting until next fall. I have ~ 12 heavy sweaters, 12 blazers, and 15 cardigans that would all work well in the winter months.  But I'll normally repeat a few favorites and the rest will sit, and sit, and sit.  I'd never make it through everything and that's one thing I'm trying to stop doing.  Because items that sit unworn for too long, I still grow tired of and then I end up donating perfectly good items to make room for something new.  Or I end up purchasing something new and not donating anything and before I know it I will have too many clothes again.  Sigh.  Suz on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086103 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:58:40 +0000 Suz 1086103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So interesting. Now...my wardrobe is a heck of a lot bigger than your current super pared down closet. In fact, your current closet is even smaller than my recent 5 day travel capsule, I think!  Yet despite having many more items in my closet than this, I absolutely wear and re-wear items far more than twice each season. Favourites get worn a couple of times a week (sometimes more) and I am pretty sure I wear every item multiple times in its season. In fact, the only clothes that do not get super regular wear are special occasion items -- a lace top, a very dressy skirt, my cocktail dress (which might only get two outings per year -- yet is necessary to me.)  The trick, for me, has been in recognizing that we really have more than 4 seasons. Sometimes I used to feel guilty about not wearing a certain pair of pants, for instance -- until I realized that the absolute perfect time for wearing those was September/ October. Instead of donating them, as I had planned to do, I ended up wearing them about 10 times during that 2 month period. I bought them last year on sale and wore them at least that many times during their season last year. I probably won't wear them much, if at all, in the colder weather. I may or may not want to wear them next autumn; they're starting to look a bit worse for the wear. But over a two year period their CPW is certainly very reasonable now.  Meanwhile, my bulky GAP sweater is still waiting for wear -- but it will get its time in the limelight when the weather shifts.  Thistle on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086088 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:49:50 +0000 Thistle 1086088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting experiment.  Not something I could do! Lisa on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086082 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:46:33 +0000 Lisa 1086082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz-I'm enjoying the more minimal closet so far.  It's easy to put together outfits and make sure I am wearing everything equally.  I haven't figured out yet if the temptation to raid is because of boredom or because I just KNOW items are sitting there waiting for me.  I think the next 2 weeks will be key in determining the real issue here. Unfrumped-I had to regroup with DH on this one.  The original points of the experiment were to: stop shopping (I started at NAS and sort of just kept on going), wear more of my clothes more often, and see how many clothes I really need to own for a given season.  Do I really have 3 years worth of clothing in my closet?  Or just one year because I want to wear lots of things less often?  My personal goals for the past few years was to wear everything at least twice in a given season and I would never seem to get to that point, so this challenge was to help me get closer to that goal. E-The rules was to wear as few items as many times as possible (factoring our normal washing schedule) to see how much variety and repeats I can do and be happy with my wardrobe.  Can I wear the same grey top every week?  Can I wear it twice a week?  Or am I bored with it after one wearing? La Belle Demimomdaine-Truthfully at any time I can just stop the experiment and go back to my full wardrobe.  But the longer I hold off the more data I'll collect about my preferences. :) Joy-A great idea and one that I discussed with DH.  He is fine with me swapping items as long as I've already found the number I'm comfortable with for wardrobe size.  I haven't decided if I'm there yet.  And our season is swiftly changing (60s one day, 35 the next) which is not helping because I'm unbalanced for real cold weather clothes right now.  The bulk of the closet is mild cold weather wear.  We had a snow day this past week and the first thing I grabbed from the boutique was a chunky sweater.  AJ-Printed scarves is a great way to mix up solids, thanks! Suz-Hi again!  The original goals were to help me see how few clothing I really need and to get me to stop shopping for a little while.  I'm a bit shocked at how little I can wear in two weeks so far.  I do think my wardrobe size will grow because we have 4 seasons and some items just aren't going to cross over into another season.  But so far, I have a LOT of items I still am not wearing and so far, probably don't need to shop for a good long time.  Now personal preference is another story.  I'm trying to figure out how much beyond what I need to stay dressed everyday is enough variety for me and how much is that tipping point to the days of "I have nothing to wear" because I have too many choices. Elizabeth P-DH and I have talked about swapping items as a way to keep the wardrobe size down but bring in those items that are new and sitting unworn and I do want to wear.  Elizabeth P on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086071 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:25:09 +0000 Elizabeth P 1086071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have to admit, much as I think this is a great way to figure out how much you really do need, having new current lovely items in the "boutique" would kill me.  Can you invent a reason to need them? I realize the point is, perhaps you didn't need to buy them... but you did!  Enjoy! Following with great interest... Suz on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1086048 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 13:42:47 +0000 Suz 1086048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Is the purpose really to help you understand how much variety you actually need?  I know that I need more than I had initially imagined. Especially in my long seasons.  AJ on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1085905 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 05:31:26 +0000 AJ 1085905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe printed scarves to rotate with the solid tops? Anonymous on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1085874 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 04:51:00 +0000 Anonymous 1085874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would be itching to wear those items that are not getting worn during their prime time.  Could you have a talk with DH and see how he feels about you swapping one item for one in your closet once in awhile.  Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1085851 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 04:19:50 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1085851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am enthralled by this experiment, and I am marvelling at your discipline.  I don't think you should feel guilty.    It's only been two weeks, and at any time, you can reintroduce your newer items back into your closet, right?  E on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1085842 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 04:08:34 +0000 E 1085842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really enjoying reading your experiences with this challenge: thanks for taking the time to post about it! Your plan to stagger your printed tops sounds like it will work well. Is it in the rules that you need to wear all of your tops evenly and that's why you started a rotation? Or is it just something you want to do on your own? unfrumped on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1085814 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 03:47:32 +0000 unfrumped 1085814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, interesting experiment, but what are you gaining by not wearing something that you already have and want to wear? is it so that by waiting, it will feel more like going shopping for something new? Can you swap out some pants or does that violate the experiment? Suz on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1085808 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 03:39:19 +0000 Suz 1085808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Lisa -- it looks as minimal as Claire's closet! It's great to see you try this. It's a bit like having a travel wardrobe. But the whole temptation to raid your regular closet thing is interesting. Perhaps we feel this temptation however much we have in rotation and that's what sets off the shopping beast. Or perhaps you are just craving some of your lovely new things purchased at NAS (and no wonder). I'll be curious to see what you learn from this as you go on.  Lisa on "DH Closet Challenge-Week 2 Recap" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-2-recap#post-1085798 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 03:29:36 +0000 Lisa 1085798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, This is a recap of Week 2 for DH’s closet challenge. To read more about the challenge, including the rules, <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-challenge-from-dh-rules" rel="nofollow">click here</a>. For Week 1 recap <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dh-closet-challenge-week-1" rel="nofollow">click here</a>.  Week 2 additions: 0 bottoms 0 hoodie 2 toppers (denim jacket and chunky cable knit turtleneck sweater) 3 knits (zebra print, black, pink turtleneck-gear for riding) 0 shirts 0 LS T’s 1 tank 1 Thermal layer (Cuddle duds) 1 scarf 0 workout outfits (top and bottom) Reflections: Technically now that I've passed week 2, I shouldn't need anymore clothes.  I doubt that I will be able to keep from adding more items though. I only have two of my heaviest sweaters in the current closet and I know more very cold days are coming.  Until then I'm trying to see how many layers I can do before I have to grab a heavier weight item.  I also anticipate pulling in more of my jackets and blazers as a topper for layering. Keeping track of tops gets harder as you add more.  I’ve started a rotation to help me keep track.  Tops worn the prior week go in the back and I grab a top from the front so that I can rotate through them consistently. I’m still trying to wear the same tops every week as much as I can.  This is really easy to do with a solid.  But I’m not enjoying doing this as much with tops that are printed.  Even if I am the only one who notices, I feel like a printed top is more memorable and I don’t want anyone to notice I’m wearing the same top every week.  I find solids are easier to mix up because you can vary the look with a scarf or throw a jacket over it, so if I repeat the same solid top every week I don’t think anyone will notice.  But if I repeat the same printed top every week I think I’ll become “that girl in the X top.”  Instead, I’m trying to wear a printed top to work one week and then repeat it again the next week on the weekend.  This way the printed top isn’t worn every week to work.  I have lots of unworn bottoms. I don’t mind wearing jeans every day, as I own a jean heavy wardrobe anyway.  And so far I am comfortable rotating through the same 5 pairs.  But I’m starting to feel guilty that I have some pairs of bottoms that are relatively new, fit for our current season, and are not being worn.  My metallic grey skinnies are perfect for this time of year.  And they are not going to be suitable for the summer months.  For now, I’m going to hold off adding them and continuing my rotation of 5 pairs of bottoms to see if it’s boredom already setting in, or guilt about unworn clothes. And here are photos of the closet after week 2. I'll try to snap the outfits this weekend. Thanks for reading! Edit to add: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-for-dh-closet-challenge-week-2-outfits?replies=2#post-1087502" rel="nofollow">here are the outfits for week 2.</a>