https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:58:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018058 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 20:32:10 +0000 Anonymous 1018058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading all of the other comments (I wish I had the time!) I'll just chime in and say that I've had some of the same thoughts. I think each person has to find their sweet spot. I can feel it when I'm shopping too much and actually bringing in too many things. I start to get overwhelmed and sometimes feel like I need to keep buying things to go with all my new clothes! I enjoy getting a new jacket and wearing it&nbsp;<i>all the time</i> during our short winter. I don't want to have five other jackets and are just so-so staring me in the face. I donate them! I enjoy the brief love affair guilt free, knowing that I will get some miles out of the piece and move on when the love cools. I have few occasions to really dress up that I only want to have as many clothes as I can keep busy in rotation. If my selection starts to feel a little thin, yay, I get to go shopping! But all in all I keep to a very small wardrobe, around 33 if you count footwear and accessories. The reason I started aiming for this is that I really wanted to be able to afford nicer things. I still thrift, but now I can have premium denim, made in the good ol' USA. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018055 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 20:29:16 +0000 Anonymous 1018055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hate spreadsheets. Just sayin' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018051 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 20:28:28 +0000 Makrame 1018051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really started thinking more about this when I was doing careful spreadsheet-tracking of my clothes (I did it for about 6 months or more, and got lazy over the summer). &nbsp;I think Lisa said the same - tracking CPW and outfits makes me think of how the opportunities to wear certain items are limited by seasons and occasions. &nbsp;I try hard not to overexpand the wardrobe categories but I am not that great at exercising restraint so sometimes things do&nbsp;sneak in. &nbsp;I am also a bit of a pack rat so I don't always purge things until they are completely worn out.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018050 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 20:26:24 +0000 Elly 1018050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Suz! I take that as a high complement coming from someone who often writes such well thought-out and eloquent posts. </p> <p>I'm beggining to think that math and numbers are mostly a stumbling block on which to get hung up on for those who live a creative lifestyle and seek relative wardrobe minimalism. I do recognize they work for others though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018039 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 20:13:32 +0000 Suz 1018039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, as usual this is such a thoughtful post. And these are great reminders. As I rebuilt my wardrobe from scratch I tried (and sometimes failed) to ask myself similar questions, and I continue to do that. And in some ways, if your life includes as many varied activities as ours does, it is quite possibly the only way to proceed.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018031 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:58:36 +0000 Elly 1018031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm interested in the priciples behind this discussion. I do think what the OP is talking about factoring in what YOU will REALLY WEAR IN 1 SEASON and what you already have in your closet important to consider. Unlike many of the ladies on the thread, I'm coming from the perspective of someone who regularly wears wardrobe items out and is looking to expand my wardrobe in the future because my current wardrobe is TOO SMALL for my current needs.</p> <p>Instead of trying to figure out all kinds of math and find magic numbers for CPW or numbers of items in my wardrobe I tend to take a different approach (and this could be because while I have an analytical side, I am not math-minded). I like to wear my stuff out and use it before it dates, but I also have a widely varied lifestyle and need lots of seperate occasional clothing, which would kill a cost-per-wear, and never get figured into a hanger-turning or "x" number of items system properly.</p> <p>&nbsp;I recently bought 2 pair of dress slacks . . . one a seasonless black, another a dark wool. I also have a black pencil. With my lifestyle I will probably only wear each pair of slacks a handful of times a year, but I also know that I will need them (have already worn each several times) and if they last as well as my last pair I will wear the black pair for 5-7 years. The wool are worth having in my climate so I don't freeze at winter funerals and work events. The pencil is more dressy, better for hot weather, and can be paired with other things to wear going out or to party events. Same with my button downs. On the other hand I am going to wear through my jeans and tees like lightening. In a third category I still need dressier tops, accessories, bottoms for my non-dominant seasons, and toppers which will all get worn less than my tees and jeans but more than the buisness clothes, but are essential to making my wardrobe work for me and my crazy life. </p> <p>Instead, I think the key for me is mindfulness. When I am looking at a piece of clothing online or in the store it goes something like this:</p> <p>Do I really need this? What do I already have like this? Would it replace that because this one is better in X way? Do I wear the other enough that I could see myself wearing this frequently as well to break up the wear? Does it fill a hole in an outfit or for a situation I've found myself with nothing to wear for? Could or will I wear it to work? How am I doing on the amount of work clothes? Could or will I wear it with the SO on weekends? How am I doing on amount of clothes for that? Are they getting used? Do I enjoy them? How is this the same or different? What kind of weather will it work for? Will I want to wear it next year?</p> <p>And also . . . </p> <p>Do I really love this? Do I love it enough to wear it regardless? Do I love it enough to get rid of something else in my closet? Is it a trend I wanted to try out? Does it speak to my style persona or where it is heading? Is it a good color for me? Do I want this more than I want something else I've been saving for or had my eye on or like to do? </p> <p>For me most often there are two questions that impact my shopping--- </p> <p>Do I really need this? <br />Do I want this more than I want something else I've been saving for/like to do?</p> <p>Of course, I do apply those questions liberally. I determine need based on replacing frequently worn items, on making sure I don't have to do laundry more than works for me, for having enough outfits for all the roles and events in my life for multiple seasons, and even for things like being able to rotate out shoes during seasons where I wear the same type of shoe everyday. I also am not super strict on the second question and will spend money on an item that I may not want as much as I want the vacation I'm saving for and I try to earmark fashion funds-- mostly just because although I love clothes . . .&nbsp; vacations, education, and certain other hobbies will win out and I would run around naked! Still, that question really stops impulse purchasing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018022 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:28:09 +0000 jayne 1018022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what an interesting thread.&nbsp; I am in the same boat as many here...along the way to finding a balanced wardrobe, a year or so in, down from probably 200+ clothes items to about 130 that make up my 4 seasons.&nbsp; I count CPW a bit but I have come to a rather value to be able to allow myself to buy higher quality.&nbsp; I find I am more interested in the wear rate over the cost of the wears and am getting closer and closer to Lise's method of about 20 outfits a season. </p> <p>&nbsp;I just planned fall/winter with 24 priority outfits- the ones I really want to wear- and another 10 of backups to be reused from last year.&nbsp; (hey, some of the new outfits may not work when I try them for a day)</p> <p>The process of thinking through what outfits I wanted to make for these seasons, and plotting how to make them with a little from what I have and a little from purchases, made it possible for me to give up a few things on my want list, thus saving the budget.&nbsp; Buying anything more will make it really hard for me to get through wearing these 24 outfits twice before the snow comes.&nbsp; It is a great eye opener to see that planning actually keeps the spending under control.&nbsp; I think the thought process itself is also surprisingly fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018013 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:17:40 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1018013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think sometimes it's a matter of looking at what you already have with a fresh eye, as well.&nbsp; &nbsp; Even though I'm really not a trends-follower, that's why I love this site.&nbsp; Angie has been an invaluable wealth of information and understanding about proportion, why things work, how to tweak them if they're almost-but-not-quite-there.&nbsp;&nbsp; To say nothing of the creativity of everyone here on the forums! &nbsp;&nbsp; You've all given me some wonderful new insights that will allow me to really wear some beautiful pieces that I have had for years and rarely, if ever, actually worn.&nbsp; &nbsp; And to understand why some things should be let go and passed along to the next person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018011 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:13:16 +0000 AnnieMouse 1018011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you've posted this, Pawprints, I can't help but start thinking in terms of "what will I NOT be able to wear that I love if I do this"</p> <p>So, thank you. That's a really interesting, new perspective to put the brakes on myself :)</p> <p>I have a twinge when I shop fast fashion or anything not handmade/ small business produced (internal hippie strikes again!), but I rationalise to myself that I buy SO MUCH of my wardrobe via recycling, is it truly so bad to occasionally buy something new? Pawprints, you made a really good point that I often wonder about: is there a true difference in working conditions between the BR piece and the H&amp;M knock-off? I'm not sure there is. Once just has a better markup name. (And I think I remember reading that Calvin Klein, GAP, and a number of other mid-range labels were using that facility, in addition to the F21/ H&amp;M/ Wet Seal suspects that we think of). </p> <p>It's a really tricky line to walk: staying current, supporting workers' rights, and not breaking the bank, while also keeping yourself interested in your wardrobe without a) burning out or b) wearing out. It's kinda the epitome of a first world problem, which is further galling, in its way. </p> <p>... wow, that got heavy. FASHION! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018009 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:09:29 +0000 Pawprints 1018009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cindy, so true, and I like your term, we all have our own wardrobe happy place. </p> <p>Aziraphale, that urge to wardrobe edit comes over us at different times and intensities doesn't it? When we're pretty happy as we are, I think we should stay happy for as long as that lasts!</p> <p>Ruth, yeah, where you are is where I seem to be arriving. </p> <p>Janet, I also hate when I do that-buy a duplicate because I forgot I already had one. I don't blame you for hating to part with one because both are beautiful. And your reminder is wise, not to push the fun out of fashion and getting dressed c </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1018006 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:02:40 +0000 Pawprints 1018006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Belle, thanks to the link to Into Mind. I also am finding Pinterest useful for honing and trying out ideas without creating as much closet churn. </p> <p>And I share your feeling that really looking at our closets and doing any kind of what-I'll-wear reflection puts the old shame kabosh on the shopping reflex. </p> <p>It even pulls me back from my thinking on stuff-I-still-really-need. A lot of that thinking comes from perspectives like what-if-I-need, or the urge to somehow compete something (a tee in every wardrobe color, a pair of cords because how could it be winter without cords, a dress in a color because won't I get tired of grey--these are maybe wardrobe holes as we call them, but that wardrobe hole idea can range farther and wider than what I actually need to be appropriately and domewhat stylishly dressed -- really wearing the closet and not just hanging it -- the next few months). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1017986 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:45:44 +0000 Pawprints 1017986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I get the ethical angst vs desire to wear a look that won't be around forever or I suspect I'll tire of. I went much of last year either buying nothing or buying ethical fashion only (setting my own rules about what that meant because its impossible to nail down absolutely). More recently I've had a change in size, color, and to some extent style, and I loosened up my rules to fill holes that didn't seem full able in a reasonable period within those rules either because of availability or cost. And I wanted current looks, which as you say are harder to find in the second-hand or affordable made-here markets. </p> <p>Recently I've bought new (not second hand) things from major chains - j crew, AT, BR-and cringed on seeing they were made-as everything is that you don't seek out like a hawk-in countries with poor standards for garment workers. I tried to console myself "at least" it's not H&amp;M, Forever 21, etc. But you know, I doubt it makes a lot of difference. An $80 imported sweater is probably made in the same conditions as a $28 one, or so I've read. Depressing. Then there's the argument that if we don't buy new items from these countries we are just taking away the livelihoods of mothers and their children. How to parse the logic?</p> <p>Now I ask myself, are you going back to your stricter sourcing standards now that the biggest holes are filled, or are you going to keep looking at catalogs and stores that you know have questionable sourcing? With conflicting arguments about how to shop with a conscience, I really don't know what I should do, for my own values. </p> <p>That re-opened barn door to the broader, standard market was fun. It may stay open with new self-rules like making a good effort first to source second-hand or in countries with reasonable standards before looking in the easier market, and especially doing this work of figuring out what I really need and will use and only buying that, at the very best quality I can, wherever it comes from. </p> <p>And trying to do this while keeping a reasonably current feel to my wardrobe and having some fun with variety and new things in a restrained way. When I find this balance I will really have done something! </p> <p>I so resent the state of the garment industry and how hard it is to navigate consciously. But I can't resent it and not do my little part to change it, right--whatever the heck that means? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1017977 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:37:18 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1017977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW, this is an interesting conversation, and I keep checking back in to see what others are posting. </p> <p>I never thought in terms of CPW - when your new item is competing with an established item -&nbsp; but I recently came to an understanding that I tend to collect multiples of items (black skirts, black pumps, leather skirts, little novelty jackets), and to address that urge.</p> <p>And two days ago, I put myself on a strict SYC, after I went through three closets on a streamlining mission, and realized just <i>how much stuff</i> I really do have.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; It's kind of ridiculous. &nbsp; I should clarify that one closet is my own, in my condo.&nbsp; The second closet is the back wall of the BF's closet,&nbsp; because I divide my living time between my place, and the BF's place downtown, 30 minutes away. &nbsp; The third closet has stuff to ebay, give to my sisters and niece, and costumes.</p> <p>Where I get stuck is the 'just in case' mentality.&nbsp; "I had better keep this just in case (that never happens) comes up, and I need something to wear!" &nbsp; I come by that honestly - I am a third-generation hoarder. &nbsp; Oh, not to the point of things collapsing, or filth, or anything. &nbsp; I just have a lot of clothing, shoes, and books. &nbsp;&nbsp; I feel this stems from the Depression-era belief, handed down from my grandparents to my mother, then to me -&nbsp; that you should hang onto your unused things, just in case you might need them later.&nbsp; But I am working through that, one piece of clothing and one book at a time. </p> <p>Having made <a href="http://pinterest.com/demimondaine/ten-outfits-i-would-wear-as-pictured-fall-winter/" rel="nofollow">a pinterest board</a> to refer to, as well as referencing the site <a href="http://into-mind.com/" rel="nofollow">Into Mind</a>, is really helping me identify very specific likes, create my own signature looks, and helping me pare things down in my everyday closet.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1017951 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:10:02 +0000 Janet 1017951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think about CPW only in the broadest sense. Even though I have some OCD tendencies and some part of me would love to inventory my closet, I have NO desire whatsoever to do a spreadsheet for any reason.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a full closet, yes, it's true. I do frequently cull things because I've either moved on from them, changed size, changed style, or simply acknowledged a mistake. And I have favorites as well -- things I wear frequently even though I could probably make a little more effort to wear&nbsp;one of my lesser-worn items. But I enjoy having options, and I admit I like the variety my closet offers. I am just trying to be mindful of the state of my closet, my internal wish list, and what I'm spending. </p> <p>I have some things I don't wear often, but I enjoy greatly when I do, so I don't care about CPW. I don't really abide by the "if you haven't worn it in six months" rule -- some things fall in and out of favor but warrant keeping. I got on a purging kick some time back and got rid of a couple of shirts I later kicked myself about. But by and large, by the time I get rid of something, I'm pretty sure I'm over it.</p> <p>I made the mistake last year of snagging a beautiful silk shirt I'd found on sale, only to get home and realize I had a very nearly identical shirt I'd bought at the end of the previous season. So I have two lookalikes in my closet and I'm reluctant to give up either one because they're both nice shirts! I want to have a better grasp on my closet so I don't make mistakes like that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a lot of admiration for you minimalists out there, or even those who are happy with a wardrobe of 100 or so&nbsp;pieces. I don't want to be wasteful, but variety and an ever-evolving wardrobe&nbsp;is a big part of&nbsp;how I have fun with fashion.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1017936 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:53:57 +0000 Anonymous 1017936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like things hanging in my closet that don't get worn. I just think&nbsp;that's wasteful.&nbsp;That said, I donate things I'm tired of that still have some life in them. My favs get worn until they wear out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1017913 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:29:39 +0000 Cindy 1017913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic! It's giving me a lot to think about. I am rebuilding my wardrobe in my new size and asking myself what is enough. I've never really given much thought to CPW because I am generally a frugal shopper. (I enjoy the thrill of the hunt! LOL) We have four seasons here but I do try to buy things that are wearable for more than one season such as choosing sleeveless tops that I can wear now but that will layer nicely under a cardigan when fall arrives. I also don't mind repeating items even wearing a basic bottom twice in one week. I still need a few more tops to feel like I have enough variety. I guess it boils down to finding our happy place wardrobe wise and that's going to be different for each of us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1017865 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 15:56:08 +0000 Aziraphale 1017865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what you said: "...<span>so there is enough but not too much". &nbsp;That's my goal too. &nbsp;I don't have a lot of insights on this topic, but I'm reading the thread with interest. &nbsp;</p> <p>I do know that I'm at the one-in-one-out point in my wardrobe. &nbsp;I have more than enough. &nbsp;Not a gross amount of excess, but a little too much. &nbsp;But I'm in no rush to purge at the moment because my closet is well-organized and I can see everything, and it's full of things I really, really like. &nbsp;I'll just let things get weeded out slowly over the next few years as it becomes clear which items I'm not wearing much. &nbsp;I won't be shopping all that much for a few years, since I'm back at school so our budget is tighter.</p> <p>I do try to wear things out, but realistically that doesn't happen for every item because I'm not always great at predicting what is going to get a lot of use. &nbsp;Also I have certain items that don't get worn very often because they're too fancy for everyday life (red high heels, I'm looking at you), but I love them so much they have a firmly entrenched place in my wardrobe. &nbsp;</span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017792 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:38:33 +0000 Suz 1017792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pawprints, I'm a happy repeater, too. In fact, one thing I learned about myself last year, is that I will joyfully repeat the same item (and even outfit) multiple times in a season, whether I'll be seeing the same people or not. Unlike Ramya's spouse, mine doesn't care (if he likes it, he likes to see it again). Nobody else sees me often enough to remember or care, and even if they did, I don't care myself. If I love it, I wear it!&nbsp;</p> <p>But here's the rub. I wear it to death. I don't mean it falls apart. That rarely happens. Instead, I wear it so often I tire of it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Obviously that doesn't hold true for simple essentials like jeans and plain sweaters or trench coats or other very classic core wardrobe items. But anything that remotely speaks of "statement."&nbsp;</p> <p>This makes me wonder about where fiscal and ethical responsibilities clash, how to resolve the issue. Because here's the thing. I don't fault myself for wearing something a lot in a season. That seems like good sense and frugal shopping.&nbsp;But if I <b>KNOW</b> that I will tire of a fun trendy statement item in a season, doesn't it make sense to buy it via fast fashion (e.g. Zara, H&amp;M or similar.)&nbsp;</p> <p>But I do that quaking about the ethics of buying from said emporiums and supporting the whole fast fashion machine.&nbsp;</p> <p>So...okay...if I were <b>REALLY </b>cool, stylish, and clever, maybe I'd be able to inject that same sense of statement or fun with thrifted items.&nbsp;</p> <p>But either I am not, or my style won't adjust to it, because what I'm truly after is a shot of modern to go with my classics.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway...for now, I am coming pretty close to the 33 item seasonal capsule (not counting outerwear, footwear, accessories.) More some seasons, less other seasons, and some crossover items between seasons. But to do this, I <b>am</b> regularly purging and rotating items out that I've bored myself with. And I wonder how much of that churning is responsible.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess, ultimately, each of us has to find our own rough balance. It's an interesting project.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017753 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:11:37 +0000 Pawprints 1017753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Goldenpig, it sounds like you have found a good balance for yourself. Having your sister to pass still-good things on to must be a help, and you get to enjoy the variety you like. It's like you're buying for both of you and enjoying both using and giving. You made me realize that part of my present head scratching is coming from no longer feeling so pleased with having the extra variety available. It's not wrong, it's just not what I want any more. I'm not saying it very well!</p> <p>Lyn D., I did that too! Collected long sleeved tees for winter and short for summer. Woke up and said Huh? Purged the over-duplication and colors/styles/fabrics that weren't my best or downgraded then to workout gear and rotated our the ratty stuff that should already be gone. Satisfying.<br /> Still have to watch my tee hoarding streak though. I'm a great justifier. </p> <p>So happy that you bought your expensive item this year. So far for me that decision has never failed to be both difficult and wildly successful. I hope your glow of self-congratulations for investing in this will last a long time. </p> <p>Ramya, wow. A hoodie boss and a husband with the duplication sensitivity of a teenage girl while you are, like me, a repeat-old-friends type. Now that's an unusual set of fashion challenges. From what I've seen you have a gorgeous sense of style despite it all. </p> <p>Your story of your seven sets of clothes for college, happily worn and worn out, is delicious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017737 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:53:15 +0000 Pawprints 1017737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DV, don't you hate that regret that won't die when you pass up something that later haunts you? For me it plays into my innate fear that when I need something I won't have it so I had better be alert for opportunities when they appear. I've become a lot smarter and more restrained about this, but that drive is still there. </p> <p>Joy, yeah, I feel your frustration with the weather. In my warm climate it's that I may need real winter clothes and coats one year and just toss a blazer over a tee the next. Complexifies the wear-it-out challenge. By the way, what's with all the suede this year? And me buying it? My essential Miss Practicality is doing a lot of head shaking. </p> <p>Caro, I about nodded my head off at your comments. Very similar concerns and factors under consideration right now. Today I've started the game of guessing (I'll be fancy and call it projecting) sweet spot numbers for winter. Stopped in my tracks at how low the numbers are. Especially since, as you sort of said too, I will wear certain bottoms multiple times before a wash. For work at home and casual I wear a pair of pants a couple of times in summer and 3 or 4 in winter, and I like to wear then back to back, switching out tops and accessories for new looks. I like what's hanging in the closet to be clean and fresh and to wear the current pants to dirty then put them in the wash. A quirk. But it further reduces the number of pants I really need. </p> <p>True words about remembering that this is also fun. Because it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017723 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:35:26 +0000 Pawprints 1017723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, thank you thank you for the links and info, and also for being a trailblazer AND documenting it. Smart.<br /> This will be more fun than finding an unread fashion book. </p> <p>Suz, so glad you weighed in. Several people are pointing out the issue of unpredictable climate. A true reason for holding on to some unworn things. My leather jacket got little to no love a few years, then it was lived in during others. Still mourning giving up my gorgeous blazer because it's black. Right decision, but I do get attached. </p> <p>Your mix of function needs sounds do much like mine. Work at home wear that I want to look and feel professional in but be comfy and not silly dressed up for home (I'm Team dressed up. No one around me is.) on site client wear. Conference and presentation wear. Business dressy and casual events and spouse-of events. Un-mom on the go. Travel to climates far different than mine and sometimes multiple climates one trip. I struggle to even label the capsules that would cover all this! Then stir in the balance issue. Yeah. </p> <p>The issue of repeating isn't too big for me. I don't want to show up in front of the same people every darn time in the same thing, or to bore myself silly. But I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum from the I wore that once can't be seen in it again crowd. If I love the garment or outfit I'm delighted to repeat it often. I feel the same about seeing others in familiar successful outfits. The delight of seeing an old friend. </p> <p>Anbagybe, that makes a lot of sense. When you live in a true uniform for work, your real wardrobe must feel like a special events wardrobe does to us non-uniformers. Not enough opportunities to wear it out, especially if you really enjoy variety. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017718 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:29:27 +0000 ramya 1017718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>7 years ago when I was in college, my mom helped me with a logic over a summer semester. I picked up about 7 sets of college wear types clothes&nbsp; included salwar kameez, kurtas, tees and a pair of jeans. I wore the heck out of my clothes.<br />Mind it, it was summer and most of my pure Indian clothes had to be demoted by end of it.<br />But it was liberating.</p> <p>Now I try to do the same, but my DH hates to see me repeat my clothes every week. Sigh. I have this striped tee that I just love.I have been banned from wearing it till September ....</p> <p>You get the picture. But then this has also resulted in me not touching some really good clothes. But moving to Norway from India made me realise. I moved with a suitcase full of clothes from a 3 door wardrobe in India. I have far less clothes now than in India. But over the last year my wardrobe has grown too.</p> <p>I now buy clothes that are practical for me, long sleeved tops over sleeveless ones no matter how cute the sleeveless ones are.</p> <p>I donot buy jeans here thanks to the fact that I still convert the cost to Indian currency.I donot buy trousers because I work in ultra casual work environment. (Think Software, my manager comes in&nbsp; with hoddies and the male version of Yoga pants).</p> <p>Do I calculate CPW? No. But I convert my purchase into Indian currency </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017709 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:18:51 +0000 Pawprints 1017709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this thoughtful conversation. So helpful and interesting. </p> <p>Shevdev, congrats on recently wearing out 2 things before replacing. I confess I sometimes am almost happy about a laundry disaster--as long as it didn't kill a dear favorite--because there's one thing that isn't going out the door before its time. Completely illogical of course. </p> <p>Shevia, me too. I generally get event clothes second hand or on outrageous markdown and don't expect them to wear out before I need to replace them. Still I have a few too many in that category since I love shiny happy party clothes (a lot more than the parties themselves).</p> <p>Rachylou, brilliant points. First, space-enforced closet balance and wardrobe use. Something to think about. You named the goal well--wear them out before they reach the end of fashionable. </p> <p>Oh, the dramatic moment of choosing between books and clothes. You're making my palms sweat. I also love my clothes. I don't think I love them more than books, but when you set up that moving dilemma, I'm not sure where I'd be. I don't think I realized this about myself. </p> <p>That would be a great thread some day: Stranded, what 3 garments would you want (instead of 3 books), practicalities of environment aside?</p> <p>You opened my eyes when you said you're now less about having things on hand to complete outfits, to batten down the hatches just in case. I think I understand you. I think that's me. Oh. Was it the move/closet space thing that shifted you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017588 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 07:09:23 +0000 Lyn D. 1017588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love, love, love these types of posts!<br />I am another who spends alot of time thinking about CPW these days.<br />I realised that I had been 'collecting' long sleeve tees and weeded out about 1/3 this year. Storing them rolled in a drawer instead of in piles made a big difference for me. I had several in the same colour, so tried them all on and passed-on those that I didn't love.<br />However- I just bought my most expensive item this year, and it is one that I may only wear 2 or 3 times this Summer, but plan to keep for several seasons.<br />Everything but the price is ideal: good fabric, colour and practicality.<br />I had to fight with myself to buy, but it ticked all the boxes and I was willing to forgo my CPW aim for this particular piece.<br />I would rather buy this than &nbsp;3 things that &nbsp;are only worn once or not at all and guiltily recycled later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017546 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 05:16:37 +0000 goldenpig 1017546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La la la la...<br />*pulls fingers out of ears*<br />Oh, were you saying something about CPW? <br />OK, I admit, maybe I have too many clothes. But I don't like to do strict CPW or one-in-one-out--it stresses me out. I do tend to hang onto things I like a long time, so even if I don't wear it that frequently I do end up wearing it a lot over the long run. I do closet culls a couple times a year and give purged items to my sister. I figure if my wardrobe is neat and I can find things and I like everything in it, then I'm good to go! Even if I do have over 30 dresses and 30 skirts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017533 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 04:36:22 +0000 Caro in Oz 1017533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah this is interesting -&nbsp;I've been trying to work out my sweet spot for types of clothing this winter. How many, of each type, do I need for my life &amp; my once a week wash (just the two of us too)?</p> <p>I felt I was driving myself crazy with where to start so I just made a guess -&nbsp;if I wear it everyday like underwear or&nbsp;most days like jeans or pants then I need seven &amp; a couple of spares for accidents (read me spilling stuff on myself). This seems to work well for bottoms but not so well for tops. </p> <p>The layering for winter means I need more tops. I also realised I don't like knits in the way I love jackets so I need jackets for going out but something more relaxed for round the house. I can't say I'm there yet but there has been more trial &amp; less error than in previous years &amp; I'm learning about the kinds of clothing I really like to wear. Also&nbsp;if I wear something &amp; don't feel great at the end of the &nbsp;day it goes in the donate pile.</p> <p>The really interesting &amp; unexpected bonus in all this (for me) has been to realise how few clothes I'm happy with &amp; how I can not only minimise the amount of clothing but also the types of clothing I buy. I don't mind wearing the same two or three&nbsp;pairs of jeans as long as they look &amp; feel great but&nbsp;I do like more variety in my top layers &amp; my footwear. As Angie (wisely) says it is a process &amp; remember to have fun </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017532 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 04:11:40 +0000 Anonymous 1017532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've thought a lot about this too, like how many weeks and how often I would wear something, etc. The monkey wrench in any plan I try to make is our fickle Heartland weather. One winter it's below zero F for a couple of weeks, but dry and I don't have enough warm sweaters and heavy pants and boots for warmth. I buy more but the next two winters are mild, one dry and one with more snow than I've ever seen here. This means the woollies are too warm and not worn, and boots that can take the snow get used while suede stays home. This year may mean deep cold or mild, wet or dry...who can say? I don't dare purge what isn't worn if it is still in style because it may be exactly what I need the next year. Frustration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017526 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 03:57:31 +0000 Day Vies 1017526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I love it I buy it. There have been too many times I have walked past an item thinking oh I don't really like it<i> that</i> much -- only to be haunted by said item for the next several years looking for something similar. I do consider whether I already have something similar. I usually don't find myself wanting impractical clothes (ball gown, super sparkly evening gowns etc.) I usually have problems with answering the question do I really need another ______ coat, pencil skirt, scarf, pump, tall boot, watch, suit. When its for work it's hard for me to say no. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017518 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 03:48:16 +0000 annagybe 1017518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should clarify. I wear hospital issued scrubs for 40+ hours a week. So I really don't have a lot of free time to wear real clothes. If I tried to wear out my clothes or get a good cost-per-wear, I would be wearing the same things ALL the time. And that would bore me to tears.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is not my goal</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theuniformproject.com/">http://www.theuniformproject.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-wear-influence-your-ideal-wardrobe-size-long-philosophical#post-1017486 Fri, 30 Aug 2013 03:10:37 +0000 Suz 1017486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is exactly where I'm at, too. I think about this issue a lot, in a lazy and not terribly systematic way. If I made a spreadsheet or turned hangers I could possibly have come to some kind of reasonable answers sooner, but for better or worse I seem to approach my closet with some degree of intuitive flailing.&nbsp;</p> <p>So far, it's been really tricky for me to find&nbsp;sweet spot for categories of items. Partly this is because I live in a four season climate and the climate can be different from year to year. So one year I won't need too many hot weather clothes and the next year I will be suffocating. </p> <p>The other issue for me is that (arguably, at least) I juggle even more roles than the average busy woman; I have my day job, which is casual work-at-home wear, I have MOTG wear, but I also have a separate artistic life that involves giving appearances and readings, and teaching gigs, and travel to retreats and conferences,&nbsp;then there are sometimes "events" connected with that, plus events for my paid job, plus regular travel to visit my mother, and other travel with my husband and/ or daughter...anyway, all in all, even though in a broad way most of the clothes I need are "smart casual," I still need quite different kinds of items, and some of those items are just not going to see the same level of wear as others -- yet I still need them.&nbsp;</p> <p>(Er...in other words...what Shevia said.) ;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>But I'm hoping the capsules exercise will help me get a bit more specific about numbers of various types of item. Another issue that is hard for me to identify is the one Lisa named: how often am I comfortable repeating an item? I honestly have no clue. It seems to depend on so many factors.&nbsp; </p>