https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:42:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials/page/2#post-2106061 Sat, 14 Mar 2020 13:40:57 +0000 Roberta 2106061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go for it! But I suggest you alternate them regularly, so they won't start to look different, if you know what I mean. I have no IDENTICAL duplicates in my closet, but I do have a pair of boots in two different colors because I had the same experience with them as you describe here. And five years ago I bought a pair of Talbot's velvet jeans in 4 colors, because they were just that good (and they were on sale). And I just bought another TWO pairs of Loft cords because they were marked down to $10!! So yeah, color me a duplicator. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials/page/2#post-2106060 Sat, 14 Mar 2020 13:05:18 +0000 Helena 2106060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread! I like Rachy's guidance of stopping at two. For these jeans I don't know if I would duplicate unless I could get a different wash ... As I don't wash jeans very often. But this depends on your usual laundry cycle. I like the suggestion you got to test drive these for a while first. But I don't think two pairs of a great fitting jean is excessive.</p> <p>For myself, I think I tend to dupe too much ... Even my BR magic sweater, I got three and tend to wear only two. I think one alternate of a perfect piece is my magic number! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials/page/2#post-2106058 Sat, 14 Mar 2020 12:39:57 +0000 nemosmom 2106058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni - I share the same concern: the more you wear one thing, the less you wear something else. Splitting wears is on my mind, as is having a bloated (for me) closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2106008 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:59:18 +0000 Jenni NZ 2106008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate seldom, but when I do it’s generally in different colours. My absolute fave winter snakeskin pants were in olive at full price, then the next year I saw them in both olive and ink on major sale in my size. Have never regretted. The first olive ones got tired, the 2 new pairs have had 45 and 49 wears each. Cropped summer pants in black and navy also many wears.<br /> I duplicated a different colour of a favourite scoop neck top years later, and actually bought two because there was a deal. That was unnecessary but since they are an essential and a fave I figure the second one will be pressed into service eventually. Maybe it was a waste but the cost of two was only 1.5 times the price of 1... I got sucked in.<br /> To me because of a big wardrobe, the more of one thing the less you wear something else, doh... so I don’t know what to suggest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105906 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:25:50 +0000 smittie 2105906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a new rule for myself not to duplicate anything, not even in different washes or colours. The subtle difference from one thing to the next makes me fell like I have a larger, more versatile wardrobe.<br />In the past, I've duplicated almost everything. Looking back, I just don't think it was necessary. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105871 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 12:45:18 +0000 nemosmom 2105871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone for your input! I am hard on jeans (laundry and wear) and have overbought in the past, often stalking and hoarding favorite pairs from ebay.&nbsp; </p> <p>This cut and length is only available in the wash shown.&nbsp; I tried them with various tops last night and the wash and rise looks good with what I have.&nbsp; I will try to go through shoes today to make sure I don't have any weird issues there.&nbsp; I think I may be able to justify a second pair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105844 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:53:56 +0000 Staysfit 2105844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The number 1 item I duplicate is jeans. &nbsp;As many forum members know, I have a history of buying the same style and color of jeans in an embarrassing number of multiples.....more than four......more than five....(continues whispering the count so no one can hear...)</p> <p>I wear jeans almost every day, and I am tall, have a high rise and muscular legs so it’s hard to find a good fit. So, when I find a winner, I hit the repeat button! &nbsp;:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105801 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:12:50 +0000 LaPed 2105801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never regretted duplicating jeans. When they fit, they fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105787 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 22:15:18 +0000 Angie 2105787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DUPLICATE NOW.&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes, I am shouting </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105782 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:44:03 +0000 Brooklyn 2105782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have duplicated jeans because I hate shopping for them, wear them all the time and always have too few of them. Which leads to laundry troubles. If I found a pair I absolutely loved, I would be tempted to duplicate. I do the same with 100% cotton tees if I find a great one because I go through them like crazy in summer. Could you get a different wash? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105779 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:18:04 +0000 Liz 2105779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I've had to learn the hard way not to duplicate UNLESS I literally don't have enough of the item. It's pretty rare that something wears out quickly and I have to turn to the backup. Usually by the time it wears out, I'm over the first flush of "it's perfect!!!!!!" <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Caveat ... I wear jeans nearly every day and only have 4 pairs. So I could probably use another pair to help round things out. If that's you, too, then duplication might be good. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105776 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:12:19 +0000 rachylou 2105776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will say I have about ten black turtle necks from my corporate days... but mind, I do laundry once a month. Back then it helped, now I have way way wayyyyyy too many black turtlenecks!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105766 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:20:46 +0000 Bennett 2105766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only duplicate if the item is available in another color or wash I like, and even that is after a lot of thought and sitting on my hands for a long time. Never the exact same item. Chances are good my head will be turned when a new silhouette rounds the corner.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105765 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:15:08 +0000 Anonymous 2105765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Serial Duplicator raises hand. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105758 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:37:18 +0000 avicennia 2105758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wanted to add that you never know when you might get a stain, tear, scratch or scuff on a favorite item. Convenience is a the reason why I duplicate pants, jeans and T-shirts, but wear and tear is the reason I duplicate shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105757 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:33:17 +0000 avicennia 2105757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a serial duplicator. I duplicate my favorite work pants, jeans and T-shirts so I don’t have laundry and dry cleaning bottlenecks. I just duplicated my favorite block heel pumps. I say duplicate the HEWI jeans! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105753 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:20:07 +0000 Sal 2105753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not usually a duplicator- I don’t own any direct duplicates now but I do have a few similar pieces - a black tank and black tee, a navy tee and a navy almost tee, two pairs of mid wash Jeans.</p> <p>I have duplicated with shorts in the past which was a good call ( brown and black). I would hold off a short period and see how they wear and how you feel about them.</p> <p>They do look like a great pair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105749 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:11:34 +0000 Barbara Diane 2105749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely buy multiples. But I only own one rarely worn pair of jeans and one similarly worn pair of jean shorts so I’m not the best one to advise you. I have triplicated shoes (usually different colors, once 2 of one and 1 of another) and wish I had bought more because I still want and need them although the very last pair wore out. I have 4 pairs of the same pants, 3 black and one navy, but they are ponte knit and show wear fairly quickly. I also duplicated “The Perfect Dress” but after many years it is still going strong, so that might be my only duplication mistake. Although it is such a classic it won’t go out of style.<br /> I am not a very trendy dresser, so I rarely worry about something going out of style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105747 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:08:24 +0000 Anonymous 2105747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Suz I duplicated booties (Sam Edelman Petty) in 4 different colors and all see regular use. I found the first pair comfortable and met my needs for daily winter footwear. I am most likely to duplicate footwear.<br /> When new to YLF I duplicated the same basic turtleneck, mostly in different colors, but 2 in black. I found that some colors were worn all the time, some hardly ever because they were not good colors on me and did not go well with the rest of my wardrobe for that season.<br /> I also bought the Halogen pencil skirt several years ago in several colors. Some got more wear than others. If you duplicate other colors, think long and hard if you like them and will wear them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105744 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:46:18 +0000 Star (Lise) 2105744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Considering these jeans are high quality and will last I would not duplicate them if only the same color wash is available.&nbsp; The one day they go into the laundry you will want a break from them, and they are definitely going to last.&nbsp; I really cannot see any point, unless another color wash becomes available.&nbsp; I was considering duplicating a teddy bear jacket this winter in cognac and red and my husband talked me out of it, and I am so glad he did.&nbsp; I only got the cognac and it really goes with everything and there is absolutely no need for the red.&nbsp; Sometimes I get excited when I love something and want to duplicate but usually it turns out not to be necessary.&nbsp; Same with some heart shaped earring studs I purchased in summer, I got red, was thinking about another pair in another color, and now in winter these studs have also been worn with nearly everything and a second color is just not necessary.&nbsp; But I am trying to practice Less is More recently, so this way seems to be working for me right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105722 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:18:21 +0000 RobinF 2105722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to not be a duplicator although I do a little bit for essentials in different colors and even then I find myself not wanting to wear them two days in a row or too often.&nbsp; Also with jeans I think the wider leg is new enough that it's hard to tell how long it will be on trend - around here I don't really see it at all. But only you could say if it makes sense for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105710 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:33:14 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2105710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally wouldn't duplicate jeans in the same wash/shade,&nbsp;especially these which are 'real' denim and shouldn't wear out quickly, unless I got a mega-deal. I'd consider it&nbsp;in a different wash.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105709 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:24:06 +0000 Carla 2105709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my 30’s and 40’s I duplicated or more at first purchase (as many as 4 pair!) of IDENTICAL jeans that were ‘my perfect jeans’ - first a Wrangler jean, then a Levi jean (505). &nbsp;In my 50’s it was the Denver Hayes Hanna Highrise jean - but different leg silhouette and colours. &nbsp;When I wanted to replace those perfect-for-me jeans, the style was available for a period of time, so direct replacement was possible. &nbsp;I mostly went ‘off’ the jean when either the fit or fabrication no longer worked (MY changing body, THEIR changing fabrication (addition of stretchy synthetics). &nbsp;Currently I find CK jeans a good fit, so I have duplicates - but different colour ways - purchased at different times. &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>When I was a MOTG my jeans needed more frequent laundering because of my activities. &nbsp;As a ROTG I can wear my garments longer between laundering. &nbsp;Only heavy duty gardening results in one day of wear before laundry. &nbsp;These days I duplicate (essentials) but in different colour ways. &nbsp;Since you are a MOTG, and have referenced some kid oriented activities as part of your routine, I would suspect your laundry churns at a rate that would suggest duplicates of a ‘perfect’ item would be wise.</p> <p>Even with a small closet, I have a surprising amount of duplicates! </p> <p>CK jeans - dark wash, white<br />shorts - olive, navy<br />Boden striped T - (3) multi, black and white, navy and white<br />DH striped T - yellow and white, red and wine<br />Converse sneakers - red, black<br />Parkhurst beret - red, black<br />Evening clutch - silver, gold</p> <p> </div><div>I do have multiples of identical underwear - bras, panties, socks, as well as gym kit - leggings, sports bras, tank tops.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105707 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:05:46 +0000 notsaf 2105707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes yes yes. I duplicate exact copies and duplicate in different colorways. I think Rachy's is a good rule of thumb. I might also wait to run those jeans through their paces (multiple wears, multiple washes) before committing to a second pair. And if you want a darker wash, Madewell often releases multiple washes, though I think the light wash is cool right now and great for spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105705 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:54:23 +0000 Gretchen 2105705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to duplicating same style in a different wash. I just did that w the Paige transcends. And I do frequently with tops. I tend to find its better to duplicate once I’ve proven that that item is turning into a workhorse, not just that I’m in love right now.</p> <p>If you are going to buy the exact same style and wash, I’d suggest you think about how long you typically wear jeans ....will these wear out quickly enough to need replacement? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105703 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:50:34 +0000 Mirjana 2105703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes duplicate, for example now straight leg jeans, blue and white, as they are very comfortable to me. Also I duplicated Zara light sweater, but different colors, why not ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105700 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:44:37 +0000 Suz 2105700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It depends. Will you run into laundry bottlenecks if you don't duplicate? Then duplicate. If you won't, and enjoy some variety in your jeans capsule, then don't.&nbsp;</p> <p>If your purpose is to "hold" the second pair until the first one is no longer functional -- I'd say no, for jeans. Because jeans are long wearing and durable (as opposed, say, to a delicate knit top). But then, I like to change my jeans up with the trends -- not always immediately and sometimes the changes are subtle, but I do like to refresh the capsule every year or two years at most, meaning that duplication can be unnecessary there.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having said that...I *do* duplicate other items. I even have <b>four </b>pair of the same bootie! I wear them all. Dupes in different colours is a slightly different thing, of course.&nbsp;</p> <p>Some of my dupes, below. Many are "essentials for me" in my essential neutrals (and sometimes a colour). Others are more statement items. I walk a lot and my footwear gets a lot of wear so what might seem like overkill to some in the shoe area is really not too extreme for me -- when I find a comfortable style that works for my purposes and it comes in several neutrals or colours that add wardrobe value, I will go for it.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105693 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:26:06 +0000 nemosmom 2105693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh Rachy, you might be on to something! Two could indeed be the magic number... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105687 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:17:06 +0000 Anonymous 2105687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Serial duplicator (some exact some different colors) says yes, though would suggest in another wash for the second if possible.<br /> Holy Cow, I duplicate a lot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplicating-essentials#post-2105683 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 13:45:38 +0000 rachylou 2105683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate but have stopped triplicating... two is the magic number for me. I’ve found that I will indeed want change by the time the second one goes... </p>