https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:25:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar/page/2#post-1937001 Sat, 14 Jul 2018 23:55:51 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1937001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I notice that you say you have duplicates of two black tops. For me, two black tops would count as duplicates already. </p> <p> Btw, did you ever get that dark floral sundress from Sundance? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar/page/2#post-1917714 Wed, 09 May 2018 13:48:29 +0000 Beth Ann 1917714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The short answer for me is that I'd intentionally duplicate more often if I had room in the budget!&nbsp; The reality is that I have a lot of "similar" items, which seems to work for the most part.&nbsp; For example, I have three pairs of black ankle pants:&nbsp; 1. the Halogen crop flare ponte.&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; WHBM tapered ponte (excellent fabric)&nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Polished athleisure pants with lots of stretch, and zippers at the ankles.&nbsp; I'm very picky about silhouette, so I wear all three slightly differently.</p> <p>I also buy similar but different striped tees, and black shells/layering tops.&nbsp; This is well and good -- different lengths and necklines allow me to go for my perfect proportion, and keep laundry issues minimal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>However...... I'm stuck in a silhouette that bores me.&nbsp; It's more related to buying what I can find that is conventionally flattering and affordable and practical than it is what I love.&nbsp; Float cardis --- I'm talking about YOU!&nbsp; Fortunately, kimonos are coming to the rescue for summer!&nbsp; I have two at the moment, and one long boho tunic/vest topper.&nbsp; I'd buy a third, if the right one presents itself, but they won't be exact duplicates.&nbsp; Several similar items can boost the variety in my wardrobe, and that's important, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar/page/2#post-1917601 Wed, 09 May 2018 03:54:03 +0000 Gigi 1917601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't duplicate very often because I get bored easily. I am on Team Silhouette, and I generally like my items to be distinctive in design. When I do duplicate, I usually do one item in a light color and one in a dark color. The duplicates I have in my closet that have worked well:</p> <p>. Two pairs of Steve Madden stilettos, one nude and one black.<br />. Two white V-neck tees from J. Crew. I bought the second one because the first one was wearing out after heavy wear.<br />. Two Nic and Zoe lightweight cardigans, which are great for layering and work for dressy as well as casual outfits. I even bought a second copy of the white colorway because the white one was wearing out. These are workhorses.</p> <p>Duplicates that did not work out well:</p> <p>. Two pairs of wedge sandals, one in light brown and one in black. The black ones read too dressy for most of my outfits and did not get worn.<br />. Two short-sleeve Anthro tees, one in black and one in dark turquoise. I tired of the design soon after buying them, and the colors were too similar to each other in that both were very dark. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar/page/2#post-1917506 Tue, 08 May 2018 20:06:53 +0000 The Cat 1917506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I often duplicate underwear, nightwear, hosiery and reading glasses in same and different colours.</p> <p>When I find other items in styles and qualities that I love, I like to duplicate them ( if I can afford it), always in different colours. Here are some items that are duplicated in different colours:<br /> ● 2 skirts - taupe and silver grey<br /> ● 3 jeans - blue, grey and black<br /> ● 2 capri pants - white and black<br /> ● 2 shorts - turquoise and white<br /> ● 3 rib knit crewneck pullovers - light blue, light grey and black<br /> ● 3 cable knit crewneck pullovers - pink, white and grey<br /> ● 2 sleeveless Breton pullovers - white &amp; red and black &amp; white<br /> ● 2 polkadot tees - dark blue &amp; white and white &amp; black<br /> ● 3 solid tees - hot pink, grey and black<br /> ● 2 shortsleeved crocheted tops - light blue and white<br /> ● 2 suede ballet flats - purple and turquoise<br /> ● 3 sunglasses - turquoise, white &amp; black, and grey<br /> ● 4 knit berets - pink, purple, blue and grey<br /> ● 2 long crocheted scarves - magenta and green<br /> ● 4 pashmina style shawls - cobalt blue, mint, turquoise and offwhite<br /> ● 2 long cardigans - offwhite and light grey<br /> ● 2 long kimonos - blue and grey<br /> ● 2 braided belts - purple and turquoise<br /> ● 2 medium sized shoulder bags - dark blue and medium grey </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar/page/2#post-1917388 Tue, 08 May 2018 12:04:36 +0000 cindysmith 1917388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to be a haphazard duplicator. I'd buy something I liked and then I'd keep looking for more things like it because I liked it so much, which always wound up being problematic.</p> <p>These days, I've become far more aware of what I'm buying and why. Now, when i duplicate something, it's because i love it so much that I would like a version of it for work that I won't cry over when my job destroys it. I've had to start keeping two distinct and separate wardrobes, because I was sick of losing favorite garments to stains and rips at work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar/page/2#post-1917310 Tue, 08 May 2018 03:35:06 +0000 Jenni NZ 1917310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I mainly duplicate types of items, and generally essentials in plain colours so that I have options to show my statement shoes, tops, jackets against. Also I have intentionally duplicated my favourite undies( sadly no longer available but I had many pairs so some surviving) and most comfortable bras so that I have the same bra in black, white and grey.<br /> I have 2 very similar but not the same black scoop-neck 3/4 sleeve Ts ( pic 1) and intend to take them with me when replacing as the depth of the scoop is very important flattery-wise.<br /> With different colours, one is usually worn more, but interestingly pic 2 merino tops both 16 wears. Pic 3 the merino/acrylic pinafore tunics black has 22 wears and grey only 12 wears. I was buying the grey and suddenly bought black as well due to a discount for 2. Would not have predicted such differing wears. But they are slightly different, I like black's decorative zips.<br /> I have recently duplicated exactly my favourite soft black jacket with 108 wears on sale( pic 4) because I have worn it so much I don't know how I will manage when it wears out! I'm storing the duplicate for now.<br /> Oh and yes, in March 2017 ( our early autumn) I bought 2 colours of cropped summer pants. Black have had 42 wears and navy 35 wears.<br /> I think often I don't know when I buy something how much of a workhorse it will be? I didn't know with the black jacket, but I suspected because its predecessor, a soft merino jacket, died: it was worn out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917301 Tue, 08 May 2018 02:48:41 +0000 Jaime 1917301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have duplicated the cross over top that was my summer tee for a number of years already. I am moving slightly away from them now, but they still hang in my closet (and have withstood washing brilliantly). I have a lot of near duplicates of jeans, and if I ever find the perfect affordable pair, will absolutely duplicate. A lot of my wardrobe is second hand and I cannot duplicate but I am sure I would if I could in some cases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917288 Tue, 08 May 2018 02:07:34 +0000 Bonnie 1917288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've duplicated in another color some of my tees and jeans and even sneakers. If something works for me then I think it's a good strategy. I seem to wear both colors equally. Below are some duplicates that are in my wardrobe. They are Essentials, I have never duplicated a Statement item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917285 Tue, 08 May 2018 01:55:40 +0000 Suz 1917285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And maybe you can make a scarf with that extra fabric and have a unique "twinset." I had a scarf and blouse in the same pattern at one point and really enjoyed this combo.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917284 Tue, 08 May 2018 01:39:09 +0000 Jenn 1917284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love hearing everyone's very different strategies! I'm going to embrace <b>Sal's</b>&nbsp;"the power of one" in my future shopping, and keep <b>Angie's</b> "Team CAREFUL Duplication" in mind.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I think I might have that second tunic dress shortened into a blouse to fill a different wardrobe niche! I already wear it that way much of the time, and it would be nice to have the extra fabric gone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917276 Tue, 08 May 2018 01:04:22 +0000 binkle 1917276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No matter how I spin it to myself, duplication (for me) ends up being an excuse to buy more for the sake of buying. Of course it took over 40 years to learn this. I can find an excuse to buy anything, sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917260 Mon, 07 May 2018 23:17:59 +0000 Angie 1917260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate A LOT. But very carefully. I duplicate items that create my signature style. I have 5 citron toppers, two real white chunky pearl necklaces, many pairs of white shoes, 6 pairs of white jeans....and so it goes.</p> <p>I duplicate exactly THE SAME wardrobe essentials so as not to bottle neck in the laundry. Same colour. </p> <p><b>Jenn</b>, I’m with you. Team CAREFUL Duplication. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917256 Mon, 07 May 2018 23:07:02 +0000 Carla 1917256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For a small wardrobe, I have a lot of duplicates - but I don't regret any of them! I think they could all be considered wardrobe essentials and key to my long term style. The colour scheme is restricted with good mix and matchability.</p> <p>#1 - elbow length T shirts (3 black, 2 grey)<br /> #2 - turtleneck sweater - turtleneck sweaters are integral to my style. When I find a good one I get it in black, blue, and grey. Alas, when my last set wore out I went a year before finding replacements - and only in blue and black. They have one more year in them so I am already looking for replacements!<br /> #3 - stripped T's (I collect them!)<br /> #4- white toe sneaks (these 3 shoes with special inserts are my most comfy shoes and in high rotation)<br /> #5 - new lace tank tops - already in high rotation<br /> #6 - I have 5 pair of my favourite cut of jeans in black, blue, and white. (Just learned the cut has been discontinued.)<br /> #7 - recent purchase of shorts duplicated in navy and olive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917231 Mon, 07 May 2018 22:14:21 +0000 Lynn 1917231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion. <br />The only garments I duplicate are pants and shoes. <br />In fall/winter I pretty much wear the same black slim yoga pants daily when @ home so I have 4 pairs.&nbsp;When I was working and I found a pair of pants that fit well I would buy &nbsp;them in multiple neutrals. &nbsp;Now I duplicate jeans in black, grey, and denim when I find the perfect pair.&nbsp;</p> <p>I will also buy back up pairs of shoes once I determine they are a workhorse shoe for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917221 Mon, 07 May 2018 21:51:54 +0000 Sal 1917221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In thinking about this I agree with BrieN</p> <p><i>BUT I am almost always ready for a different version by the time I pull out the backup. <br /></i></p> <p>I sort of update things that are similar but not the same...</p> <p>I used to have a black and white striped knit sheath dress, that was passed on and I updated with a black and white striped shift dress.</p> <p>I have a winter black ponte knit dress that is two years old and in autumn I added a trans seasonal black knit midi dress with a frill at the bottom.</p> <p>Three years ago I added blue skinnies, two years ago I added blue mid rise straight jeans (no stretch) and last year I added blue high rise straight jeans (some stretch).&nbsp; I have all three pairs still so they are different but similar.</p> <p>I have certain essentials that I replace but in a slightly tweaked version.&nbsp; This works well for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917219 Mon, 07 May 2018 21:51:06 +0000 Anonymous 1917219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Guilty as charged on several levels with absolutely no apologies!<br /> When I find a great silhouette ( and especially if it is a great price) I will pick the item up in different colors so long as they are colors in my limited palette. My rationale is that if it works go for it while you can because lean times can be very long.<br /> On things that I wear often ( basics) I will get duplicates to ease laundry situation or to expand wardrobe options during week. Like when working I had several white blouses/ black or navy slacks for their versatility.<br /> Sometimes if I really Love an item, I will buy duplicate and put it “away” because I know if I love it that much- sure as the sun comes up in the morning- I will dump food or juice or get a bleeding paper cut that will irreparably stain it. I love having a fashion insurance policy.<br /> I don’t worry about costs per wear because my wardrobe is not that big that things get lost. Even duplicates.<br /> Because we plow through runners like nobody’s business, DH and I have a “ stash” of them waiting in wings at all times.<br /> Great post JENN </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917213 Mon, 07 May 2018 21:38:00 +0000 Staysfit 1917213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Duplicator may not be the right word to describe what I have done with jeans. Perhaps a better term is replicator! I recently cleared out my closet, and managed to eliminate eight identical pairs of J Crew mid rise straight leg jeans. I much prefer a high rise. These identical jeans are holdovers from my previous bad shopping habits. I have now learned that mixing silhouettes, brands, styles, colors, and washes, makes my wardrobe more interesting. I have no more exact duplicates of my jeans.</p> <p>I duplicate some basic wardrobe items like white tank tops and tees. I wear them frequently enough that I need more than one or two to make it until I can do laundry again. I also buy my sports bras, running sneakers, and my undies in multiples. These are items that get used regularly and I have strong design preferences. When I find my favorites on sale, I purchase them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917206 Mon, 07 May 2018 21:17:34 +0000 BrieN 1917206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate exact items when I think their departure would leave a gaping hole in my wardrobe BUT I am almost always ready for a different version by the time I pull out the backup. Then again the amount of time it takes me to find the new version replacement is typically pretty long... It all works in the end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917200 Mon, 07 May 2018 20:44:37 +0000 DonnaF 1917200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to avoid duplication other than in underwear and gear. That being said, I just duplicated the long cardigan below and considered duplicating the very comfy Angie Pick sandals. But my feet run cold so I really need to limit how many pairs of sandals I own, so at most I will order the silver cream ones.</p> <p>I confess that I have also duplicated jewelry and Ts in different colors. I will most definitely re-order the same exact 1901 white crops if my size ever comes back in stock -- and I NEVER buy the same exact fashion (non-underwear) item, but these fit me so well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917197 Mon, 07 May 2018 20:42:57 +0000 Sal 1917197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a similar approach to you Jenn - occasionally but not often a duplicator outside basics like socks and underwear. I do have two pairs of jeans exactly the same (silly discount scheme where first pair cost $90 and second pair $9) and I have two print kimono in completely different patterns and colours but if a similar cut. The jeans was a good idea - the kimono was too but it was only worn 5-6 times this summer- not a lot really. </p> <p>i don't have a lot of laundry hold ups because I have a machine, a clothes line, a clothes horse (portable drying rack) and a dryer plus a mild climate. I also do laundry every day with four in the house. So this is not a reason for duplication.</p> <p>I do believe in the power of one - one great pair of tall boots for example- and I don't do placeholders. I have room to improve though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917187 Mon, 07 May 2018 20:18:03 +0000 Greyscale 1917187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost always regret duplicating. The exceptions are a bunch of identical tees from a few years ago, and a blazer I really replaced rather than duplicated (the original got a moth hole and other signs of wear). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917168 Mon, 07 May 2018 19:14:56 +0000 Style Fan 1917168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate essentials.&nbsp; I might decide to get the duplicate in the same colour (usually when the original is cream) or a different colour.&nbsp; So far I have done this with T-shirts and it has worked out well.<br />I bought 2 Caslon Ivory T-Shirts, 4 Three Dots T-Shirts (Olive, Cream, Ivory, Brown) and 3 Marks T-Shirts (2 Brown and 1 Orange).<br />I have thought about doing it with jeans because finding jeans that fit and that I like is equivalent to some kind of torture.&nbsp; But then there is the cost of jeans........ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917160 Mon, 07 May 2018 18:29:13 +0000 SarahD8 1917160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rarely duplicate the exact item in the same color (aside from, you know, underpants).</p> <p>But duplicating an exact item in different colors/prints is a different story. I bat for Team Color and am very picky about silhouette/cut so once I find a specific item that works buying the same thing in a different color is a really good strategy for me. I wish I could do more of it in fact!&nbsp;</p> <p>The kind of duplication that tends to be less successful for me is a kind of vaguer "functional" duplication. Where I say to myself, "I'm wearing X a lot, I should buy more of those." I think this is the sort of category duplication that you are talking about in your most recent post in this thread, <b>Jenn</b>. Often this results in accumulating items that I don't wear as much as the first avatar of the category, either because (1) the silhouette/cut of the later items is not as good as the first, or (2) I haven't really thought through what additional color I want to expand to or how I am going to wear the addition -- so I get something that fits the category, but doesn't actually mix that well with other items in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917157 Mon, 07 May 2018 18:18:30 +0000 LaPed 1917157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 3 pairs of Levi's 501s, not counting the ones I've turned into cut-offs. All different washes, and they all fit a little differently because they are all different ages. I have some other pants I've duped too. When I find a pant that fits really well, I can usually wear it in two sizes, and I like having some sized-up pairs for the winter when I layer over long johns.&nbsp;</p> <p>Most of the other things I duplicate are basics, like bras and socks, or very straightforward essentials. I have a three Uniqlo Supima tanks because I wear them on their own in the summer and as a layer the rest of the year.&nbsp;</p> <p>I ought to get in the habit of duplicating running shoes, because my current favourite has been redesigned and I prefer the older version. But having multiple pairs of $$$ shoes just lying around going unworn is a hard thing to wrap my mind around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917150 Mon, 07 May 2018 18:02:41 +0000 Jenn 1917150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sterling,&nbsp;</b>that's the trick, isn't it? Some of my duplicates have worked very well for me. I also duplicate sleepwear and basics exactly. Where I run into trouble is when I go overboard on filling a specific wardrobe slot like "boyfriend jeans" or ""warm cardigan" or "long-sleeve t-shirt." That kind of duplication doesn't work for me, and is a matter of awareness and honesty with myself about my real needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917143 Mon, 07 May 2018 17:50:56 +0000 anchie 1917143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate essentials and very simple items like tees and layering sweaters. I just received today this sweater which comes in many colors and I am thinking of duplicating in white.<br /> I also have a backup pair of my favorite pumps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917141 Mon, 07 May 2018 17:48:35 +0000 Suz 1917141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate basics (undies, pjs, gear) in same and different colours.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have some duplicate tops in different colours -- &nbsp;these are wardrobe essentials for me. Boatneck mariner in mid-weight -- worn as a top in spring and a sweater (layering piece/ topper) in summer. The modal tees go under jackets in fall/ winter/ early spring. The linen boatneck tees can be layered over or under and worn with scarves, jackets, or alone.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have duplicated footwear to have a pair in reserve.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't think I'd duplicate anything that is not an essential.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917136 Mon, 07 May 2018 17:33:41 +0000 Anonymous 1917136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let me emphasize duplication can be a good thing, but there are limits.&nbsp; I am researching <u>my</u> limits and setting buying parameters.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917127 Mon, 07 May 2018 17:09:20 +0000 Daisy Avalin 1917127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I duplicate most in plain long-sleeve and short sleeve tees, tanks or zip-up hoodies - generally same style different colours, on the basis that since the style looks good on me, I'll reach for them more often therefore more colours is always good! I also will buy a couple of pairs of jeans in each style/wash I like, because drying clothes in Britain can be a bit dicey even in summer so having a 'spare' pair is always useful!<br />In terms of duplicating same style/same colour, I do this every time I buy black long/short-sleeved tees, which I wear under my black polo shirt for work (as a night cashier, I do a lot of stocking/moving stock cages/cleaning, so I can overheat quite quickly even in winter. With a tee under my polo, I can take the polo off and still look professional!). I also have several duplicated black hoodies, specifically for wearing to/from work and if it gets chilly at work - again to keep with the uniform colour/professional look. &nbsp;ETA: I also duplicate black work trousers/work shoes, again with a style that works, having spares is always a good idea. Last week, somebody spilled beer, and it went all over my shoes/hems - so stinky, and I was so glad I had spares while I washed the dirty ones!</p> <p>I do duplicate some of my shoes/boots - again if the style works for me I'll get them in black and brown (or another colour) so I have variation for different colours of bottoms. </p> <p>ETA2: Gigi's thread on non-nude bras under white tops reminded me that I tend to duplicate black bras to be worn mainly for work, as some of the tees I wear are thin enough (tissue tees?) that a white bra can be glimpsed through it!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/duplication-both-exact-and-similar#post-1917118 Mon, 07 May 2018 16:56:37 +0000 Barbara Diane 1917118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the past my biggest duplicates were shoes. Sometimes in the same color and sometimes in different colors. Except for the dressy sandals I wore them til they wore out and to this day wish I had more.</p> <p>I found a faux wrap dress years ago that I duplicated exactly. Turns out it was very well made and I still wear them both. I have no idea which was the original and which the duplicate. I also duplicate tanks. </p>