YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fewer and better.What does it really mean?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fewer and better.What does it really mean? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:36:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Isabel on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299796 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 02:25:46 +0000 Isabel 2299796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  I started a different convo on this topic of "better" .....FYI.  : ) <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-vs-qualitysome-thoughts-on-better">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-on-better</a> gryffin on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299458 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 21:48:41 +0000 gryffin 2299458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa - I'm sorry if this is redundant because I did not have time to read all the replies.  To me that phrase is a caution about buying the piece you really want.  Sad story, maybe early 30's, zero money as I'm a resident, I saw an amazing designer (I can't remember who very trendy 90's brand) green varsity type jacket and I think it was $300.  I really loved that jacket but I did not buy it.  Instead I hunted for something less spendy, bought the practical piece, hated every minute of wear.  The less price didn't make it a bargain.  Had I bought the spendy jacket I would have felt amazing in it, gotten my cost/wear and since I'd over spent I would have been willing to do without any more shopping until I was back on budget.  For me, I use that phrase to caution about settling.  I really like VB blazers, they fit me well, jackets do almost all my heavy style lilfting, I already have compatible dickies and I wear a blazer to work every day.  I don't buy them at full price - I wait for sales, poshmark and ebay NWT's.  So I'm buying fewer pieces, at a pricepoint I can afford, but that work with my lifestyle and wardrobe.  Same with spendy jeans - I wear jeans on the weekend.  I have the madewell 9" but the rest are paige or COH - but they fit me perfectly and most, on the wear, are under $5.  So it's about buying what I can afford but being more attentive to how I feel - tactile (the jenni kayne cashmere fisherman - amazing), fit (my vb scuba jacket and pants - workhorses and perfect), my theory lugsole knee boots (so comfy and too cool for school) - it's enjoying things so much they will stay a long, long time earning their keep in utility and pleasure. carlad on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299325 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 10:25:38 +0000 carlad 2299325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would love to have better clothes and buy fewer. I buy from fast fashion stores so, these clothes are so poor quality that after I wash them, they look like rags. Then I have to go and make the effort of selecting and buying more. I need a list of good quality and nonexpensive stores. unfrumped on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299316 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 05:14:11 +0000 unfrumped 2299316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LJP, I would agree with you except that the idea is more to get just one black cashmere sweater- assuming that all 3 older ones are similar is style or proportions concept and you only need one at any given time - (it’s different if you have 3 sweaters practically alike but what you really need is one that works with a certain type of bottoms and another for different proportions. Anyhoo the main idea is you would get a really good quality replacement and try to stick with “ the power of one” but you should be picky about fit, the right length, the cashmere appears good quality, based on whatever info you have, you feel fab in it. So there isn’t a requirement that it HAS to cost more ( I’m leaving out inflation, because all price points are inflating) , but it’s that if you find one that seems to tick the boxes, and especially maybe having looked around some and know that certain other ones don’t measure up, then you buy the one that is a good value for your wardrobe, one & done. So it’s quite likely that it will cost “more” in comparison with all the cashmere out there, but you still would likely have a price limit ( I mean, for every type of clothing there are brands that sell a version costing literally thousands, even T shirts !). But you could find one not crazy expensive that truly is good enough, even though there are always ones that cost more. I think you made an important point earlier, which is that it can be quite time consuming to research, browse, shop, try on, rinse and repeat for each of dozens of different items in even a small wardrobe. Plus my gripe that things don’t stay the same— you often can’t just go back to the same well and know you’ll get good quality. Or the same fit. So I feel like I start the search all over when replacing something. Gets back to Angie’s PPP, which does not include Perfect. slim cat on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299307 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 04:01:28 +0000 slim cat 2299307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @LJP - regarding the black cashmere sweaters - I'd imagine one as more $$ in some very interesting design and more famous brand name, and one - fairly classical and suitable as "black canvas" item that works with many other pieces taking backseat in overall look. So - 2 black cashmere sweaters in and 3 older ones out ( getting one instead of 3 older ones maybe limiting - just saying ).  I love reading all responses. Sally on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299302 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 03:30:47 +0000 Sally 2299302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I am more successful with shoes than other clothes items as I have really fussy feet and I"m on my feet a lot during the day.  I tend to spend more on shoes (but not an excessive amount)deciding on a style and usually only buy one pair during the warm season and another pair during the cold season, and rely on one or two pairs to get me through the season.  I would like to be like that with my other clothes, but haven't got there yet. I notice when I take the time to research items and don't panic shop, I am better at picking things that are durable in terms of wear.  In saying that, I am someone who can wear the same things everyday and I'm quite happy to do that.  Last year I wore my 2 wool blazers and black wool coat interchangeably all winter and have definitely got value from them.  The wool blazers were from a medium priced chain and the wool coat was thrifted, so not necessarily expensive.  Its mainly when I shop for events or shop in a hurry because I feel I need something quickly (I guess settle) or duplicate, that I think I make mistakes.   Jenni NZ on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299298 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 03:06:15 +0000 Jenni NZ 2299298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In the end for me it is about money and the way to improve for me is just “fewer”. Fewer has tended to gradually lead to better. It has taken patience. Since I had kept track of what I had spent on clothing/shoes since 2011 and regarded it as an “addiction”, I felt the average per year was a lot for stuff that I floundered around with. And patience for the right thing for me has meant I will pay more sometimes- like the olive boots I was looking for for over a year. When they came across me from the expensive shoe store, they were on sale but still $218 which was more than I would have paid when buying more items. And 47 wears over 3 winters since is good going. I no longer have an upper limit specifically but will be thinking very hard about anything over about $200 as I am aware if I make an error it is going to be more expensive. But I’m really trying not to make an error even on something cheaper, for sustainability reasons. I don’t tend to do “have to have” or “now I think I need” items. It’s more organic than that. They’re wants not needs, and they can generally wait. UmmLila (Lisa) on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/3#post-2299252 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:51:35 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2299252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read all these responses and they are so interesting. I find LaPed’s response the closest to what I was composing in my head as I went along. Mine will be quite long … I find the “fewer but better” mantra that one hears on social media to be virtue signaling around buying something expensive. Or, relatedly, to be, as she said, personal mental gymnastics around buying an expensive item. I’m guilty of over-shopping and over-spending for sure (hence my aspirational word of “austere” in a separate post) but I’m not going to pretend I’m saving the planet by hiring a Mongolian eagle hunter to knit me a sweater made of fuzz hand-harvested from her goaties in her spare time. And pretending that will be the ur-black sweater of my life. Let me give you a mental gymnastics example from last year: I was going to go on a well-paid consulting gig for a middle eastern government. While planning for the trip I convinced myself that displaying an expensive bag was a signifier of power and status in that business setting and could help us land more business with the Kuwaiti government. So I got a YSL tote that accommodates my laptop. Then, the friend who asked me to do this consulting job with him died suddenly, a month before our trip. I still have the bag. Now it’s my “Jim” bag. I use it often. I love it but it doesn’t fulfill the purpose for which I convinced myself I needed it. I do my worst shopping when I convince myself I “need” a particular piece of clothing. I spend ages poking around looking for the thing and then settling, often to come across its more perfect version a month after I’ve cut the tags on the item I settled for. And finally, to the brands you’ve mentioned as aspirational: I have some specific commentary. Some of the items in my closet that have had the greatest longevity are Anine Bing. However, I find most of their jeans and pants to have rises that are too high and lengths too long for a person of 5’4”. I’ve tried Toteme also and likewise find it to be too oversized and long for the most part. I like Nili Lotan because I find the brand presents items outside of typical trends. The casual pants run a bit large and some are definitely of a fabric quality that is not at all worth the price. My favorite sweaters and sweatshirts are from NL. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around the sweatshirt prices but they earn their keep. The more formal pants run small and haven’t worked for me. LJP on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299251 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:48:13 +0000 LJP 2299251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz- right . I am doing the same thing with my black pant collection . Suz on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299250 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:38:45 +0000 Suz 2299250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, that makes sense, Lisa. For sure! If they all serve the same purpose and you would like one that is not showing so much wear, go for it!  That goes back to my comment that sometimes it is worth considering "fewer and better" in particular for core essentials of your style (or signature items). If a beautiful but fairly simple (possibly classic) black cashmere sweater is essential to your winter style -- and I can imagine it would be, given your city of residence, your love of black, and your current job -- then of course you should buy one and get rid of the older ones that are not fulfilling their function!  I have an example from my own closet... I currently own 3 pairs of navy pants.  1. Old Kit & Ace -- slim, almost skinny, in a greyed navy. Not current, but very useful to me because a side zip (no bulky front) and they also work brilliantly on my bicycle. I can roll to ankle length, or wear full length. I can wear them casually, or as a dressier pant in certain circumstances.  2. New BR navy pants -- much looser but still a slim fit, very classic.  Ankle length. Can be dressed up or down.  3. BR slim wide leg crops.  They don't all fill the same function...but the crops are worn out (pilling) and the fabric is by no means as nice as the fabric on the other two pair. I'm going to let the last pair go, because when I'm honest with myself, I don't truly need them in light of the other two.  LJP on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299249 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:27:26 +0000 LJP 2299249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m going to pull this back onto the track I had in mind- it took me a bit of reading through all the comments to gather my thoughts . So I have 3 black cashmere sweaters. . ( let’s ignore the pilling issues around cashmere for the moment ) . All three are old , at least 5-6 years , maybe even older , mid price Hudson Bay cashmere , and serve exactly the same purpose . Different styles but one is not better than another . They are showing their age , and as a result don’t get worn much anymore . I probably paid about $100 per sweater back then ( the Bay used to do a fall promo with their house brand cashmere and it was great ! ) - the same sweaters are going for at least $ 169 -$199 Cdn now . I’d like to retire all three and buy a new one . Because in this case variety doesn’t matter . It’s a black sweater intended to act as a backdrop for the rest of the outfit . So according ti the buy better and buy fewer theory , I should invest more $$ and only buy one replacement . Suz on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299248 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 19:58:37 +0000 Suz 2299248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy New Year! I'm enjoying this conversation. It's funny, but after reading the start of this thread last night, I woke up with a really cockeyed inside out version of the mantra in my head: MORE and better!  And I have kept reversing the mantra that way throughout my morning hike and coffee and soup-making. I don't know what that says about me or about the year ahead! Probably something terrifying. ;)  I don't know. My closet is plenty big enough for me -- it is, in fact, too big, and I'm still in the process of figuring out how to let go of some "better" things that I truly loved and still love, but no longer wear. Some blazers, in particular. Sooooo hard for me to let go of those....and maybe I don't have to. I do have storage areas for such things in my current house. I could become a wardrobe maximalist like Blue collar red lipstick and rotate back to those items later on.... But at the same time, the feeling of having clothes that I am not wearing a lot in my closet makes me uncomfortable. What Lesley said resonated for me. A small closet of very current items makes me happy. How can I reconcile these competing feelings?  What Roberta said also resonated for me. "Better" = items I really, really love.   I was also nodding along to everything LaPed said about that phrase often being a euphemism for "more expensive" and/or "morally superior." So who knows? The items I'm willing to spend more on for the details I crave are the items I know are key to my style -- signature or essential or both. This is where I think an honest assessment of lifestyle is key. But even here, I'm not sure "less" is or ought to be a goal for me. As Janet says, I want some variety. That's part of where the fun comes from -- mixing and matching in new ways, and you cannot do that with an extremely tight closet of simple essentials.  We've talked about this before, of course -- some people get variety by keeping a very tight closet of current items and rotating those out frequently. Others get variety by keeping a big closet, wearing specific items less frequently in any given year, but hanging onto  them all (or most of them) for a longer time.  The question is always, which route works best for a given individual? And the answer might change over time, I suppose -- as lifestyle changes, as storage facilities change.... judy on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299246 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 19:38:40 +0000 judy 2299246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It can be a snobby phrase, "buy fewer better things".  Or a fashion mandate that isn't really one that works or feels true for us, and that we can get in our heads about.  To me, it's not about the number of clothes I own (minimalist vs maximalist), or if they are the "best" (according to who?) what matters to me is that I am in love with what I have chosen, whether it's the pair of Dickies painter paints on sale for $16 because it had stains that I think are interesting, or the denim that costs 10 times more.  I've allowed myself to be satisfied with what's in my closet, like we feel when we are in a good relationship with someone.  I'm in a good relationship with my clothes!  We wouldn't date or marry just anyone.  We find someone that fits us.  We are choosey!  But not SO choosey that no one can ever be "right"...like when we look for the "ultimate".  So for me, the phrase can also just be a reminder to choose wisely, whatever that wise is for each one of us...not only fabrics and style and fit, but also price points and sustainability.    kellygirl on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299241 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 18:27:03 +0000 kellygirl 2299241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm getting a late start this morning too and skimmed the responses but I hear that phrase often and never really thought about it since I'm not a minimalist (although I sometimes wish I was.) Anyway, for me, it means more curated purchases moving forward. I don't want designer but I do want good quality wash and wear   LaPed on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299240 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 18:21:12 +0000 LaPed 2299240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haven't read the whole thread yet, but it looks meaty! In all honesty, I balk at "better". How often are people using it as a candid assessment of a specific garment (better fit for my body, better suited to my lifestyle), and how often is it simply a euphemism for "more expensive" or "morally superior"? I am not convinced that spending more is the key to personal style, and it won't make you a better person. "Fewer, better" in the hands of influencers often ends up meaning "cull what you're bored with and buy stuff to replace it," a mantra every sector of the fashion industry can get behind, because even slow fashion needs to make sales. From a sustainability perspective, there's nothing really green about jettisoning five fast fashion garments that are still perfectly wearable and replacing them with one slow fashion garment from a label you've deemed aesthetically or ethically superior. And when it comes to designer labels, the track record for both quality and ethics is so spotty, I don't even go there. I've never had success with the fit of designer footwear or jeans, and I don't really carry handbags, so those categories--which seem to be where a lot of stylists recommend "splurging"--don't resonate with me. For my climate/lifestyle, the things I'm most willing to go big on are parkas, rain shells, and winter boots. Having quality and variety in those categories has proved so, so worth it for me. My mantra for wardrobe management this year is: No Mental Gymnastics. That means no capsule-building, no creation of imaginary wardrobe holes to fill, no one-in/one-out, no complex systems of accounting. If there is some substantive reason to get rid of something (won't ever fit properly, can't be mended, unbearably uncomfortable), I'll get rid of it. If I try something on that I love unequivocally, I'll buy it (I have a pretty set pricepoint I'm willing to shop at, so I'm never trying things on that are out of my price range). I can usually tell that I love something if I put it on and feel an impulse to buy a backup immediately. I don't actually buy the backup in most cases, but that impulse is usually a good sign that I'll wear the thing. "No Mental Gymnastics" is probably more or less what Angie is getting at with the term "Organized Emotional" I now realize. :)  Angie on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299239 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:58:41 +0000 Angie 2299239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA! Don’t get me started on how uncomfortable most designer shoes are for my fussy feet. For shoes, it’s more about the country they are made in than the designer brand. For example, I do really well with shoes made in Italy, Austria, Portugal, Spain and Brazil. Angie on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299234 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:37:53 +0000 Angie 2299234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting! Great question! Haven’t read the comments. Officially still on holiday :) LJP, personally, I used to think that designer items were better and more sophisticated than non-designer items. But have changed my mind significantly over the last decade! I’m finding fewer and fewer desirable designer items - especially the colours. And the quality isn’t a slam dunk. Fits are all over the place. In fact, the quality of some designer items is quite shocking. I am as happy with a Boden, KUT, J.Crew or BB Dakota item as I am with a Veronica Beard, RL Polo, Reiss, Ganni, Elie Tahari and Hugo Boss item. For me, jeans and bags are where I find I like and do better with designer. cjh on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299233 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:31:41 +0000 cjh 2299233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nothing to add, but thanks so much for the concept of “better for me”. A different perspective and inspirational for the current closet and future purchases. cat2 on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299229 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:15:53 +0000 cat2 2299229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great topic. For me better mostly means good quality mostly natural fibers in classic designs that have staying power. That builds a really different wardrobe than if I wanted to be on trend. In each category I started with lower price brands and stepped up over time until I found brands that work for me, and that’s where I start when I need something new. With most categories that means I shop bridge brands on sale. But I buy on sale silk tops from Antonio Melani at Dillard’s and cashmere from Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus house brands and shoes from Cole Haan because those are all really good quality without stepping up. I also buy relatively inexpensive mall brand purses because I like their cheery gold trimmed preppy vibe. Roberta on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299228 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:08:04 +0000 Roberta 2299228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joining the conversation late, and all I can add is that, for me, "better" means how much do I love it. I always try to buy good quality, and we know you can find that at different price points.  but finding something you LOVE is harder. You can ignore the things on the rack you don't like (we've talked about that before). Will the jacket you love jump out at you? I have found one or two brands that I almost always love - Desigual and Boden. I buy only a few things from them, but they make me happy for a long time. EXCEPT, once in a while the thing you loved with a passion five years ago might not do it for you today. Your job changed, you moved to the country, you gained or lost weight . . . Then you have to figure out how to break up with those pants or that jacket. I have gotten off track, maybe. Clothes have a lot of power to make me happy, sad, amused, blue . . . slim cat on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299226 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:51:49 +0000 slim cat 2299226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My "less but better" maybe a bit different. I need to stick to my colors, fabrics and preferred shape ( more sales with few more pricy items - such as shoes ). I get influenced sometimes by "common wisdom" - like "get more/replenish basics in neutral tones", or get "classics" more than trends. My basics in neutral tones sit unworn ( or worn rarely ) and classics make me feel old and depressed. I often wondered why I can't dressed in something very much grown up, womanly way until I decided that I don't need to be. My "classics" don't need to be that trench coat, dark trouser jeans, white blouse, etc.. that so many magazines/articles push people to buy.  Since I'm uniform dresser I'm ok with repeated outfits, formulas. I'm slow with new silhouettes, styles most of the time and it's ok too. Just don't need to beat myself over it - lol. So everyone may have their own"less but better" definition and that's the way it is - just need to figure out what is it . unfrumped on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299225 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:49:38 +0000 unfrumped 2299225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kneads, tgat is a gray example of “ better is what’s better for YOU”. And, if one condenses to “ buy better “ it can mean, buy smarter , buy less, buy more of real lifestyle, fill wardrobe holes, buy sustainably, buy better fits regardless of price point, and so on. One frustrating thing is the continually moving target of quality in almost every brand. Meaning mostly downward so that one year you find something great but in reality you can’t always tell how’s good it is until you’ve put it through its paces, then if you do figure that out pretty soon and think it’s worth duplicating in another color, it’s sold out and then either it’s not even repeated next year but if so, it’s changed for the worse. Which sometimes you can tell immediately- fit has changed or fabric feels different) but sometimes only after wearing/ washing. This issue, my trying to cut back on duplicates but feeling some of that FOMO or “ if only “, is leading me more toward getting more comfortable with “ the power of one” and with being more focused on which wardrobe items might be nearly the same, but have small differences that I enjoy using generally different type outfits ( proportions is typical, but also layering weight/ comfort), but that if one item were to “ die”, another coukd be pressed into service even if not my first choice. Thus approach could help me avoid duplicating early on when it’s not really necessary yet, if ever, and avoid pressure to find a specific item replacement which might make me jump the gun , not “ buy better”. This is obviously easier with tight or versatile color palette and items within similar “ warmth factor “. Lesley on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299223 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:37:15 +0000 Lesley 2299223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of interesting responses! I think I find myself closest in thought to Jussie--"better" means it just works better or is more current to how I really want to look and how I want clothing to fit, even if it is an inexpensive item. But sometimes it does also mean more expensive and better-made! Fewer and better is a concept I live by. I actually do work with a pretty tiny budget. What it means for me: If I decide I would like more of a type of item (say, blazers) in my wardrobe, it means I spring for a nicely-made one or loud-pattern one (did I mention I like loud?) rather than the one that I find on sale at LOFT that doesn't really excite me. Even though it means that people will remember when I wear it (because it's loud) and I'm wearing it twice as much because I don't have a second one.  It means having just enough clothes to actually wear them out before I get sick of them. This means that yes, sometimes a beloved item has to be retired before I wish, but I prefer it to the waste of buying something that doesn't get worn, and it means that my wardrobe can stay fresher longer. I think I woke up to these lessons when I was pregnant and only had enough outfits to get through 4 to 7 days before repeating. Somehow it never felt more fun to get dressed than during that period. To open my closet and find 5 beloved things that fit my taste from that very year (rather than something I had bought 7 years ago) made me always feel like a million bucks. And many of these things were just inexpensive dresses, but they fit me just right and were fresh. It just means, when I know I need several things, to wait and find them, rather than being seduced by a whole bunch of things I don't need on the sale rack, just because it's fun to buy new things. That's it in a nutshell. LJP on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299221 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:22:16 +0000 LJP 2299221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kkards - YES , to the less but better being a luxury not afforded to everyone . I usually feel pressed for time when I shop , and for some reason the other people in my house ( lol) always need to know where I am and what I’m doing when I’m out of the house - zero privacy to do my own thing which makes me crazy . Anyways , you’re right: it’s about having time , money , and access . Thus the trade-offs we make . kkards on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299216 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 15:59:34 +0000 kkards 2299216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting conversation, and one i have been thinking about a lot lately  I’ll start by giving what was my definition, don’t spend $50 on a sweater from X if you are going to need to replace it after 4 wears, buy the $100 sweater that will last twice as long. Don’t buy something just because its “cheap”, cheap being an objective number because it’s well, different for all of us, and because it, at least for me, is often related to the original price and not the current price (ie the % off)… anyway, if come to think of this “fewer but better” as very misguided. For me, after much thought, i have come to the conclusion that, Fewer but better is a luxury. You need to have a certain amount of time (and time is a limited commodity) to shop and to compare and/or to have thing sent and to sent them back. You have to have a credit card to shop on line, and being willing to extend some of your limited credit in the buy return cycle if you are shopping on line. And if you are shopping IRL you are limited by what is near you and actually reachable thru whatever mode of transport you have, and than again limited by what is actually on the shelf of your local store. Anyway, I’ll get off my lectern… for me, I’m not thinking about fewer but better…I’m thinking about what i already have, and how to make it work.  I’m thinking about what it makes sense for me to spend more money on and what it makes sense for me to spend less on. I’m thinking about where i should be buying, and where i should be avoiding. I’m thinking about what to keep and what to “toss” and where to “toss” it to. Sorry i went on and on, but thank you for starting this conversation and will come back to this topic as i continue to flesh out my goals for 2023.  Dee on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299214 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 15:54:49 +0000 Dee 2299214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep, it’s often buying too many of the “it’s good enough” or place holders that can create a lot of wardrobe dysfunction. LJP on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299200 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 14:47:38 +0000 LJP 2299200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the variety of responses here ! One point that I should clarify is that of course there are well-designed lines that exist between Toteme ( to use my previous example ) and Club Monaco . That’s the tricky part : finding still-affordable , better clothes that are a step above . Anyways , that’s getting a bit off track. I now see that the way to look at this is : I have a good wardrobe full of the basics . I lack nothing and all of my clothes are of acceptable quality . Better to me is going to be more thoughtfully chosen replacements /additions that will fill an actual hole and not just be a so-so temporary solution . Janet on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299191 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:31:11 +0000 Janet 2299191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of excellent thoughts here. I’m still in my first cup of coffee so the thoughts are not flowing well yet, but some musings: - I like the concept of fewer and better, but that reality is that I’m not a minimalist by any stretch. I like wearing different silhouettes depending on the day and my mood, and when one enjoys that, just for example, two pairs of jeans will not suffice. I have boyfriend, flare, wide leg, and straights, in cropped lengths and full, in blue — dark wash and lighter — some in black and even grey. And then there is the old pair of dark burgundy Dre’s which still feel right sometimes, and my moto jeans… See what I mean? The only ones I’m not feeling at the moment are basic straights which look almost skinny, but I hang onto a couple of pairs “just in case.” And that’s just jeans! - Some designers that tempt me simply do not cut for a figure that’s not straight and modelesque. Sort of to Suz’s point about height. I’ve tried on some designer pieces that would be fabulous on a size 4 woman of my height with small boobs and hips, but that will never be my reality. That frequently kills my buzz. When a designer actually *gets* a woman’s figure, I’m thrilled and become a fan, if the styles appeal to me. And I’ll invest in the occasional piece if it feels right and I think will have some longevity. Case in point: the Zero+Maria Cornejo blue dress I got last summer. - I think going “better” can result in “fewer” if done mindfully. For example, I have not been nearly as tempted by handbags since I bought that Bao Bao backpack, a year and a half ago. I’ve culled a bunch of bags that I simply never reach for anymore, and it’s become such a go-to for me, it’s become a trend-proof part of my signature style, and it sets a new standard for any future bag purchases. What I paid for that Bao Bao bag would buy several inexpensive bags, which might appeal to someone who craves a lot of variety in that area, or someone who is more trend-driven and has a high bag turnover. However, I’ve been surprised to see how happy I am to carry that bag probably about 80% of the time. - I absolutely agree that better does not always equal a higher price point. For me, it’s about not just fit and quality, but also the design. If I love a design that’s not easily found, if it feels true to my style regardless of trend, if it fits into my wardrobe, and goes beyond strictly basic, I consider it “better.” An example: the Bernardo plaid coat with the moto insert from NAS (two years ago?). This was not a pricey piece. But it suits me and I’ve let go of a couple of old coats that it has bumped out of usage. Ditto to the Nili Lotan+Target collab glen plaid coat. It was less than $100 but endlessly useful and a very good deal. Again, I will still keep some of my other less-frequently used coats if I love them, because I don’t wear the same one every day and I do like switching up colors and silhouettes, so “better” has not made me give up variety and has only loosened up some of my storage space. However, it has helped me define what makes an item work for me and has set a bar for future purchases. Irina on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299190 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:10:54 +0000 Irina 2299190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t know if it will be helpful but I’ll share it with you and others.  <div>I used to have only one bag for everyday use. I struggle to find more or even to replace it. The main reason was that designs I like came at unacceptable to me price point and needed to be @ 90% discount and that never happens. Second hand was not an option either - mostly too expensive or too worn out. It took me long time (I’m that slow!) to find brands that offer interesting design, quality and are more or less in my price range. So, instead of Celine and The Row, I now buy Allsaints, APC, Rag & Bones. I also realized that there are more brands in that group and I should explore them. It takes time, I had to order and return a few APC bags as they are not readily available in retail. I also tried and rejected some other brands like Rebecca Minkoff or Tory Burch that are close but not exactly my style ATM. </div><div>So, what I’m saying that it doesn’t have to be Toteme or nothing. </div> Star (Lise) on "Fewer and better.What does it really mean?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fewer-and-betterwhat-does-it-really-mean/page/2#post-2299188 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 09:28:22 +0000 Star (Lise) 2299188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaime I so agree about the design aspect in premium brands.  As a thrifter, where I live we get tons of Italian made clothes (a close geographical neighbour).  In South Africa I mostly had access to mall brands and the comparison of the design of those against Italian made clothes is so blatant.  I had never experienced this before.  Design is everything.   Example, a linen mall brand dress looks like a potato sack on me, a linen Italian made dress just curves in all the right places.  And this has been proved with every single piece from dresses, to blazers, skirts, jeans, jumpers.  I now only want Italian made clothes!  Fortunately they are super affordable too.  And Yes Lisa re your thought provoking question if the blazer fits so well and makes me look so sharp I don't want another.