YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Financial limit vs. # of Items?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Financial limit vs. # of Items? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:54:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Dee on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items/page/2#post-2298758 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 21:50:00 +0000 Dee 2298758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A little late to the thread, but sadly I'm not that disciplined managing wardrobe. No real budget is allocated, beyond my sense of what I'm willing to spend on something. I also tend to buy in spurts, sometimes simply because I've been influenced by something I've seen, or there's a good sale on. My wardrobe has gotten too big in my opinion, I did an actual count and was a bit shocked at how many items I have. I'm not happy about this and feel its time for me to get a better handle on what I'm doing. A lot of my wardrobe is classics, so they don't date as quickly, and I tend to hang onto them longer, but the recent trend to wider pants has confused me and I've been adding other pieces like tops jackets, shoes in an effort to get it all to work properly, hence my now much larger wardrobe. I like the idea of limiting my wardrobe to a certain number of hangars, so thats one approach I'm going to take. And I'd like to take an actual inventory of what I already own. I think this type of data would be very helpful in editing my closet as well as assist me in identifying any wardrobe holes. judy on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items/page/2#post-2298738 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:02:48 +0000 judy 2298738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a rough idea of what I can spend in a year.  Nowadays it's much less than it used to be, and I buy many fewer items.  No longer an over grower and pruner like I used to be when I lived in the city and shopped much more in person...it was all good, I had so much fun with it, life is just different now in the country.  All my spending was online this year except for a purchase of two pair of Dickies chino's from the hardware store, of all places.  In 2022 I only added a total of six items, not including some new underwear.  And some were pricey items, but oddly enough, I came in right at budget, though it was not done consciously.  I can kind of tell when I go into overbuying  mode, and it's not a good feeling to me any more.    Oops, I forgot one, seven new things...and so a little over the rough dollar amount to spend!  :)  I also feel no need to get rid of things lately...I have a small wardrobe and I have more than enough room at the moment.   Jonesy on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items/page/2#post-2298723 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:17:17 +0000 Jonesy 2298723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto LaPed, Janet, and Bijou! I don't adhere to a strict budget or track any numbers, but my shopping ebbs and flows based on various factors. Also, my shopping tends to be very seasonal: I buy a lot in the fall and then very little in the spring and summer. Jules on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298717 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 18:58:45 +0000 Jules 2298717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SarahD8, I think Jenn has mentioned a challenge she made for herself at some point to actually spend more on individual items. I believe in order to focus more on quality and just being more focused and selective. Anyway I shouldn't speak for Jenn, but the idea resonated with me too. Bijou on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298690 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 15:36:42 +0000 Bijou 2298690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am like Janet in my approach to purchases, no specific numbers or budget set, but I do have a good feel for both parameters and also of my personal financial situation. My buying tends to flux based on changes in my needs which over the last 15 years I have worked in 4 different jobs with different dress codes and become a Mum, which necessitated a change in my out of office attire too. Currently I feel that my wardrobe is in a good place and meets my current needs so a few updates will be require for 2023, but no major changes are expected. Jenni NZ on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298641 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:00:08 +0000 Jenni NZ 2298641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes Zaeobi I think so- I do have more black especially pants in winter, and tended to wear bronze tops and toppers with black pants, and then the bronze shoes with those outfits. I have more than one bronze outfit but only two to be fair, so I guess 15 wears was still a reasonable number of wears for the winter. Just I thought I was really really in love with those shoes more than the others, although I really like the studded ones too. It doesn’t matter, still good wears for both, was just surprised. And there you have the issue of HEWIs or something you really love- will you wear it as much as you think? With a large wardrobe like Roberta has ( sorry Roberta I felt like I was derailing your thread a bit) and like I also still feel I have- about 150 items- you just might end up wearing something else! Such a conundrum! Zaeobi on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298635 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 05:23:21 +0000 Zaeobi 2298635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've seen this called a 'space budget' in minimalism, but it's essentially what others mentioned with the hangers - the amount of clothing/ stuff you can buy is however much will fit into your allocated storage for it. In smaller homes, you might need to first think strategically about your storage solutions (e.g. I use shoeboxes on my cupboard shelves, but others may have space for drawers). Once you have, don't exceed that space - if I can't fold/ roll any more items into my boxes, or I need to start 'double hanging', then it's time to prune. I sometimes fall into @Sarah's trap (especially when I used to shop only sales & secondhand). I can see how an item count may help for HEWIs (vs having some extra cash to burn on a shopping trip), but only if I found a truly perfect item (I.e. ticks all my HEWI boxes & seems to be of good quality). Often I end up having to settle for 'good enough' (e.g. not the exact shade I want), so I don't think an item budget would work well. But if you have a large enough closet that you can afford to be picky enough to wait for the 100% right version to come along (in other words, you won't be unable to get dressed without the placeholder items)/ you have a classic enough style (that you can find HEWIs relatively easily), then go for it! PS @Jenni I'm with @Sarah - if you ever decide to re-home those bronze shoes, feel free to send them this way haha but in all seriousness, could the CPW of both pairs be linked to which neutrals they work best with (i.e. if you have more black in your closet)? SarahD8 on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298396 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:34:02 +0000 SarahD8 2298396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JenniNZ, I take your point — a more expensive item isn’t necessarily more useful than less expensive items simply by virtue of costing more, and we can’t *really* know what an item will do for our wardrobe before putting it through its paces. But I was thinking of specific instances where I will have a HEWI on my wishlist, identify an item that seems to tick most of the boxes for that HEWI, but then I *wont buy it* bc it is above some $$ threshold— and will buy several lower priority items instead that, while individually cheaper, end up adding up to more than the cost of the HEWI. *carries off those bronze ribbon-lace shoes* Jenni NZ on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298333 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:09:49 +0000 Jenni NZ 2298333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would caution slightly on that last point SarahD8? I get what you are saying, but it’s so incredibly hard to tell whether the $90 item in your example will give as good a value/wears as the 3x $30 items. I see many items that are expensive in US terms as our clothing and shoes can be very costly here at the bottom of the world. In the last few years I have been willing to pay more, around the $200 mark a few times (since being so careful in my choices) but even then with all my care some are slower than I expect to get the wears up… so frustrating. An example is the 2 pair shoes I bought at Easter. It was a push to buy 2, I loved both I thought, but thought my heart was more given to the bronze with the ribbon ties: which were also more expensive. And what did I do? I wore the bronze 15 times but the studded 33 times! Who would have thought? SarahD8 on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298321 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 01:11:29 +0000 SarahD8 2298321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have either a $$ limit or a # of items limit. Like Jaime and Jessikams I tend to be a bit of an overgrower/pruner. I wonder if this is common to thrifters? Especially if I'm experimenting with something new, I seem to need to iterate a bit.  I also tend to be pretty cheap, so that holds down both overall expenditures and the price-per item.  However: I think my downfall is that I will buy, say, three $30 items without batting an eyelash but balk at purchasing one $90 item that might actually improve the function of my wardrobe a lot more. I almost think I should issue myself some kind of high-ticket spending challenge??!?? At least, I'm trying to be more mindful of this going forward. Roberta on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298243 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 16:51:49 +0000 Roberta 2298243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you again everyone!  Suz and Joy both mention using hangers as their limit, which is an excellent "brake" on acquisition. I also must tip my hat to the issue of older garments being so much better made. I am very reluctant to give up a beautifully-made blazer even if I haven't worn it for a couple of years. I am more likely to look for ways to wear it - a good motivator, but doesn't help the density of my closet.  Echo on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298170 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 02:03:40 +0000 Echo 2298170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has all been very intuitive for me, and I am very lucky to be able to say that. My size has changed dramatically over the last two years, so I have had to replace almost everything in my wardrobe. Given that I am accustomed to a rather large wardrobe, that has also amounted to a number of items purchased and then not use the way I anticipated. I have been trying to be better, but honestly, it still feels so incredible to be able to wear what I WANT to wear (instead of whatever fits) that I have a hard time curbing my fashion budget. Dh has been very indulgent, and I am grateful. I am just now starting to settle into a new normal of, "It fits, but that doesn't mean I have to buy it. Does it play well with the rest of my wardrobe, and will I feel comfortable wearing it for more than one occasion?" It is likely that given another six months or so, I will have to do a one in, one out policy. Anonymous on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298168 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 01:52:02 +0000 Anonymous 2298168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really made an effort to reduce closet size by 1/3 when we downsized and moved to a much smaller place I decided them to keep most of my hot summer stuff as I liked it.  We now do not have much hot summer so I did not wear out those items as planned.  I have had to add transitional stuff and some winter pieces.  I try for each large purchase to replace at least two pieces.  I go on clothes shopping fasts at least a couple of times a year and buy almost only used things the other times. The size of my wardrobe is mostly determined by size or number of hangars than by $ or #.  I have too much but find the old stuff better quality than newer things so tend to hang onto it too long.  Also changes in my body have determined some additions such as pull on waists.  This is probably more permanent than I want it to be.  I need to do a big purge do to fit changes but expect my weight to change and some things to fit again.  Right now I am losing due to meds. But that is bound to change in future.   Suz on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298159 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:36:45 +0000 Suz 2298159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Over the yeas, I've managed my wardrobe both ways. When I was younger and had very little disposable income, I focused on budget alone. Now, I have a rough budget for personal expenses that includes clothing and other related types of things, e.g haircuts -- but I tend to work with it intuitively; if I need to spend a bit more in a given year, I will do so (and take the money from another part of the budget); if I end up spending less, that's great -- it goes to entertainment or savings or elsewhere.  I don't stick to a specific number of items on purpose, but watching my own patterns, I see that in general I tend to retire 20 to 30 items per year (this includes footwear), and purchase around the same number, not on a strict one for one basis, but just intuitively. I also have a brake -- there's a set number of hangers in the closet and a certain amount of space on the shelves, and I won't overfill it. I'm not happy if I have more clothes than I'm actually wearing regularly (apart from special occasion wear). At the moment, my wardrobe has grown a bit larger than I'm comfortable with, so I am in the process of pruning out some of the deadwood. I'm also continuing to purchase, though, to update and refresh.  Liz on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298118 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 18:46:35 +0000 Liz 2298118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I've tried a limited number in the past couple of years, alongside my usual budgeting method. I did it because I want to buy thoughtfully, and a limited number forces me to do that. it caused me to ask, If this is my buy for this month, is it worth it? If I add this item to my closet, will it move my style forward the way I want it to? The limit didn't work entirely, because I changed sizes in the years I was doing it. </div><div> </div><div>I decided numbers partially by budget—my monthly budget only covers 1-2 items. This number is fine for me, because that's about the number of thoughtfully considered clothes decisions I want to make in a month. And, 18 to 20 well-chosen items a year goes a long way toward a refreshed closet for me. </div><div> </div><div>In addition, I gave myself unlimited buys in categories where I habitually under-buy (e.g., pants, exercise gear) and for basics like underwear and pj's. I'll never overbuy in these categories, so setting a limit doesn't help me in any way. </div> LJP on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298110 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 18:18:55 +0000 LJP 2298110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve enjoyed reading this too ! I have too many clothes , period , always have . I simply don’t have the lifestyle to warrant so much yet I love clothes and new trends and ideas . It’s been a conundrum - balancing reality with my deep love for fashion and getting dressed . Perhaps I’m the ideal candidate for sticking to a number of items rather than $ . I don’t really stick to a specific clothing budget - I just know how much I have to spend on myself at any given time . And that’s a LOT less than it was say 5 years ago . I am very ADHD - literally and find it near impossible to sit and plan and track etc . However …..this lack of focus is something I need to address and maybe a wardrobe management plan would be a good place to start . Carla on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298106 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 17:48:12 +0000 Carla 2298106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I work with an annual budget, but don’t feel compelled to spend it all in any given year.  2022 was a big buy year with 35 new acquisitions and spending to the limit of the budget.  Replenishing of basics and some big ticket items like winter coats and footwear made it a ‘busier’ year.   <div> </div><div>There are 90 items in my Finds that are an accurate representation of my wardrobe - with the exception of underpinnings and fitness kit.  I don’t need as much as I did when I was in the world of work, so edited numbers down as I purged workwear and sorted out my retirement lifestyle clothing needs.  80-100 items fits in my storage space with everything ‘out’ year round, and I think those are the numbers I want to work with.  </div><div> </div><div>There are some categories that are ‘closed’ to new purchases at the moment.  I have enough choice and feel completely satiated with what I have.  There are other categories that are less satisfying or incomplete.  I do keep a list of needs/wants, and work from there. </div> Roberta on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298104 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 17:13:47 +0000 Roberta 2298104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ALL of you have said something helpful and/or wise, thank you so much! These are just a few thoughtful highlights that made loud bells ring in my head: <ul> <li>"I want to try adding statements or items with more of a “character”.</li> <li>"Limiting by numbers rather than by money might be a good strategy for a chronic over shopper."</li> <li>"Sustainability is another reason I have tried to limit. I think I don’t want to get more than 20-30 each year and less is good."</li> <li>"When I see a thing I like, I can take pix and spend a week or even two thinking about what I’d pair it up with."</li> <li>"I was stuck full time in a cubicle for 9 months and did a lot of retail therapy to cheer myself up." (Please don't beat yourself up about this, therapy is therapy!"</li> <li>"Eyes and hair and teeth are, in my mind, part of my fashion (personal presentation) budget as well as a health budget."</li> <li>"I do not want my wardrobe to grow at this phase of my life — I’d rather it become a little smaller and a little more manageable."</li> </ul> I am going to try limiting the number of items I buy in 2023.I have focused so hard on the dollar amount - and getting the most for my buck - that I have neglected all the other aspects of really enjoying clothes. I am eager to hear more comments! This is a wonderful Christmas present for me, to be part of such a helpful and kind community ! cat2 on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298103 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 17:03:36 +0000 cat2 2298103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a large wardrobe that I am trying to trim down, and I only buy good quality mostly natural fiber pieces on sale, so setting a dollar limit also sets a small item number limit. I had several different dress codes within a few years and was traveling extensively so needed items for different climates. I have been slowly remixing my existing pieces to hit the sort of dressy casual that I need now, and have kept pieces for different climates for future travel. Janet on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298101 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 15:27:31 +0000 Janet 2298101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like LaPed, I do not have a set budget or number goal, but I know when I’m shopping a bit too much and need to put on the brakes. My shopping tends to be a mix of high-low/discount and designer. I’m cool with a $15 top or a designer dress, all depending on the design (don’t care much about the label and in fact don’t much like visible labels). So I gravitate more towards maintaining a certain number of items in my wardrobe. However, it’s not a number per se, it’s simply what fits in my closet. I have a loose 1-in-1-out policy that sometimes goes up to 1-in-2-out because I do not want my wardrobe to grow at this phase of my life — I’d rather it become a little smaller and a little more manageable. Last year I culled extra hangers from my closet and gave away a bunch so I’m not tempted to fill them back up. If I have a little bit of a buying spree, as I did recently when I found some great new knitwear, I’ll make sure I make room for it by letting go of some old no-longer-favorites. I definitely have a seasonal approach to this. My cold weather wardrobe is more extensive than my summer wardrobe and takes up more room. I don’t enjoy shopping for summer as much. And it’s harder to find stuff I like for hot and humid weather, because I don’t particular enjoy summer styles that show more skin and body. All in all, I’d say my approach is intuitive, but I always have a good idea of where my wardrobe is and what I need/want, or what I don’t need/want! LaPed on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298095 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 13:17:57 +0000 LaPed 2298095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t have concrete limits for either item or dollar amounts, but I do have intuitive/emotional limits as to what feels like “too much”. There was a time a several years ago when wardrobe-building was a priority and I was willing to buy new and pay full retail price more of the time, and I was adding more pieces per year than I am now. This year, I removed more than I added, and my acquisitions were predominantly secondhand purchases or trades. When I was spending more and adding more pieces, I was also diligently tracking my purchases and wears, but these days I don’t do that anymore. I’m happy to be devoting less time, energy, money and space to my wardrobe, but I’m fine if the pendulum swings again in the future. Good to reevaluate your goals and make sure your habits align! Olive Green on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298094 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 13:11:08 +0000 Olive Green 2298094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ After two moves in three years my closet edits for fit and wear are pretty small, and the clothes money mostly went to deal with new climates. Now I am looking at making considered choices as holes open up.  I will spend a lot on survival, lol. The winter coat capsule is set to last me a decade, after living just below Colorado. The colder the rating,the more money I am willing to spend on reputable brands that I know will last. Mostly sales.  With Stag on paying for good boots (Sorel is great) and walkable shoes, which are also a completer capsule for an outdoor existence.  Eyes and hair and teeth are, in my mind, part of my fashion (personal presentation) budget as well as a health budget. Eyewear is a spendy deal! Cosmetic dentistry, same. As I get older am looking at implants and DH is starting on that process. So I keep his needs in mind and budget us out for them, also. Shared budget! I buy his clothes, also. Keeps me apprised of limits and keeps him decently oil paint free.  So, money.  Less costly is my plentiful and very cheaply bought LARGE selection of summer daily casual wear. So much sweaty washing! And NO laundry bottlenecks, this is a newly discovered luxury. All cotton or linen, less than 20 dollars, tshirts, same. Button downs are key, and bought on sale or thrifted, unless something perfect pops up.  I counted them up the other day.  Exclusive of outerwear, socks, and accessories, I have 73 clothes items over all 4  seasons. Mostly summer items, because Texas. 14 pairs of shoes and boots.  No idea of how much money overall. Probably shocking in the aggregate.  Anonymous on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298091 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 12:25:49 +0000 Anonymous 2298091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have quite a few reasons for choosing a fixed item number instead of a $ number! 1. My space is very limited, while my $ may not be. I have a 900 sq ft house with inadequate closet space, and Really hate clutter. For 9 months this year, my mom was with us (she recently got her own apt nearby), so 3 adults + the kitty clowder. DH finally got his PhD and is now working, so our income will be very different than with just me as the breadwinner. 2. We're planning to put a bigger house on the lot eventually but I want to keep about the same wardrobe size. There are only 365 days in the year, and the more you own, the less things get worn. I'd rather have a small wardrobe where things wear out and my style evolves naturally. 3. Paradox of choice- having too much is overwhelming to me. If I keep a small wardrobe, I quickly know what fits, and what needs repair. I used to enjoy playing in my closet and coming up with new combos, but at this point, I'd rather spend my energy on other things. 4. Prices of things are pretty arbitrary. I can have $100 and spend it on one piece at a boutique or a bunch of "fill a bag for $5" at a thrift shop. It's easy to get sales goggles and having a # limit makes me be as picky about the inexpensive items as the higher ones. 5. My $ naturally follows the item number, because there are limits to my comfort with spending. Even if I had a lot of money, things get damaged, I change size or lifestyle, or I get tired of them over time. Much higher cost doesn't necesarily mean a much better product. I think at some point quality and price just level off. 6. Overall, I'm trying to keep my wardrobe # stable, or slightly decrease it. The 25 was down from the 36 I had chosen for 2021 as an experiment. I ended up exceding the 36 due to severe depression. I was stuck full time in a cubicle for 9 months and did a lot of retail therapy to cheer myself up. A lower # limit made me stop that non-constructive behavior and focus on the life changes that I needed instead. Now I work part time, mostly in the field, and am focusing on my health and my family :) Hope that was helpful! Stagiaire Fash on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298086 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 09:40:35 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2298086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like you, I like a closet full of color and pattern and texture. Unlike you, I don’t like to shop. To avoid it, I’ve always gone for longevity; acrylic, polyester, and nylon are rarely seen in my things, and I go for iconic/classic over trendy. I posted my numbers for the past five years about a month ago. Adding in bye-buy Berlin purchases, it averages out to 18 per year. That includes all the wear—outer, under, foot, swim, and gym wear, as well as bags. I don’t have a number for my total wardrobe, and spreadsheet making is not fun for me, but I’ve just packed up and sent off most of my clothes to my new home. I saved out about 40 items to wear for the next ~2 months. Then I had 1 large suitcase and 2 Ikea Frakta bags of winter clothes, 1 bag of summer, 1 of spring, 1 summer+spring combined, 1 of pjs, socks & undies, and a suitcase of coats, jackets, shoes and bags. I’m fine with the number of items I have. If it changes, smaller would be better than bigger, but that’s nbd. My wardrobe goal is to be able to easily dress appropriately in a way that feels like me (which includes being comfortable on my body). For me, lots of turnover would be difficult. It would block me from meeting my goal, because I wouldn’t be able to remember what I had and getting dressed wouldn’t be easy. As organized as your closet is, I think it would be easy for you to shop it. This is how I use Angie’s trends forecasts and her regular roundups of different items. Sometimes one of my things pops into my head after looking at her posts. Other times I’m more strategic about it; if I really want to buy one of the items she posts, I think through its central characteristics carefully and often am able to find something in my holdings that has them, at least the main ones. The slow flow of items through my closet means I can remember what I’ve got. Buying 2+ months of new items annually, your spreadsheets would likely be very helpful. (You could even expand the spreadsheet to include features like length and shape of leg/sleeve/skirt, colors, etc). My shopping averages out to 1 or 2 new things each month, but that’s not how I tend to buy. I usually go in spurts. An example is that last summer I bought 2 pairs of bike shorts and 4 tops within a short time span. They can all be worn for working out or with skirts/shorts. After the swoop to get them, it took me few weeks to work them into my wardrobe, so I can easily grab whichever and know what it will go with. An exception is the things I get at the market. There i tend to buy fewer items at once, but I have been relieved to realize that I don’t usually need to make insta purchases—most sellers at weekly markets are back every week, so when I see a thing I like, I can take pix and spend a week or even two thinking about what I’d pair it up with. Perhaps this fits with your clothes-buying fun? Last summer, I bought the velour top and linen dress this way, but did not get the jacket. I just was not coming up with ways to wear it, as much as I tried, because it really was nice on. Might I suggest posting more WIWs? I love comments that show familiarity with my stuff, whether “I’ve always liked that jumpsuit on you” or “try it with your lace-up black boots”. Playing in the closet together like that is fun, and encourages me to think more about what I’ve got already instead of reaching out for more. ETA I wrote all that and never got to your question—sorry! I don’t limit number or $$$$ for my wardrobe. I tend to have pretty clear limits in my head of what things should cost (always under 100), and I generally stick with them. So if I pass an item up for budget reasons, it’s not because it takes me over a monthly limit, but because a) I don’t think the item is worth that much or b) I don’t think I need to be wearing such an extravagant piece in my daily life. I make rare exceptions. The most expensive items I’ve bought lately are the green boiled wool jacket for 200+ and the white Sorel boots for $130. I consider them both well-made, iconic/classic items that will keep me warm and dry for years to come. The 80€ shoes also cost more than I usually spend on shoes, but again, I expect them to last & last. The first pair I got at that price, the red ankle boots, are 4 years old and going strong. So all this extra text just to say I really can’t say # or $. Jenni NZ on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298081 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 05:26:57 +0000 Jenni NZ 2298081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mine has become a number limit over time. I think it depends what your past issues may have been as to which way you may need to limit yourself? I have always been a good sale shopper, for over 45 years- ever since I was given a budget to buy my own clothes, by my mother, at age 15. Then I was a poor student for 6 years. When I started earning year-round I did quite a big splurge. It is very seldom that there is an item of clothing I want badly enough that I will pay over the odds for it. My wedding dress 36 years ago? Given that I came to YLF feeling like I was “drowning in clothes” Jan 2017, with over 200 pieces ( included shoes but not bags), I wanted to reduce the size of the wardrobe and feel more in control. But I didn’t want to stop shopping altogether. I like new or different things. Sustainability is another reason I have tried to limit. I think I don’t want to get more than 20-30 each year and less is good. So since YLF: 2017 18 items 2018 29 items 2019 25 items 2020 12 items 2021 15 items 2022 so far ( Christmas Day) 15 items. I don’t count jewellery or hats in this total either but I don’t get many of those and what I do get I use for a long time. Because my buying has slowed and my editing has increased a bit ( try to wear everything at least 30 times first but don’t succeed with everything- also less concerned about that if the item is thrifted) then over 6 years the number has reduced from over 200 to just under 150. Makes me happy! jussie on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298080 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 04:52:37 +0000 jussie 2298080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ More of a budgetary limit for me. I shop quite a bit, and like variety and to keep things current. This means I need to keep item costs fairly low, so I can remain within my budget and at the same time not feel like I am getting sick of my clothes because it’s so long between updates. I splurge once or twice a year on a more costly item. This year it was a pair of RM Williams boots. Last year it was a silk shirt from Everlane. The rest of the time I’m onto secondhand/deep sale/fast fashion/affordable brands like uniqlo mostly. I do have a very strict “1 in 1 out” rule. This is because of space constraints but also so I can keep my head around everything that’s actually in my wardrobe and make sure it’s relatively fresh. I don’t buy large amounts at a time, I prefer to buy 1 or 2 items at a time more regularly. Basically I would say my approach is regular shopping at economical price points, with some high quality items mixed in here and there to add a touch of elegance. slim cat on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298079 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 03:53:12 +0000 slim cat 2298079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do limited shopping - mostly sales with intend to use at work and after.  I think mostly by numbers in each category - it's more intuitively than calculating. I don't have a set budget however I'm mostly shopping Marshall's, Macy's, Lucky Brand and Rack than other places ( sales are as goals - full price is extremely rare ).I don't update outwear since I'm in pretty warm Bay Area - but I shop more for summer pieces ( sandals and tops with short sleeve/sleeveless ). My wardrobe is not that big and I don't need to shrink it - more keep it certain size and in use. Sloper on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298078 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 03:14:32 +0000 Sloper 2298078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I try to be mindful of both ways (usually). Budget - I don’t set a specific amount for the year, nor do I “only” shop sales.  However, I’m a long-time dedicated and diligent expense, income and investment tracker.  This helps me be constantly aware of realistic limits on non-essential spending (by non-essentials I mean most clothes - I already have plenty).  This is all relative of course - I do splurge but I know if other parts of my finances will suffer - for example, if I fall in love with an item, will it mean I won’t meet my savings goal for the month. Quantity/number -  Every once in a while I do a closet clean-out and reorganize (I do this very rarely). I have made a list of everything, and that helps “guilt” me into avoiding duplicates.  I haven’t set a limit on the number of items per year - but I most certainly have storage constraints - right now there is no more room at the inn! Sal on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298077 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 03:13:15 +0000 Sal 2298077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do it by numbers but I do have a budget. My goal is to maintain my closet size. As I am making better buying decisions and adding higher quality I can see that I need to reduce my additions though as my edits out for “poor fit” or “ over it” are reducing. I think an approx one in, one out is a way to stop the closet size growing. I do have a do not buy list for things that are always tempting. For me this is often summer dresses. At the moment it is heels and skirts. Jessikams on "Financial limit vs. # of Items?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/financial-limit-vs-of-items#post-2298076 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 02:59:23 +0000 Jessikams 2298076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m an overgrower and pruner, like Jaime. And like Irina, I have plenty of clothes but I still enjoy shopping and enjoying design, so sometimes the wardrobe grows. I honestly don’t have a plan or a budget— just a loose sense of our household needs and $$ month by month. But if I see a great item I’ll usually go for it and then just fit it into the “budget” later by not buying something else. Limiting by numbers rather than by money might be a good strategy for a chronic over shopper. A lot of fast fashion items are so cheap these days, there’s no real financial reason not to buy…. But limiting numbers might keep wardrobe size under control, if that is a problem.