https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:47:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2085077 Sun, 15 Dec 2019 15:39:05 +0000 nemosmom 2085077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A great analysis (as always)!&nbsp; I think you did exceptionally well. Rebuilding a wardrobe is challenging. Expecting yourself to do it mindfully, within a constrained time period, when retail may or may not be in your favor is crazy-hard! What you accomplished is impressive (and that is an understatement)! Thank you for sharing your progress and challenges along the way. I have learned so much from you this year and can't wait to see how it goes in the new year!&nbsp; Happy Holidays! xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2085006 Sun, 15 Dec 2019 07:40:16 +0000 Jenni NZ 2085006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are doing really well. My big weight gain happened in 2007/8 and I didn’t join YLF until 2017 by which time I had already spent over 8 years bloating up my wardrobe and also *still* not giving away all the things that no longer fit me because I had some hope they might again one day! And I hadn’t had any plan, plus I was fortunate enough to have started earning better in about 2008 so I could spend more, not like what Suz had to do. But I felt horribly guilty about much of that as I was raised to be thrifty and am rather a tightwad! I used to call it my “clothes addiction”. The other issue was sales goggles at the time, because that helped with the guilt of the spend. The stuff wouldn’t necessarily go with any of the other stuff, that was another problem.<br /> After almost 3 years on YLF, I have a way better handle on things. So I think 1 year of wardrobe building was very ambitious. And of course it’s never “finished” because stuff wears out, styles/preferences can shift a bit, and our bodies may change/fluctuate too.<br /> I should probably do a numbers post pre/post 2017. I still have quite a lot left of pre-2017 but have kept more favoured items and tried to buy to make them more workable if they were not. And finally got rid of most of the mistakes and the stuff that no longer fits- only the wedding dress and a couple of 1980s sentimental dresses remaining. I’m trying to only buy new or thrifted items that I plan to wear 30 times if possible, even for dressier things. I’m sure I won’t always accomplish this because we can still make mistakes even when trying really hard. Kudos to you and thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084973 Sun, 15 Dec 2019 01:34:03 +0000 Carla 2084973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in to say that a wardrobe isn’t built in a year! My time story followed a path similar to Suz’s: 3-4 years of learning the ropes and fashion experimentation while I sorted my personal style, 2 years of confidence building and fine tuning the wardrobe, and then a breakthrough at 5-6 years. I see style evolution as inevitable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084928 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 20:33:30 +0000 SarahD8 2084928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>slim cat</b> it's reassuring to know that others are working on these wardrobe areas right along with me. How great that you've already found a key piece for your dressy/professional wardrobe. As a matter of fact, I have a couple of vintage dressy jackets -- not blazers but one is a Chinese silk reversible quilted jacket and the other is a cropped/boxy Thai silk. I did wear the Thai silk recently but I need to think more about how to incorporate these into outfits.</p> <p><b>notsaf</b>, that's a great link from Unfancy. I like that she emphasizes building over time and making sure you have all components for the <i>complete</i> look (definitely where things fall down for me). What she shows is probably dressier than I ever need, so, hmmm...that's a point in favor of separates isn't it, since it's probably going to be all about the juxtaposition? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084911 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 18:59:42 +0000 notsaf 2084911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great post and what wonderful progress you've already made! As I said over on Suz's coat thread, there really is no "perfect" in fashion or anything else -- life is a moving target -- so don't worry too much about old Zeno.</p> <p>I think I posted this once for Sal, but I found <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.un-fancy.com/outfits/fall-outfits/what-it-looks-like-now-my-special-occasion-capsule/http://">Unfancy's</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.un-fancy.com/my-capsule-wardrobes/my-capsule-wardrobe-for-special-occasions-how-to-build-one-yourself/">approach</a> to the special occasion capsule quite helpful, once upon a time. It's a little young and outdated, but I think the principles apply.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084893 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 17:38:45 +0000 slim cat 2084893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very thoughtful analysis - I feel like I can relate to it to some extend.&nbsp;<br />My dressy items at lowest level and everything else is casual. I'm trying to rebuild more classic/professional/modern capsule that could be used for the future job or dressier events. So far I got boyfriend blazer in black ( easy way out ) and clearance jacket with stripes. I wonder if the right style jacket will work for you ( and separates ) as a dressier option &nbsp;compare to cardigans ( my usual topper too ).&nbsp;<br />You are lucky to find low rise pants/jeans - I just kept mine in holding zone ( 3 pants from 9 years back ). Still looking for more modern pants. &nbsp;Good luck in your search - it takes time and patience! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084886 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 16:53:15 +0000 SarahD8 2084886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>karen13</b>, thank you! I am so glad to hear that the item limit worked well for you this year. I have been thinking about setting a $$ budget next year, and allocating portions of it to specific capsules -- and I can already sense that this could be a really, really useful step. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084885 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 16:51:33 +0000 SarahD8 2084885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much for your kind comments!</p> <p>Re: dressy capsule, ha, funny to get one vote for dresses from <b>Suz</b> and one vote for separates from <b>Sal</b>. I will split the difference and say that I think what I would really love is a two-piece dress? But I am open to different options. I do think dressy pieces will be easy to find secondhand -- it's so true that there's a lot available, and often for absolutely screaming deals. Since I do have some dressy pieces, probably my first step should be to ask what it would take to be able to make outfits out of those items. So that is a task for the new year.</p> <p><b>Jenn</b>, "halfway there" was meant as sort of a rough heuristic. I notice that some of the capsules in my wardrobe seem to work well, but others do not so I still struggle to complete outfits (e.g., I have summer skirts but not the tops to go with them). And, some capsules have a solid foundation, but not quite enough variety or not the right balance of neutrals/colors (e.g., tunic-length tops for cold seasons). It might be that a capsule that currently feels half-functional requires only a couple of additional items (or a modest amount of turnover) to really gel. I can imagine my wardrobe being modestly larger than it currently is, but I definitely do not want it to be twice its current size!</p> <p><b>torontogirl</b>, I LOVE your idea of a pyramid!!! Absolutely genius. I think you're quite right that I've built a solid base and next year will involve working to refine a smaller subset of capsules. That idea of working at the peak also captures what <b>Sterling</b> and <b>Cardiff girl</b> are saying about a wardrobe never really being done, which I totally agree with. (I also now have this visual image of the wardrobe pyramid being composed of interlocking equilateral triangles. Suppose each triangle corresponds to a different wardrobe capsule -- winter pants, summer skirts, etc. In any given year, different triangles might flip up to the top of the pyramid because they need refreshing/refining/etc. Am I making any sense?)</p> <p><b>rachylou</b> and others who commented about the length of time that it takes to build a wardrobe, I absolutely agree. The main reason I put a "one year" time frame on it was that I wanted a benchmark -- to ensure I would check in and ask what was/wasn't working, rather than just giving myself license to buy/churn indefinitely. (And, actually, because this insight occurred around March, I haven't really reached the one-year mark -- but it just seemed like a good time for introspection now!)</p> <p>Also, I should note that I wasn't really starting from scratch here. As you can see with my start of 2019 numbers, I had a fair bit of stuff in my closet! What drove me was more the realization that even though I had a lot of items, my wardrobe was sort of unbalanced and wasn't really functioning well. So that gave me a head start over the kind of truly starting from scratch that <b>Suz</b> describes. On the other hand, when you're not starting from scratch there's status-quo bias to deal with, and sometimes it can be hard to see the forest for the trees.</p> <p>And also, I should note that I've been thinking about style and wardrobe structure for a while -- years longer than I've been on YLF, even. But, I do think that this past year was a turning point -- not least because of the generous and thoughtful input of forum members, so I am grateful to you all!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084882 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 16:16:33 +0000 karen13 2084882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these kind of posts, and am applauding you for your analysis and your progress. It is remarkably hard to come up with a satisfying, cohesive, &nbsp;“authentic” (perfect word, Suz) wardrobe. I’m pretty darned analytical and I have yet do one of these deep dives, but every time I read one, it inspires me.</p> <p>My main step this year was to set a 3 item a month average limit for purchases. It made me significantly more discriminating, especially on inexpensive items. Although I still made more mistakes than I would expect after 4-5 years on YLF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084851 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 13:49:58 +0000 Helena 2084851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, on the note of Zeno's paradox (full disclosure: I needed to Googe this :D) - why not think of it as more of a pyramid? This year, you built a tremendous amount of sturdy base; next year you are working more on the middle and peak - which requires less actual clothing perhaps, but more effort to climb up there!</p> <p>This is an excellent analysis and you've obviously identified some great focal areas for 2020. Also, amazing job on buying second-hand!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084844 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 10:43:08 +0000 Anonymous 2084844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally adore these types of thoughtful analysis. &nbsp;You obviously did an incredible job. &nbsp;Unfortunately, I need to read this a little later today to fully absorb the information/lessons learned. &nbsp;I will say that it was ambitious to rebuild an entire wardrobe in one year. &nbsp;I did something similar, but I did it over multiple years and focused on specific categories. &nbsp;I also learned that we are never quite done. &nbsp;This last lesson was a shock to me, but it makes sense. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be back this evening. &nbsp;So excited to delve into the detail. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084843 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 09:58:28 +0000 Cardiff girl 2084843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you have already had great advice but I wanted to reiterate that a year ,even with a small wardrobe,is a very short timeframe to get your wardrobe sorted.l have a suspicion that even when ones wardrobe is sorted there will always be a degree of flux as life doesn’t &nbsp;stand still does it and our needs change but I think that you have made a cracking start.<br />FWIW summer clothes and dressy are the two areas that are less coherent in my wardrobe as well but then I am an “intuitive “dresser!so I am pretty relaxed about that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084834 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 06:59:36 +0000 Suz 2084834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay. Back for more.&nbsp;</p> <p>First off, I agree with <b>Rachylou </b>and <b>Jenn</b> -- one year is not at all long enough to build a working wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>Admittedly, I started from scratch. I didn't even have underwear that fit. And for my first two years of wardrobe building I basically had no budget, either -- it was all about grabbing what I could at thrift/ consignment and super discount. But, FWIW, it took me at least 3 years on YLF (learning, thinking, purchasing, editing, re-purchasing, etc.) before I felt as if I had a wardrobe that worked fairly well. (I still didn't feel it completely represented my style). It was another two to three &nbsp;years before I felt my style really fall into place and felt I could dress authentically for pretty much any occasion that might arise in my actual life.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think you have approached it more intelligently than I did -- you are already thinking in terms of capsules. Even with <b>Angie</b>'s expert advice, I found that difficult to do and tended to be a bit helter-skelter (or intuitive, to put it more generously).&nbsp;</p> <p>But I have to say, I absolutely felt like Zeno's paradox was a thing in my fashion existence and at times it made me nuts!</p> <p>Re dressy capsule: I hear what <b>Sal </b>is saying and maybe she is right for you. It all depends. Like you, I lead a very casual life, so for a long time I didn't really think I needed much in the way of dressy. After all, my normal day is spent in front of a computer and then out walking in the woods and then maybe doing some grocery shopping and cooking/ eating at home with Mr. Suz and the kid or going to the gym or something like that. </p> <p>But several times a week I do something social that involves going out with a friend to some place where the vibe is casual but not as casual as my at-home wear. Then there is "date night" which in our case is often dinner out and theatre -- this is a time to get dressed up a bit, but not crazily so. We don't do this every week but we do it often enough that it's important to have something to wear -- something not over the top, but somewhat special. Then there is teaching -- where I <b>can</b> still be somewhat casual but <b>prefer</b> to be a bit sharper/ put together. Then there are parties/ launches/ awards ceremonies for friends. (A different kind of dressy entirely). And then there are my own presentations. I tend to do anywhere from 2-10 of these a year in a wide variety of settings.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is a very big mistake to buy for our fantasy lives and if our real life is casual there is no point it putting a lot of $$ into dressy clothes.&nbsp;</p> <p>OTOH, if we regularly find ourselves wringing our hands (as I did) just because the dressy items we have don't coalesce into any outfits, then dresses or suits or jumpsuits are a godsend because one piece basically does it all. No, it doesn't remix, but it answers the problem and saves a lot of hassle and fretting (in my experience). Done and done. Meanwhile, you can keep looking at thrift for those special separates that work the charm for juxtaposed outfits. I do think thrift and consignment is a super source for dressy and occasion wear.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084832 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 05:51:23 +0000 Jenn 2084832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think building a full wardrobe in a year would be really tough! Tome/budget constraints aside, very few of the things I bought in my first year or two on this forum turned out to be the right components for my style long-term. It took a few seasons of living in them and building outfits to hone in on what was working and what wasn’t. </p> <p>When you say you’re about halfway there, do you mean your wardrobe is still half the size you’d like it to be, only half of your pieces are working well for you, or a little of each? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084828 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 04:56:07 +0000 rachylou 2084828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a deep dive. I feel like how much of each type is good... is this true? Also: It took me years, years!, to rebuild and get my wardrobe to what I think of as working shape. What’s for sale, honing my style, weeding the chaff... I can’t imagine doing it in a year. Buying enough to permit me to go outside, yes... working smooth... took me forever! Lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084820 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 03:44:28 +0000 Sal 2084820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a good analysis and kudos on the second hand shopping. Like me shoes and gear are more likely to be new- and skirts second hand.</p> <p>In terms of dressy looks - I tend to think seperates will be easier than dresses to incorporate. Another approach could be just waiting til you need it though - if your needs are rare? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084819 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 03:39:38 +0000 Suz 2084819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, this is a terrific analysis.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm going to come back later on to comment in more detail about various aspects, but for now I simply want to respond to this section:&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>"I’ve noticed that because my dressy capsule is so fragmented, I have trouble putting together complete outfits, and tend to give up and just default to casual clothing."</p> <p><b></b></i><b></b>This was, and to some extent, remains, a tricky area for me as well. I really had nothing for a long time, and then what I did have didn't work together in any meaningful way. It was so frustrating.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>Even though you are generally a separates person, I would suggest that for dressy events you consider a dress or a suit. It doesn't have to be new. You might find it at thrift/ consignment. And in fact, that can be a great place to get dressy things -- they are relatively unworn, and don't date.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>As long as I kept thinking in terms of separates for my dressy capsule, I got precisely nowhere. As soon as I got one winter dress, one summer dress, and a cross-seasonal dressy suit, I was off to the races. I could add shoes and a bag etc. and then no problem. Slowly but surely I could also add separates that could be mixed and matched more successfully for some juxtaposition (i.e. a dressy skirt with denim jacket.)&nbsp;<i><br /></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084818 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 03:17:13 +0000 SarahD8 2084818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cold season (Fall-winter-spring)</b> wardrobe: 32 items purchased (retail 4). Details below.</p> <p><u>Tops: 8 (retail 2)</u></p> <p>Tops have been an area of weakness/frustration in my wardrobe for a while. But I feel that this capsule is starting, slowly, to take better shape. It’s not there yet but I no longer feel like I just want to throw my hands up in frustration because I have no idea what I’m doing!</p> <p><u>Tunic-length sweaters: 5 (retail 0)</u></p> <p>This is essentially a new capsule that I began to assemble late last year when I hit upon the uber-simple, “less layering, just skinnies and tunic sweater” formula for working at home. I have done well here, all of the items I’ve bought go with multiple bottoms and have been worn multiple times.</p> <p><u>Toppers: 3 (retail 0)</u></p> <p>I already had a lot of toppers (which for me means cardigans) so it’s good to see that I’m purchasing slowly and selectively here.</p> <p><u>Pants: 7 (retail 2)</u></p> <p>Around September I realized that if everyone is now getting rid of their low-rise pants in favor of the current high rises…then I actually could buy low-rise pants if I get them secondhand. It has taken a bit of trial and error to figure this out (honing my sense of the right waist/inseam/rise measurement to look for) but I am getting there and have managed to add a few pairs of non-black, non-blue pants. Hooray!</p> <p><u>Cold-season skirt capsule</u>: 9 (retail 0) — 4 skirts and 5 cropped/shorter length tops to wear with them.</p> <p>I started the year with essentially no cold-season dresses or skirts. So the brief here was to build a small capsule from scratch. The problem is that since I was starting from nothing, I focused on things that would be very “basic” and “versatile.” What did I end up with? A bunch of plain, neutral, mostly dark items – and nothing I want to wear together in an outfit! Needs a serious rethink, but also this is not my highest priority.</p> <p><b>High summer</b>: 17 (retail 3)</p> <p>(7 tops 2 retail, 3 skirts 1 retail, 1 pants, 2 dresses, 4 toppers)</p> <p>Summer is not my dominant season, but I had under-bought for several years and my collection of summer clothes was looking quite thin. It still hasn’t quite gelled. The problem is I have a bunch of half-outfits: e.g., a selection of skirts I like but no tops to go with them. (I DID try to find such tops last summer, but was unsuccessful.) Also since this capsule is thin and summer clothes wear out fast it’s hard to keep up (several of the dresses I’ve relied on the past few summers really need replacing).</p> <p><b>Summer business</b>: 2 (retail 0)</p> <p>The idea here was to build a capsule of 3 bottoms, 5 tops, and 2 pairs of shoes that would be appropriate for when I need something “professional” for warm weather. This is not business formal by any means but for times when my usual summer wardrobe of sandals and a floral sundress just doesn’t cut it. There is some overlap here with my everyday wardrobe. But this has been a bit of a tough brief. My annual work conference (which is the main reason I need a whole capsule here rather than one or two outfits) is in a cool-weather location in 2020 so that gives me a bit of time to just keep chipping away at this.</p> <p><b>Transitional</b>: 2 (retail 0)</p> <p>I identified a need for a small capsule of clothing for late spring when it’s a bit too chilly for the skirts/dresses I rely on during summer, and in almost-autumn when it’s too warm for full-length jeans and boots. Some items from my cool season and summer wardrobes can be remixed into new outfit combinations for this purpose, but I would also like to assemble a handful of lightweight/cropped pants, and a few ¾ sleeve pullovers.</p> <p><b>Shoes</b> 4 (retail 3)</p> <p>I love shoes so I’m rather surprised I haven’t purchased more! In fact I think I’ve probably under-bought here.</p> <p><b>Outerwear</b> 2 (retail 0)</p> <p>You’ve seen my <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prompt-challenge-styling-a-wildcard-burgundyplum">Liberty puffer vest</a> which I think has been a successful experiment even if the wearing season is short. I also bought a navy cape cardigan which was less fab (basically just turned out to be too big) and I’ve already passed it along.</p> <p><b>Accessories</b> 5 (retail 0)</p> <p>In the first couple months of the year, three scarves — prompting the realization: hey, I don’t need any more scarves! So I stopped shopping for them. Late in the year, another realization — I’d like to be more deliberate about building my jewelry collection. So I used some birthday money to buy an abalone ring and a pair of earrings.</p> <p><b>Dressy items</b> 4 (retail 0)</p> <p>I haven’t actually worn any of the dressy items I’ve bought yet! My life is quite casual, and I have relatively little true “need” for dressy clothes. That said, there are occasions for which I could dress up a little bit, and I enjoy doing so. But I’ve noticed that because my dressy capsule is so fragmented, I have trouble putting together complete outfits, and tend to give up and just default to casual clothing. So, as the other parts of my wardrobe solidify, I want to start thinking about building a small capsule of dressy items that will be easier to make into outfits and remix with casual items to kick an outfit up a notch. I will have to be very thoughtful about this in order to choose the right options that fit my lifestyle and allow me to complete outfits but I do feel up to the task.</p> <p><b>Lounge/pj/gym gear</b>: 13 (retail 7)</p> <p>This was another capsule that was in rather dire shape early in the year. Historically I’ve tended to underbuy and/or have a mishmash of thrifted things that didn’t really hang together, and then around March a bunch of stuff wore out at the same time. However this year I developed an overall plan and color scheme for building this area of my wardobe. As with my wardrobe overall, I feel like I’m about halfway there. Irritatingly, the sleep tanks I bought 6 months ago are already worn out — thin and saggy. They’ve gotten 30 wears I guess, but now I have to start the search all over again, wah!</p> <p>For those of you who made your way through this, thank you for reading! I'm curious to know which areas of your wardrobe received the most attention this year. Are there any that just seem tough to sort out?&nbsp;</p> <p>I will be back in the final days of the year with a more forward-looking post about how I'm going to build on this beginning and stay on track for 2020. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment#post-2084817 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 03:11:50 +0000 SarahD8 2084817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Near the beginning of 2019 I decided to undertake a year-long effort at wardrobe building. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course">Here’s the post</a> where realized the necessity of that effort&nbsp;and set some parameters, and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-ft-epiphanies-long">here’s an update</a> at the half-year mark.</p> <p>Now that 2019 is coming to an end, how did I do?</p> <p>The short answer is that I feel like I am about halfway there.</p> <p>(I also very much hope I will not be writing a post a year from now saying, “I feel like I’m about 2/3 of the way there.” Zeno’s paradox, anyone??)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Was this simply too ambitious a goal? Can wardrobe building be done in a year? I think it depends. If you are able to give the project sustained attention, what you like is readily available at retail, and you are aiming for something fairly minimal, I suspect so. But none of those things were quite true for me.</p> <p>That’s ok. I have learned a LOT this year, and am ready to “relax into it,” as Angie would say.</p> <p>I promised you numbers! Here are some:</p> </p> <ul> <li>At the beginning of 2019, I had 97 items in my 3-season wardrobe and 48 in my summer wardrobe for a total of 145. </li> <li>Today, I have 89 3-season items, 53 summer, 13 transitional, and 5 outerwear for a total of 160.</li> </ul> </p> <p>Both of these totals include everyday clothing, footwear, and outerwear, but not lounge/sleepwear, dressy items, or accessories.</p> <p>However, the overall numbers are not exactly equivalent (e.g., start 2019 includes some gear items but end 2019 does not.). And it’s difficult to compare more granularly, because I have changed how I have categorized my wardrobe (more on that later) and have swapped some items from one category to another.</p> <p>But the idea that my wardrobe is modestly although not wildly larger than it was at the beginning of the year rings true to me.</p> <p>I didn’t do a very good job of keeping track of purged items so I’m going to skip that. Hopefully I can do better at that in 2020, I'm a tracker/analyzer (no shade on anyone who's not) and I do think it's useful data.</p> <p>I have added to my wardrobe a total of 83 items. This DOES include lounge/sleepwear, dressy items, accessories, and gear — everything except undies &amp; socks. And I needed a major refresh/rebuild of lounge/pj/gym gear. So the “churn” in my regular wardrobe is not as high as that number would initially suggest.</p> <p>The majority of my purchases are secondhand. I have purchased 17 items at retail (well, I bought more, but returned things. :-p ) and the remainder secondhand, mostly online. The categories with the highest percentages of retail purchases are shoes and sleep/lounge.</p> <p>In the first comment below I'll put some numbers of purchases in various categories and how they went.</p>