YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:19:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php whidbeygirl on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276415 Tue, 09 Aug 2022 19:45:32 +0000 whidbeygirl 2276415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has been a fascinating thread. Thank you! SarahD8 for initiating this discussion. I clearly need to get organized and there are so many great suggestions here. Hmmm. a spreadsheet would likely help me weed out those items that I really don't wear and help focus on those that I should wear more often or 'holes' that need attention. Even though I've been reading YLF for several years I have yet to fully embrace the 'organized' approach to fashion. Maybe this discussion has finally pushed me to the point of truly becoming more intentional about my wardrobe. I have started putting a few items in my Finds... so that's a start. Thanks to everyone for sharing their ideas and personal experiences. SarahD8 on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276326 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 16:34:00 +0000 SarahD8 2276326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JenniNZ great that you have found this discussion thought-provoking! I agree with you that the easiest wardrobe holes to recognize are those involving "essentials" per Angie's definition. And very good point in your second comment about how the budget for non-clothing priorities intersects with wardrobe planning. We're doing some decarbonization of our home this year and my awareness of the cost of that surely factors into my thoughts here. Though the just-passed climate bill here in the US should help with that. Can I just spend the tax credit we get for low-carbon home upgrades on secondhand clothes? lol cat2 keeping piece counts of different categories sounds like a useful strategy. Of course I've done wardrobe counts before but I'm not sure I've taken it the next step to establish how many items I *should* have in different categories. Worth pondering that further. LaPed, it's great to "see" you. I hope you are well! Absolutely YES on the murky difference between wants and needs, and the relief of intellectual honesty. Thank you so much for articulating that way! I literally felt my shoulders relax when I read your post. DonnaF also wanted to say that I'm sorry for your husband's health struggles. I like your system of making a list and then just waiting for the price to fall (or for the item to fall off the list). There's something very freeing in that. Very good point about the perils of an overly-specific list causing one to settle -- I think that's true for me too so duly noted! Suz how fascinating -- a wardrobe hole caused you to discover a new essential! The opposite order of operations to what we have mostly been discussing on this thread. Your comments about Angie's essentials concept -- yes, I definitely do have them in my wardrobe -- prompted me to revisit some earlier threads on the topic, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/here-goes-nothin-my-essentials">here</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentials-2020">here</a>. The second of those links is especially interesting because in some ways the discussion is so similar to the one on this thread. *facepalm* Hilarious but also frustrating that I seem to need to learn the same lesson over and over! (In my defense, I guess, my bandwidth for focusing on style/wardrobe waxes and wanes, and I sometimes lose the thread a bit in between those periods of focus.) Anyway, reading back over that thread reinforced my sense that I have long felt that I tend to over-accumulate essentials (particularly in dark neutrals), and have consistently wanted to shift the balance of my wardrobe more towards color/pattern. So I'm skeptical of the idea that purchasing essentials (again, per Angie's definition) ought to be my default priority -- although I do think "Are my essentials sorted?" should be a question in the mix, probably near the top. SF, yeah, the essentials discussion is always slippery, and I think people often want to conflate "neutral or quietly colored items that serve as the 'glue' holding outfits together" (what Angie means by essentials) and "items that are essential to expressing my style," which could be much less quiet/neutral -- like those fair isle pieces that you and Suz are both (correctly, I think) identifying as playing that role for me. I think we need language to name those wardrobe items. I am going to let my ecologist freak flag fly and propose "keystone pieces." An alternative might be "signature pieces." I think wardrobe holes involving those keystone pieces can be harder to recognize than those involving essentials -- yet we feel that there is something ineffable missing from our wardrobes. Your bike shorts example is interesting because I think those are what Angie would call a "wardrobe basic" -- I have a tendency to under-invest in wardrobe basics, and have definitely had experiences where the lack of a wardrobe basic stopped me from getting as much use out of another item as I might otherwise. So that's good for me to keep in mind as well! Thanks again all for the discussion on this thread! Inspired by your input I have been doing some analysis and planning for fall 2022 -- I will write up some thoughts which I hope might be useful to others as well as me but won't have time to do that until later in the week. Excited to put some of the great suggestions you all have made into practice! Stagiaire Fash on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276113 Sun, 07 Aug 2022 07:42:12 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2276113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The best I can make of the whole essentials/statements/completers business is to do what Suz did with Fair Isle sweaters & detailed tops for you—figure out what I wear and need to get dressed. That means ignoring the idea that they have to be bland, basic things that you don’t enjoy shopping for and figuring out what works for you. I didn’t get arrested without the bike shorts I got earlier this summer, but they make a couple skirts more wearable. Having that option means I’m wearing the skirts more, even if I don’t wear shorts that day. That’s been my uniform this summer. The skirts have colorful patterns, yet I swap them and the colorful monochrome tops out easily. I recall that you have a long over lean formula with very specific requirements for the pieces. Suz on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276082 Sun, 07 Aug 2022 00:22:39 +0000 Suz 2276082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, I discovered a wardrobe hole today when the zipper on my lightweight/ fast dry white shorts broke. I wear those shorts at least twice a week in summer. Yes, I have a denim pair but I don't like them nearly as much. No, I can't find a replacement (yet) and am hoping I can find a tailor and get a zipper sewn in. These shorts are over 10 years old but apart from the zipper they look like new and they still fit me so I would rather repair if I can.  But there it is -- an essential for me.  I get that you wear more of what might be called "completer" pieces but I still see your style as included essentials. Some that I have seen:  <ul> <li>Skinny or slim jeans. </li> <li>Knee high boots.</li> <li>Short water proof boots / booties.</li> <li>Patterned (probably Fair Isle) cardigan. (Yes, I know in some closets that might count as a statement but in your case, I think not.)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Pin-tucked or other detailed tops (not sure which colours would be your essentials but I am sure you can narrow down favourites that would be awfully hard to do without as opposed to others that are less crucial but nice to have -- those would be completers in your closet). </li> <li>Raincoat/ rain gear (simply because of climate -- this *has* to be essential for anyone in the PNW, I would wager. </li> </ul> I'm sure there are more!  Given how often you make outfits with these elements, I would think they might be. your priorities unless you already have a huge stockpile of items in these categories.  This is the reason outerwear and footwear is a huge priority for me -- probably my main priority. I have to ensure that's in place first and each season I check out footwear before I do anything else -- followed by outerwear in fall/ winter (not so much for spring/ summer for obvious reasons.)  Jenni NZ on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276079 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 23:46:56 +0000 Jenni NZ 2276079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That last bit is great Donna! I am sorry about your husband’s poor health though. I definitely don’t single-handedly uphold the NZ economy as I am too tight-fisted for that, but I sometimes spend quite a lot all at once like we are adding an outdoor pergola to our 4-year old house soon as the 4 summers without it made us realise we will have a much better summer with one. And it is $$$. I do what you do with “wish lists” and then sometimes buying on deep discount. DonnaF on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276065 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 22:24:15 +0000 DonnaF 2276065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a really large wardrobe, in part because I rarely get rid of stuff. My weight has mostly been very stable for 30 or 40 years—until I lost about 10 pounds nearly two years ago. Ten pounds isn’t much unless you’re 5’ 1” like me. Now those sheath dresses that I kept tugging down and that T-shirt that showed too much fluff can now get more rotation, and a few blouses droop at the shoulders. Frustrating that even five pounds can make a difference! I’ve found that too specific a list has led me to subconscious settling and convincing myself that something is a 10 when it’s a 7 or 8 just so I can cross it off. I no longer buy at thrift stores due to no returns and the prices aren’t good in my area. Nearly all my clothing purchases are from Nordstrom since I am able to return them whenever; no deadline. I put items in my Nordstrom Wish List and wait for them to be marked down or until I decide they won’t meet my needs/wants. That’s how I got my new bras to replace a few that got too big and a pleather vest to replace the one that’s starting to peek which replaced my first pleather vest that suddenly started to peel big time. I have noticed that I have become extremely sensitive to temperature and weather changes such that what may have worked for me several years ago may not do so in the future. These days my feet get cold like nobody’s business so that has to be in my priorities. Finally, I have to admit that I am a recreational shopper. I am over age 69 but work one day a week to fund my Nordstrom addiction. My husband is in poor health so we don’t do much so this is my entertainment. I feel like I am single-handedly upholding the American economy. Who else has their old (from several years ago) UPS driver ask the current UPS driver to give me a shoutout? I love them both. LaPed on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276053 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 20:27:33 +0000 LaPed 2276053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL @ "I have gone, truly, years without what I would consider really foundational items and yet have never gotten arrested for public indecency, you know?" I think about this a lot, and carry around the awareness that the vast bulk of what I own falls into the "want" category, not "need". That said, I do consider style/textiles to be a hobby at this point in my life, so I've granted myself permission to have more than a tiny capsule of clothes (for now -- that could always change again in the future).  I am slowly and reluctantly admitting to myself that my priority, as long as I live in a four-season climate, needs to be cold-weather gear and clothing. It's hard, because boots and coats take up a lot of space and budget, but they truly are the highest-impact items in my wardrobe. I love warm and hot weather and I can feel happy wearing just about any old tee plus shorts/skirt combo or a breezy dress with simple sandals. I also have a lot of freedom to wear whatever in June/July/August since I work on a school schedule and don't need to look anything other than casual 99% of the time in the summer. The flip side is, I am miserable if I'm cold, so I really can't get by without a dialled-in layering system for the winter, especially if I want to spend significant time outside (and I'm also miserable when I don't do that!). My only summer purchases so far have been replacements for worn out gear and a couple of secondhand linen pieces for fun. I am holding off on more shopping until cold weather arrives and I can reassess my outerwear/layering situation.   I try to stay away from thinking in terms of "wardrobe holes" these days because for me it can too easily become a game of mental gymnastics to justify adding things that catch my eye but aren't true needs. Eg, "I only have dark coloured sneakers right now, so I *need* this light coloured pair!" Do I frequently find myself unable to create outfits because I'm stuck with black sneakers? Nope? Then it's not really a hole, is it! Better to just be honest and say, "Wow, those ecru sneakers are really cute! What would I wear them with, and how often? Am I okay splitting wears with my other sneakers? Will I be annoyed with how quickly they get dingy?" etc. cat2 on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2276034 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 15:46:09 +0000 cat2 2276034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I keep piece counts in each category for Summer and Not Summer (our two seasons). So I know how many jeans, sweaters, etc. I have and can spot gaps developing. So one year all I bought were long sleeve tees to put my essentials back in balance. That takes care of making my wardrobe function. I also have a budget, and use the rest of it for things that are trending at retail that suit my style, and what that is varies from year to year. Right now I am loving the skirts and dresses but not the shoes, another year I bought a lot of shoes. The budget makes prioritizing happen. Jenni NZ on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2275954 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 06:35:19 +0000 Jenni NZ 2275954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sarah have been thinking about your thread! I am a bit flummoxed myself on where to go with future purchases from here. Have managed to demote a few things to the dress-up cupboard that could be for my Art Deco or 1970s parties…neither of which have happened for over a year but which I hope may come back one day. That left small gaps in my 150-ish item wardrobe that I could fill without getting out-of-control numbers and choices again. I think “wardrobe holes” for me are usually Angie’s “essentials”. For instance, black ponte pants. I find these so comfortable and a good base for winter outfits where more of the interest is in the top half and the shoes, so something plain in between those is good. So when about 2 years ago I could tell the frequently worn ones with leather lower leg patches were looking tired, I started watching out/hunting for some. In 2020 I found a cheap but good pair through internet searching which I am pleased to have now worn many weekends and days off plus for the occasional work day-81 wears by now. I donated the tired ones last year. Missed my leather patches though, and this year found some by the same brand as the original at their factory sale. Different style. They are smarter and better for work. 19 wears already in a few months. So with 100 wears between the pairs I think we can say essential for my style! I tend to have more “wild cards” in my summer style I think, like maybe introducing a new colour. Thrifting is quite good for that for me but not always a success. SarahD8 on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases/page/2#post-2275804 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 14:04:40 +0000 SarahD8 2275804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brooklyn, thank you, that is all very clarifying! I think for me it would also be everyday over occasion but cool weather over warm. (But, as Angie notes, we Seattleites can no longer ignore our warm-weather capsules!) I like to look at fashion and browse randomly too -- basically I just love textiles! It does make for having a sense of an overabundance of possibilities though.... And great point about going the custom route. That might work especially well for tops, particularly my elusive patterned tops. Oh dear, now I have an excuse to browse fabric! :-) Helena, this was so interesting to read your description of the changes you have made this year. I am glad they are proving so successful for you! I think both you and I are both deeply analytical AND deeply intuitive people. And finding the right balance between those tendencies can be difficult, but SO, so rewarding. I am taking notes! Anchie, ah yes -- ratio of neutrals/colors and pattern/non-pattern. I think that's something that would be useful for me, too. Thank you! And it's good to know I'm in such good company struggling with this. Thank you again, all! I am letting all this wonderful wisdom percolate in my brain, and am excited to put it into action! anchie on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275802 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:52:49 +0000 anchie 2275802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That was the question that lead me to this forum many years ago. And I still struggle with this. I easily get overwhelmed with amount of choices out there and not clear idea what I actually need. I used to have rather large wardrobe with random items bought on deep discount that didn’t really make useful outfits. Getting dressed was difficult on daily basis. Over the years I set up many rules for my wardrobe management to help me with this problem because it was not coming naturally to me. So along with wear tracking, limiting numbers of items in each category, and ratio of neutrals vs colors and patterns and one in one out principle it got easier but not completely. I was just trying to order belated birthday present for my self and cannot make up my mind what I really need the most. SarahD8 on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275801 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:42:03 +0000 SarahD8 2275801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YKK it sounds like you have a system that works for you! Sal great point that sometimes it is good to go with it when a theme is emerging (replenishing gear, etc.). Hopefully like Brooklyn mentions that allows one to forget about some of those categories for a while -- set it and forget it! Suz your comments about essentials made a penny drop for me. I think when we have discussed essentials in the past I've realized that I do not have an essentials-heavy style. I think my style depends on completer pieces, really? That is, I like to wear things that are not quite plain enough to be essentials but not quite loud enough to be statements -- but I like to combine multiple such items in an outfit in interesting ways. Aha! So figuring out the right mix of "completers" to be able to accomplish that is not so straightforward -- but now, having more clearly articulated the challenge, I'm excited to meet it. Jaime I truly admire your relaxed attitude about all this and I always look to you as an example of someone who really makes thrifting work for a dynamic and functional wardrobe!  suntiger PUPY is such a great concept, I need to incorporate it into my decision tree. And good point about shopping in season. I need to assess what I've bought in vs. out of season (hopefully I can remember!!) and see if shopping out of season is actually working for me. I think my preferences are pretty consistent like Angie mentions, so in theory it should be workable...but is it actually working? Staysfit "Figuring out which wheel is squeaking requires a good ear." Ahhhh yes yes yes! Such a great articulation of the problem. (And yet, somehow, also one that helps me be gentle with myself?) "When would I choose [potential new thing] over [thing I already own]?" is SUCH a great question, I say it all the time on people's keep/return posts, but I need to incorporate it more firmly into my own process. Duplication is another issue -- as a Princess of Duplication, deliberately splitting my wears can be a good strategy for me...but not always. Finally, I'm giving my "cashmere uber alles" sister a squeeze on her softly clad shoulder! SarahD8 on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275798 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:20:59 +0000 SarahD8 2275798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, I'm back. My 6 am meeting got pushed to Monday -- bad for my sleep, good for musing about style and wardrobe strategies. Runcarla your whole approach to your wardrobe is very inspiring, and I think that having observed your process over the past several years is part of what's inspiring me to get more intentional about this sort of planning now. So thank you! I especially appreciate your comments about successfully thrifting for both essentials and wildcards. I do suspect that it is easier to identify wardrobe holes (or incipient ones) in smaller wardrobes. I am pretty sure that I want to keep a somewhat larger wardrobe so I need to accept that understanding wardrobe holes may not be quite as straightforward for me. Irina great reminder that not all items on a list have to be equally specific. I like the idea of really being exact when an exact thing is required but letting some wishes be more nebulous. Angie well if you wrote a novel it's a compelling one! Thanks for laying this all out, it's very helpful -- and it's reassuring that it can take years for you to find the right thing too! I'm zeroing in on your comments about shopping list items generated by your style goals. I think that's the component that I'm really trying to figure out here. Probably I need to get clearer about the style goals, and HOW to accomplish them -- the list of items should flow rather naturally from that. Put in the work so I can reap the rewards, as you say. LJP there is also something quite aspirational about the quiet simplicity of saying: look, sweep away all the b.s., I am only going to buy these three things. I am curious about *how* you homed in on the specific items you mentioned, but reading between the lines it seems like you have just shut out all the NOISE and let the priorities arise organically from within. Very, VERY insipirational. Zaeobi that sense of having a style that is not always well served by retail: you get it. Your description of your teal tank and brown pants hunt was very familiar to me! Great point about using placeholders judiciously. Joy smart to have storage that has specific slots for things! Mine accommodates a bit more "I'll just cram this one more thing in," so it's a slippery slope.   More soon. Helena on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275789 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 12:41:38 +0000 Helena 2275789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting thread Sarah! I've really upended my whole approach this year, so it's a little bit unsettled at the moment. But the summary is I realized that my issue is trying to over-plan and over-control my wardrobe (and other aspects of life really) - so my focus has been on really simplifying my whole process and reconnecting with my own internal guidance system. So as it applies to your question, this year has looked like: <ul> <li>skipping the seasonal capsules and skipping trying to map everything out in advance (except where truly required - for example, when we went on vacation I gave myself a couple of weeks to fill in a few gaps I needed to)</li> <li>jotting down legitimate need items - sort of as Jules said, if I reached for something more than once and it wasn't there, that counted as a need (as well as basic needs such as enough undies for 2 laundry cycles, etc.)</li> <li>purchase said needs without excessive analysis - i.e. having determined that I was reaching for a black sweater and didn't have one, trust my gut when I got to the shops (and be willing to walk out empty handed when my gut's not happy)</li> <li>be open to occasional just-for-fun buys - but being mindful enough to consider whether I love it on the hanger or I would love it on me and in my closet</li> </ul> So far this has netted me a little more purchasing than usual (not a lot more) - but just about everything I've purchased has been a success and has been worn quite a lot. I think the additional purchases have been to fill in areas where I had previously purchased what I thought I needed based on someone else's definition - so I don't foresee that being an ongoing thing; in fact, I think I will find I am more satisfied with what I have and potentially purchase less using this approach - but that remains to be seen. So in summary - turn down the noise, trust my own intelligence and gut, purchase mindfully, use what I purchase, is my strategy! Brooklyn on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275787 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 12:37:15 +0000 Brooklyn 2275787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prioritise everyday wear over occasional wear and warm weather wear over cool weather wear. This means I’m more likely to give myself permission to buy something I really like if I can see myself wearing it everyday or in warm weather (extra marks for both). I am stricter if it’s for occasional wear (that’s where my icon strategy comes in) but I do allow myself some occasional wear purchases because they bring me more joy than everyday items. I sometimes look for specific items but I also do a fair bit of random browsing. I like to look at fashion. As I’ve mentioned, I keep a list (not of actual items, but of inspirational terms) and also inspirational colour palettes. And they help to keep me on track. And I have a keen awareness of the categories that are well stocked (eg winter jackets). Sometimes I have to make myself buy things I really need but don’t enjoy shopping for. These would be my wardrobe holes. PJs, underwear, jeans, swimwear, gym gear, socks, sneakers, shorts. I am always wearing things out in these categories. Then I make myself do a big replenish and neglect them again. I replenished shorts and jeans last year. Now hopefully I can forget about them for a few years! I can see how it’s more difficult relying on thrift shopping. Have you thought about having some things made just to get some of your longstanding HEWIs sorted? Staysfit on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275781 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 11:46:51 +0000 Staysfit 2275781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have tried to analyze how I shop. I think I am mostly an intuitive shopper and go by emotion.  However, the truth is I really don’t know. Somehow it all seems to be working out and I no longer buy too much or end up with an overwhelming number of items.  I wear everything I buy. I believe the main key is to ask myself if I truly love the item.  Then I ask: 1. Where will I wear this?<div>2. If I have X occasion where I might wear this, would I pick this item or prefer a different item from my wardrobe? Why? 3. Does this item mix and match well with what I own? 4. Does this item duplicate another item in my closet?  If so, which of the two is better?  Should I replace the other item?  Would I choose this new item over the old? 5. Does it fit well?  Is it good quality/well made?  Is it practical?   </div><div> </div><div>This does not answer whether I would prioritize buying shoes over a pair of jeans if I had a budget or time constraint.  Obviously, I prioritize cashmere sweaters over anything else! :-). Joking aside, if I had to prioritize, the greasy wheel would get the grease.  Figuring out which wheel is squeaking requires a good ear.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div> Anonymous on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275775 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 10:55:05 +0000 Anonymous 2275775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a handwritten inventory, with a list of what I want to buy, as well as my wardrobe in Finds- which I'd definitely recommend! Main priorities for me are essentials replacements (often shoes, black skirts and trousers), and laundry bottlenecks (usually basics). For non essentials, I take into account the PUPY (potential uses per year) value. Summer workwear has the highest, as I wear it 6 months of the year. Casual transitional and occasion wear has the lowest. If I can wear things in multiple contexts, like a LBD that can be work formal and occasion, it's better than buying wardrobe unitaskers. As far as your needs, I do suggest shopping in season, even if it isn't required. I say that cause you'll be actively wearing that seasons clothes, finding wardrobe holes and needed replacements, and seeing what your preferences/inspirations are at that time. You'll be able to try out the contenders straightaway instead of just having them take up space for months. It's why I don't buy much, if anything, at NAS. Jaime on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275771 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:55:54 +0000 Jaime 2275771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have no wardrobe holes or true needs, so when I start focusing on an item type I wait for it. Like you Sarah, I shop primarily second hand, but am in a thrift shop most days and peruse online options as well. I will invest in a "risky" online item (say shoes I don't know that will fit) and order them to my sister's house in Florida and then wait months to see them. At that point the return window is over, but I have calculated their resale value into my decision. Am always open to wild cards, but it takes a lot to wow me these days . Suz on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275763 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 05:38:20 +0000 Suz 2275763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was nodding along with Jules, Carla,  Irina, and Zaeobi. I go through a process rather like Carla's of inspecting items thoroughly a couple of times a year, and envisioning what I might want to wear for my planned activities and any upcoming events or trips. And in between those planning/ thinking/ examining sessions I am also constantly paying attention to where I run into problems creating outfits or engaging in the activities I want to do -- sometimes that leads to something like what Stagliare Fash and Sal mentioned, so that a few years back when I moved to Victoria, I had a "year of gear" because I suddenly needed clothes for hiking and biking.  And sometimes it just means prioritizing a good pair of boots.  Like Angie and Irina and Style Fan and others, I want to leave room for wild cards and fun or unexpected purchases. Like Carla, I often use thrifting/ consignment shopping specifically for wild cards. Figuring out my essentials has been valuable too, because knowing them, I can safely buy on discount (or at thrift) out of season. I know, for instance, that I need navy tops for every season; if my current ones are all wearing out, it makes sense to plan ahead for new ones because if I don't, I'll be sorry! Contrariwise, knowing my essentials also gives me permission, if I like, to buy them full price and at higher quality. The CPW will be minimal by the time I am through and I will not tire of them. And it is worth it to ensure they are in place. In other words, ensuring I have all my essentials is a wardrobe priority for me.  Sal on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275756 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:58:01 +0000 Sal 2275756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a list but allow for wildcards. I do have years like StagF where one year is gear and the next is more summer oriented. Priorities are things that I would really miss if I didn’t buy - running shoes, a couple of warm tops for winter walks, the right bag for my needs. Every now and then I get a burning need for something I see and I mostly go with it. I make sure I always have an outfit for smart work occasions and for a funeral, YKK on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275750 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:15:58 +0000 YKK 2275750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The way I do things is pretty simple. Everything is pretty bland except when I come across something I really like. I'm not trend driven either, not in the slightest unless the trend happens to be something I like. You could definitely say my style is quirky as well. I'd be interested in any pictures of your outfits as I'm curious about any kind of unusual styles.  Anonymous on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275744 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 02:27:28 +0000 Anonymous 2275744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Doi have room foam item means is there an extra hangar and space on the bar Orin a drawer or space in the shoe bag? Zaeobi on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275741 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 02:03:00 +0000 Zaeobi 2275741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TL;DR: I find it's ok for wardrobe items to take months/ years to find so long as they don't fall under my 'wardrobe holes' list above. (E.g. I *finally* found a deep teal cotton tank top with not too low of a neckline - I managed to make outfits without it for years, but hopefully now this will give me more choices (will have the chance to check this once I'm reunited with my original closet)! Though I suspect we all try to minimise it, I think it's normal that there will be *some* level of 'placeholder' items in your wardrobe (especially if you're shopping secondhand). I'd recommend the 'One in/ One out' rule in that case though - e.g. now that I've *finally* found full-length dark brown trousers, I donated my slightly too tight & cropped pair. Make any alterations needed on the 'new' pair before getting rid of the old pair though, otherwise you'll fall into what I call a 'false' regret (because you don't actually miss the *old* pair so much as having *any* option to fill the 'dark brown trousers' hole). Lol Zaeobi on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275740 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 02:00:59 +0000 Zaeobi 2275740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wardrobe holes = 1~ Will I freeze my butt off without this? 2~ Will I sweat my butt off without this? 3~ Will I be self-conscious/ inappropriately dressed for X event without this? 4~ Will I be uncomfortable at X event without this? (see #1 & #2) 5~ Will I be unable to pull together a few outfits without this?* * Be careful with this one; I say a 'few' because otherwise it's easy to slip into buying a whole new wardrobe just to support ONE new clothing piece! SarahD8 on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275733 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 01:24:10 +0000 SarahD8 2275733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Barbara Diane that's a great example of a wardrobe hole. I had a similar experience a where I had accumulated a lot of blue tops (it's a readily available color and it looks good on me). Also all my pants were blue. But I realized I don't really like to wear blue tops with blue pants. So, it would seem that non-blue pants were a wardrobe hole that would enable me to get more wear out of my blue tops. But, I always had (have) a sneaking suspicion that an equally good or maybe even better solution would be to edit out the excess of blue tops...so there's a lot of ambiguity, I think. Jules, that's a great system. It sounds like in some ways you are prioritizing things you wear a lot, like rachylou. And I know that "thinking/planning ahead for things that will soon wear out" has been discussed a fair bit on the forum recently. That's a smart strategy too and one I need to keep in mind. Style Fan prioritizing categories that are difficult to fit/hard to find is a very, very good idea! Have to get dinner on the table but will come back and respond to others. This is, again, such a useful discussion! LJP on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275719 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 23:58:56 +0000 LJP 2275719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie’s process is envy- inducing but makes sense for someone in the style business. Since I moved out of a career that justified dressing well and with a nod to trends , I honestly have lost the desire to shop . I reigned in my budget in a big way , and now only buy items I plan for . I so do not need more things , so it’s made life so much easier to just focus on the 2-3 pieces per season I know I really can use , and not get distracted by beautiful clothes I simply don’t need nor have anywhere to wear . I don’t even set foot in the mall anymore and haven’t been in many of what used to be my fav stores in ages ( BR , Anthro , Lululemon and CM for example ) This fall , I both need and want a pair of great mid shaft black boots to wear at work . I also want / can justify one cashmere or other soft sweater in a pale neutral , and lastly , a pair of flared jeans I don’t have to hem . And I refuse to settle for some pair that sort of fits . Lastly , I am currently obsessed with a modified western boot ( I know , hell must have frozen over , what can I say ?) and if I find something that is not $$ (because this will be a trend look ) , I’m buying them . That’s it. Angie on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275716 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 23:44:44 +0000 Angie 2275716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm nodding along with Irina. Some thoughts, SarahD8:  <ul> <li>I have a flexible shopping list, wishlist, and make welcome room for wildcards and unexpected purchases to amp up the excitement and fun-factor!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The items on my shopping list are generated by: style goals, wardrobe holes, replenishing and replacing needs, and HOW I want to refresh and evolve my style over time. Like adding navy to replace the black has taken YEARS.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Items can stay on my shopping list for many, many seasons! For example, I've been trying to replace my navy essential woolly outerwear for at least 3 years - and finally did that at the NAS this year. I've had tall cream dressy boots that fit and are comfy on my shopping list for 15 years! Still don't have them. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>I have a monthly budget, and a NAS budget that I stick to. I keep a spreadsheet of EVERY PURCHASE, and keep track of whether it earned a place in my wardrobe, or is returned.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>As far as wardrobe holes go, they are in part generated by how Carla defined them. I realized that I had two large wardrobe holes  his year, and made them style goals in order to tackle them head on - and IN MY TIME so that I am relaxed about it. First, I attacked my formal wear capsule, and then I tackled my heatwave capsule. Here is why I tackled my formal wear capsule:</li> </ul> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2022/04/14/my-formal-wear-shopping-strategy/">https://youlookfab.com/2022/04.....-strategy/</a> <ul> <li>Now that Seattle has major heatwaves - as you know!!! - and we roast in our loft without a/c - I need more very high Summer clothes. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>As far as priorities go, I try NEVER to feel pressured or rushed to get anything for my style or wardrobe. This has to stay fun, and feeling pressured is not fun to me. I shop off-season more and more because then, I can get exactly what I want. If the item is right - it will be worn with joy at the right time. My style and sartorial preferences are sufficiently set in their ways to make this a successful strategy, and I am confident in my choices. My wardrobe is in very good shape so I have my bases covered. This makes shopping for perfect items that come along unexpectedly for next season or an occasion far, far away easier to prioritize.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Like Style Fan and others, shoes are often prioritized because of a walking lifestyle and fussy feet.</li> </ul> I wrote a novel :(  Hope it helps someone in some small way!  Carla on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275707 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 22:17:47 +0000 Carla 2275707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @ SarahD8 - Jenn posted a challenge 2 years ago that was a great test for any wardrobe.  I go through the exercise twice a year - once for cold weather, and once for warm - as part of an ongoing wardrobe assessment process. If I have trouble making an outfit I’m happy with because I’m missing an item, I know I have a wardrobe hole! <div> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-your-wardrobe-challenge">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-challenge</a> </div> Irina on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275706 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 22:08:29 +0000 Irina 2275706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a sort of shopping/wish list. I put there items that I need to replace the old ones with, some basics and some wants. I constantly edit it. It’s not a yearly thing, sometimes it takes me a couple of years to find a garment. Some of them are specific and might be called a wardrobe hole due to it, like white jeans or black linen pants. It must be exactly it and nothing will substitute that particular item. Some are more generally defined garments or accessories like “a black or navy summer dress or a jumpsuit “.  I keep things from my list in mind when I shop and feel satisfied when I purchase and take it off the list. But it’s more of the reminder, I leave space for discoveries.  Carla on "How do you prioritize wardrobe purchases?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-wardrobe-purchases#post-2275705 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 21:56:09 +0000 Carla 2275705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Every shopping year is different - but I do work from a list.  What I need is covered by what I have in my closet, so I try to keep to ‘one in/one out’ with some flexibility (around 80 items +/- 10.)  Once a year (usually October) I do a complete closet review, try things on, and make some decisions on what needs to be edited, and what is coming to the end of it’s life and needs to be replaced.  In other words, where a wardrobe hole might be forming.   The past shopping year was about replacing worn out basics, and I did add/replace almost half my footwear - from boots to sandals, and acquired some practical accessories like hats, specs, and a bag.  They were all on my list. When it comes to second hand, I’m a B&M shopper, and do look for items from my list in those venues.  I successfully sourced a black v-neck sweater, ecru jeans, and a coloured leather bag at thrift in the past calendar year - and they were all on my list.  I also shop thrift for wildcards - like the colourful summer shift, and the orange button down (that I reach for all-the-time!) and when I feel a need for retail therapy (it’s a cheap eco friendly fix.)   <div> </div><div>Most activities/occasions can be covered by what I have in my closet.  (That is part of the assessment I do at the annual review) so I rarely need something ‘urgently’, and this allows for opportunities to find ‘the thing’ at second hand, rather than new at retail. </div><div> </div><div>So, what I prioritize is what is on the list, but I recognize that there is room in the budget for spur of the moment/wildcards/retail therapy</div><div> </div><div>Photos from my last thrift store haul below.  < $100CAD and two items crossed off my list! (All the thrifted items in my closet ATM - <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=11516">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....tion=11516</a>) </div>