YouLookFab Forum » Topic: It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:57:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646665 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 15:56:56 +0000 Anonymous 1646665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've decided there are very good reasons to duplicate.  A person just has to understand why they are duplicating and adhere to those parameters.   catseye on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646653 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 15:36:05 +0000 catseye 1646653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Late to this discussion because I was not sure I was duplicating. Until this morning the weather is so warm I had to find a short sleeve top. I remembered I have this top in four colors. It is kind of my summer go to top. It is flattering and reasonably priced. I don't go shopping in person much and tired of ordering and returning. I think that is why I bought so many of these last year. No regrets. I wear the patterned, black, and pink one equally. The white one less so because it is semi sheer and i don't like it for work for that reason unless I wear a cami under. I sometimes duplicate jeans as well. I have also bought a second pair of the same shoes a couple times because I often wear shoes out and my feet are hard to fit. No that I think about it, I have also duplicated cashmere V neck sweater and merino sweater. All very basic stuff. And I wear them all at the same time with similar frequencies.  Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646558 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:46:12 +0000 Anonymous 1646558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, when you put it that way, it makes complete sense. I just know it would make no economic sense to duplicate something you don't wear that often. It wouldn't even make sense to have that duplicate taking up valuable space in your closet - space that could be occupied by something really fab that you'd get a lot of use out of. April on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646555 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:40:54 +0000 April 1646555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BC, ah -- thank you for pointing out that there is a category that's both top down and bottom up.  Quite true. So let me amend my statement: as long as there is a bottom-up component involved, duplicating will tend to make sense.  Because your top-down "principle" was evidence-based.   It's when top down stands alone that it leads us to poor decisions.  IMHO. Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646537 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:01:36 +0000 Anonymous 1646537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, You're post is interesting. I duplicate items that I wear a lot, so I guess that means I duplicate from the top down. However, those are the items that are in the laundry a lot, because they're worn a lot, hence the need for duplicates. So in that sense, I duplicate from the bottom up. Elizabeth P on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646534 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 11:45:02 +0000 Elizabeth P 1646534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First thing I have to say is that I totally LOL'd at Suz's post.  Why?  Because I think I have every single item she posted (except the boat neck top)... and even the same duplications (except only one of my three VC tube skirts are the same).  Too funny. I am a huge duplicator.  And I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing, for me.  I do often find it quite hard to find things that I really like the fit of... I don't have patience to look hard, so when I find something, it's worth grabbing.  Usually this is different colours, but the odd time I've got the same thing, when I can tell it's something that will be part of my life for a LONG time... my black v-neck BR linen tee, for example.  Not trendy, and an essential. Yes, if I've duplicated colours there's a chance I'm going to wear one colour more than the others, but so what?  If I'd bought a different whatever in that other colour, that doesn't mean I'd likely wear it more.  I have no need to feel everything in my closet is worn equally. And I totally get that having a duplicate gives you "permission" to wear something more often.  I am also a saver, and I'm not sure why.  But again, so what?  I'd rather wear something I love more than save it, and if in effect buying two enables that, then just pretend the cost was twice what it was... still worth it?  probably.  As long as you have the space and budget.  What I do need to consider for myself is that with the advent of on-line shopping, and all my YLF influences, I shop more now than I did, and find things I like more than I did.  So there is less need for me to duplicate just to save the time and effort of shopping.  I have enough, so duplicating really does need the item to be amazing... no need at all to pick up more than one just in case I never find another white tee that fits me. Cuz I will.  (Remember that, Elizabeth) April on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646529 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 11:30:59 +0000 April 1646529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here are my two cents on duplication. I think it needs to be a decision made from the bottom up, not from the top down.  What the heck does that mean -- well, here goes. "Top down" is when you start with the principle and let that determine your actions: "I believe in duplicating things that I love and wear a lot, therefore I will duplicate this skirt because it's my favorite." "Bottom up" is when you let the evidence tell you when it's a good idea to duplicate: "For the third time this week, I need that item and it's at the cleaners, or waiting to be washed, therefore I will duplicate this item."  Bottom up duplicating is usually a good idea.  Top down duplicating usually strands you with some expensive mistakes. dakotacheryl on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me/page/2#post-1646514 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 10:49:14 +0000 dakotacheryl 1646514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have many duplicates of basic workhorses....3 pairs of EF skinny ponte pants in black. 3 pairs of NYDJ ponte pants in black, brown and eggplant. Basic silk Ts and sleeveless tops in different neutrals. Everything is in rotation and I only have to go to dry cleaners once a month. cheryl on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1646388 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:52:36 +0000 cheryl 1646388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a fan of duplicating. In fact last summer i bought the same top in three colors and it just so happens it was three different shades of green. Olive, emerald and lime. Pretty funny when I think about it. They all got equal wear because they were so comfortable and I always felt good in them. Roxanna on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1646136 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 16:05:43 +0000 Roxanna 1646136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am queen of duplicates - my motto used to be 'if the shoe (or top or dress) fits, buy it in every colour!' I think this is because I am drawn to the ease of uniform dressing and I favour abundance in my wardrobe. This used to be even more true as i loved colour - I literally have 10 of the same skirts, 15 of the same sweaters, 10 of the same blouses and 8 of the same shoes in my closet in a rainbow of colours that I used to pair together based on my colour mood. But as i am moving more to neutrals now, I don't buy as many duplicates. I also found, like you, I was buying duplicates as 'insurance' ('what if I never find this perfect an item again?!') that I rarely wore. I am more careful about duplicates now and don't automatically reachj for them as I used to. Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1646100 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 14:43:42 +0000 Anonymous 1646100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't think of a time when I've had a failed duplication. This is probably because the things I duplicate are the things that I wear a lot. Like Angie, I don't want bottlenecks in the laundry. texstyle on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1646097 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 14:40:32 +0000 texstyle 1646097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have had success and failures with duplication. Duplicating the *exact* item has been more successful for me than duplicating in a different color. It is also more successful for me when I go ahead and use both in rotation (don't save one) so that I don't have a laundry bottleneck (meaning I will wear the item I love more often) and I don't save it to the point of it no longer being a style I want to wear. This has made it easier for me to get dressed because I tend to pick favorites on many days when I'm feeling indecisive (okay, most days are this way) - having 2 of my favorites allows me to wear them more often. ETA: things I duplicate most are jeans, shorts, simple tees as these are my most worn items. Bonnie on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645952 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 02:37:25 +0000 Bonnie 1645952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have duplicated with success.  I have a hard time finding tees I like, so I tend to buy several in different colors. I will also duplicate tees in the same color when traveling so I can wear the same topper and pants several times with a clean tee. Aquamarine on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645948 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 02:31:42 +0000 Aquamarine 1645948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to duplicate, but have made mistakes shopping this way. With some exceptions, I almost never wear the duplicate item as much. And if I wait too long to duplicate something (after deciding it is a real workhorse), it can be hard to find. Suz on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645898 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:44:29 +0000 Suz 1645898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, you asked: "Does the J Crew linen boatneck tee shirt show your bra straps?"  My answer -- no. But I think you would need to try it on. Because I have square wide (not broad) shoulders so a lot of fabric is taken up with those. Someone with a more sloping shoulder line might be bothered by slippage.  Mine are a couple of years old now, also, and they may have altered the cut; I haven't checked. I guess that is another point in their favour -- they are wearing very well. I wear mine a lot. I always wear a cami under the white one but the darker ones I can wear without.  Penny on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645892 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:23:34 +0000 Penny 1645892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thread - I agree that duplicating may not make sense for everyone or all items. My favorite items to duplicate are beloved jewelry (e.g., the simple silver abstract studs I wear almost daily) and shoes, because those are the items for which I most appreciate "insurance" or expect to have difficulty replacing when they wear out. Joyce B on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645891 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:17:23 +0000 Joyce B 1645891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with La Pedestrienne that sometimes having duplicated items can be a relief as they make dressing easier. They do take a little of the magic away from the initial item and you need to decide on them before they run out of merchandise. I have successfully duplicated layering turtle necks, which I wear. I also duplicated my ponte pants and some booties but I only wear the originals on those. Sometimes it works for me and sometimes not. LaPed on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645879 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:23:56 +0000 LaPed 1645879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm on Team Duplicate, actually. Too many times I've found the *perfect* X and not been able to find a replacement when the item reaches the end of its life. I'm not a hoarder and my wardrobe is relatively small. I duped a pair of jeans earlier this year because the price was so good and the fit perfect. I overdyed the second pair with a soft black, so they're a nice blue-black now (the original pair is dark indigo). These jeans form the backbone of my dressy-casual capsule so its nice to have a little functional variety (and now all my old black jeans are shorts or crops, because the dyed pair is a suitable replacement).  I also have *lots* of duplicate breton tops, several brands, because they're such a staple for me. They're what I wear when I don't want to think, so it's nice to have enough colors to go with anything in my wardrobe. Nice to have different weights for different seasons and more layering options. I think duplicates can work well for those who tend toward uniform/signature dressing. There was a time in my life when I would have gotten bored with the repetition, but right now quick and effortless is where I want to be! Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645871 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:09:13 +0000 Anonymous 1645871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My mother used to make 2 or 3 dresses for me from the same pattern but with different fabric. This was only done with the dresses that flattered and that I loved. I never minded or even thought twice about it. Sally on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645870 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:05:34 +0000 Sally 1645870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have success with duplicates because I really only duplicate the basics like Angie does.  I have piles of black leggings because I go through them and wear them out.  I also have a black singlets that I have duplicated and I think I might buy more.   There are things I wish I had duplicated.  I love black pointed flats and twice I"ve bought a pair and worn them until they are scuffed etc and I can't wear them anymore and then I have trouble looking for a replacement.  I don't like ballet flats. I like the pointed ones that are quite open on the side and sometimes they are really hard to find so I think I should stock pile them when I get a good pair because I know I will wear them with everything.    Gigi on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645857 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:44:53 +0000 Gigi 1645857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good post...it makes us think. :) I have to be extremely careful with duplicates. I need to go back over my spreadsheet of item wears and check to see exactly how often I am wearing them now. When I first started getting my wardrobe together, I was a duplicator, and I think that that was necessary then, since I didn't have a whole lot to wear! I know that I wear duplicates of wardrobe essentials (long- and short-sleeved t-shirts) quite a bit, simply because they go with everything, and I often don't have much else to pair with a particular bottom. I have discovered that when I do duplicate, I need to buy the items in contrasting colors or patterns (for instance, one light and one dark, or one solid and one patterned). If I buy two light ones or two dark ones, I am sunk, because they are more or less interchangeable in my mind. Now that my wardrobe is more well stocked, I do need to revisit the idea of duplicates. I did duplicate a top in December (a spring/summer top), both in dark colors (I made an exception for two darks because I knew that the black top would be very versatile, but there was a teal that I HAD TO HAVE). It will be interesting to see how that one works out (it's been too cold to wear them lately). I can relate to having childhood experience affect duplicating. We didn't go shopping much, and I was very hard to fit, so when I found something that worked, we duplicated, in twos or even in threes. This was how Mom shopped for everyone, not just me, so it's how the entire family is. I never thought of duplicates as "back-ups," since I wore all the duplicates at the same time out of necessity (otherwise I would have had nothing to wear), but I can relate to the feeling of safety that it brings to have an item in duplicate.  Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645843 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:14:15 +0000 Anonymous 1645843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love duplicates! I have duplicated the NYDJ ponte trousers (2 pairs charcoal + 2 pairs navy) I need for work and the jeans (2 pairs dark wash + 1 pair chambray + 1 pair soft white) I wear on weekends. I have also duplicated a drapey knit jacket (1 light navy + 1 purple + 1 charcoal) that is a fantastic 3rd piece for my cold offices. Lastly, I have duplicated a sheath dress I love (1 purple + 1 navy). I wear all of these items a lot & really don't care if people notice I'm duplicating or not. What's the difference between my duplicates & those of an executive who duplicates dress shirts or a person who wears t-shirts all the time? I sort of doubt that people pay that much attention. I switch up my tops, shoes & jewelry so it doesn't look like I'm wearing the same stuff all the time. I'm sort of a uniform dresser. I just don't wear suits. The reason I've duplicated these items is because of perfect fit, versatility and comfort. I do, however, understand why duplication would not work for everyone. It doesn't always work for me. Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645835 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:01:49 +0000 Anonymous 1645835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz -- it was your post on the Racer jeans that got me thinking about duplicates.  A question for you.  Does the J Crew linen boatneck tee shirt show your bra straps?   Suz on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645821 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 20:38:56 +0000 Suz 1645821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think Angie is onto something.  But...wait for it. Here I am going to confess, I actually asked YLF advice way back, should I duplicate my blue Racer jeans?  And Angie said not to.  This may be the only time you will ever hear me disagree with her advice for me, because she's never been wrong before and I doubt if she ever will be again! I think I know why she said what she did, though.  She was probably paying attention to the fact that I like to ensure my jeans capsule is fresh and updated; she knew that rises and styles come and go; and she (correctly) surmised that I might want a denim refresher. So why duplicate an older style?  What she couldn't know is just how perfect (for me) the fit and fabrications of this particular jean is. It's like the fantasy jean you always dreamed of but could never ever find in your entire life and then *bingo* there it is -- the jean you put on and always feel great in, no matter what you are doing . But guess what? That fantasy jean is blue, not taupe!! So I, like a dummy, bought the taupe!!!  Oh well. Live and learn. :)  In fact, I do sometimes duplicate with great success either in same colour or different colour. LIke Angie, I just ensure the item is truly a wardrobe essential before I make that purchase. Some of the much-worn duplicates in my closet below.  jill58 on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645820 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 20:37:35 +0000 jill58 1645820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I too have found the same thing--in fact I did it this winter with a dress. I bought it in black--loved it--so, decided to buy it in green. I have yet to wear the green and probably never will. I have also duplicated in the exact same color and for the most part, like you I wear the original while keeping the duplicate, "just in case." The only time any of this seems to make sense for me is with workout clothing where duplicates go into immediate rotation. Last summer I actually bought one style of sandals in three (THREE!!!!) different colors. I wore the original pair all summer.  Staysfit on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645813 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 20:30:56 +0000 Staysfit 1645813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am definitely a duplicator. I duplicate in the same color and in different colors. Items I duplicate most have been jeans, basic layering tops like white and grey tees and turtlenecks, and finally I have multiple of my favorite j crew cashmere long leave crew neck sweater and equipment slim signature sleeveless silk top. The last two are in multiple colors. I wear my duplicates. I wait to duplicate an item until I see that the item is something that I reach for frequently and or will create a wardrobe bottle-neck. I think this is a very personal situation and would vary on your needs. Ledonna N. on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645794 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 20:00:01 +0000 Ledonna N. 1645794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love duplicates. Thank for your thought process. As a matter of fact I just bought 2 more of the same top. I found in a local mall. I do this with denim because I work in jeans. I've had beautiful jeans I've purchased only to go back and purchase them again and they stopped making them. Anonymous on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645783 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 19:41:00 +0000 Anonymous 1645783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting .... because despite the fact I wrote a post saying it doesn't work for me, I do duplicate a lot.  I had forgotten about shoes.  Like El Cee, I have difficult feet.  When I find shoes that fit, I definitely duplicate those.   I too love Angie's idea of doubling up on exact items you wear a lot..the wardrobe essentials.  This does make perfect sense.  Jaileen's idea of duplicating charcoal long sleeve tee shirts makes sense to me too.   So maybe I need to rethink this strategy.  Perhaps I was duplicating incorrectly and an adjustment needs to done.  El Cee on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645775 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 19:22:01 +0000 El Cee 1645775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a bit like Angie in that I do duplicate certain wardrobe essentials like solid color tees, especially ones that work well for me. I most frequently do this with black, gray and white tees (backbone of my wardrobe). I do not "save" any tees as backup. All are in permanent rotation until they wear out. I also occasionally duplicate shoes (especially black ballet flats and loafers -- another essential for me)… and those I do "save" as backup. I have large feet (size 12) that are rather fussy, and comfy shoes are hard to find. And I sometimes duplicate jeans -- style, but not usually in the same color/wash -- as I pretty much live in denim (again -- another wardrobe essential). If I find a cut/style that works for me, I can enjoy wearing it in other washes and colors and give each of them plenty of love. JAileen on "It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/it-was-a-hard-lesson-but-duplication-doesnt-work-for-me#post-1645774 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 19:20:35 +0000 JAileen 1645774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In winter I wear a long sleeve tee almost every day. I noticed that I looked forward to wearing the charcoal one most. So I bought five more, I think. I wore them every day, and was happy. So it can work out.