YouLookFab Forum » Topic: January Wardrobe Thoughts

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: January Wardrobe Thoughts https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:41:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2096097 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 21:41:40 +0000 Suz 2096097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, makes sense that you'd take a "wait and see" approach to holes. Because what seemed like a true hole in the old climate might end up being an illusory hole in the new one! Or at any rate, a shallower hole, one that you can plug more easily with a single item. :)  For "Seattle summer" weather (i.e. your winter) -- long sleeved lightweight tops, for sure (I hardly wore these, except layered over, in Ontario and wear them a lot on their own here in Vancouver); also cropped pants with bare ankles; lightweight scarves for layering. I wear denim jackets a lot in those temps -- and very lightweight sweaters that can be stuffed in a bag if it gets too warm.  Jenn on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2096047 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 16:53:50 +0000 Jenn 2096047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's so true, nemosmom. My 18yo son commented that California fashion is ignoring the weather and wearing whatever you want whenever you want. (and THANK YOU, runcarla and notsaf, I am grateful for all your valuable additions to this thread, too!) nemosmom on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2096027 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:51:37 +0000 nemosmom 2096027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am laughing about your flea market story! I love the seasonally confused outfits of California. Talk about DYOT and anything goes!  I remember seeing people at the beach in winter wearing sherpa trucker jackets, flannel shirts, and wool beanies - with flip flops and shorts! Jenn on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2095881 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 22:46:52 +0000 Jenn 2095881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Notsaf, I'm starting a new thread for your question, because I want to hear what others say, too! notsaf on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2095870 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:46:04 +0000 notsaf 2095870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto what Carla said! (And if you don't have the energy to reply to my question above, don't worry about it -- I didn't mean to thread hijack!) Carla on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2095868 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:41:19 +0000 Carla 2095868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Jenn - I just wanted to thank you for such an informational post, with so much applicable wisdom.  Very HELPFUL! ❤️ notsaf on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2095867 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:35:50 +0000 notsaf 2095867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Back when I was counting wears (way before joining the forum!), I was always astonished how many wears bags, outwears, and jewellery got. Even if I had a bag for one season, if I was carrying it every day, it shot up way above 30! It's one of the reasons I don't hesistate to update those things regularly now. Thanks, Jenn and Carla, for your thoughts on duplicates. There are a few pieces in my closet of which I have exact dupes that are all in use (favorite dark wash skinny jeans, black tanks -- great mind think alike!), exact dupes that are held in reserve (a favorite pair of black dress booties waiting for the others to wear out), and dupes in more than one colorway (like your mariners, Carla: in my case, 3/4 and short sleeve scoop-neck tees and my favorite popped-collar blazers). I find it very useful for my style, where I really crave consistency, but I can also appreciate want to leave room for tweaking, especially with your very small wardrobe. What you said here, Jenn, really resonated with me: I used to find a hole and plug it two or three ways just to make sure I had things covered, but now I plug it one way and then wait to see if that was enough before proceeding. That's definitely something I'll have to think more about! One more question: how do you decide when it's time to retire a garment because of wear? Stagiaire Fash on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2095859 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 20:30:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2095859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So I suppose I could count all the things and multiply by 30 to know how long it would take to get that many wears. That might be workable eventually, but for now I’m still moving things in and out with weight changes. There is a pair of jeans I started wearing again this month that I’ve probably worn a dozen times—but before that, I didn’t wear them for 3 years. Then again, I know that I basically wore a dress, 3 skirts, and a pair of pants from October through December. None of them were new this year, so they must all be over 30. I might start a limited list of a few items just to see if I’m actually wearing them as much as I think. Jenn on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts/page/2#post-2095844 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 19:03:23 +0000 Jenn 2095844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Adriana, thin sweaters work for me in slightly cooler weather, but I run hot and walk a lot, so 70s isn't sweater weather for me. 50s or 60s on the other hand... shevia, hah! I do think California's climate is close to yours. Maybe I'll adapt eventually.  We went to a flea market last weekend with the temps in low 60s and everyone was complaining about how cold it was. I had on a t-shirt and a faux leather jacket and it was PERFECT for me. slim cat, some of those look/fit issues could still be wear/tear. Items do change shape through wash and wear cycles, and sometimes those changes are so subtle we don't even realize they're happening until things just start feeling...off.  And, of course, style preferences and changes in taste do happen! That's another reason I've been trying to keep a smaller closet, as it allows me to buy less, but update more over time. Sal, some of my favorite temps to dress for are right about 60-70, and we've been having plenty of those days recently. Perfect for light scarves and jackets. Over 70 and I start getting warm, but it still means cool morning and evenings.  I'm really enjoying winter here! kkards, it took a lot of tracking to start gleaning useful information, but now that I have some averages, I have a clearer idea of what's not lasting as long as it should and can avoid pieces with similar qualities in the future.  That's going to be really helpful to me. Sisi, it is fun to meet new challenges.  Keeps you from falling into a rut! JenniNZ, I've retired pieces because of those synthetic fibers breaking too.  It's the first step in the structure collapsing entirely.  I know this, because I kept a stretch jersey dress beyond that point to use as a swim coverup and it eventually just stopped bouncing back from being stretched and turned into a lumpy, misshapen mess. You might already know this but there are a couple of solutions for those microfibers getting into the water.  I throw my synthetic items into a Guppy Friend bag when I wash them now to catch the microfibers.  There's also a thing called a Cora Ball that I've been considering because it's even easier.  You just toss it in the wash with your load and it catches a good percentage of the fibers without you having to separate out all the synthetics manually. Joy, my friend visiting earlier this month asked me if she should pack for "shorts and sweater weather," and yes, that's exactly what it is! I am definitely enjoying having bare legs under my skirts and dresses in January! Bijou, you made me look, and the silk slip dress I was drooling over at Johnny Was is back in stock.  Hmmmmm.... Style Fan, yes! I would bet that just knowing why you retired things and when you bought them would make a difference in your mindfulness about acquisitions! Suz, I am finding that it doesn't take that many purchases to make a big difference in functionality. I used to find a hole and plug it two or three ways just to make sure I had things covered, but now I plug it one way and then wait to see if that was enough before proceeding. It's working really well for me.  And you're right! There's slow evolution happening too.  Carla on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095833 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 18:32:40 +0000 Carla 2095833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @notsaf - I duplicate, but not identical items.  For example striped mariners from the same ‘house’ but different colour-ways, or two white jeans,  but different makes and models (CK and RL) Jenn on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095830 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 18:24:40 +0000 Jenn 2095830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaileen, I actually do have a couple of superstar tops! The plaid flannel below from Duluth Trading Co. has 85 wears and still looks great! I also have two of these silk tanks from Garnet Hill. They have 131 wears between the two of them (so about 65 each) and are going strong. ...which brings me to notsaf's question! Aside from basics, that black tank down there is the only piece I've duplicated exactly.  I count them as the SAME wardrobe item because I can't tell them apart, but I have noted in my spreadsheet that the count is for both. For all but the most essential of essentials, I find I'm ready for subtle tweaks by the time an item hits retirement. I haven't regretted duplicating this silk tank, though, because I definitely wear it more than I'm willing to hand wash a single one to keep up. Fashintern, actual wears of current items in my closet range from 2 (a souvenir scarf) to 356 (my everyday crossbody bag), with 31 being the median. OF COURSE there are things worn much more than 30 times. I was just like runcarla in originally thinking 30 didn't sound like much. In fact, I was appalled that clothing might only last that long, but I started doing the math and realized I have 24 tops in my closet (carla, interesting that we have just about the same number!). Mathematically, I can only wear each one, on average, 15 times a year--actually less, because I also own and wear dresses. That's part of why I've been working towards a smaller closet. I want to wear each item more, in a more compressed timespan. And I want the highest quality items, so they can withstand that. You don't really have to count wears to know how much it's possible to wear what you have. count up the number of items you have in a category--tops, bottoms, etc.--and divide 365 by that number. That's your average of how many times you wear your items each year. In actual counts, some will naturally be higher and lower, but the average will be right unless you change multiple times a day or often wear multiple tops or pants at the same time. Angie, yes! When I lived in Seattle, I had several lightweight long-sleeve tops. I think that's what I need again! suntiger, mixing summer and winter things was what I did in Colorado, too. Lots of layering with sweaters over sleeveless tops. For whatever reason, that doesn't work for me as well here. Since it's not getting hot enough to be sleeveless and I rarely want to fuss with carrying around a sweater, I'd rather have lightweight long sleeves that I can roll/scrunch up and down. (will be back with more...just didn't want to accidentally lose all this) kkards on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095828 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 18:18:47 +0000 kkards 2095828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ this almost makes me want to count wears LOL...this was a fascinating read.    JAileen on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095798 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:13:21 +0000 JAileen 2095798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, I forgot about shoes.  I thought you had some super duper top that went over 100 wears.  I wanted a top like that.  It would have to be made out of teflon.<div> </div><div>For temperate weather, such as SF Bay Area, where my mother lives, I switch to crops, loafers or sandals, and add a light jacket over a short sleeve top.  Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, temperatures vary wildly.  One town could be 55F and shrouded in fog, whereas the next town could be 65F and sunny.  So when I visit, I bring layers.  No matter what our temps are here at home, her temps are always lovely.  She thinks my home is uninhabitable due to how hot and cold it gets here. </div> Carla on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095782 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:45:14 +0000 Carla 2095782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like some folks I thought ‘30 wears’ doesn’t sound like a lot, and I believed that I wore my clothes ‘lots more’ than 30 times before they wore out or I passed them on.  However, I had never actually counted wears. As an experiment and part of a SYC January challenge I decided to count wears.  With 2 days left in January I’ve worn 6/8 pants and 10/25 tops.  3 pairs of pants have seen 7 wears each, the others 2-3 and the tops from 1-5 wears, averaging 3.  Most things (tops especially) hit the laundry after 3 days, but pants can go longer (7 days olive chinos, 1 day (splashed food!) and 6 days white jeans.) <div> </div><div>I can extrapolate a few things from this.  If I rotate through ALL of my 25 tops equally that would be 14-15 wears per year with each being laundered from 7-10 times in the year.  If I add in shorts and a skirt along with the bottoms, I could reach 30 wears each within a year.  This doesn’t count wearing two different outfits in a day, or that some things (special occasion tops) won’t get worn as often as favourites.</div><div> </div><div>The white CK jeans are 2 years old (Feb 2018) and share time with a second pair (RL - not worn in 2020 yet) and worn year ‘round, so I could conservatively estimate 50+ wears already and still going strong.  Last October I retired 2 mariner t-shirts after exactly 2 years (bought Sept2017).  I would speculate they had seen at least 30 wears each, and 15 laundry cycles - though possibly more, since they were favourites.  </div><div> </div><div>The experiment continues, but so far my experience aligns with Jenn’s findings!</div><div> </div> Anonymous on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095775 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:11:39 +0000 Anonymous 2095775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes to what Angie said, and yes to seasonally confused outfits! On the few days a year I have weather like that, I mix my summer and winter things- so a skirt + sleeved blouse or pants with sleeveless blouse. Basically half covered as opposed to fully covered in winter and bare arms and legs in summer. Cropped or thin flowy pants, openwork sweaters, kimono type jackets, sleeved dresses, work for those mild temps. Angie on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095771 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:59:15 +0000 Angie 2095771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks like you need some Seattle Summer outfits :) Nice analysis!  Stagiaire Fash on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095722 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 13:17:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2095722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This makes me wish I counted wears, because 30 doesn't sound like very many to me at all, but I have nothing but guesstimates to back that up. Adriana on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095709 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:24:22 +0000 Adriana 2095709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was cleaning up my closet a bit this morning and the number 30 popped in my head. I never count, but when I notice that I wear some items a lot, that is very satisfying. 72° is the best summerday for me. So yes for a nice dress. I like the one you have coming. But if it feels like in between weather for you: what about some thin merino wool sweaters? I have Uniqlo ones. Sisi on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095704 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:33:57 +0000 Sisi 2095704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice analysis Jenn! I find particularly interesting what you say about the weather. It must be challenging, but also exciting? to think of a new capsule for new-to-you temperatures. And I agree with Suz about the factors that impact our perception of cold and warm.  notsaf on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095701 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:09:53 +0000 notsaf 2095701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For those of you who count and are strict about wears, esp Jenn: do you ever duplicate when you purchase (or soon after you purchase), knowing that something like an everyday knit will eventually wear out or stain? I do this somewhat often. Of course, the "new" piece would have its own wear count... Obviously wasn't a good idea for you last year when you were moving, but I wonder if that's something you'll try going forward. Can't wait to see your lovely, seasonally-confused LA wear as you adapt to 72F! Jenni NZ on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095696 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 09:18:21 +0000 Jenni NZ 2095696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just looked at my lists again because the washing was done, including this year’s first discard for wearing out somewhat: cropped navy pants from 2017, 55 wears. They are 85% cotton, 10% polyester, 5% spandex and still quite sturdy but you can see those little threads poking through- which don’t look good. They also worry me because they are probably those “microfibres” that are clogging up the oceans. So what to do? For many people less fussy than me they would still be very wearable. No holes, no pulled seams. Not good enough to consign or to donate to our better op shop, the hospice shop, in my view. So I will put them in the clothing bin where they will either go for rags recycling or be sold in a thrift shop. I hope this is responsible enough but I am not sure. I am not replacing them because it is mid-late summer and I have some full length summer weight navy pants that were made in NZ that I can still wear. Interestingly I am also noticing that my older clothes are harder to make up the wears. I suspect this is mostly good as it means I have been choosing more judiciously of late. I like your new dress that is coming! Anonymous on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095687 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:09:58 +0000 Anonymous 2095687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You now live in the land of mostly beautiful weather. You need to plan for it. You may still need to layer for cool mornings and afternoons. Warm hoodies over a tank top and shorts or crops makes sense. Have you noticed that the evening news hardly really reports weather. Every day is beautiful. There isn’t anything to report most days. You can easily have a year-round wardrobe. Capsules are more for time of day than seasonal. I saw for the first time that a person could buy a trend and wear it out and be ready to move on to the next trend. Enjoy your wardrobe. It can be more fun than ever. Suz on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095684 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 04:28:48 +0000 Suz 2095684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shevia, it is SO relative. You live in a super hot climate so 72F is bound to feel cool for you. Where I live, 72F is shorts weather. Actually, lots of people in Vancouver are wearing shorts when it is around 60F, but I don't join them in that.  It's not just the temp, anyway. Humidity and winds also play a role.  Jaime on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095681 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 03:54:23 +0000 Jaime 2095681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess I run pretty cold because I still consider highs of 72F cashmere and puffer weather . I am happy to bundle up in the morning when it may be in the 40s and 50s and rarely feel too warm even mid-day. Anyway, your analysis is sound and clear as usual. I don't track wears but can guess that I have jeans, shoes and coats that meet that mark (coats only after several years) but very few if any blouses, dresses or skirts. Hmm. Suz on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095669 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 01:06:29 +0000 Suz 2095669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, this is terrific. How interesting that 30 wears seems to be the benchmark for wear for a lot of items! I'll bet coats and footwear can get a lot more as well as bags, specs, jeans (hopefully!!!), watches, etc. and scarves (at least that's true for me).  I really like that dress you ordered -- hope it works!  It makes sense you'd need to switch up your closet for your new climate. You might end up making more purchases this year to address holes. My own switch (from a climate of extremes to a more temperate climate) has necessitated very little in the way of extra purchasing...but it does mean that certain items will get far less wear than they used to (e.g. heavy parka -- which I am keeping in reserve because I still travel to Ontario and we did have a few days this year when I needed it) and some items, when I retire them, won't get replaced. I expect my knits collection will -- over time -- include more cotton and lightweight merino and less cashmere (though I will still want some cashmere). Also, I'm noticing that most of my new purchases since arriving here have been fairly cross-seasonal.  slim cat on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095667 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:25:34 +0000 slim cat 2095667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Warm but not really warm weather is a challenge for me too - and California has a pretty good amount of such days. I still wear light weight navy jacket from Seattle' days but sometimes feel like it's too dark and too heavy for sunny days in between seasons.  Love your analysis -  very thorough. Sometimes I have another reason for retiring certain item after 30 plus wears ( or 2-3 years ) - change of style preferences or realization that it doesn't look/fit great anymore to my eye. Sal on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095660 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:54:43 +0000 Sal 2095660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting that the 30 is a good ball park - and I agree 2-3 years.  I am disappointed if my clothes don't last one season, but after two many fading. That in between weather could be fun to dress for - jeans and a light jacket and scarf... your dress with a scarf or tank underneath.... Accidental SYC are great - not for your reason of being sick - but to not get a chance to shop or feel a need is actually a good thing. Style Fan on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095659 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:45:46 +0000 Style Fan 2095659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I enjoy reading your wardrobe analysis posts, Jenn.  I don't count wears but I do keep track of my wardrobe additions and exits.  I think these types of trackings have made a huge difference in my shopping habits for the better. Bijou on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095658 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:45:05 +0000 Bijou 2095658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn I hope you are feeling better. Johnny Was makes some beautiful silk dresses that can be worn with boots and a cardigan in cooler temps and sandals in the height of summer. They are expensive, but definitely go the distance and are beautiful to wear. Love how you inspire us to be conscious of our fashion consumption. The 30 wear goal is a good benchmark. I know with favourite shoes,, jackets, jeans and bags I get well over the 30 mark. Jenn on "January Wardrobe Thoughts" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2095656 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:43:52 +0000 Jenn 2095656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ nemosmom, my life is pretty casual across the board, so weather is always going to be my sticking point over something like workwear or formalwear! For both you and Jaileen, my old AllBirds had 138 wears, a pair of black ponte pants from J.Jill were close behind with 124, and my Børn brown ankle boots came in at exactly 100. Cardiff Girl, the pieces that wear out around 30 wears tend be things like jersey knits. Shoes, jeans, and outerwear last much longer. Wovens fall somewhere in the middle, though I've have bad luck with Tencel.