YouLookFab Forum » Topic: MO-derate wardrobe

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: MO-derate wardrobe https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:34:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Mo on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1293190 Wed, 02 Jul 2014 16:50:21 +0000 Mo 1293190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did get the app!  It's great . . . I just have to get used to picking up my Kindle instead of using my laptop as a crutch to surf the web.  This old dog has trouble with new tricks lol.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.stylishandcool.com/stylishgirl.html">http://www.stylishandcool.com/stylishgirl.html</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Stylish-Girl-Fashion-Closet-Shopping/dp/B00I2DLGKA">http://www.amazon.com/Stylish-.....B00I2DLGKA</a> gardenchick on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1293181 Wed, 02 Jul 2014 16:38:28 +0000 gardenchick 1293181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Photos are pretty cool! I think you mentioned something about an organizer app a while back, did you end up using that? If I was feeling more OCD I could see taking photos, putting them all on cards, and getting a better sense of the big picture, possible capsules, etc. Does anyone do this? I did look at my closet this morning, I actually have a lot more shirts than my estimate....it's just that I feel a bit annoyed with the current lack of selection so it doesn't feel like that many. Mo on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1293097 Wed, 02 Jul 2014 14:26:32 +0000 Mo 1293097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will say the biggest Woah! moment was attempting to photo catalog my entire wardrobe a few years ago.  I was moving (again) and thought that would be as good a time as any to take down every piece, lay it out, and snap a pic.  If that doesn't wake you up to how much you own, I don't know what will.  Now I take the easy way out and try to find an online pic of items, even if bought in store, to use to catalog what I have.  So if I pull up my dresses, for instance, here's what I get.  Easy to count. ChristineS on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1293091 Wed, 02 Jul 2014 14:09:46 +0000 ChristineS 1293091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is quite thought-provoking for me! It never even occurred to me to attempt such an exercise, though in retrospect, NOT doing it reminds me of avoiding the scale when you know you've put on a few pounds. I will have to do this as I pack for our upcoming move. Thanks for the inspiration! dashielle (Ann) on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292942 Wed, 02 Jul 2014 05:15:12 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1292942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Now you got me in on this fun!  Don't have my shoes in the database yet, so some guesses here, and haven't counted gear. <ul> <li>46 tops</li> <li>15 dresses</li> <li>13 toppers (cardigan, light jackets etc.)</li> <li>19 jeans</li> <li>14 slacks</li> <li>12 skirts</li> <li>39 sweaters</li> <li>2 sweatshirts</li> <li>4 coats (long)</li> <li>3 jackets (lined/Winter)</li> <li>11 tall boots</li> <li>6 booties</li> <li>6 high tops</li> <li>5 pumps</li> </ul> Um wow, I need to take a break.  This is AFTER listing a bunch of things for sale AND a clean out with Angie! I am planning on shopping the NAS, but feel pretty good with my F/W wardrobe, so am likely to only acquire a couple of stunning must-haves. gardenchick on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292928 Wed, 02 Jul 2014 03:59:34 +0000 gardenchick 1292928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is fascinating. Wow, you guys have a lot of clothes! I didn't actually count everything, but just thinking about what I own, it's something like this: 6 casual pants --jeans etc 5 dressy pants 12 shirts for work--only like about 6 8 cotton t-shirts (long and short sleeve) for weekend 8 toppers--including cardigans and blazers 4 dresses--wear rarely 14 skirts but only wear about 5-7 5-7 pairs of shoes A ton of gear for working out --at least 20 pieces No idea exactly what this means...I do know that it would be good to find more shirts! Anonymous on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292252 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 13:11:34 +0000 Anonymous 1292252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do what Sterling does ( got the idea from Suz) because my closet is pretty small, one rod behind a door with a narrow shelf above and below. It feels fresh to switch out large sections every few months and keeps purchases down. High summer just got moved in June 15-Sept 15. Tee shirts, casual jeans and tanks live year round in a drawer though. Your numbers are inspiration to edit with a firm hand. I'm getting to the point that I love most of what I have and that makes it harder. Mo on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292238 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:53:16 +0000 Mo 1292238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ heh, Karie I hear you.  But for all my progress I have plenty of ways to go.  Only about 2 dozen of my items are ones that I would rescue from a fire or fight Stacy and Clinton to keep on WNTW. lol   There is still lots of 'okay' stuff that does the job but isn't true love.  Maybe that's the nature of the beast, I dunno.  I'd like to think that someday I'd love over 3/4 my wardrobe. Karie on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292229 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:43:16 +0000 Karie 1292229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just love your analytical posts, Mo. You do put me to shame in this category, however - and one of my goals for the summer is look at all those daily outfit pics I took and analyze the outfits, what I've worn/didn't wear, what worked/didn't work, etc. It should be very enlightening. Saying yes to summer vacations means saying no to summer paychecks, so not only am I on "No buy July" but I'm on "No buy August" as well. There's a little wiggle room in that for a few items, but just a few... Mo on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292226 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:39:29 +0000 Mo 1292226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro, you are right in that some of my (and maybe your) numbers are just padding that makes us feel safe but not truly necessary to our core wardrobes.  As I said, I realistically regularly wear about half of it.  The other half I see as I guess Lisa would call her boutique.  I shop in it occasionally but it's not integral to my day to day look.  But again, I have the room, and had the money, for it so I'm fine with hanging on for now.   I totally get the better one item coming along to replace a few so-so ones.  I was in that boat with the casual skirt.  I ended up just purging what I had anyway even though I haven't found the one yet.  I realized I could do without for now and just sub shorts or a slightly dressier (tube or twist jersey) skirt in the meanwhile.  But in other categories I have kept the 'make do'.  What comes to mind is long sleeve blouses.  I want a possibly silk in a drapey button up.  Right now I have 2 poly versions, one scratchy, the other too large.  I also do have a silver silk blouse, but it's much older and so too short to wear all but tucked into a skirt.  But I'm keeping them until I find the silky one to replace.  Guess I pick my battles lol.   Mo on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292222 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:31:52 +0000 Mo 1292222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I've heard of plenty of people counting like you do - more seasonally.  But I don't switch out seasonally.  I keep everything hanging together year round.  And I keep my catalog of pics by items, not seasons, so it's easier to count, tanks, or dresses, not winter items vs summer, for me.  I did not put in exercise or lounge but I would estimate both at about a dozen items.  If I added bags, that would be 6 or 7, and scarves and hats are 2 of each (not huge on the accessories over here).  Oh, forgot belts . . . about 14? Interestingly, the 333 wardrobe comes out to close to what I have.  132 items.  If you change every piece each season with no overlap.   Joyce B on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292215 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:11:55 +0000 Joyce B 1292215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, I better start counting. I like how you analyze your wardrobe. Anonymous on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292213 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:07:40 +0000 Anonymous 1292213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your wardrobe evaluations are my favorite posts.  Thank you. You count a bit differently than me.  I try for approximately 33 items every three or so month (more like 40 though).  This breaks out to a "new" wardrobe every quarter to match the season.  This method works well for me and so I have never done an overall count.  I have the capability of counting every item in my wardrobe and will do so tonight to see how I compare to you and others.   I usually include jewelry, bags, lounging items, and gym wear in my counts, but in this case, I'll break it down to "toppers," "tops," "bottoms," and "footwear."  It should be interesting.  Caro in Oz on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292070 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:29:08 +0000 Caro in Oz 1292070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the urge to round up my numbers too - glad I'm not the only one :) I have: 13 bottoms 24 tops 13 exercise/lounging 11 jackets 7 outerwear 1 suit 2 dresses This doesn't include my 20 summer only items (linen & lighter cotton) but includes everything else - including evening wear. I did a purge at the end of summer & just kept a really small evening capsule. My total count including all jewellery, bags, shoes, scarves & hats stands at 188 it was 202 before the (mini) purge. I see this number gradually going down as I have kept several items (coats mainly) that can go when I find the one more versatile replacement :) Like you I've kept things for variety too but I'm starting to question whether that is a real need or just my insecurity. Since tracking CPW I realise I only want to wear the best & I really don't mind repeating within reason. The laundry aspect is the only reason I won't go really minimalist; I don't want to do it more than once a week :) Mo on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292027 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 03:47:39 +0000 Mo 1292027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've purged some recently, before this count.  And that OCD part of me helps me to get down to, say, 15 pants instead of 17.  It's such a neater number LOL. I had 12 skirts and 18 dresses at the start of the year.  Now down to 9 and 15.  Woo hoo.  abc on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1292005 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 03:28:29 +0000 abc 1292005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto what Rachy said. I'm too scared to count still and that's after whittling down a lot lately. rachylou on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1291996 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 03:19:39 +0000 rachylou 1291996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am dying to get to the point of having purged enough that I'm willing to count. I love your numbers Mo. deb on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1291989 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 03:17:19 +0000 deb 1291989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good job. I have no ide where I stand. I will do another count after NAS. That will give me an idea where I stand and what I need. Suz on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1291976 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 03:10:08 +0000 Suz 1291976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fab analysis, Mo, and it really does sound like a moderate number. Sveta counted 120 in her closet for all seasons. She counted coats but not shoes, I think.  I had 87 back in the fall, NOT counting coats, shoes, or true gear or special occasion wear, or pjs. Just counting clothes I would actually wear for daily wear or normal dressier wear.  I have more now, but I will need to do an updated count. I bought a lot recently -- but also purged quite a lot.  lyn* on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1291965 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 03:02:24 +0000 lyn* 1291965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OCPD. OCPD Freak* (Says my OCPD freak inside) I think my numbers are similar but I should really do a count; I probably have about 30 tops, 30 skirts; about 60 dresses overall ... probably have in the range of 10 jackets or coats of some sort and 30 footwear. Maybe I'll count tomorrow. In my current circulating wardrobe, I have 20 dresses, 10 tops and 10 skirts. The rest of them are special occasion or fall/winter. Mo on "MO-derate wardrobe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mo-derate-wardrobe#post-1291953 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 02:46:53 +0000 Mo 1291953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As I'm embarking on No Buy July I took an inventory (as best I could through pics since half of it is 3,000 miles away).  I crunched numbers months ago to figure my minimum needs.  But I knew even then that I want more than just the minimum.  The trick was settling into that happy zone of enough, but not too much.  Here is where things are shaking out.  Some numbers (like shoes) are dependent upon purging a few items.  But again, they are out of state and I can't physically remove them, so I'm mentally eliminating them ahead of time.  With that in mind, I'm already within an item or 2 in every category except shoes.  I truly have to wing it remembering EVERY top I own, and I hedged on the heavy side.  The deets: <ul> <li>6 coats</li> <li>14 jackets</li> <li>15 sweaters</li> <li>40 shirts (tank, short slv, long slv, tees)</li> <li>15 pants</li> <li>9 skirts</li> <li>6 shorts</li> <li>15 dresses</li> <li>30 shoes</li> </ul> For a total of 120; 150 with shoes.  The OCD freak in me thinks 5 coats/15 jackets and 10 skirts/5 shorts looks so much nicer and neater, but that's just not how my needs shake out lol.    This gives me roughly:  (not including dresses or overcoats) 30 toppers 40 shirts 30 bottoms 30 footwear If I'm honest, I regularly wear half of it and the other half I like to have to dress up now and again, but is not my 'core' wardrobe.  That's perfectly okay for now.  I have the space, and I'm not busting the budget.  So that's where I am.  No Buy July should help me slow the rate of purchasing until fall, so I can keep these levels with careful replacing as I go.