https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:47:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany/page/2#post-694620 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:04:46 +0000 CocoLion 694620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, there is so much good advice here. Here is my take-away:</p> <p>1. Seek versatile pieces<br /> Buy pieces that can be used across more capsules. (Mo, Caro) Likewise, I was impressed that Zapotee could say, “I seem to use my entire wardrobe as a whole.”</p> <p>2. Migrate pieces between capsules<br /> Get more use from your smart casual capsule -- wear to work (Dana), migrate pieces that are worn to the casual capsule. (Claire)</p> <p>3. Be OK with repeating outfits. (Annagybe)</p> <p>4. LOA (Laws of Attraction concept)<br /> Dressing for a smart casual lifestyle will open up more smart casual opportunities. (Shiny, Dana and others)</p> <p>5. Similarly, expand your opportunities to wear your smart casual items (Rachylou).<br /> Or, as Dana put it, “Since you have fab clothes, why not try to plan more activities to wear them. You'll have a great time and feel justified in your spending.”</p> <p>6. Control/discipline<br /> Stick to a list, no impulse shopping. (Jayne, Glory) Be ruthless about returning/on-selling items that have sat unworn in your closet for a pre-determined period of time. (Lyn D). Set an actual dollar limit for smart casual purchases (Merwoman). Work out a minimum number of clothes/outfits you need to keep you happy in the dressy category &amp; do the one in one out on this section. (Caro) I think that if you spend 50% of your time in casual, 50% of your budget should go to it. (Laura)</p> <p>Admittedly, this is the hardest area for me to follow, but I do think I can aspire to some more discipline. Finally, I really appreciate the sensible yet forgiving tone of many of your comments which revolve around the concept of...</p> <p>7. Acceptance/cut yourself some slack<br /> If you’re wearing the items and get enjoyment from them, why worry. (Alaskagirl, Suz, Elisabeth) If you have enough/right items then why worry? (Christieanne) Accept that some capsules will cost more (Queen Mum) and why worry if you love the items? (Rae). Go ahead and buy things that you enjoy for your imaginary life, but not at the expense of the life you already have. (Velvetychocolate) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany/page/2#post-694340 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:21:44 +0000 rachylou 694340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well now, this is interesting.</p> <p>Usage: 50, 37, and 13% (casual / work / smart casual)</p> <p>Spending: 30, 15, and 50% (casual / work / smart casual)</p> <p>I don't think this necessarily signals a problem. For example, my bakery clothes - I wouldn't ever bother having a lot of these or spend much on them. It's all tees and knee pants and a pair of chef pants. </p> <p>But what I would be curious to know is how much of your wardrobe is casual / work / smart casual. How many items do you have in each capsule? Do you get to wear your smart casual stuff much? Can you expand your opportunity to wear them?</p> <p>I was just thinking about this morning, obsessing over the navy skirt still. I love skirts. I don't get to wear them much anymore. The office A/C is too cold. Why should I get another skirt when I don't get to wear them that much? Except that this is so depressing. It occurs to me that I *could* wear skirts at the bakery; pretty much the same coverage as knee pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany/page/2#post-694317 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:50:28 +0000 Jonesy 694317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it makes perfect sense to try to wear some of your smart casual stuff in more casual ways, as you mention. But I don't think this looks *too* out of balance, especially since your smart casual stuff gives you so much pleasure, and you do wear it, just perhaps not as much as you'd like? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany/page/2#post-694253 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:59:13 +0000 shiny 694253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sleepwear is an awesome item to get as a gift. Each Christmas, I buy everyone in the family a new set of PJ's. They caught on, and soon each Christmas I would receive a set of PJ's from one or the other girls, who were thoughtful enough to quiz me on what type I like best. If you get one new set every Christmas you will be set. I am going to have to cull this year because I have more than I need and some of the older sets are getting ratty. </p> <p>Likewise I've learned to ask for loungewear (sweats/hoodies) for xmas. I am too picky about the rest of my clothes and clothing gifts usually fail miserably. But loungewear and sleepwear is easy. This year I expect I'm getting two new hoodies with college logos on them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694243 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:52:12 +0000 Aziraphale 694243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice analysis! I don't see a huge problem with your spending. Smart casual clothing gives you pleasure, both in terms of spending and wearing. You spend half your budget on them, but you do wear them -- they don't just sit in your closet. And clothes that you wear for working with horses are by necessity going to be not your favourite or fanciest duds. As long as you have enough of those, you have enough, you know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694166 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:25:06 +0000 Marley 694166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Denise! This is so analytical that I can't even wrap my brain around it! How long did it take you to figure this out? I'm impressed, but I'm afraid that I can't be of any help - I look at that chart and I get cross-eyed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694165 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:06:19 +0000 christieanne 694165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Admittedly, I am not analytical when it comes to my closet. But here's my two cents:<br /> If you look at your casual wardrobes and work wardrobes and have enough/right items to get dressed as you want to each day then why worry about the rest of it?<br /> I would only be concerned or think my priorities were not correct if the work outfits were inadequate or if you are spending on things that will never be worn. </p> <p>Does that make sense? You could always try to create a few more opportunities to wear the fun clothes - it isn't really an imaginary lifestyle if you live it right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694162 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:33:58 +0000 Lyn D. 694162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can only suggest that if you are worried about overspending on smart-casual wear that you are ruthless about returning/on- selling items that have sat unworn in your closet for a certain pre-determined period of time. That way you can spend the $ on more practical stuff for everyday wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694143 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 03:55:41 +0000 velvetychocolate 694143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm really impressed with the analysis that went into this, and you know what? I have the same problem with buying and spending more for an area of my life that isn't all that prominent or realistic.</p> <p>Yet...</p> <p>I agree with what Shiny is saying. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to create a bit of space for something, even though it wasn't all that realistic, and how later on - it turned into something that blossomed. </p> <p>I'm very curious and intrigued by what you've noticed in terms of your wardrobe spending. </p> <p>You were saying:</p> <p>"...because I enjoy dressing up a little more"</p> <p>I know this sounds a bit contrary, but I would go with it, instead of boxing yourself in. Now granted, it's important to dress well for the life you're in - but at the same time, if there is something you really enjoy or something that is possibly moving you in a different direction, I wouldn't shut it down in an effort to zero-in on 'what is.' Not sure if that makes sense, or if I'm explaining it all that well - but I don't like the idea of someone who likes to dress up thinking they should close that off, or narrow it down somehow, because it's not practical. </p> <p>My suggestion is this:</p> <p>Go ahead and buy things that you enjoy for your imaginary life, but not at the expense of the life you already have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694111 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 03:13:00 +0000 Keix 694111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A variation on Laura's principle: if you spend 50% of your time in casual, 50% of your WARDROBE should go to it. That will probably be cheaper than 50% of your budget, and it should be since smart casual costs more (and you probably enjoy it more on a fashion level). It sounds like your casual wardrobe is filled out well, so there's no need to allocate more $$ to it; however, you may have too many smart casual items to wear each of them as much as you want to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694095 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 02:58:04 +0000 mrseccentric 694095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vildy, i'm with you on the LOA thing. And i've had the clothing to prove it ;)</p> <p>Denise, you read my mind - " For my smart casual capsule, be ultra picky. I am eyeing much higher end items for fall that are not discounted." i was thinking, "yee haw! bring on the luxe smart cas pieces Denise!"</p> <p>i don't know about an exact match between time spent in part of wardrobe (lounge, business, smart casual, etc.) and percent of budget. i like to have nice, flattering sleepwear, but i don't know about spending 1/3 of my clothing budget on it. </p> <p>Yes, i'm exaggerating to make a point. But i know when i've worn uniforms for work i spent the least amount needed to look presentable and saved for the fun stuff on my time off. And if your casual duties require just a coton tee, and you like to wear silk tunics on your 'me' time, i don't see why the budgets should match.</p> <p>But it is a personal decision, adn everyone feels best approaching this from different angles. That's why i love these types of discussions! It opens my eyes and give me new ideas for looking at what i'm doing :)</p> <p>Have fun Denise!! And stay cool, oy! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-694069 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 02:22:55 +0000 Laura 694069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that if you spend 50% of your time in casual, 50% of your budget should go to it (just as a random example). Of course it will never be exact, but the closer, the better. I try to nudge myself in this direction. In my house, I analyzed the floor plan and discovered that a large percentage of the main floor was going unused. I turned the little-used room into a gaming room for my kids, and voila: the percentage of space and the percentage of time spent in it evened out, and suddenly I felt our house was bigger.</p> <p>I love the LOA part of this discussion. I do believe in that too. It just seems practical, as Cocolion says. Busyness attracts busyness, success breeds success (of course I also think failure breeds success, but that's another topic). Angie knows that I also believe that you can dress to become the person you aspire to be. 100% that works. Others will see you that way and before you know it ... voila. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693984 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:36:03 +0000 Anonymous 693984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see a problem with this Denise. I mean, you are probably not feeding the horses in expensive clothes anyway. You probably have what you need for the farm and for work and enough of it to get by without doing laundry every other day, right? If it's not as much fun to spend money on these categories then why change your percentages? Does any of your smart casual wear (minus the heels, of course) eventually make it's way down to these categories, either when it's worn out a little or not your fashion crush any longer?</p> <p>Most of my dollars are spent on "going out of the house" clothes as opposed to "at home clothes" because that's where I will be seen the most. By people who care anyway, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693983 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:35:20 +0000 Mo 693983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think law of attraction? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693979 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:31:26 +0000 catgirl 693979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is LOA? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693976 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:29:52 +0000 CocoLion 693976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your wise and thoughtful responses.</p> <p>I think what bothers me is that the sheer volume (not to mention cost) of my smart casual clothes exceeds my opportunities to wear them.</p> <p>On the other hand, I *could* wear some of my smart casual clothes casually. So I am going to try and migrate one capsule into the other. That was another a-ha from doing this analysis.</p> <p>I love the LOA aspect of this discussion. Being sensible and analytical, I never believed in LOA. However, owning a restaurant has totally changed my mind about LOA. It is real! When the restaurant is full, it gets busier. The business attracts more business. When it is empty, we see people pull into the parking lot, pause, and pull back out. The negative energy is attracting more negativity. Even though, if truth be told, the food and service will be excellent when we aren't busy. We have time to fuss over you then.</p> <p>Rae -- it's both the volume of clothing and the cost skewing the smart casual percentage. </p> <p>Caro -- I'm thinking exactly along your lines! For my smart casual capsule, be ultra picky. I am eyeing much higher end items for fall that are not discounted. But I didn't think much further than that other than to be picky and maybe buy fewer but better items for this capsule. Your suggestion to practice one in, one out, is a great one for this capsule. (Whereas when it comes to other capsules, not so important.)</p> <p>When I first did this analysis, I included sleepwear. That is truly the most neglected category. Given that you wear something every night, doesn't it make sense to have some better items rather than demoted loungewear (which is my habit). The last time I purchased any sleepwear was over 2 years ago, and it was a couple of $29.99 pj sets from TJ Maxx. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693958 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:14:24 +0000 merwoman 693958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post is becoming so "fields of dreams"! Agree with Dana on Shiny's statement - that having suitable attire can make opportunities happen. And maybe what happens is that you are confident and positive and open to the experience! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693946 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:01:23 +0000 Vildy 693946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Be careful of building a wardrobe for an imaginary lifestyle-- because you just might get it! I am serious. I wasn't joking when I told Gaylene that once I'd added cocktail dresses invites for cocktail parties poured in. "</p> <p>This has never in my life happened to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693911 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:20:58 +0000 shiny 693911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coco, if your work wardrobe is required -- that doesn't COUNT. That's like counting in a nurse uniform or scrubs or police uniform... what happens when you take that cost out and put it under the same budget line item as, say, commuting costs? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693909 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:19:12 +0000 Caro in Oz 693909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've inspired me do analyse my wardrobe! I have/had a similar problem &amp; had lots of clothes I hardly wore. My suggestions - work out a minimum number of clothes/outfits you need to keep you happy in the dressy category &amp; do the one in one out on this section. This will force you to be really picky when you buy something new. The other thing is to try to buy items that can bridge more than one category e.g. washable silk tees rather than cotton ones or funky flat shoes rather than heels. Good luck!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693899 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:00:37 +0000 Dana 693899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow CocoL! You are far more analytical than I could ever be in any life I could imagine!</p> <p>My question to you is whether your work uniform of dark jeans and a white button up is a required uniform or chosen one. I'm assuming it is probably required, but if there is any way you could deviate it at all, you might feel better about the whole dilemma. </p> <p>There are so many great points made already that I won't repeat them. But I will say that if you have the money for it, and if it makes you really happy, then you should cut yourself some slack and enjoy your shopping!</p> <p>I think there is also incredible wisdom in what Shiny said about having the clothes is an open invitation to the universe to create opportunities for you. Also, since you have fab clothes, why not try to plan more activities to wear them. You'll have a great time and feel justified in your spending. Hope this helps:)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693898 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:56:29 +0000 Anonymous 693898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is my accounting tidbits for whatever is worth. I was thinking along the same line as Rae. You need to calculate a number of items bought at each category as well. That way you can see if it is the dollar amount what is skewing the percentages. Also, are you counting items that serve double duty in each category? Perhaps you should. Your total adds to 100%, so I'm thinking you did not.</p> <p>Gosh, if I had the power to hire, I would hire some of you in a heartbeat. You guys are much better analysts that some of the people in my office. LOL.</p> <p>I wish I could offer advice on the actual purpose of the post. I do not think along these lines since I seem to use my entire wardrobe as a whole. I think it has to do with the fact that I don't really have super casual or overly dressed occasions as often, my lifestyle is more like midrange stuff. I can dress things up and down as needed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693895 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:48:58 +0000 shiny 693895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Be careful of building a wardrobe for an imaginary lifestyle-- because you just might get it! I am serious. I wasn't joking when I told Gaylene that once I'd added cocktail dresses invites for cocktail parties poured in. </p> <p>It's possible this is some version of LOA (if anyone is into that); I don't know. All I can tell you is that it's magically worked for me. Maybe it's as simple as "oh, I have an outfit for that type of situation" so when an opportunity floats by, I am way more apt to raise my hand -- and with gusto. Or maybe the heart is screaming so loud: "this is the lifestyle I want to live" and the universe truly does respond. </p> <p>P.s. Coco I adore that you spreadsheeted this all out! Can we see a pie chart? I love pie charts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693861 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:50:27 +0000 Queen Mum 693861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My initial reaction while reading your post is that of wondering if the percentage of our spending needs to match the percentage of our wearing or if some capsules are going to cost more just by nature of the capsule.</p> <p>For instance.. you say you spend 37% of your time working, but only 15% of your spending is on work clothes. I'm guessing given your line of work, you choose to not invest in pricey pieces for work wear. And when it's basically a uniform, then you really only need a weeks worth or work wear at a time. Even though you don't spend as much time in smart casual wear, you probably want more than what you'd wear in a given week., and you are probably willing to spend more $$ on each piece of your smart casual capsule than your work wear.</p> <p>Does any of this resonate with you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693856 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:40:47 +0000 rae 693856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is more of the $ percentage going to smart casual because you are overflowing with too-dressy clothes, or is the price of the items driving up the percentage? I personally don't have a problem with paying a bit more for the nicer things I know I love to bits. </p> <p>Also, as Una said, you ARE wearing the clothes. It'd be different if you bought stuff that you couldn't wear at all, IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693855 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:39:18 +0000 annagybe 693855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My thing is I need to get in the habit of repeating outfits. I don't have to always wear the latest and greatest.<br /> I love Isabel Marant and Etoile Isabel Marant<br /> For example<br /> <a href="https://totokaelo.com/store/products/isabel-marant/fw12/odrys-cardigan/grey" rel="nofollow">https://totokaelo.com/store/pr.....digan/grey</a><br /> But I have a Pendleton cardigan from last year with a vaguely similar design. Also an original 70's era Cowhican sweater that is also similar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693848 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:34:19 +0000 Suz 693848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I thought I had really weaned myself of buying for my fantasy life since joining YLF. I think most of my closet (apart from a few pairs of jeans) was for my fantasy life, in the past. </p> <p>But while I HAVE improved...I haven't improved enough. I'm still doing it. Or lusting to do it. Or doing it less but spending more when I DO do it (I'm looking at you, John Fluevog pumps that have only been worn 3 times...).</p> <p>I need to analyze, the way you have done here, to figure out my actual spending. </p> <p>I also need to cut myself some slack. And I think you can, too. I mean...as long as you DO wear the clothes, even if you don't wear them as often as you might wish...and if you're getting lots of pleasure from them...then what is the harm? I mean assuming you are not struggling to find things to wear in your more casual capsules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693839 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:24:30 +0000 Glory 693839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a timely post. I find that I shop for a lifestyle that I do not have. And, then the items hang in my closet making me feel guilty. I don't have any solutions but I do like the idea of having a list and try not to impulse buy. Likely just one or two nicer outfits per year would do the trick..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693785 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:23:04 +0000 merwoman 693785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is there any coincidence that we have both Science and Math Fashion on the same day? :-)<br /> CL - I love your analysis, my useage is similar. I think long and hard about smart casual purchases. Would setting an actual dollar limit help - or perhaps analyzing what investment items are needed to fill gaps or be replaced? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-analytical-wardrobe-epiphany#post-693771 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:11:55 +0000 Mo 693771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No tips but just commisseration that my wardrobe life quite closely mirrors yours, ratios and all! I don't think I spend quite as high percentage on the 'optional dressy' stuff though. My waiting and stalking shopping style is likely why.<br /> I did decide this year to stick with 2" and under shoes after finding heels not so practical in snowy dress up situations time after time. The idea is they will get way more wear than the oh so cute but much less practical 3"+ heels I have. I'm trying to buy more for my lifestyle, with a toe in imaginary land still.<br /> Likewise, I decided (even though I'm in FL heat right now) that any more dresses this year will need to be sleeved. Again, a slinky cocktail dress sounds great while I'm here sweltering but once I get home and we are dressing up for dinner at a nice restaurant, the pants come out because a spaghetti strap dress is downright ridiculous in the weather, even with a heavy coat over it.<br /> Guess my only tips would be to merge your 'dress up' and everyday worlds as best you can with your shopping dollars and really stop to think about spending on those special occasion/fancy items. </p>