YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 06:06:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1430082 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:19:27 +0000 Angie 1430082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Keep us posted on the experiment. xo Transcona Shannon on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1430025 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:19:50 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1430025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My sincere apologies for not being able to get back to my thread earlier - my goodness, life is busy these days :) I appreciate all of your comments and input. Much to mull over here. Angie - your question about whether fewer items will mean faster editing is a good one. I honestly don't know yet. This is my first foray into a smaller wardrobe and so far, I haven't found the desire to purge/purchase. But I'm only into this experiment for about two months so will need to assess this over time. Peri - oh yes, the eBay question! My apologies :(  I'll be honest - I don't really have any great secrets to my success with eBay. I thoroughly search the site in great detail to find what I'm looking for. I always make sure the buyer offers a complete refund, new with tags and reasonable shipping costs. And if it's someone I have not purchased from before, I will send a message asking several questions about the item. I have found that the time frame in which they reply, the level of detail they provide, and the overall tone of the response can tell me whether this is a good route to go. And I just think I've been very, very lucky. Deborah on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429892 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 06:02:53 +0000 Deborah 1429892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon loved reading this:)  We often seem to be travelling a similar road on our style journey and I relate to what you have shared.  My wardrobe is the smallest it has every been and functions better than it ever has.  I realised the other day the with less, and clearly my limited colour palette has something to do with this, I actually have more mix and match opportunities than I can count.  I just dont seem to get bored any more.  I think it's the difference between buying what you love and buying close to what you love.    Well done, you are in a very happy wardrobe place. Firecracker (Sharan) on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429781 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 02:25:11 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1429781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting read, Shannon--thank you! I wonder about Angie's comment. I like to hang on to some things for a loooooong time. (Others, not so much.) But perhaps my fondness for some items is part of what makes me reluctant to minimize my closet. I do need to do a major edit, mind you, but I I don't see myself quite getting down to 57. Of course there's only one way to find out, and it involves some work. Which I don't see happening in the near future. (Aack. I need to get myself some breathing room in my schedule!) Still, favorite-ing this one, anyway! Summer on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429617 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 21:43:54 +0000 Summer 1429617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, what stood out for me was your comment about  your need for a good selection of bags and shoes to change up your outfits.  This is something I really need to do.  My wardrobe is much smaller than yours, but, like you, I am happy to wear things over and over in different combinations.  I can see that adding more bags, in a variety of colours and styles could deliver so many more options.  Thanks for the inspiration. cinnamon fern on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429568 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:16:22 +0000 cinnamon fern 1429568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have similar numbers to Shannon - I have 115 items, including gear and out of season stuff - and I do have pretty high turnover.  I think of turnover as a genus with two species: (1) Some turnover is replacing things that are worn out:  tees and knits, most of all, but also sweaters, jeans, and shoes (especially sandals).    Sometimes it's annoying how quickly this happens, but I'm basically OK with this kind of turnover in my closet. (2) Other turnover is eg getting rid of a coat because I'm bored of my current coats and want a new one.   Originally I wanted to shrink my wardrobe so that it would all fit easily in the space I have, and so that I wore things enough that they actually wore out.  I now have plenty of extra space.  And I've realized that items in some categories will never get worn out in a realistic time-frame - eg leather jackets, outerwear, blazers, boots, etc.  So perhaps I should stop the one-in, one-out policy for those items for a while.   gradfashionista on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429504 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:46:40 +0000 gradfashionista 1429504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing the process. 57 sounds like a reasonable number with ample room for variety, and wiggle room for editing at your own pace. You could easily give a few items away if you need to, and spend months looking to replace those items, without feeling the gap in your wardrobe. Thinking about Angie's comment about higher turnover, I also wonder if higher turnover is a concern.  I'm not sure that would be the case for me. The need for variety might be offset by the challenge in finding a new item to replace the old, especially if you've become accustomed to more luxurious garments, and if you have a hard time finding the right combo of fashion/fit/fabric.  Case in point: At the moment, I'm sitting in an older pair of Gap jeans that are still in great shape. They were my most flattering pair of jeans at one point--perhaps they still are?--but having taken the plunge with Current/Elliott stiletto jeans, I find the Gap jeans to be rather stiff and mildly uncomfortable. I fear they might be given away because I'd happily choose the comfort of the C/Es over the Gaps any day.  Suz on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429473 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:41:25 +0000 Suz 1429473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I wonder about this, too. I know for Claire that is the case. She doesn't replace her entire tiny wardrobe each season, but she definitely replaces a good part of it. And now that I have some sense of my own need for variety/ change, I would be replacing everything, even  if I had twice as much as she does! And that would make me sad. I want to keep much much-loved items in my closet for longer than that. At the same time, I do want to do significant refreshers/ updaters most seasons. So I need to find my own personal sweet spot for that.  Shannon, thanks again for doing this -- it is super helpful to me. For comparison, here are my own numbers. You will see that most of my clothing numbers are much higher than yours but my bags and shoes lower.  Not counting coats, gear, purely "layering" items (for warmth) out of season garments, or special occasion wear, here is my personal breakdown:  Dresses: 3 (RL sleeveless sweater dress, Kamalikulture body con dress, BR navy jersey dress) Skirts: 3 (J. Crew denim, Halogen black pencil, Zara jaquard tube) Note: I also own a full skirt (Halogen striped) but for me, it is special occasion wear.  Trousers: 8 (NoirBlack slouchy wool, Theory charcoal wide leg, Theory black moto skinny, GAP stretch ponte skinnies, Hinge plaid slouchy, Elie Tahari taupe suit trousers, J. Crew navy crepe track pants, J. Crew toile sweatpants.)  Denim: 14  (I won't go into the endless list but there are BFs, skinnies, flares, and legging jeans.)  Blazers: 5 Other jackets (e.g. denim, leather, etc.) 4  Cardigans: 4  LS shirts: 14 Knit tops/ light sweaters: 8 Turtlenecks: 5 Fluid pullovers: 7 Oversized pullovers: 3 Tunics: 2  Fitted pullovers: 2  That makes 82 articles of clothing. So, a little more than 20 over what you're working with now. Wow! How did I get there from my tiny closet??? I do think I could definitely winnow down the LS shirt collection. There are some that I have only worn once so far this winter and one or two I haven't worn at all. Also, I don't wear my trousers as much as I might like, in an ideal world -- or even my jackets, for that matter. Everything else gets worn a TON.  For footwear, I have a total of 8, not counting snow boots or my pumps, which for me are entirely special occasion wear in winter.  And for bags, own 5 that I could potentially use this season, but I have only been using one of them. I really don't have my ideal bag style/ shape narrowed down and feel the lack of a bag I truly love.  I think my "ideal" winter closet would be a few more than what you have now and a few less than what I have -- probably in the 70 item range -- with more bags and footwear.  Alassë on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429457 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:17:19 +0000 Alassë 1429457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing! Peri on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429403 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 15:59:17 +0000 Peri 1429403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Super cool...but my request was about Ebay! Your tips for searching and having such success. How you are finding all these needles in the haystack! Not that I mind seeing your closet breakdown either. Angie on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429390 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 15:49:59 +0000 Angie 1429390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great exercise. Thanks, Shannon. HIGH FIVE FELLOW BAG LADY.  I wonder if having fewer wardrobe items at once makes you edit them faster - in order to  achieve more variety because you'll get bored with what you have in a shorter space of time. So it's low numbers but high turnover. Not sure. Just thinking about it.  Eliza on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429345 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 14:40:59 +0000 Eliza 1429345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon- Thank you for sharing your process here.   I am on a similar mission to streamline my closet and this is a very helpful guideline.  I like variety and find that being very happy with each piece, while ensuring that there are several things to wear most things with are what matters most, not having constant novelty head to toe.   As to accessories, for me they make all the difference.  Must wear footwear and carry a bag daily.  Each has to be functional for the intended purpose and comfortable to wear or carry.  It is often my footwear that grounds an outfit, while simultaneously ensuring a current look.  Shoes do a lot of work by making the entire outfit appear deliberate.  Accessories are the punctuation on the statement.  They don't usually dominate, but they can clarify and emphasize.  I agree that quality pieces have more staying power in terms of what appeals to me to wear and what I want to keep over time.  I am realizing that most of my "throw away pieces" are burdensome purchases that may have allowed me to dabble in a trend, but ultimately create more clutter in my closet and diminish my happiness factor, as well as my ability to keep track of the better options.  I recently chose to hang a 3 month wardrobe on a separate rolling rack that is actually in my bedroom, not my walk-in closet.  I needed easy access post ortho surgery and wanted to be able to point to what was necessary when I couldn't get it myself.  I mention this because it was a very useful exercise to isolate certain items from the closet and ignore the rest  of it for awhile. People who have trouble deciding what should go or where their wardrobe gaps are might find it helpful to do something to narrow the "field of thought".  When I am able, I think I will approach the reduction of wardrobe size with much greater clarity for seeing how much variety can be achieved with fewer items (high five!).  I enjoy reading how everyone assesses the wardrobe sweet spot.  Very informative in determining what variables should be considered.  Transcona Shannon on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429306 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:52:41 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1429306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mona - I'm not sure about downsizing more yet. I'll be honest and say I was quite surprised at my numbers when I added them up. It was more than I thought I had. Beth Ann - I think you and I share a similar love for jackets and skirts - they work for our bodies. And if I had to choose between a dress and a skirt, it wouldn 't be the dress. Skirts are just more versatile. Elizabeth - our blackwatch trousers are in the holding zone. I'm not ready to give them up but I'm not happy with how they are fitting right now. Shevia - I am most definitely a "bag lady"! Joy - you are dead bang on with your comment about high happiness factor. When I like a piece and feel good in it, I have no problem wearing it over and over. It's those 7's or 8's that don't get worn as much. Caro - your harem pants (which I adore on you!) are like my drape front EF dresses (which are spring/summer items). You can dress them up and down, add a topper or not. I love when a singular piece has great versatility. It expands your wardrobe but not your closet space, you know? And yeah...the SA's at Danier know me by name when I walk in the store... :) Suz - I'll be so interested to follow your growth in the shoe and handbag department. I'm really discovering for me that those two items in an outfit make all the difference. Dimity - you and Suz will be able to compare shopping notes on shoes and handbags! Rachy - at one point, I was well over a 100 pieces in my wardrobe and you know what? I didn't wear several of those items and other things were worn a lot because I loved them. So why not just keep the pieces I love? Karie - I totally agree about the satisfaction in fit. Even my fast fashion pieces like my ballerina tee or cargo pants had to have the right fit. I'm enjoying your thoughts ladies - keep 'em coming! Karie on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429268 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 11:05:08 +0000 Karie 1429268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting, thank you for doing this. We are about the same in some areas (jeans, pants, blazers) and off in others (I have more shoes, you have more handbags). I have been purging quite a bit lately and getting rid of all fussy items. I'll have to do a count and report back. Quality of fabric goes hand in hand with satisfaction, but so does quality of fit. If the fit isn't there, regardless of everything else, the item can't stay in my wardrobe. I've begun to get fussier about fit at all price points, whereas I use to not be so fussy at lower price points.  rachylou on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429243 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:44:53 +0000 rachylou 1429243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are numbers I can keep in my head(!) I think the handbag factor is interesting. I don't do handbags. I wonder... But I have a number of reasons why I don't, so it will never happen. I need to cull my sweaters and jackets. I AM inspired to get rid of some more. Things I've phased out of. Things for the suburbs. Dimity on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429228 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 05:46:17 +0000 Dimity 1429228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like a workable size wardrobe. I suspect I have higher numbers, but I'm transitioning from 'old me' to 'new me' so there are things on the way out. Like Suz, my big focus for this year is to add shoes and bags, as shoes in particular were preventing me from looking updated and more importantly, I simply didn't have the right shoes to wear with things. I agree that you can have fewer clothes if you have a versatile shoes collection. They make such a difference. Suz on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429208 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 04:59:26 +0000 Suz 1429208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, thank you so much for doing this! I am heading for bed but will share my numbers tomorrow! Mine are bigger for clothing but much smaller for bags and shoes. Interesting, because I plan to put much more of my fashion $$ into bags and shoes this year as statement items!! So I will likely be whittling the clothing down and/ or letting it go via attrition if your theory is correct for me!  Caro in Oz on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429200 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 04:48:15 +0000 Caro in Oz 1429200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ By clearing out the stuff you weren't wearing you have created a wonderful workable wardrobe TS :)  A few great versatile pieces & the right shoes seems to work well for most occasions for me. For instance, I wear my harem pants with heels & a jacket for dinner & a tee & sneakers for a walk. They work both ways & wash really well.  I have way more jackets that i "need" but I'm a jacket person so that's okay. I could get by with very few bags though.  The thing I notice about your numbers is seven leather jackets - serious Danier envy here :) Anonymous on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429170 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 03:58:50 +0000 Anonymous 1429170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, this was so helpful and interesting. I like your numbers as very doable. They look like they are right for your life. You are on to something with noting that you don't get bored wearing pieces that are quality and the importance of accessories. I don't get bored wearing and repeating pieces that I really like for the color(s), great fit, and that I feel are flattering. Oh, and in fabrics that feel great on. It is also helpful if they are versatile enough to be worn different ways. Usually these are more expensive and better quality than the rest of my wardrobe, but not necessarily. The high happiness factor matters most. I need to think more about the accessories but know that the right footwear has become important to me in putting together outfits. Jaime on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429161 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 03:47:04 +0000 Jaime 1429161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting - especially your thoughts about bags and shoes. I think they would be the last thing I would give up. Elizabeth P on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429155 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 03:40:51 +0000 Elizabeth P 1429155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for doing this Shannon! I am heading to bed and am in a conference tomorrow, so will digest and respond properly later. One question.... Did "our" black watch trousers get purged? Or are they in the holding zone? Just curious. Beth Ann on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429119 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 01:57:57 +0000 Beth Ann 1429119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing, Shannon!  There are some areas where my are similar -- jackets, for example, and pants.  I do find myself "off" dresses at the moment -- favoring skirts instead. I seem to have large "capsules" that I rotate every few weeks -- according to weather and changing activities - but I also keep marginal items in the closet for occasional wear.  My blue pants (which I'm losing interest in), my polka-dot blazer, certain prints.  As long as these don't "confuse" my outfit creation, or crowd my space, I seem to be alright allowing them to stay in the background. So glad you're enjoying your wardrobe!  I do think that luxurious fabrics and well made garments make a difference in satisfaction.  This is the only way I could comfortably reduce my wardrobe further. Mona on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429109 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 01:36:41 +0000 Mona 1429109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry, ignore my second question. I just saw that your out of season items are not included.  Mona on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429108 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 01:35:40 +0000 Mona 1429108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, thanks for sharing the numbers. My question to you is do you feel happy with these numbers or are you planning to downsize even further? Also, are these your numbers in total or just the winter wardrobe? Transcona Shannon on "My Closet #'s and Discoveries (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-s-and-discoveries-long#post-1429094 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 01:10:47 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1429094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had a couple of requests lately (yes, I'm talking to you Peri, Elizabeth and Suz ) to provide some numbers with respect to my reduced wardrobe and thoughts on how it's working and any discoveries I've made along the way. So here goes… As most of you know, I've been working towards a more simplistic wardrobe - what I mean by that is a wardrobe that doesn't overwhelm me with it's sheer numbers, where a smaller number of items work well together creating many outfits, where I find balance between variety and minimalism. I have expressed how much I'm enjoying my wardrobe these days and even though I wear many of the items over and over, I have not found the repeating cycle to be too frequent nor am I getting bored with wearing the same ensembles. Here's the breakdown of what is currently rotating in my closet. These are the items I physically have in my closet and wear. The list does not include gear or my winter outerwear. Out of season items or things that are not currently fitting/I'm taking a break from, are stored downstairs Pants: 4 pairs (burgundy skinnies, black ponte knit jeggings, olive cargos, black faux wrap0 Jeans: 4 pairs - 2 slim BF's, trouser style, dark wash skinnies for tucking Blazers: 5 - black suit blazer, red, purple (new), peat wool w/leather sleeves, light wash denim w/leather sleeves Leather jackets: 7 -black x2, off white, purple, blush, navy, cognac (faux leather) Dresses: 7 - dark red, black & white tunic, black and white sleeveless, black ponte, "Tiffany" (plus 2 recently thrifted not yet shown - black/white/grey drapey, burgundy) Skirts: 7 - black suit skirt, cobalt knit pencil, black knit pencil, animal print, black and white geometric, dark red knit, blue/black pencil Sleeveless layering tops: 6 - white drapey x2, black drapey, dark grey "tie dye", black and white stripe, Danier asymmetrical patterned Short sleeve tops: 2 - black and white ballerina, Danier hi-lo black/blue print Long sleeve: 3 - cream with animal print front, crisp white, black and cream print wrap Cardigans: 3 - dark red, bronze metallic open weave, grey drapey Knit pullovers: 9 - Lord & Taylor grey stripe voluminous, gold metallic, black, animal print, navy, green cashmere, white mesh sleeve, grey mesh sleeve, cream chunky cowl neck Booties: 7 - black patent, black Chelsea, purple-blue suede, red, sand Tom wedges, black mid calf Docs, cream python Knee high boots: 2 - black Blondo, cognac Shoes: 4 - gunmetal Naot, animal print Cole Haan pumps (dress wear only), black kitten heels, Fluevog black/animal print flats Total: 57 clothing pieces and 13 footwear pieces - not too big and not too small. It's my Goldilocks closet! This has come to represent my ideal closet size. I repeat individual items frequently but do not wear them in the same exact outfit each time - this is what keeps me from getting bored. To the eye, the outfits have variety. I also think part of the key for not feeling in a rut is I have a fairly decent (at least for me) footwear collection. And my handbags are very much a part of my outfits - take a simple black pencil skirt and black pullover and wear it with black patent booties and black handbag. Now take that same skirt and pullover but wear it with the purple suede booties and animal print clutch and the outfit looks different. For the record, my handbags include: black leather w/gold hardware, Elliot Lucca snakeskin, quilted cobalt with cream, large cream, citron, two-tone cognac, vintage navy Coach, black w/cream trim, cognac backpack. And clutches include black patent, citron, white, red w/animal print, olive snakeskin w/cobalt zipper, blush. In looking at the footwear and handbag items, maybe a smaller wardrobe can function more fully with a good selection of accessories? I can't imagine using the same handbag every day. I'm also wondering if in finding pieces of better quality and more luxurious fabrics, I just feel more satisfied with each item and therefore don't mind wearing it more frequently? Does quality (no matter the price point) equal satisfaction? Ok…that's my rambling for now. I'll be back to read any comments with great interest and would love to know what you see when you read this - what jumps out at you? I should say now that I have an extremely busy day tomorrow so apologize if I can't fully reply until later.