https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:52:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long/page/2#post-900495 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 06:59:51 +0000 goldenpig 900495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ingunn, I am so impressed by your concise and stylish wardrobe. I would never have guessed that you had so few pieces, because you are so creative at remixing and everything goes together. I wish I could be that organized!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long/page/2#post-900490 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 06:33:07 +0000 annaj 900490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have done a fabulous job of this, and it is something I would love to develop more in my own wardrobe. I have favourites in my own wardrobe, which probably fits in with the concept of 333, however, I have a few "extra" items, which I love, but simply aren't as versatile. I'm trying to shop now, with capsules in mind, and by purchasing more "basics" and adding the colour I crave through accessories rather than with lots of coloured clothing.<br />Thank you for the inspiration - glad to see that 333 really works!!&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-900457 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 05:35:42 +0000 Ingunn 900457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Claire, I am mutually excited to read your reply! I love how you always take time to elaborate a little. I'm always very inspired by your outfits, too, and I agree that we seem to prefer similar silhouettes and colors. How interesting that you too have had this feeling with bright pants. I don't understand why! I mean, I wear a bright red dress or coat without giving it a second thought, but &nbsp;pants only? I feel <i>very</i> visible. Hopefully, my red skinnies will be put to use during the next few months, or else I better get rid of them. Fortunately I only paid 50%, but they weren't exactly cheap even then.&nbsp;<br /><br />I hear you about keeping the non-dominant season wardrobe small. That is what I think, too! I don't mind updating basics like t-shirts and tanks from year to year, as they get misshapen quickly. But jackets, dresses and skirts etc should stand the time and last several seasons. It is much more satisfying to replace a worn out item than a dated one. Unfortunately, I fall in love with summer clothing so easily, so I have to be very careful here.<br /><br />Astrid, let me know how it goes! I would like to suggest that instead of culling scarves, you could choose a selection of maybe a dozen or so&nbsp;for the current season and pack away the rest. That's what I do. Scarves are small and easy to store, and the styles go in and out of popularity. I would only throw away those that are washed out, worn or plain ugly, if you understand what I mean.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-900453 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 05:31:46 +0000 Adelfa 900453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Ingunn. I did a 333 for Winter and now am in the middle of my Spring one and am planning my Summer. I don't totally have the hang of it, but it has helped TREMENDOUSLY. I know what I wear and what I don't wear, and for the first time I can say things like "the only thing I really would like to complete my Spring wardrobe is a pair of white jeans" (still haven't found them). I look forward to buying fewer items of better quality.<br /><br />My dominant season is Summer and I don't think I'm very happy about that! I read in a book once that in Summer you buy throwaway clothes--clearly written by someone who had short summers and who didn't have to go to work month after month in 100+ degree temperatures! My brain is twisting in uncomfortable directions to realize that sandals are more important in my wardrobe than boots or transitional shoes!<br /><br />Anyway, I'm totally on a similar journey to yours. &nbsp;It's fun, isn't it?<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-900033 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:22:05 +0000 Astrid 900033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks! Maybe I will see if I can put together a capsule of my own tomorrow, that would be fun. I also want to incorporate my accessories more and purge the ones I don't use. And I definitely have too many scarves... If this helps on the way to a minimal wardrobe it would be worth the effort.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-900012 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:54:39 +0000 Anonymous 900012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh yay, another great Ingunn post! I loved every word of it. When I got to the bottom and clicked on your first picture, it was like you had&nbsp;<i>my</i> essentials all spread out there. We favor some of the same neutrals and pieces. I have been an admirer of yours from the beginning, and it really helps me to know how you got your wardrobe to the place it is, and that it actually works for you. &nbsp;So I appreciate your taking the time to write everything down and take the pictures. You just can't learn this stuff all from a book!&nbsp;<br /><br />I had the same experience with bright jeans. I wore mine one time last fall and felt like the entire world was staring at me. It was very disconcerting. I missed having a patterned blouse too (and luckily just picked one up for next year). My blouses were black, white, cream and tan and my blazer/jackets were all solid. I wore scarves less and really missed pattern. However, I've gone wild with pattern in the past (last summer) and I want to keep a handle on it this year. I'm limiting my color palette like you, and that seems to help keep things under control.&nbsp;<br /><br />One thing I've decided in regards to the dominant/non-dominant season strategy is that I want to keep my non-dominant season wardrobe small. My goal is to actually wear-out (or use up)&nbsp;my clothes&nbsp;to the point that they&nbsp;need to be replaced, like you are doing with your winter clothes. That's easy to do in my dominant season, but not so easy in the off-season, because it is so short. I don't want to have a huge selection of clothes that get dated before they need to be replaced for wear. Does that make sense? English is my mother tongue&nbsp;but now I'm having a hard time saying what I mean! I'm hoping that if I buy good quality clothing that I really love (like you seem to do) that I won't grow bored of it and want to get rid of it after one season. Thanks for being such a great example of how chic European women dress and choose their clothing! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-900001 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:30:48 +0000 Ingunn 900001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, it definitely has helped me. How fun that you remembered.&nbsp;I got rid of a few things I thought I had to wear during this process, which was helpful. Then having all (or most of)&nbsp;my pieces in a grid makes it easier to imagine new mixes. I have my scarves hanging on my bedroom door so i always see them, and that helps, too. I definitely recommend this if you are after a small, manageable wardrobe. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899994 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:23:27 +0000 Astrid 899994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this, Ingunn. I remember your winter capsule post and that I said I might want to try this too. Well, I never got around to it. Maybe I should try it. Did it help you to mix it up more? I probably don't have that many spring/summer pieces in my wardrobe anyway, but somehow I have diffuculties finding enough energy to play in my closet. I mostly end up with the same combos over and over again and some things that I really love don't get worn that often. I also don't use most of my accessories much. Do you think this would help?<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899968 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:07:52 +0000 Ingunn 899968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jayne, we are definitely in the same boat here. I read your post about your Spring wardrobe and liked how you break it down into number of outfits. I think I have a lot more possibilities than I possibly can manage to wear, too, even with this relatively modest wardrobe. I do a four season plan to be able do swap a few summer dresses into the outfit - I remove the typical work related wear when I'm off work.<br /><br />Rachy, that might be possible, but I love reading about your wanderings, so please go on that way&nbsp;:)<br /><br />Elisabeth, I seldom repeat identical outfits, but I don't make a point of not doing it. I often wear variations on a theme repeatedly.<br /><br />Marley, how are you doing - finished your spring capsule yet? I'm humbled to have inspired you, and very happy for it.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899866 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:28:55 +0000 Marley 899866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow Ingunn!&nbsp; This is nothing short of brilliant!&nbsp; THANK YOU so much for sharing.&nbsp; I'm headed upstairs to take a look at my wardrobe.&nbsp; (you've inspired me!) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899802 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:24:39 +0000 Elizabeth P 899802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ingunn, just out of curiousity, do you go to an effort to not repeat outfits?&nbsp; or minimally repeat them?&nbsp; Or do you find you end up with favs that you wear over and over?&nbsp; <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899796 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:18:49 +0000 rachylou 899796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admire your ability to keep the big picture in mind, Ingunn! I tend to get lost in the trees...<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899779 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:59:50 +0000 jayne 899779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is so impressive. &nbsp;I really beleive that the small wadrobe is the way to go and feel I am downsizing in spurts. One season at a time. &nbsp;This is my second season of YLF for spring so I feel I have a better plan than last spring but still almost too many items still at 27 (clothes only). &nbsp;I am so impressed with how you took the look back now at winter and figured out what will improve it next fall. &nbsp;Do you do a 4 season plan or just two?<br /><br />Anyway, now I have to think about my winter wardrobe and see if there are holes and whether the size is too large. &nbsp;Thanks for showing us how! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899771 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:52:02 +0000 Ingunn 899771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I'm very happy to inspire you! I get you on the appearance capsule. I don't need that, but I've excluded special occasion wear. I don't see any reason for adding a very dressy dress to this capsule. The whole point is to wear the 333 capsule a lot.&nbsp;<br /><br />Shannon, thank you! It is both fun and useful for me to make these visuals. When the initial setup is done, it doesn't take much time, either. Let me know if you need any kind of help with it when you are ready.&nbsp;<br /><br />Carole, thanks! Initially, I removed the other items, but this time I've let them stay. It is not that many anyway. I like to have them available. I know, this is not a "true" 333, but I'm fine with that. The most important thing is that now&nbsp;I know exactly what I have, and what I really don't need to stock up on anymore. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899708 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:24:01 +0000 Carole 899708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know how you do it, but I am in "awe". Each time you post your wardrobe capules I am inpsired to try this myself but just can't get it together. I love the idea of a minimal wardrobe and 333 seems the perfect plan. I am curious if you select these pieces then remove all other items from your closet for that season.<div><br /></div><div>Thanks for sharing all your hard work with us. Brilliant!</div> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899633 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:21:00 +0000 Transcona Shannon 899633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ingunn - this is nothing short of brilliant. Truly. You have a well curated wardrobe that serves you incredibly well and obviously have a clear idea of your personal style, what works for you and how to mix and match your items to make a multitude of outfits.<br /><br />I also really appreciate seeing the visual here - it is fabulous to see how well everything works together.<br /><br />I need to learn how to do this myself - so thanks for the info and inspiration! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899618 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:02:14 +0000 Suz 899618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for this, Ingunn! I am planning on doing something similar.&nbsp;<br /><br />I think my wardrobe is pretty much the same size (or at least what I actually wear amounts to about the same number of items). And I like to mix and match the pieces in the same way, so want to stick to a fairly limited colour palette. But like you, this past winter I realized that I crave a little bit more pattern at times and occasional changes in silhouette.&nbsp;<br /><br />For spring/ summer, I want to do what you have done here so I can identify my actual wardrobe holes. It will have to wait until next week because I'm away on the weekend. Very inspiring!&nbsp;<br /><br />The one difference for me is that I need an "appearance" capsule. Some of these items get worn all the time or at least work into my regular wardrobe, and others are a bit more like special occasion wear. They may not <i>look </i>super-formal and dressy, but they need to make a statement, and it's not necessarily a statement I want or need to make every day - so that means they may not get a ton of wear. Yet I do require them in my closet for the events I have to give. I think I'm going to leave these items out of my total calculations, much like workout wear, underwear, etc.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899617 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:58:11 +0000 Ingunn 899617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hedgiehog, you are welcome any time you like! To me, it was an epiphany to understand how wardrobe essentials work. I try to pick the best I can find of those, and not too many. E.g. I only have two pairs of blue jeans and two black pants (cropped and for heels), one black blazer etc. I try to limit my colors, and I am careful with patterns. Fewer pieces that i really love is a constant goal. I'm trying to find pieces with some longevity, but I have my misses like anybody else. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899607 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:49:20 +0000 Ingunn 899607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Caro! You seem organized enough to me :)<br /><br />Shevia, it's my pleasure. I learn so much from posting in the forum and reading your responses.&nbsp;<br /><br />Carolbee, I agree. I think I would get by with even fewer pieces, but then it would start getting boring. And I do need more than a few accessories and shoes.<br /><br />Sarah, how interesting to hear about your red pants. I wonder what that is about - I mean, we do like them, don't we? Maybe they are easier to wear when everything isn't white outside! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899604 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:45:27 +0000 hedgiehog 899604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ingunn, you have such a handle on what works for you and how to put things together. I am really impressed and aspire to do the same. My closet is full of clothes but I always lament that I have nothing to wear! It seems you can do so much better with less clothing. What do you find makes it easiest? Sticking to a certain colour palette? Limiting yourself to what you purchase? <br />I am seriously considering a trip to Norway! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899580 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:32:06 +0000 Sarah A 899580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I enjoy your 333 reports. Interesting, my red jeans havent been out in half the stylings I came up for them either. I did put them on today though. I continue to be fascinated with the 333 idea and love seeing you doing it. Perhaps Ill take it on myself one day soon. I am also excited to hear your savings are coming together for your big trip. It sounds like you are totally in on top of your dressing and priorities all while looking pulled together and super fab. Love it!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899505 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:01:48 +0000 carolbee 899505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for that review of your 333. &nbsp;Gives me inspiration to have another go. &nbsp;I actually did a wardrobe inventory today, still have a couple of items I'm deciding whefher to keep or cull and then I can finalise my 33. &nbsp;I also allow the 33 for clothes only. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899497 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:49:35 +0000 Jaime 899497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Although I am not organized enough to track things as brilliantly as you do, posts like this really help and inspire me to pay attention to what I am actually wearing. For example, this year I realized that although I live in a warm climate, there are at least 5 full months when I am interested in wearing coats, sweaters and boots. I also noticed how color coordinated your capsules are, and am trying to tame my wardrobe in that direction as well. So, in short, thank you Ingunn for taking the time to write up these reports! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899494 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:43:11 +0000 Caro in Oz 899494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very inspirational Ingunn, I'm slowly working my way towards recording everything but I still have some way to go:)&nbsp;<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899480 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:27:33 +0000 Elizabeth P 899480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Found it!&nbsp; For anyone else wondering, here is the link with Ingunn's experience with Evernote.<br /><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-on-making-lookbooks" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-lookbooks</a><br /><br />Oh, and Ingunn, I see you responded while I was looking... thanks!<br />Turned into a double whammy on the links :)<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899479 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:25:38 +0000 Ingunn 899479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Ramya! Please don't be embarrassed, it is only natural for you to feel the cold more than I do. After all, I was brought up with this climate.<br /><br />Raisin, thanks! shopping your dominant season is an important lesson indeed. I wonder why it took me so long to understand that.<br /><br />Thank you, Elisabet, Missey and Karie! The new capsule is available through the last link in my post if you are interested in comparing the two.&nbsp;<br /><br />Elisabeth and Karie, Evernote is an application that works across all platforms (pc, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android). It lets you save web clips, notes, images etc, and is quite versatile. I use it mainly for my wardrobe planning, grocery shopping/planning, holiday planning and to some extent as a note tool at work. If you read my response in this thread first, it might give you an idea of how to get started. There are also loads of helpful videos on the web, try Evernote's own homepage or Youtube.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-on-making-lookbooks">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-lookbooks</a><br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899465 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:55:29 +0000 Karie 899465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have a wonderful handle on your wardrobe needs/wants, where you're going and where you're at. <br /><br />What is Evernote? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899461 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:48:11 +0000 Missey 899461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am truly impressed by your thoughtful and concise wardrobe for the season.&nbsp; You always look so well appointed in your outfit photos...a true testament of your well thought out choices!&nbsp; While your seasonal wardrobe is pared down to to a relatively small number of perfect essentials, your photos show an incredible variety in styling of these items.&nbsp; Inspiring!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899457 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:43:20 +0000 Elizabeth P 899457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I so admire you for taking the time to think things through like this. &nbsp;Look forward to your spring wardrobe pics!<div><br /></div><div>PS. I think you posted a link or description to how you use Evernote somewhere... I came across it unexpectedly some time. If its easy, can you share again? &nbsp;</div> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experience-with-a-333-wardrobe-so-far-long#post-899447 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:22 +0000 Raisin 899447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Inge you have such a perfectly coordinated and fabulous looking wardrobe. &nbsp;I admire your self control and I love tis post. &nbsp;Very inspiring! &nbsp;I agree, I don't need much more than this amount either. &nbsp;I should take a page from your book and sort it out properly. &nbsp;You're right, shopping for the dominant season is hugely important!