YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Wardrobe By Numbers

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Wardrobe By Numbers https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:02:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Isabel on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers/page/2#post-1304008 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:48:14 +0000 Isabel 1304008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW, this is just fascinating.  So many YLF ladies moving in aggregate.  :  )  Deborah, I think that introspection is always good.  Even when it comes to our clothes.   For the life that you lead, 175 sounds very reasonable to me.  I think that "need" is a tricky word for us in first world countries.  We actually "need" very little in the literal scheme of things.  But we are blessed enough to be able to have our "needs" be a bit more than basic.  By that I mean that we have the luxury of needing some diversity or whatever else.  In the end , isn't it balance. Having what you need that is useful, beautiful and loved without excess ?  (  Can you tell that I have been contemplating this too ?  LOL ) Jen, I got the style app after you told me about it....I have taken 2 pictures !   But I have also started using Pinterest and I find that I like the visuals, so I am going to start doing that.  I don't know about the rest of you...but managing and thinking about clothes is just so overwhelming.  there is just so much ! JenA on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers/page/2#post-1303919 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:23:50 +0000 JenA 1303919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Wow, great job going through your clothes. It's a huge task and definitely forces you to take a good look at your wardrobe.  A couple of years ago I got the Stylebook app for my phone and proceeded to spend the next 6 months (I switch my clothes for winter/summer) taking or finding pictures of my clothes. I included everything.... t-shirts, tanks, leggings, comfy pants, skirts, shoes, boots, belts, scarves, you name it. So I know exactly how much of everything that I have (I won't share the numbers here ☺️). I never even knew of cost per wear until I had this app, but it holds me accountable for purchases and how much I actually own.  I always find it interesting when we talk about the perfect # for a wardrobe because not only is it personal but also numbers are deceptive. For example,  I've noticed that you wear a lot of black and have a very dramatic, architectural style which works with your 11 black skirts.  Since I'm not a minimalist (disclaimer here), it seems that with a four season climate, that would give you about 3 unique styles per season which would include a fall/spring overlap.  Just saying.... Jen jackiec on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers/page/2#post-1303914 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:17:52 +0000 jackiec 1303914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done. I'm an accountant by trade yet doing an exercise such as this scares me to death. Might need to bite the bullet and get in there. I love your post, and hearing that you have half as much but are way more functional. I feel like I'm getting there too, but tallying it up scares me. Beth Ann on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers/page/2#post-1303897 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:58:05 +0000 Beth Ann 1303897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First, I just kept thinking:  I'm a musician, I can only count to 4! Seriously, a cohesive wardrobe makes like much easier and helps you express your unique self as you move through your roles and environments.  Sounds like you've found a comfortable closet (and a fab one, too)! Deborah on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers/page/2#post-1303790 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 10:48:07 +0000 Deborah 1303790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro it is a process. I love the idea of modern classic pieces working with my more "interesting" pieces but so often they don't. I'm not willing to give up yet though...I enjoy a challenge:). Obviously you know what feels good and world for you which is a great place to be. Oh and if I dress in a fully modern classic outfit, I become my mum lol:) Caro in Oz on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers/page/2#post-1303733 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 05:58:13 +0000 Caro in Oz 1303733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mmmm modern classics. I'm yet to make complete peace with them. Sometimes I think they will never play nicely with my more avant garde pieces.  There are people who can wear modern classics head to foot & look sensational; alas I'm not one of them. I'm more the person who picks out the weirdly shaped garment that everyone else leaves behind. Oh well it is a process Deborah on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303706 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:47:55 +0000 Deborah 1303706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow Caro... that is brutal.. and I love it!  Truth be told, I don't really love wearing skirts, I love dresses!  And I love dresses, tights and boots in winter..how opposite we are lol.  I have thought about getting rid of all my skirts except for a couple of really good drapey ones but am not sure!!  I will have to remember to check in with you late in the year to see if the skirts are gone:)  At the rate we are going, we will have very minimal closets with only fab things pretty soon. Deborah on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303703 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:44:10 +0000 Deborah 1303703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Claire.  My wardrobe, and my state of mind about my wardrobe, are in the best state they have every been lol.  I will be paying attention to how often the modern classics come out to play too.  There are some enviroments where swanning in, in my draped blackness would just create the wrong impression... I live in a regional centre that while it is quite diverse in some ways, still has some very conservative 'pockets".  And ofcourse I want look nice and like me when I attend things like funerals and weddings, they are occasions where I am very clear it's not about me and sometimes that's where the modern classics will come out too. Caro in Oz on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303700 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:34:21 +0000 Caro in Oz 1303700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for responding Deborah I am thinking about drastic measures -  I realise I don't like wearing skirts or dresses in winter (hate stockings & tights). Mine are mostly black too so I think they have a limited life anyway. I think I may be ready to let them ALL go, except for the blue skirt suit which is funeral/conservative appropriate. They will probably go in a holding zone (suitcase under the stairs) & if they don't come out before summer they are gone!! Anonymous on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303693 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:25:48 +0000 Anonymous 1303693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your wardrobe is in such a beautiful place: wedding and funeral ready, and probably for all four seasons unless I miss my guess. Your new, edgier style is really fun, and suits you so well. I'll be interested if you reach for your more classic garments in the next year or so. Keep us posted! Deborah on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303675 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 03:52:14 +0000 Deborah 1303675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro the things that I am not wearing fit more into the modern classic category I think.   Items like a couple of pencil/knit skirts that I have.  One is the Kmart one we both have, another that is similar to the Bailey 44 dress, a lovely red midi length one and a knee length cobalt one.  I also have some 'nice' blouses and a few jackets/blazers that I keep for specific work occasions and/or if I am doing a presentation to a particulalry conservative group.   I think the foundation of my style is probably modern classic and I have a real appreciation for those classic garments but more and more they don't feel like me unless I can give them a bit of edge.  And I am only comfortable in certain colours (mostly black and dark tones).  I have an almost identical black skirt to the red one, but they look and feel different to me. Caro in Oz on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303595 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:41:00 +0000 Caro in Oz 1303595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting Deborah. Do you know how much of your wardrobe you wear & why you don't wear some of the pieces you love? Just asking about the everyday clothes, obviously special occasion clothes are a different category. Deborah on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303440 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:07:07 +0000 Deborah 1303440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another thought I had last night about my current wardrobe is that it finally works for my lifestyle.  Lifestyle was something I NEVER factored in before YLF. I need to dress for: Work (3 days a week) Church (Sundays) Casual (weekends & days off) Volunteer Work (Wednesdays) Random speaking events & presentations (church & work related) Random Social Events My wardrobe is also Funeral and Wedding ready. Deborah on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303418 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 23:50:00 +0000 Deborah 1303418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for your comments ladies.  As always you are a wise bunch:) Glory, this is all of my wardrobe, covering all four seasons. Lisap, nice to meet another lover of the ankle boot... you made me giggle. Debra, I agree, I love my wardrobe due to the my colour palette can create so many combinations.  I did consider for one moment trying to count the combinations available but I thought might head might explode:) LynD, because my wardrobe is effectively a 'U' shape with a door, its impossible to photograph the whole space in in shot.  So yes it's a reasonable size:)  I counted my handbags quickly this morning and I have 24.  This includes work bags, cross body, clutches etc.  I do have some additional bags that are for the beach, or to carry shopping but I haven't counted those. LAR101 on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303297 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 21:20:40 +0000 LAR101 1303297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank-you for sharing this!  I especailly appreciate how you describe your evolution to having a clearer sense of your style... from going to having twice as many clothes and nothing to wear ...  and then to half as many clothes and loving pieces you wear.  I've espcecially appreciated your clean style in your posts this year.  Way to go!! Gracie on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303285 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 21:06:42 +0000 Gracie 1303285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great exercise! So glad you have been distilling your wardrobe to better pieces you love. I'm yet to count my tops since I keep the fall/winter boxed it would be a major undertaking. I'm in denial Lyn D. on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303255 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 20:28:32 +0000 Lyn D. 1303255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Deborah! I love these posts about numbers- it is interesting to see how they match with the style of the writer. You have such a  variety of outfits with a decent number of toppers and layering pieces as shown in your list, and sticking to black or just a few colours helps too. Did you count your handbags as well? Your wardrobe must be larger than it looks in a pic Gigi on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303249 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 20:21:51 +0000 Gigi 1303249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing this, Deborah! I have similar numbers. The amount of tops sounds like a lot, but when you consider that you have four seasons and need to include everything from tank tops to wool sweaters, it's really not that much. I do feel like this size of wardrobe strikes a nice balance between variety and necessity: there's enough variety to keep things interesting, but there's not a lot of "extra" to weigh you down. Debra on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303244 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 20:16:35 +0000 Debra 1303244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow....very interesting. I'm glad I didn't count before I purged........ I think I would have been quite shocked. I might count now though and really look at how different pieces might work in different ways. I like the idea of a piece of clothing providing different looks and being flexible. This will be my project Anonymous on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303237 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 20:11:06 +0000 Anonymous 1303237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isn't free space in a closet a great thing?  Well done:)  As an initiation of sorts into the YLF family, and because yesterday's weather was suitably rainy and chilly, I emptied my 2 working closets of EVERYTHING and did a major purge. I was embarrassed to find a few things I forgot I even had, and to see how many random and unworn pieces were crammed into the mess.  It was a real eye opener (and it's not like I have never sorted out my closet but this time I was ruthless, thinking about all I have learned on this site in a few short weeks). I have followed your posts and enjoy your pics - your hair caught my eye right away and I sensed a similar style sensibility. I smiled at your bootie number - that sounds weird, sorry - as that's one item I have a ton of too.  Thanks for the inspiration , an actual count now might be  in order. I delivered 4 large green garbage bags FULL of summer clothes, bags and shoes to the thrift shop today.  And that's just one season's worth.  Thanks again for your post - interesting reading! Mo on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303221 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:57:39 +0000 Mo 1303221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy, signing in at the 150 range here including shoes, coats, all but accessories like bags, scarves, belts.  Of which I have very little anyway, lol.   As for 4 season wardrobes or whatever, I think FL to Tahoe and back covers the bases.  ;) rachylou on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303175 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:26:45 +0000 rachylou 1303175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok... I need a compilation of the average total across everyone's wardrobes... I'm starting to feel I'm getting down to a reasonable number... Glory on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303142 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:46:51 +0000 Glory 1303142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good job. Does this include all seasons or current season. I am thinking I should do a count, and then count what I actually wear. I had to chuckle as 1 sneaks and shudder at the number I would have to put down there. Susie on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303138 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:42:23 +0000 Susie 1303138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting! We have a similar total number but you have way more dresses and toppers than I do while I have about twice as many pants and more tops that I wear solo. And I like you shoe number better than mine :) And I totally agree with Christy on this... I think the most interesting take away is that your wardrobe is half the size than it was before and yet far more functional - what a great place to be! And that you are still working with the same budget, yet the pieces are higher quality. It's amazing what a more thoughtful approach to shopping and wardrobe maintenance can do for functionality and the happiness factor. Great job, Deborah! christy on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303098 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:12:16 +0000 christy 1303098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is really interesting Deborah! All of these posts are making me think it's time to do something similar. I just had a major closet purge a few months ago (6 bags!), but have brought in a few new things since then and, of course, just added some pieces from NAS. I think the most interesting take away is that your wardrobe is half the size than it was before and yet far more functional - what a great place to be! And that you are still working with the same budget, yet the pieces are higher quality. It's amazing what a more thoughtful approach to shopping and wardrobe maintenance can do for functionality and the happiness factor. You've really made me think about taking inventory myself...maybe that will be my project as I incorporate my NAS finds into my existing wardrobe. Thanks for the post! Transcona Shannon on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1303084 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:59:34 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1303084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another well done counting post! And how wonderful to see how the quality has improved. Way to go Deb Neel on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1302979 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 16:25:06 +0000 Neel 1302979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know Deborah ... Numbers scare me. I don't want to do the exercise until I really clear the clutter in my house. I will start tomorrow I promise :D You all are an inspiration really :). You have done a fantastic job here. And if I could share closet space with DH, I might have to treat myself to some designer delicacies Hil on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1302957 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 16:08:27 +0000 Hil 1302957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fascinating read! My wardrobe is definitely nowhere near that size but now I'm really curious to see how big my wardrobe actually is. My goal is also to continue to improve the quality within my wardrobe. There has been a subtle shift in my awareness of quality. Anonymous on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1302947 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:53:47 +0000 Anonymous 1302947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations! I always thought worrying about something felt worse than just digging in and assessing the situation. It sounds like your wardrobe is in a great place with fewer but better items than when you started. How great that you can keep everything you're wearing in your main closet, too! Yay for that. I'm like you with the math. I don't keep track of wears or make spreadsheets, but I have (I think!) a pretty good idea of what I'm wearing since my wardrobe is so small.  Mo on "My Wardrobe By Numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-by-numbers#post-1302899 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:45:05 +0000 Mo 1302899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like that you can see the quality improvement while still keeping with the same budget.  That's a big goal of mine going forward.   Sounds like this is a fine size wardrobe for you and you are happy where you are.  Smaller isn't somehow better or more moral, it's just a number, right!  Loving what you have, and having enough opportunity to wear what you love, constitutes the perfect 'size'.  I agree no need to purge things if you aren't emotionally ready yet, and you have the room for them.  No harm in them being there for a little while longer.  :)  I wont' tell your hubby about the free space if you don't!