YouLookFab Forum » Topic: One at a time? or an outfit?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: One at a time? or an outfit? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 10:36:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Summer on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456359 Sun, 15 Mar 2015 10:27:23 +0000 Summer 1456359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gwennie - It seems most of us are opting for one at a time. Dimity - That's an interesting twist. Dimity on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456170 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:56:37 +0000 Dimity 1456170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I usually buy several pieces at a time when the thrift store has a 'fill a bag for $5' sale or things are $1 a piece. Then I'll take them home, wash them and see if they work well for me. If they don't, I either use the fabric for something else or re-donate it. I'm getting much more discerning at this, so now I have fewer items that aren't great. If I'm at regular shops, then I buy one piece at a time. Shoes I stalk, determining which is the pair I most want, then I might buy a couple of pairs at a time. Anonymous on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456152 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:29:44 +0000 Anonymous 1456152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I generally purchase things one at a time, particularly those things that I wear casually. The one item that I have the most trouble fitting with other items are blazers and fitted jackets. And it's the one item that on occasion I have purchased other pieces with to create an outfit.  Summer on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456114 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:31:52 +0000 Summer 1456114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Lyn D - I feel much the same about dresses, although I would like to add a few more to my wardrobe. Summer on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456113 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:29:48 +0000 Summer 1456113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, glisters - I do know what you mean.  Often those serendipitous finds prove to be wardrobe gems. Thanks, rabbit - That's an interesting point about maximising wear from a wildcard item . Thanks, gradfashionista - It looks like the majority are taking this approach. Thanks, annagybe - I guessed that might be the case. Thanks, Gigi - I agree that outfit buying would be time and energy - consuming if you have fit issues.  It seems much easier to buy one at a time.  Lyn D. on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456112 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:29:28 +0000 Lyn D. 1456112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like to buy individual pieces, as long as I feel they will go with what I already have. It might be the reason I don't own many dresses- I feel I can only wear them one way and on more formal occasions  only! Gigi on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456076 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 20:00:30 +0000 Gigi 1456076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I generally buy individual pieces, but that is usually because I am hard to fit and have a hard time procuring all pieces to an outfit at the same time. I wish I could do more outfit shopping! annagybe on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456072 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 19:52:54 +0000 annagybe 1456072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do both. Though more often I buy individual pieces. gradfashionista on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456060 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 19:15:50 +0000 gradfashionista 1456060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One at a time, unless it's a basic tee and I'm buying multiple colours.  rabbit on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456057 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 19:08:44 +0000 rabbit 1456057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do what Tanya says and buy one at a time.  I generally rarely repeat exact outfits, I just enjoy discovering new combos too much, and usually repeat only when I'm in a hurry and know an outfit works well.  But when I buy something new I expect to be able to wear it at least five different ways.   Actually for 'wildcard' rather than 'workhorse' purchases, I like to test  or think out wearing it as many ways as the cost per wear I'm aiming for. Anonymous on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456035 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 18:22:15 +0000 Anonymous 1456035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If I find sonething that fits and suits me I tend to buy it in the hope it will come in useful and actually these pieces are more successful than when I'm trying to shop for a particular item. 2 items that fit and look nice at the same time are very hard to find, for me anyway. old chic on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1456001 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:55:59 +0000 old chic 1456001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Too bad about those gorgeous flats, Angie. I, stupidly, have been known to buy shoes I absolutely adore and then have to acquire a new wardrobe capsule to go with the shoes. Summer on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455998 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:41:32 +0000 Summer 1455998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, always trying - That makes perfect sense. Angie, of course, that's completely understandable for busy professionals.  Horses for courses, I suppose. Summer on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455995 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:37:44 +0000 Summer 1455995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Tanya - Yes, that's exactly what I like to do.  You make an excellent point about the new item needing to work effortlessly with your existing wardrobe.  I've become much better at not getting side-tracked, but I used to fall into that trap all too often - yes, "if I just buy this and add that, it will be perfect".  No more of that - back it goes! Thanks again, Angie - As with Tanya, wise words, indeed.  Sorry the shoes didn't work out. Angie on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455992 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:31:53 +0000 Angie 1455992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Summer, many of my clients are hard working professionals with kids and no time to shop. We often have to get outfits on our shopping days because they need to be sorted fast, with no time to shop again or rummage around in their closets. It can make a lot of sense to shop in outfits a few times a season and leave it at that.  Tanya, if the flats were tomato red instead of orange - I'd have kept them.  always trying on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455989 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:28:11 +0000 always trying 1455989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One at a time unless it is something like 100% cotton t's or such.  then I get them in different colors, depending on the selection and price.  Summer on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455985 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:25:09 +0000 Summer 1455985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, AM - You have good strategies in place for the various sections of your wardrobe. Thanks, Staysfit - It's understandable that you are buying in quantity since you have been giving your wardrobe a major overhaul.  Sometimes that's the only way to go. Thanks, Aliona - I think if I decided to buy in outfits I would go down that route, too.  I'm fairly confident about putting things together, but having a stylist/personal shopper on hand would save the leg-work and stamina!  I understand what you say about being overwhelmed. Thanks, SandyG - I can quite understand your frustration with finding things that fit.  I can see that it makes more sense for you to concentrate on one item at a time. Thanks, Angie - I prefer to do that, too, although I'm nowhere near as accomplished as you, of course.  I can see the attraction of buying in outfits, though:  I like the idea of one complete, ready to go outfit which can then be deconstructed to mix with other things.  Tanya on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455977 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:14:30 +0000 Tanya 1455977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry the orange flats did not work out, Angie.  They are gorgeous and I know that you love that color. Angie on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455974 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:10:02 +0000 Angie 1455974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YES. Like Tanya, I take back the pieces if I can't make them work with my stuff - like these orange flats that went back yesterday. SO comfy and gorgeous, but jarring in my wardrobe:  Tanya on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455970 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:06:36 +0000 Tanya 1455970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to buy pieces that speak to me as I have a fairly large wardrobe and usually there are at least a couple of possible combos to be made with my old stuff.  I love to play with the new piece when I get home.  But I will take it back if it turns out it is difficult to style with my existing clothes, and requires  a bunch more of new items to make it work. Angie on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455963 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:58:17 +0000 Angie 1455963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Personally, I buy pieces. I make the outfits when I get home. But I have clients who prefer to shop outfits, and it works well for them.  SandyG on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455962 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:57:45 +0000 SandyG 1455962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to buy one item at a time because I'm hard to fit and it takes a lot of my shopping brain dealing with changing rooms and different sizes, missing sizes, lots of frustration in BM stores. The petite world is filled with bad sizing. My GF only buys outfits -- but she is easy to fit, a standard size 8, and shopping is pretty entertaining for her. The whole experience is vastly different for us as individuals but it's a good reason to get together and we really enjoy it   at least once a season. Anonymous on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455949 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:24:04 +0000 Anonymous 1455949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great question, Summer--and like AM, it's one I've been pondering myself. I used to be a random, haphazard shopper. I have some body image issues, so was always more worried about the fit of an item I was considering than whether it fit with the rest of my wardrobe, so my style and colour schemes were a real hodgepodge. Then I met a talented Nordstrom stylist and started shopping for outfits. This is absolutely the way to go for me, but the stylist moved on a few months ago and here I am on YLF, trying to find my groove. I want to be an infrequent, full outfit buyer, but it requires more planning than I'm good at. I'm hoping to pick up some tips but admit the time and thought involved overwhelms me. Staysfit on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455943 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:16:40 +0000 Staysfit 1455943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well........ This year is the exception.  I have been replacing my entire wardrobe in one giant shopping spree.  It means lots of shopping.  I don't recommend this to anyone.   Typically, I purchase one item at a time to add to existing capsules.  However, I buy shoes in multiples, whenever I see pairs that I like.  I am a shoe person.  It must be my fussy runner's feet. :-) Staysfit on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455941 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:13:45 +0000 Staysfit 1455941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well...:-)    Usually I buy one at a time and add to previous capsules, however I have completely been redoing my wardrobe this year, so I have been buying lots.  This is definitely a different buying pattern for me.  The only exception would be with shoes.  I purchase shoes in multiples, always.  I just love them.  It must be because of my sensitive, fussy, runners feet. I didnt' think this post showed up so I retyped and posted again!  sorry! :-) AM on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455937 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:05:12 +0000 AM 1455937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My pattern seems to be: Casual at Home: Load up on basics (leggings, cardigans, tees, etc.) Out of the Home: Looks that I want to achieve (have fun, maybe spend a little extra money); I tend to want to purchase these in full outfits. ...But I'm still working through this question myself. Summer on "One at a time? or an outfit?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-at-a-time-or-an-outfit#post-1455906 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 14:14:52 +0000 Summer 1455906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Ladies, When you're shopping for clothes, do you prefer to buy one item at a time or a complete outfit/capsule?  I usually buy one at a time because it suits my budget and allows my wardrobe to evolve over time.  It also give me the opportunity to shop more frequently, rather than having to save for a bigger shopping spree.  I can see the advantage of buying several pieces together, though - one ready-to-go outfit, for instance, or maximum wear during the season. So, how do you prefer to shop?  Please feel free to add any other variables, such as frequency of shopping, buying ahead of season and so on.  Over to you.