YouLookFab Forum » Topic: One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:43:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting/page/2#post-1934142 Fri, 06 Jul 2018 04:15:22 +0000 Sal 1934142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - a huge difference - and you may find it a bit similar on the West Coast..   I had six tops down as summer only, and only one as winter only with all the rest being trans seasonal.  While I don't wear some much in summer I might wear them on a chilly night, such as a red merino.  And many of my tops are worn all year - sometimes alone, sometimes under a blazer, and sometimes under a blazer and a coat.   What this means is I do wear my clothes out more quickly because they might get worn every single week.  But I wear them out as I tire of them. I know there are many families who struggle here to for warm clothing - it must even harder in a more extreme climate.   Suz on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting/page/2#post-1934120 Fri, 06 Jul 2018 01:24:12 +0000 Suz 1934120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's a lean but well functioning closet, Sally -- you have done exceptionally well. Dresses work especially well in a temperate climate and you've honed in on lifestyle needs.  I don't own many cardigans either -- 5. And one is a sentimental piece that I took from my mother's closet when she died, and I don't really wear it. (I do wear the matching shell). I prefer the structure of jackets.  But I have far more tops than you do -- I have about 24 spring/ summer/ fall tops (or tops for under jackets, pullovers, cardigans) PLUS almost that many pullovers (knits) for fall/ winter/ spring!! So if you're top heavy, I'm positively overloaded. Yet I wear them almost all of these regularly within their respective seasons. It just goes to show you how an extreme climate affects wardrobe size -- for those who have the luxury and privilege of purchasing for it. I feel so badly for those who are not middle class here because it can be very difficult to dress appropriately/ comfortably for our varied weather without a relatively large wardrobe. And as in NZ, clothes are more expensive than they are in the US.  Sal on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting/page/2#post-1934092 Fri, 06 Jul 2018 00:00:27 +0000 Sal 1934092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is very individual.  I used to have more cardigans but struggled to find ones to wear over the looser tops, statement sleeves etc so have moved away from them.  I could do with one more though - but I keep procrastinating on it:) While it is lean remember that my winters and not that cold and my summers not super hot, I work from a casual office and from home, and I do laundry every single day of my life......  Also clothes and shoes are more expensive here than in the US. I do think with the exception of a formal job interview requiring a suit, or a black tie event, I am covered for conceivable occasions.  I could interview in a blazer and ankle pants and I could go to a cocktail or dressy party. SarahD8 on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting/page/2#post-1934091 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 23:45:33 +0000 SarahD8 1934091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That seems like a pretty lean closet to me. It will be interesting to see how it evolves. I’ve also taken to noting items that will need replacing sooner rather than later when evaluating my closet. It really is interesting how individual this all is. I cannot imagine having only 2 cardigans. I probably own close to 40! Sal on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting/page/2#post-1934087 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 23:14:18 +0000 Sal 1934087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I added this at the top too. I had a spare hour in the car with a laptop and no WIFI so I counted my closet - then got home and checked. It is possible there are one or two summer pieces in storage that I have forgotten about. <ul> <li>Winter coats 3</li> <li>Jackets and Blazers 9</li> <li> Cardigans 2 </li> <li>Dresses and tunics (Incl occasion wear) 18</li> <li>Tops and blouses 24*</li> <li>Sweaters 5</li> <li>Skirts 2</li> <li>Pants and jeans 11</li> <li>Shoes, Boots and sandals 20</li> <li>Sunglasses 2</li> <li>Bags and clutches 9</li> <li>Loungewear and gear (about 35) **</li> </ul> * Blouses, tanks, shirts, tee shirts, knitted tops etc (long, short and sleeveless) ** includes leggings, sweaters only worn at home, raincoat, rain boots, running, gym, cycling and swimming gear *** not counted - hats, scarves, lingerie, sleepwear, jewelry So my wardrobe is about the same size as last time.  Jackets have grown as have dresses - sweaters have decreased as have skirts.   I also identified pieces that are really showing wear and are unlikely to make it past the end of the year - 11 items across most categories especially shoes and tops.  These will need replacing in some way. I also have about 10 pieces that I don't really "love" but either still have a place for practical reasons OR for sentimental reasons (my 40th dress, a tea dress I have worn a lot over the last 18 years) .  I noted down the reasons I don't really like them so much now - and mostly either too "masculine/tomboyish" or too "feminine/girly" for my style.  I don't really like those words but am struggling to think of better ones to describe what I mean.   I am clearly a little "top heavy"  with a lot more options to dress my top half - although since I am a regular dress wearer.   Time to stop naval gazing now - this will be of interest to some and not to others.  I don't think a small closet or a big closet are good or bad - we are all in different situations. 3style on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1933006 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 02:51:18 +0000 3style 1933006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I try to take categories and items within categories in a case by case basis. For example, I have three pairs of to-the-knee boots, all of which are six years old. I have lightweight (mild weather) medium weight (moderately cold weather) and heavy weight (very cold weather). Which ones get worn more which year depends upon the weather and activities and so forth. The heaviest ones are in the best shape, because they are waterproof by design. However, I tend to find them too warm for indoors and not as warm as my chunky shorter boots for outside. My medium weight ones end up being perfect under bootcut pants in moderate weather, but not usually warm enough for skirts. The lightweight ones, I tend to have issues with comfort, meaning sometimes they are loose and sometimes they are tight, and since they don’t have zippers, it limits what I can do with insoles. I’d love to replace all three of them with one pair to do everything, but I don’t even know what technological innovation exists which might make it possible to do so. Maybe some kind of waterproof Allbirds type technology will be developed for boots, and that will solve everything. I’m just content to evaluate by category, since I tend to buy the whole category in one season and keep it for years. Different seasons I focus on different categories. Sal on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932998 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 02:05:34 +0000 Sal 1932998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think we are all different - I also move things to rags or gardening - but not all. My edits this year include a grey sheath dress, a cream polyester pretty blouse and a dressy tee - one became rags and two to the thrift shop. My brown tweed suit will go to the thirteen shop - someone could definitely make it work in a hipster way!! I also love older pieces- and keep them as long as I can- I think a blend of old and new makes the best kind of outfits:) Anonymous on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932968 Sat, 30 Jun 2018 23:28:27 +0000 Anonymous 1932968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have never gotten the hang of one in one out. When I get my one in I move more worn item to lounge wear or dirty duty ( cleaning, gardening, volunteering - animals, used bookstore etc). Went things get real bad then they go to the rag pile. If there are good things I edit because they no longer suit me I consign or give them to my local women’s shelter. But I too keep things forever ( remember KATERINA ‘s oldies challenge- lol? Barbara Diane on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932871 Sat, 30 Jun 2018 16:21:52 +0000 Barbara Diane 1932871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am more of a seasonal edit, and at any moment edit person. Like suddenly I’m over a piece. While shopping I ask if I would wear this new item or something already in my closet. And some of my favorite items are older. Sal on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932796 Sat, 30 Jun 2018 06:51:59 +0000 Sal 1932796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for all the responses and the comments.  It has been a crazy (cold) day here and I am only just getting to them and dinner is calling (hold up teenage boys at your peril!!) Sorry about the group reply - it is interesting to read both the successes and issues with this approach. My theory behind trying this is - I want to be a bit more accountable for additions - since my closet is in a good shape I might be more reluctant to add pieces if I have to remove one. - I have been adding better quality/more realistic/more my style pieces over the last 12-24 months so I am only removing pieces that are either worn out OR older than that - mostly more like 36 months or older.  I am really happy about that. I am not an exact duplicator (have done so once in my life) but I do have a few approximate duplicates (two long sleeve black tees, one short sleeve B&W tee and one long sleeve B&W tee).  I do one load of laundry pretty much every single day and often 2-3 loads (it is relentless).  Laundry bottlenecks are pretty rare for me - so I just don't really factor that in to decisions I make.  And repeating does not worry me - so I don't factor that in either. However I do love occasion wear and dresses so have some pieces that are lightly worn but I compromise on work wear/ weekend attire and repeat all the time to fit these special pieces in. Generally I edit at the start and end of the season (and mid season if it wears out OR I suddenly know I am over something).  I plan to keep doing this but just keep a note of the pieces I edit out and replace them.  I just removed a skirt and coat (suit) that I have owned for 18 years - the coat is just too tight in my shoulders and while the skirt fits well but is an exact match I decided to pass them on together as I wear the skirt rarely (once a year at the most).  I added a black floral bomber two weeks ago (lemming to several forum members) and the only addition I am considering this winter is new oxfords.  Two in - two out - but different pieces.   There are some like for likes though - my black and white short sleeve tee has a stain on it - and this is a real workhorse as was the previous (different) iteration.  I suspect I will look for a new similar or maybe even exactly the same tee. With my cognac sandal boots these have done four years and I will probably choose quite a different style - not sure.  But replacement is approaching over the next few months!!  It might not work for me as I am not the best person with rules:)  And I do have some areas I could reduce (tops) without increasing others.... Best go as the teenagers are lurking..... LaPed on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932730 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 20:44:07 +0000 LaPed 1932730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Over the course of the past few years I've had a lot of wardrobe turnover as I lost baby weight. For a while it was more "one-out, scramble to find one-in" than "one-in, one-out". But now that my size is pretty stable I'm having to train myself to slow down and churn less. From an ethical standpoint, having items with high longevity is probably more important to me than sticking to a predetermined number. I find that keeping my standards as high as possible within my budget is keeping new acquisitions to a reasonable number. Toban on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932723 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 20:07:55 +0000 Toban 1932723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve generally taken a more of a seasonal edit and review before purchases, with a small to moderate size wardrobe. I tend to be a heavy repeat wearer within a season, rarely duplicate items, but have a moderate-high turnover of bringing in new items each season. This is in part because of size fluctuations. If your wardrobe is at your ideal size and all your occasions are covered, a one in/one out strategy seems a reasonable approach. Is your plan to stay within the same clothing category? Vix on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932700 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 18:55:36 +0000 Vix 1932700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wishing you good luck, Sal!  I tend to do the seasonal Evaluate --> keep / donate / consign / demote to sleep/loungewear / textile recycling thing more but try to layer the In/ Out strategy on top. This spring I was very smug as I didn't buy a secondhand silk jersey wrap dress with berry, dark neutrals, and light tones til I consigned a similar but higher-contrast one. Fast forward 3 months: no one bought it so I brought it home to decide its fate. Ended up dunking it in a silk dye bath when I was doing other pieces and now like the color scheme much more even though the print's not ideal. 1 IN 1 OUT FAIL ;) I have faith you can do better!  Sara L. on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932672 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 16:03:24 +0000 Sara L. 1932672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like a good strategy for you.  I do better with a major purge at the beginning and end of each season and adding as I find stuff.  I think it comes out about the same because my wardrobe is staying at around the same size (I don't count but I have limited space and it still all fits). anchie on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932671 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:57:08 +0000 anchie 1932671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am finally at a point where I can do one in one out. It took many seasons to work out how many items I need in each category and to reach those numbers by purging or shopping. And not just broad category like pants, but how many summer casual pants for example I need. From now on it will be one in one out in the exact same category. So if I want to buy something I need first to identify what it is replacing. If I am happy with the whole category, I will not look for items in that category at all which I hope will simplify my shopping and wardrobe management. I just hope I don’t sound too crazy but I am engineer and very numbers driven I even have excel file to prove it. Christina F. on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932666 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:35:38 +0000 Christina F. 1932666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always try to do this, but don't always succeed. I have limited closet space, and I always have to purge items that are less than when I find better ones (even though it's not always a strict one jean in, one jean out kind of thing). Like the Season on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932663 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:28:44 +0000 Like the Season 1932663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've never been able to make one-in, one-out work for me. Maybe it's because I think of my wardrobe as one entity, like the Blob. It easily absorbs new items, but extracting individual pieces is difficult. ;) I have better luck with major closet assessments at least twice a year. I pull everything out, consider what's been worn and what hasn't and why, then purge the excess. Over the course of the year, I'm able to maintain decent equilibrium. Anonymous on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932649 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:33:07 +0000 Anonymous 1932649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No, LisaP.   There is much more flexibility built into my system than just replacing worn-out or outdated garments with new garments.  I am evaluating each piece against a set of specific criteria.  What I loved in previous years may not work for me today.  I am choosing t replace it with something that is more suitable.  But the reasoning is that I am only buying one garment to replace a garment that no longer meets my needs.  Slow and steady.   Liz on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932647 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:12:32 +0000 Liz 1932647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Unlike lisap, I"m not a ruthless editor, so I use a one in/ one out to force myself to edit or give myself permission to edit. I do it very loosely: if a hanger item comes in, a hanger item goes, but they're not one-to-one replacements. So, a top for work might come in, and a weekend hoodie might go out. </div><div> </div><div>@JenniNZ, a very loose approach like this might be useful for you. I find it "forces" me to edit. I stand at my closet and ask, "OK, if SOMETHING has to go, what will it be?" And that pushes me to get rid of that thing I've been waffling about whether to keep or not. </div> Anonymous on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932637 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:39:52 +0000 Anonymous 1932637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Although the practice sounds good , it assumes you are buying a piece purely to replace a worn-out or outdated version.  I'm not necessary getting rid of a corresponding piece every time I buy a new item, but I have definitely stopped buying duplicates or the same thing, over and over again.  I ruthlessly edit at the beginning, middle and end of each season, and have now reduced the size of my wardrobe to something I can manage. It's still a little larger than I would like, with too many unworn tops, but I'm getting there. texstyle on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932629 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:04:20 +0000 texstyle 1932629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Just curious - do you count exact duplicates in your numbers (or maybe you don't duplicate that way). I have several duplicates at this point - on purpose because I loved the item enough to know I'd want to wear it more often than I do laundry, or I didn't want it to wear out too quickly. My style prefs don't change dramatically year to year.</div><div> </div><div>Here are a few items I've duplicated (exact color/item) and have been very happy that I did. </div> Jenni NZ on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932598 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:40:04 +0000 Jenni NZ 1932598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have kind of been doing this Sally. But I still have too much and have not stopped buying altogether. Last year 18 items was the smallest number for years. This year by halfway through ( tomorrow) there are 14, two are exact duplicates which is unusual for me. So I have to slow down or edit more. Shoes are down from 52 a year ago to 44 now. Total wardrobe is 183 currently including shoes. It still feels too big and I'm using the forum to help me edit. I would like to get to one in one out. cindysmith on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932597 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:39:18 +0000 cindysmith 1932597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ O tried a strict "one in, one out" rule, but it didn't work for me. I always had trouble deciding what went out. I keep that mentality in mind, though. I will either A) wait until I'm really low on a certain type of item, and buy some new ones or B) buy a bunch of new things (like when my preference or size changes), then purge a bunch of old things It helps keep my wardrobe manageable, which helps keep me sane. Anonymous on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932581 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:34:18 +0000 Anonymous 1932581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One In - One Out is a brilliant strategy.  I am currently practicing it.  My wardrobe is currently on the smaller side and I am being careful in terms of how I rebuild it.  That means implementing a one in - one out strategy.   I am currently evaluating each top for (1) fit, (2) appropriateness relative to defined wardrobe plan and direction, (3) comfort, (4) life style, and (5) joy.  I am shopping for replacement pieces (one in) for those that are being donated (one out).  Slow, measured process.   The size of my closet is not growing at this time.  But I am pleased with its development.   Elly on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932544 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 02:51:30 +0000 Elly 1932544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a small wardrobe (I only hit 100 pieces if you count every bag/shoe/scarf/public-appropriate gear and everything in my 2016 bin of items that no longer fit). One in one out is "attrition" and my attempt to avoid being a ratty lady. I find I wear stuff out fast enough that I rarely have to think about purchasing too much . . . Except black long sleeve tees Bonnie on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932539 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 02:04:12 +0000 Bonnie 1932539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I finally feel like my wardrobe is the right size (about 150 "out and about" and dressier items including shoes) and I should be starting to implement a one in one out system. Most of my items have been added in the last three years and because my wardrobe is so large, they haven't gotten much wear. I've decided to go on a wardrobe fast until next year for these categories and focus on sport, loungewear, and sleep wear for the next 6 months. That means putting off one in one out decisions until January but I know I do want to try it to keep my numbers at least stable or even lower. I'm curious to find out how the system works for you and others. Brooklyn on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932535 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 01:51:13 +0000 Brooklyn 1932535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't do this strictly but I am trying to reduce the size of my wardrobe and I edit a lot. Especially my winter wardrobe because Autumn/Winter fashions excite me more and I tend to overbuy. I also have in the past bought way too many knits and knit dresses, given my mild climate, and I am gradually trying to reduce their number. But I am getting much better at not buying for my fantasy climate!  Becky on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932504 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:37:18 +0000 Becky 1932504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will be watching your thread with interest. I am not consciously trying to either increase or decrease the size of my wardrobe, but do look to upgrade and replace on a one-in, one-out basis if items get worn or just don't work for me for whatever reason. Jenn on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932503 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:32:01 +0000 Jenn 1932503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m not consciously practicing one-in, one-out, but my wardrobe size is staying pretty stable, so I guess that’s what I’m doing. At the size of your and my wardrobe, things do get worn out, so that helps. The hardest for me is when I’m pretty sure I’m over something, but it’s not yet unwearable. Thinking about one/in, one-out can help with the mental hurdle of passing something on that still has life in it (just not for me.) jussie on "One in - One out - just starting!! UPDATE: I counted" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-in---one-out---just-starting#post-1932502 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:31:17 +0000 jussie 1932502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 115 pieces sounds like a fairly small wardrobe overall. Well done! I haven’t counted mine but I suspect it’d be at least 150. Some of those are high summer things that are packed away though. Do you find it much easier to have a smaller wardrobe?