https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:08:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2396085 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:07:33 +0000 Kyle 2396085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE what Joyce said. “Matching your wardrobe to your life and your heart.” &nbsp;Yes, our hearts matter. Especially in this moment in history. I hope you are able to move forward in a spirit of nurturing the things that bring you joy. &nbsp;Bring on the brown suede! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2396064 Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:09:08 +0000 avicennia 2396064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh please buy the brown suede capsule. You deserve to look good wherever you go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2396017 Sat, 20 Sep 2025 20:41:06 +0000 Sal 2396017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been thinking about the change happening faster - and can’t decide if I agree or not.</p> <p>I think some trends come in with a hiss and a roar - butter yellow, adidas samba - to name two. Both which I like! But others can be around a long time. </p> <p>I have always liked Mary Jane shoes and was looking out for them in 2023 - really none were available here. Last year they were but only at a very high end. This year I purchased some and I think I will get a few more years from them - on the northern hemisphere trend lists they are still coming up. Given I really like the style I will wear them when not cutting edge any more. I think the key - Ummila is good at this - is recognising early in the cycle which trend speak to you. The challenge is that sometimes the items are not available at a good price point or locally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2396011 Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:49:43 +0000 LJP 2396011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's an interesting comment about changes happening faster than ever. &nbsp;I used to have the same jeans for years, but not anymore. &nbsp;There have been so many newer looks in the past 5 years (or even less ?) that maybe I'm buying more to reflect those changes. &nbsp;I could say the same thing about pants in general, actually. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2396001 Sat, 20 Sep 2025 15:23:29 +0000 Olive Green 2396001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just looked at the closet and it seems packed, to me. I have enough of everything I need. None of it is expensive, but it is all as good as I can find within a price range that feels comfortable.&nbsp;<br />I realized I was straining to find pieces that worked for everything, thereby reducing the overall numbers and lessening churn, but it turns out I do need a few situation specific clothes or I feel badly dressed and uncomfortable.&nbsp;<br />So the wardrobe is expanding to hold a smart casual capsule, in a different size from last year, things ( fashion, mores) just keep changing so much faster than they used to. Perhaps we have to run a bit faster?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395946 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:06:10 +0000 Ket 2395946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am nursing a sick child (puke bucket in hand), so I will simply nod at all of the sage advise and replies here. I have actually struggled with a similar issue. Our house is t-i-n-y—700-800 sq feet with a child and all the toys. I cram all my clothes into a single antique dresser and hang the nicer items on my wall (no closets yet as we rebuild our home). </p> <p>Last year or two I tried limiting myself to a smaller wardrobe. It never worked. I find a higher churn rate is just easier and better. I love fashion and style; limiting myself was depressing. The only difficulty is editing and churning when I need to. Still, I feel it’s the best choice for me.</p> <p>Also, I have few social obligations. My biggest social outings are the grocery store, weekly co-op, and church. That’s it. For me: I adore getting dressed up grocery shopping. So I say: <b>buy the brown suede capsule!</b> I feel very happy getting dressed up for grocery shopping. I used to fear it made people feel intimidated or that I looked overdressed. Finally, I decided who cares. It makes me happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395904 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:01:33 +0000 aloha emily 2395904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love textiles- I love the colors, textures and patterns of different fabrics. I love trying new silhouettes and styles. I love scouring websites and thrift stores and regular stores to find treasures. It’s therapeutic to me to look at the beautiful variety of colors and contrasts.. </p> <p>I also like having a manageable wardrobe and I REALLY don’t like adding to landfills. </p> <p>I find the best balance when i separate shopping for my wardrobe and shopping for a dopamine hit. </p> <p>When shopping for my wardrobe, I focus on the value I get from my clothes instead of the number of items. When I prioritize wearing and enjoying my clothes, the size of my wardrobe kind of solves itself. I can’t actually enjoy using too many items at one time. Searching for something beautiful and useful and then wearing the heck out of it is fun, satisfying and usually guilt free for me. </p> <p>When what I’m craving is a hit of shopping dopamine, not a new wardrobe item, I go to goodwill. Lots of interesting fabrics to look at, VERY easy on the budget, and minimal environmental impact. </p> <p>What’s not good for me is seeking a dopamine hit from mindless scrolling and buying. That is an easy escape but it is wasteful and leaves me feeling guilty and overwhelmed. I’m trying to do most of my shopping in person now, as that definitely helps me make better decisions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395783 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:43:11 +0000 DonnaF 2395783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First; I dress up a bit to go to the supermarket and library. The workers, patrons, and customers deserve for me to look nice!</p> <p>And as an enabler who lacks the closet editing gene, I wholly endorse using hangers that stack.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am also seriously considering compression packing cubes at the very least for my extra bulky sweaters. (Thanks for the suggestion, Lisa!) I just have to decide if I want the small ones for my suitcase.</p> <p>Wearing clothing that layers can be great for travel, but IRL I like bulky sleeves that I may find physically comfortable in only a very narrow temperature range and may not layer well even underneath. That leads to a larger wardrobe. Shrugs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395780 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:52:36 +0000 LJP 2395780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a pair of brown suede ballet flats that I love, and certainly am wearing them as often as I can right now! &nbsp;Another few couple of months though and they are put to rest (snow etc) .....which is why I am eyeing boots :). &nbsp; &nbsp; Which, and thank you ALL, I have ordered 2 pair of now to consider ! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395776 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:03:07 +0000 Carla 2395776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea&nbsp;<b>Helena&nbsp;</b>about brown suede sneakers! &nbsp;I want to add brown - but booties aren’t my thing. &nbsp;Was thinking of getting burgundy sneakers, but I bet brown ones - in suede - would be a great alternative, and&nbsp;<b>my&nbsp;</b>way of incorporating the colour trend! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395774 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:06:31 +0000 texstyle 2395774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I say go for the brown boots/bag and coat - and yes, wear it to the grocery store or the doctor's appt. or wherever else you are going but wear it often, all winter season and don't worry about repeating the same outfit because if it's good, it's always good.&nbsp; OR buy something in the same brown color family that is more casual if the style of the things you want are too "fancy" for your everyday life. I have to do that myself because I have about zero fancy events where I need something more than what I wear on a regular daily basis.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe the rest is simply letting some things age their way out of your closet or gift a few things you truly can't find a reason to wear to special organizations.&nbsp;</div><div><br />I'll be donating 4 large boxes of clothing, shoes and bags myself soon as I've done a big clean out. Not the first time because in spite of not "needing" certain things I am often still drawn to them and end up indulging myself. Sometimes the items were worn only a few times.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395770 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:20:00 +0000 JAileen 2395770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many great comments already. &nbsp;Re donating clothes: &nbsp;I’m a member of a nonprofit that runs a thrift store. &nbsp;Everything we sell was donated to us. &nbsp;The money we raise goes to programs that help schoolchildren, seniors, veterans, etc. &nbsp;I’ve worked the register in the store and talked to our customers. &nbsp;I love it when our nice clothes go to someone who ordinarily couldn’t afford them.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395742 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:56:28 +0000 Bijou 2395742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please buy your brown suede capsule and wear it grocery shopping. Honestly, it will make grocery shopping more fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395737 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:37:13 +0000 Helena 2395737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, if I'm understanding you correctly, you've got some tensions between preferred style and lifestyle "needs" (I'm putting that in quotes because I think one of your need is clothes you love! But on a purely practical level I get it ... When your life is more quiet and casual, it can be hard to justify purchasing certain things). </p> <p>One idea is to modify what's on your wishlist just a little to be more practical ... like with your example, maybe brown suede dressy boots wouldn't be as practical, but brown suede fashion sneaks might be (or flattered, slightly more casual boots even). A brown suede belt or bag is totally practical with jeans and a sweater, as would be the coat. I guess what you're suggesting is on your list doesn't seem unreasonable to me? And those kinds of pieces go a long way, since you can wear them frequently with multiple outfits. They will add new life to clothes you already have. As to space, I think it's fine to have a certain amount of churn... we all do on here (to greater or lesser extents). I think limited space probably makes you even more discerning about what's worth having. This is a long and winding reply but in summary, you are allowed to buy the clothes you like, even if they aren't strictly necessary, and I think you need a brown suede capsule lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395734 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 21:21:00 +0000 LJP 2395734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joyce- that’s very interesting . Do you mind sharing who that is ? Thanks ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395733 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 21:00:45 +0000 Joyce 2395733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your dilemma of finding the "perfect for you" wardrobe is something we all understand; each for different reasons. A blogger I have followed for over six years has just identified the fact her inability to settle and enjoy her closet was because she had too many statement pieces and hadn't taken the time to identify and renew the most important basics like jeans. She had fully reinvented herself and her clothes over three times but is just now understanding why it hadn't worked. Matching your wardrobe to your life and your heart is not an easy undertaking. As other's have said, permission to try, permission to release and permission to try again are vital to this journey. After a while, you will get a much clearer picture of what the sweet spot looks like.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395723 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:22:04 +0000 LJP 2395723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you <b>kinnick</b> , for your comments. I agree with everything you've said. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395720 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:10:38 +0000 kinnick 2395720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have sensed the undercurrent of disapproval as well (but, never from Angie). &nbsp; &nbsp;Your honesty is one of the reasons I try to participate in this forum. &nbsp;I know that when I find myself being disapproving (never towards you) that means I need to look at myself and figure out what the real issue is for me. &nbsp;My guess is that the disapproval people feel about churn comes from their own concerns over environmental waste, money, or maybe guilt because they have gotten the societal message that caring about fashion is frivolous. &nbsp; All good things to think and talk about so we can find our own comfort level and maybe. not have so much angst. &nbsp; Maybe this post should be in off-topic? &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe/page/2#post-2395714 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:10:45 +0000 LJP 2395714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so, so appreciative of these thoughtful replies. &nbsp;You know, I have long felt an undercurrent of disapproval from corners of the forum for wardrobe turnover . I know it wasn't my imagination, but it's nice to know that those whose feedback I value support turnover in the spirit of enjoying style and fashion and being current . &nbsp;I have never hid my insecurities and weaknesses - and along with weight fluctuations, I'm not very often at peace with what I look like and how I dress. I buy a lot, but I also donate a lot &nbsp;of really good clothes in excellent condition. &nbsp;Others benefit . &nbsp;</p> <p>Anyways, I am going to consider setting seasonal limits in terms of number of pieces, which goes right back to setting priorities when you don't need anything . At work, my footwear and bottoms are what I spend on and update continually. &nbsp;I have lots of both. &nbsp;For my non-work life, that broadens to include statement tops and jackets/coats. &nbsp;My goal today will be to create a list and set a goal/limit for the number of pieces I will let myself buy this fall and winter . Not sure I can take myself off of IG and Substack as that's where I get my style info ;). And Angie, you're right , YLF is NOT social media and I didn't ever intend to suggest it was. &nbsp;"Pukka" indeed, lol.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395713 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:05:16 +0000 judy 2395713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along with those that are saying "give yourself permission" !&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;Personally, I'd love to see you at the grocery store with your brown suede bag :).&nbsp; And I mean it.&nbsp; I might even come up to you and say where did you get that gorgeous bag?&nbsp; </p> <p>Be fabulous wherever you are, even if it's just at home or the grocery store. Wear and use your beautiful things.&nbsp; I think using and wearing our beautiful things (and I know you don't get to so much at work...I bet your black outfits are great too but because it's compulsory can feel limiting) actually ups our satisfaction level, which leads to less mindless consumption. </p> <p>The need for novelty, newness,&nbsp; is creative.&nbsp; And letting yourself have the thing you really want and spending the money on that instead of things you only kind of want, is a way to have a smaller wardrobe.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395709 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:21:09 +0000 Olive Green 2395709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I so relate. Changes in clothing requirements as we get older are quite difficult to keep up with, for me. Changing bodies may be the same weight but are different shapes, feet dislike heels, and my waistline is a dim and distant sigh.&nbsp;<br />It was constant tweaking for a while, nice clothes looked really off and went to the donation, and a few retirement fantasy lives were enrobed.&nbsp;<br />Some of that worked out great, and it’s what makes me buy duplicates of the workhorses.&nbsp;<br />And I still want to preorder everything Lemaire in the Uniqlo drop, wear a sweeping long coat over a matching outfit, and it might need block heeled boots and a background of steaming trains…. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395708 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:19:27 +0000 Liz 2395708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>In your second post, you asked: "My question is : how do you set priorities for what to buy when you need<br /> so little? For example, I would LOVE to buy brown suede or leather<br /> boots, and new brown suede bag, and a brown plaid coat - but for what?<br /> To go grocery shopping? It all seems so silly!"&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>What I hear in your question is competing priorities. You LOVE fashion and value it as a hobby. It forms part of your identity. You also, these days, are valuing spending less, not cramming your closet full of items, having less churn.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, you're right: buying new items to wear to the grocery store <i>is</i>&nbsp;silly. As is, on some level, buying <i>anything</i> new when we already have perfectly good clothes in our closets. (I know you get this; you think about stuff like this.) As is buying a certain item because a distant "They" deem it current or fashionable. There's an "emperor isn't wearing any clothes" silliness to it all. Of course, we can also make the argument that any of our non-functional hobbies and pastimes are silly (sports, fashion, collecting, train-watching). There's also something intrinsic about a love of beauty and pattern and color. I'm always amazed, when looking at early/historical daily life, that as soon as people have the ability to do so, they are adding embellishment to their textiles, baskets, pottery. Is it silly or is it intrinsic? Maybe a bit of both, at times.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess the question for all of us is: How much of that non-functional "silliness" would we like to participate in? And how do we find the place where the values and priorities we hold don't compete quite as much? Personally, I've used both a number-of-items limit, or a $$ limit at different times. Along with a one-in/one-out guide. Those force me to meld my delight of the creativity and hobby to the functional world that I live in.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I like Sue's reference to Jenn, and her wardrobe. Jenn bought (buys?) a certain number of chosen-with-delight-and-care clothes each season, that created a small, distinctive wardrobe that absolutely didn't rely on plain t-shirts, straight-leg pants, or plain shirts. Maybe reading through her posts would give some clues to how she went about identifying the items worth making it into that collection?&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395706 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:01:42 +0000 Suntiger 2395706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing that having limits is the key. Some ideas:<br /> A fixed number of items that you own, or fixed amount of space (aka no storage bins)<br /> A set number of purchases per year. I personally don't believe in $ budgets cause you could buy 10 fast fashion items for the cost of 1 nicer thing. That said, it's definitely worth thinking of the purchases as far as how many hours of work you had to do to earn them.<br /> Back to the limits...<br /> A limited color scheme (overall or for new buys)<br /> Months that you shop and no buy months<br /> A limited number of shops you check (or just in person/just online)<br /> One (or more) part of your style that stays constant, and others you're free to update at will. Agreeing w Suz about shoes and bottoms.<br /> A few trends to focus on per season and skip the rest, or tick off several trend boxes with a couple items</p> <p>Also- yes to the compliment of brown pieces! From what I've seen of your wardrobe they'll go easily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395705 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:05:53 +0000 Brooklyn 2395705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Angie and SarahD8. I think you should give yourself permission to buy new items as long as you are ruthless about editing. And also set some limits on purchases (by number or budget). You might consider putting together a plan at the start of Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer about what silhouettes/colours/ideas you want to incorporate, so that you can add/remove items in a disciplined way and avoid impulse purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395697 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:50:29 +0000 Indigoprint 2395697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love what Angie said regarding passing on.<br />&nbsp;Enjoy what you love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395686 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 22:04:59 +0000 Suz 2395686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late here, but I certainly commiserate with your situation. I don't wear a uniform to work but I only work outside the home a few days a week now, and in my WFH days I have very little true *need* for anything other than hiking gear. I mean, if I didn't love clothes and fashion, that's probably what I'd wear almost all the time. But that would make me sad.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I've reconciled myself to some churn. Some years I barely turn over anything, other years I turn over fully a third of my wardrobe, maybe even more!&nbsp; It seems to go in cycles of five to seven years.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love what <b>Sarah DB </b>said -- if you'd love the boots, the bag, the coat and you'd get wear from them -- why the heck not? Life's too short to go without if you don't have to. As she points out -- this is a trending but classic neutral, one you love, that suits you, and the richness and softness of the textures would give you a lot of pleasure.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you, I don't have a fixed budget. I do have a ballpark amount to spend but it is flexible, and because I work contracts, I'll often take more work in seasons when I want&nbsp; (or, occasionally, need) to buy more stuff. I also don't set a number on my purchases. But I do think that can be an effective way to do things -- like <b>Jenn's</b> 5 piece wardrobe, where she allowed herself 5 new statement items per season (along with replacement essentials). You always hear about that kind of thing working best for classic dressers, but <b>Jenn</b> is a very bohemian dresser and it worked well for her.&nbsp;</p> <p>In terms of how I prioritize what to buy when I need very little, it goes a bit like this:&nbsp;</p> <p>1. True needs like bras, undies, PJs. (ugh, boring...but necessary).I grit my teeth and update them and then thank myself for doing so the whole year long! So much nicer to have nice things against the skin.&nbsp;<br />2. FOOTWEAR. It's a big chunk of any budget and for me is also really necessary. And finding comfortable stylish and current shoes is a real challenge at times. Also, as <b>Kinnick</b> mentioned, shoes really update a look.&nbsp;<br />3. Trendy or interesting bottoms. This helps me feel updated more than new tops tend to do. That's just me, though. I think it could work equally well the other way!&nbsp;<br />4. Newer silhouette tops or those that have new details.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, an updated silhouette is more enlivening/ exciting/ fun than a new colour. I <b>love</b> colour and crave it, but I know which ones I like and wear well and rarely add another&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395684 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:48:05 +0000 Angie 2395684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"pukka" means: genuine, authentic, real, proper, actual - hope those similar words make sense!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395683 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:45:22 +0000 LJP 2395683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will reply in depth later this evening but I have to say this : Angie , this is the second time you have used the word “ pukka” in a reply to one of my posts and I STILL have no idea what it means in this context ! I even googled it . Lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395678 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:17:43 +0000 Sal 2395678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I support keeping your work wardrobe seperate.&nbsp; I bet you look awesome there so I would focus on the out of work wardrobe.&nbsp; I would definitely do one in, one out for the work wardrobe as you may cut down to three days a week.</p> <p>For me, I focus on only adding a certain number of pieces and I do work off a shopping list.&nbsp; I also have a do not buy list.&nbsp; I am not too rigid with it.&nbsp; I will buy more than I intended in 2025 but not a whole lot more.&nbsp; My current do not buy list is heels of any type, black for casual, blazers (that's a new addition) and summer dresses (another new addition).&nbsp; My focus for the rest of the year will be tees and tanks, and maybe some updated shorts (if I can find longer ones that suit me which is a big ask).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/priorities-for-a-small-wardrobe#post-2395676 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:06:29 +0000 SarahD8 2395676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa you and I have very different styles, relationships to the fashion industry, and approaches to wardrobe management -- but, I can very much relate to the situation of loving clothes but having a lifestyle that does not require a lot of them.</p> <p>With that in mind, my response to your query "I would LOVE to buy brown suede or leather boots, and new brown suede bag, and a brown plaid coat - but for what? To go grocery shopping?" is -- "Sure. Why not?"</p> <p>I mean -- a coordinated complement of boots, bag, and coat in a color that is simultaneously neutral, classic, and currently trending seems like something that you would get a lot of use out of and would have a high happiness factor. That's totally legitimate!</p> <p>Of course the trick is drawing a boundary around it, right? I think that's probably a matter of deciding for yourself how many pieces you are going to buy in a season or how much you are willing to spend. And prioritizing will involve some constellation of considerations like what are you really excited about, what can you actually find at retail, what items in your wardrobe are wearing out or need updating, and what can you stand to say no to.&nbsp;</p> <p>In a consumerist society I think it's really hard to get off the hamster wheel of wanting. Goodness knows I am often pretty bad at it. I think you would have to train yourself to do something like -- once your monetary or item-number budget is "spent" for the season, every time the wants arise redirect your thinking to the joy of the items you chose. </p>