https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:58:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last/page/2#post-2080308 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:34:07 +0000 Jaime 2080308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The feeling is mutual . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last/page/2#post-2080299 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:27:13 +0000 Anonymous 2080299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your winter is longer than mine, so maybe not a 50/50 split, but 60/40? Transitional wear just ends up being summer wear + topper, combo of summer and winter stuff, or winter without topper- so not much needed. </p> <p>Unless you're in So Cal, and get to wear the transitional peep toe booties, short sleeve velvet, unlayerable kimonos, etc... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last/page/2#post-2080116 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:33:09 +0000 Helena 2080116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger yet - and I think too with those long seasons, it's easy to get sick of things because I end up wearing them SO often (especially winter stuff for me) - so if I keep it smaller, wear things out, and then replace, that actually works really well.</p> <p>Angie - analysis paralysis is my downfall, as you well know!! Wise words; thanks for them and for your steadfast and patient encouragement over the years! xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last/page/2#post-2080114 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:29:11 +0000 Angie 2080114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The big lesson here is:</p> <p><i>Analysis Paralysis is not a beautiful thing. Relax into your style. Don't let it boss you around. Life is full of&nbsp;hectic&nbsp;stresses. Let your wardrobe be the joy, and not&nbsp;the&nbsp;stress of your life.&nbsp;</i></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last/page/2#post-2080106 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:18:41 +0000 Anonymous 2080106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>2-3 years generally. Since I have a smallish wardrobe, and essentially 2 long seasons- summer and winter with very little in between, things wear out. I feel I'm constantly replacing things, but it gives me an "excuse" for regular updates too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last/page/2#post-2080104 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:04:00 +0000 Theodora 2080104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very hard on footwear, and don’t expect them to last more than two years, especially bad weather boots and sneakers. &nbsp;The only shoes I own that are older are “party” shoes, which are seldom worn.</p> <p>On the other hand, I have 5-6 sweaters that are 28-30 YEARS old, and were so well made that they have never pulled, retained their shape, not sagged etc. &nbsp;I think they will last another 20 years! &nbsp;Newer sweaters, not so much... &nbsp;I hope they will last 5-6 years, but it is definitely a crapshoot with quality these days.<br />Also own a 28 year old dress, several silk blouses, and some outerwear the same age. &nbsp;Classic styles, great quality I guess. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>After so many wears, you should not feel bad about donating. &nbsp;I know it is hard when something still has life left, ( lol, like a 30 year old dress), but try to imagine the happiness that those things will give to someone who needs them, and will appreciate that they are still in good, wearable shape!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last/page/2#post-2080086 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 14:16:05 +0000 Helena 2080086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes Cindy, I've definitely got guilt issues lol - as DH would say "you Irish-Catholics *eyeroll*" ... or as I like to frame it, a high degree of conscientiousness! :D</p> <p>Notsaf, you're bang on - and I think on the one hand, I want to try something a little fresher, while on the other, because I rarely need a dress pant, I am hesitant to spend on them. They are starting to wear a bit though, so I do think it's time! But it's not a high-pressure or time-sensitive need - so I can also chill and wait for the right pair at the right price (or to see where the new pants silhouettes settle over the next little while - it's still skinny-central in my town, although the cool girls at Aritzia and other trendy stores seem to be branching out).<br />Gigi, wise words and guidelines, thank you! xx</p> <p>Shevia - this is why I adore you: <i>"</i><i>There is a lot of space between being wasteful and achieving the Platonic ideal of a wardrobe, which anyway assumes you are frozen in time."&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>So smart and insightful. And that's so bang on - the Platonic ideal of some perfect pin-worthy closet image, which has little or nothing to do with the dynamism of being a human. Amen and I need to write this down somewhere that I'll see it often!&nbsp;</p> <p>Lisa - I think that is a totally legitimate reason to turn things over though - one of the few, in a way! Things need to fit. And if you're passing frequently, then at least what you are passing it in great shape and probably an amazing find for smart thrifters!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2080073 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 13:33:29 +0000 cindysmith 2080073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear heaven, what I wouldn't give for a pair of pants or shoes that actually lasted me for 5 years.<br /> I have some isabel benenato sweaters that are that old, but they're also dystopian/shreddy enough that they hide the things that would have me tossing any other sweater. I do have a few garments in my holding zone that are likely approaching 5 years old but my big arse can't wear them so that's why they still look good LOL</p> <p>I think that if you took that $100 figure (even if they were less) and divided it by the # of times you wore the pants/shoes, you'd find a cost per wear that is highly palatable. Plus, you are donating them to allow them a continued life of service to another lady.</p> <p> Don't beat yourself up, you're actually doing pretty freaking well here. None of us are perfect, and style is supposed to be fun; you're doing it in an intentional/mindful way, and that's the best any human can do.</p> <p>As for my expectations, if I can get a couple of years out of a garment, I feel like I've won the grand prize. Which means that my isabel benenato sweaters are the fashion equivalent of the 500 million dollar Powerball lottery jackpot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2080059 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 11:58:26 +0000 nemosmom 2080059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>OMG *facepalm* YES! <i>"... WHY do I care if my collection of tops go with one another, or adhere to a strict palette or whatever?"&nbsp; </i><br />Everything goes with jeans!!<i> </i>You've got my wheels turning... thank you!!<i><br /></i></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2080040 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 08:05:51 +0000 notsaf 2080040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Gigi, I think three years is a great rule of thumb. That allows for a few repeat seasons, which is always the trick when it comes to not over-purging.</p> <p>@TG, Since it seems like part of the original question was how you felt about letting go of something that you thought was still useful and in good shape, maybe the question to ask is why your ready to let it go now? Do you want to try another style or cut? (If so, maybe hang onto to the old standby in case the experiment fails.) Or does it carry emotional baggage? (Let it go and move in with your life.) Or is it not actually in great shape, doesn't fit nicely, isn't comfortable? (Again, let go.) Anyway, you know a little introspection never hurt anyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2080038 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 07:46:55 +0000 Gigi 2080038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely cut yourself some slack! Clothing is very emotional to a lot of us here, and wearing a particular item of clothing can make us feel fab--or drab! (I sound like an infomercial.)</p> <p>We are changeable creatures, and what feels good to us now might not feel good in a year or two, etc. If our lives have changed emotionally, we will most likely be drawn to different items than we were before. We can also feel stagnant if we force ourselves to wear the same stuff we wore several years ago.</p> <p>For me, I find that I tire of a lot of my items after around <b>three years</b> of medium to heavy wear. There are of course exceptions. I have knits that look very worn after just a couple of years, so those get donated or even tossed. And I have items that saw little wear that are three years old that I am ready to let go. (The three-year mark also has given me enough time to determine whether a particular purchase is only out of favor with my current style choices or whether it was actually a mistake.)</p> <p>On the other hand, I have stuff that is several years old that I still love, for whatever reason. And I do try to buy coats that will last me for several years, so I buy coats that are in relatively classic styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079976 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 01:19:30 +0000 Jaime 2079976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And now for something completely different . The only clothes that wear out for me are favorite jeans (not often but it has happened) and favorite shoes. Because I have so many clothes! Anyway, it is more than reasonable to replace those black pants and shoes as they are essentials for you. You are not a static person and it is wrong to expect your wardrobe to be. There is a lot of space between being wasteful and achieving the Platonic ideal of a wardrobe, which anyway assumes you are frozen in time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079924 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:06:08 +0000 Anonymous 2079924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha - you never know! &nbsp;I've pm'd you, notsaf.</p> <p>Yes, FI, you're right. I was whining, and feeling sorry for myself today &nbsp;I don't assume things will fit again though, and usually get rid of them when they no longer do. My &nbsp;experience has been that when and if things *fit* again, it's not quite the same, or I'm not into the silhouette /look anymore. &nbsp;If I had the room to hang on to things for years, then maybe, but I don't. &nbsp;The turnover and waste is the biggest source of regret though. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079921 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:00:52 +0000 notsaf 2079921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa</b>, truly, if you think you could use them, I will send them to you. Just send me your info in a private message. As Helena says: an Xmas miracle in the making. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079916 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:32:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2079916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, you aren’t the only one here who gains and loses—several of us have commented on it. That’s a big part of why I have a big wardrobe—just because something doesn’t fit now, I don’t assume it never will. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079898 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 19:53:27 +0000 Sal 2079898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see where you are coming from Helena and I have followed and do follow a couple of youtubers and bloggers that have a gorgeous looking capsule wardrobe with "the perfect mix and match items". (Signe from Useless is my favourite, but also the Anna Edit and in the past Unfancy).&nbsp; What I have realised: <ol> <li>They all can dress in the same way for work and the weekend as they don't have office/manufacturing etc type jobs with specific requirements.</li> <li>They get sponsored clothes.</li> <li>They all have a strong neutral preference.</li> <li>Actually some of the outfits do work better than others- in theory the jacket works with the skirt but not so well in reality.</li> <li>Their wardrobes are not necessarily smaller than mine - they just store and present them differently.</li> </ol> I expect my clothes to last at least 2 years - even summer tees etc.&nbsp; I also think about the 30 wears and have realised that some pieces will struggle to get to that number - many get way over, but statement pieces such as my check culottes I wear five-six times a winter and I am just not sure if I will wear them for 5 years (I have had for two years so far and I estimate 12 wears total).</p> <p>For me having a "to buy" list and a "no more" list is helpful.&nbsp; I did ignore my ''no more'' list at least once this year but like Jenni above I used to buy cute tops that were perfect for going out to dinner..... not always that useful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079895 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 19:25:42 +0000 Helena 2079895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, it's a Christmas miracle!! Lisa, it's all in the name of conservation ;)</p> <p>Will comment more shortly, but this five piece idea sounds really good ... much to consider; thanks all xx</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079894 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 19:23:17 +0000 Anonymous 2079894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh - exactly that size. &nbsp;Uh oh.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079884 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:33:50 +0000 Kate 2079884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question. I have a closet on the larger side, but like rachylou, I don’t really think about these things. I do take very good care of my clothes, and don’t pass them along unless I made a mistake buying the item in the first place or no longer want to wear it. Items that I love, even if I’m not wearing them currently, stay in my closet. I consider them old friends! I have plenty of items, particularly coats, dressy trousers, oxfords and bags that are well over five years old. If an item is good quality. Over time I might refashion a garment to meet current style or just because I see it differently (small tweaks I can do; anything beyond is going straight to my tailor). I’m very attached to my clothing and our history together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079883 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:31:23 +0000 notsaf 2079883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenn, that's really interesting! I've read about that 5 piece system before, but hadn't realized that I'm kind of implementing it! I think the difference is that I don't select in advance, but really choose something for immediate pay off.</p> <p>@Lisa, what size shoe are you? I did not pay full price, but I think I'll be passing them on. (Beautiful, but too high for me!) I think these are 8/39. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079881 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:21:50 +0000 Anonymous 2079881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>notsaf - wow - I quite like this concept of yours, (of course I immediately clicked over to the boots, which I LOVE - thank god they are too pricey in Cdn$ or I'd have felt the *need* to buy them) . Picking one new *it* piece is a really great idea.</p> <p>Anyways, Helena , I would not feel at all guilty about passing on pants that were worn in a daycare for a year. &nbsp;I think they have more than earned their retirement. &nbsp;I too struggle with this whole idea because I have a need to look current, a need to look as pristine as I can, and more importantly, have a lot of trouble maintaining a consistent size /weight/ shape from year to year. &nbsp;The one reason I am unable to keep clothes /coats for years and years is because they simply don't fit the same way from one year to the next. &nbsp;Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person on this forum who has this issue. I can go from a 4 to a 10 in the space of what feels like a year (not quite literally) , and back again and it's not because I''m sitting around eating chips and candy . I turn over clothes far too frequently to feel good about it, but I'm not a good shopper , despite having been on this forum for a good number of years now.</p> <p>&nbsp;Anyways - I don't keep knitwear that looks at all worn/pilled/stretched, so 2 years is usually the max. Longer for better quality pieces of course. &nbsp;Coats? &nbsp;5 years usually. But again it's usually fit that trips me up. &nbsp;I guess if one preferred classic pieces that were the best quality &nbsp;and was able to maintain the same size year to year, then a good wardrobe should last a long time. &nbsp;A blogger who provides me with a lot of inspiration in this regard (but also envy and disbelief at the $ spent) is Preston Davis/keepitchic. She made a comment the other day about wishing she had bought this specific pair of pumps that would have taken her rather simple wardrobe to the next level this season . One uber-trendy piece to make everything else look interesting again.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079880 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:21:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2079880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't remember where that 30 wears number comes from, but it seems low to me. If you wear something weekly for 3 months out of the year, it hits that marker in less than 3 years.&nbsp; Like you, I'm likely to still be calling it "new" at that point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079879 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:20:23 +0000 Jenn 2079879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>notsaf,&nbsp;</b>your system kind of aligns with the whole 5-piece French idea. That system says to add five "statement" pieces per season (fall/winter and spring/summer) to follow trends or upgrade essentials to more luxurious splurges. I followed this for several years and probably will go back to it once my wardrobe is settled into the right ratio for my new climate.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079878 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:17:54 +0000 Helena 2079878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Notsaf, this sounds completely sensible and like it would totally work ... it works well with Suz' idea around averaging ... if you timeless pieces go well over the 30 wears benchmark (to pick a number), then your experimental pieces are balanced out (not to mention the ones that end up working well and getting loads of wear!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079873 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:01:49 +0000 notsaf 2079873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting, and I think I have a somewhat different take than most. Every so often (maybe once a month, but I don't have rules) I add something that I think of as being "for right now." It's the kind of thing that is trendier and more current, and sometimes an experiment. Sometimes I end up loving those pieces and they become forever pieces. Sometimes they don't work and I pass them on. The quality varies, but I'm not really looking for longevity in this category. I try to make everything else high quality and basically timeless (though not everything works out all the time!). Anyway, here are a few of those kind of pieces that I've purchased in the past few months. A totally different approach, I know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079868 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:45:25 +0000 Helena 2079868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, as usual I'm so glad I asked!! So much great advice here!</p> <p>Jenn &amp; Bonnie, I'm going to play around with that 30 wears number ... I know for sure, for example, my black pants have gotten more than 30 wears, since I wore them a couple of times a week for months, just from the job alone! I would say most of my pants easily hit this benchmark; my tops I'm not sure ... I'll use the "will I wear this 30 times" question to help me shop, too!</p> <p>CG, I have a couple to those too! My denim jacket, for example, is definitely older than my 13 year old, and I love it!</p> <p>Rachy, that's a great modern classic guidelines to keep in mind - thx!</p> <p>Slimcat, yes, current is definitely the goal, but not trendy.</p> <p>Carla, that's great collection of pieces with longevity!</p> <p>Nemo, haha, we are so alike!! What I'm contemplating is that, I don't really like trendy or colourful pants (I stick with jeans usually), statement-y shoes, or lots of layers. Therefore, WHY do I care if my collection of tops go with one another, or adhere to a strict palette or whatever? I could update my jeans every couple of years, and then have 14 completely different and unmatching tops in whatever style tickles my fancy and that would be perfectly functional. Pondering this going forward ...</p> <p>Angie, that is super-helpful, and given my comment to Nemosmom that really, my knitwear is where I tend to want variation in my wardrobe, that 2 year timespan for knits is really fine - the trick will be to maximize value and make sure they last that long!</p> <p>Suz, great idea about averaging - because of course, you're right, my LBD (for my lifestyle) will not get the wear my jeans do. I agree, e.g. on coats - my wool trench was an early purchase for me when I joined this forum, so probably 6 years old, and I don't see replacing it until it falls apart, which it shows no signs of doing.</p> <p>FI, yes - those classic items are tough. I almost WANT these darn things to wear out so I can replace them :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079865 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:21:44 +0000 Jenn 2079865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahh, a subject near and dear to my heart! &nbsp;</p> <p>Unlike <b>Angie</b>, I prefer to wear my clothing all the way to the end of its lifecycle. For me, a successful purchase is one that I wear until it's no longer in a useable state. &nbsp;I don't need my clothing to be pristine, but I do want it to be properly shaped (not oddly stretched out or shrunken) and free of unrepairable holes, thinning, and pilling. &nbsp;I retire shoes when they've lost their structural integrity and are no longer comfortable.</p> <p>I rarely keep clothing items longer than three years. &nbsp;I have a smallish wardrobe, mostly wear natural fibers, and love me some comfortable knitwear. Outerwear, accessories, and well-made woven pieces last longer.</p> <p>Since I track wears, my goal is to reach a minimum 30 wears over two-three years. Anything less than that (wear-wise more than time-wise) makes me question the value of the purchase and evaluate what I can change in the future. It's not really based on anything scientific, just a number that sustainability campaigning has latched onto. I'm not always successful. I have a spreadsheet of pieces I retired this year. Most of them were from 2017, and the median number of wears was 29. If I go <b>Suz's</b>&nbsp;route and claim the mean instead, that would be 71 wears. I did sell some of the lesser-worn mistakes, so hopefully they'll go on to a new and happy life with another owner. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079862 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:10:29 +0000 Cardiff girl 2079862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My own personal philosophy is to keep things that I love and wear until they are truly worn out I.e. holes in the knees but I do pass on things that I don’t wear or don’t love when they are in good condition.One of the advantages of having a larger wardrobe is that the rotation is longer and therefore things don’t get worn looking as quickly.l would imagine that a smaller wardrobe would wear quicker.As I have a casual lifestyle l am way more tolerant of a”patina”of age than maybe someone in a high powered job who has to look immaculate at all times.l think that we have already established that I have things in my wardrobe that are older than my 16 year old daughter!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079861 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:09:26 +0000 rachylou 2079861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s a hard question. Tbh, I don’t think about it. I think I get upset if something gives out before two years is up, except shoes, which I give 3 months (lots of walking), and sweaters (2 years, because I wear those hard too). I have a large closet and an eclectic style, I feel ok wearing ancient things. I have coats that my grandmas wore in the 50s and 60s. If I were a modern classic, I think at 3 years, generally, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to pass things on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rethinking-my-expectations-how-long-pieces-should-last#post-2079860 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:04:10 +0000 Bonnie 2079860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been using the 30 wears before retiring rule this year with qualifications. If I want to wear an item longer than 30 times, it stays in my wardrobe. Items that look worn leave when I don't care to wear them again. I've been really trying to make good choices, taking photos and returning items that don't fit right or are not flattering and that has really helped with churn. I would not feel guilty about those black pants, they have served you well and will go on to help someone in need. </p>