https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:54:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers/page/2#post-2139612 Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:36:59 +0000 celia 2139612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always enjoy your wardrobe wears posts. They are thought provoking, not only in terms of wardrobe planning but also on sustainability and what are really wants vs needs in our lives.<br /> Although I have a very different ( let's call it) approach to my wardrobe I can understand how it can be almost zen like to have such a wardrobe.<br /> To take things a further geeky step I would try to find trends and project which wardrobe item would need to be replaced and with what soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers/page/2#post-2139336 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 23:47:28 +0000 Anonymous 2139336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bottoms are problematic too, not looking forward to taking my chances online :/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers/page/2#post-2139325 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 23:25:10 +0000 Jenn 2139325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, interesting,&nbsp;<b>suntiger!&nbsp;</b>I have been lucky in that a lot of my favorite shoes are still being made, so I just replace directly. I have bigger issues with jeans. And bottoms, in general, really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2139323 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 23:21:52 +0000 Anonymous 2139323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good advice! Shoes to me are the most problematic when they start wearing out. I end up wearing favorites long past their prime because it's hard to find shoes I like as much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2139149 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:52:52 +0000 Jenn 2139149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>La Pedestrienne,&nbsp;</b>the new ones are a bit different, but really reasonably priced for wood hangers!</p> <p><b>suntiger,&nbsp;</b>I could write a whole essay on that, but here are a few things:</p> <ol> <li>I keep close tabs on the condition of my clothing, and start looking for replacements early.</li> <li>I don't mind if my clothes aren't pristine, so I'm willing to mend and put up with some signs of wear.</li> <li>I rarely think in terms of "wardrobe holes" anymore, because I found I was using that as an excuse to buy. Even if an essential wears out, that's just fewer options until it's replaced. I have 85 pieces of clothing, If I only had 5, it would be a different story. For instance, my cropped jeans wore through a few weeks ago. They're an essential and I wear them a lot in the summer, but until I find the right replacement, I just wear dresses or my statement widelegs instead. It's not always ideal or exactly what I want to be wearing in a perfect world, but it's not like I'm running around naked...or even inappropriate for any given occasion.</li> <li>I have duplicates or, more often, functional duplicates of some of my most essential essentials, That gives me some subtle variation, and averts panic-buying.</li> </ol> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2139132 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 21:42:07 +0000 LaPed 2139132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenn! It looks like Target still sells similar ones. For anyone else who's wondering:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.target.com/p/24pk-wood-hanger-made-by-design/-/A-79545405?preselect=53186203#lnk=sametab">https://www.target.com/p/24pk-.....nk=sametab</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2139126 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 20:59:47 +0000 Anonymous 2139126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're inspirational I try to keep a fairly lean wardrobe, but the drawback is if something needed wears out it can be a panic to replace. What's your secret to avoiding wardrobe holes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2139123 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 20:49:21 +0000 Jenn 2139123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie,&nbsp;</b>I humbly accept. :)</p> <p><b>La Pedestrienne,&nbsp;</b>hangers were from Target, but more than a decade ago.</p> <p><b>Lynn,&nbsp;</b>this is so awesome to hear! Defining essentials has, hands-down, been the most important step for me in keeping my wardrobe in check. It makes me feel secure to have that base in place and know it works, and from there, I can just enjoy the fun parts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2139081 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:14:30 +0000 Lynn 2139081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, thanks so much for posting your wardrobe analysis. I find your posts extremely helpful and they have completely changed my approach to my wardrobe. &nbsp;I started using your wardrobe approach last fall and found it is prefect for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;I love feeling like I have everything I need as far as my essentials go, (now that I have actually defined what they are). &nbsp;But the absolute best part is that this approach brought&nbsp;joy back into my sewing and I thank you for that. I love focusing on making my statement pieces rather than making what I " need" ie essentials.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now, my hot weather wardrobe is a different story. I am still figuring out what my essentials are. Your LBD is so versatile I plan to add one to my wardrobe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks again for introducing me to this wardrobe concept. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2139056 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 14:06:44 +0000 LaPed 2139056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *love* these posts, Jenn. Thank you for continuing to do them. The analysis is so interesting.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also -- do you have a link for where you bought your wooden hangers? I have one, just one, that looks exactly like yours, and I keep dreaming of replacing my ugly plastic hodge-podge with a whole streamlined set.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138960 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 19:16:51 +0000 Angie 2138960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hereby crown you Queen Wardrobe Numbers </p> <p>I'm smiling at the fun you're having creating and sharing your wardrobe data! And handing over an award for effectively following through with what you intended. WELL DONE!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138929 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 17:31:59 +0000 Jenn 2138929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Runcarla,&nbsp;</b>your use of pattern to add visual interest in summer makes more sense than mine, I think. I wear a LOT of black in the summer, maybe more than in winter. Then, in winter, I find myself feeling more maximal and adding layers of color, pattern, and texture.</p> <p>Thanks&nbsp;<b>Joy,&nbsp;</b>I have a pair of jeans coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed.</p> <p><b>shevia,&nbsp;</b>how funny! Two sides of the same coin.</p> <p><b>rachylou,&nbsp;</b>your own Truman Show!</p> <p>Thanks,&nbsp;<b>Jane!</b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138866 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 07:57:57 +0000 Jane 2138866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super to read. Thank you for sharing. Love the analytics.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138860 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 03:28:10 +0000 rachylou 2138860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Man, it would explain some things if what I think is the moon is just a set light... lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138843 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 02:35:50 +0000 Jaime 2138843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are my wardrobe alter ego. I could imagine if I didn't like thrifting and did not have easy access to good thrift stores I would go this route (meaning the tightly edited, thoughtful, and analytic approach). Meanwhile, I will just admire!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138837 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 01:51:45 +0000 Anonymous 2138837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so inspirational, Jenn. May you have good luck finding jeans and pants that you love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138831 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 00:21:02 +0000 Carla 2138831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! &nbsp;Thanks for the response, Jenn. &nbsp;I’m still thinking about Angie’s comment on this post last year :<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-mvps---mine-and-yours">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-and-yours</a>,&nbsp; pointing out that my summer MVP’s were predominantly patterns.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br />&nbsp;With summer outfits, using pattern provides interest without the 3rd or completer piece that would be too hot. &nbsp;In the past year, I’ve paid more attention to acquiring a patterned item as an alternative to solid. &nbsp;The gold ring is a pattern that incorporates all the wardrobe palette! &nbsp;I’ve also become quite keen on the pattern that reads as a solid - like my (favourite) blue jeans that have a blue on blue floral motif. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve acquired 12 garments (2 thrifted) &nbsp;so far this year and 8 are patterned. &nbsp;3 of the 8 are tone-on-tone!</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>&nbsp;<br /></div></div></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138804 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 20:06:41 +0000 Jenn 2138804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Runcarla,&nbsp;</b>you inspired me to add another column to my spreadsheet: pattern/solid.</p> <p>Turns out 36% of my wardrobe is patterned (counting graphic tees as patterns). That means 64% is solid. </p> <p>Of items over 30 wears, 20% are patterned and 80% solid. Very few non-neutrals in that category. &nbsp;I've added all of the colorful pieces below (the EF wideleg pants are arguably still a neutral, but...they're not black or olive, at least.)</p> <p>It all tells me that I should purchase colors and patterns that I truly love AND that have some longevity, because it will take me longer to wear through them than the solid pieces.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138786 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 19:35:48 +0000 Carla 2138786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I always look forward to your monthly reviews, and the annual wrap-up summary. &nbsp;I laud your repurposing of the theme park t-shirts and hope they ‘spark joy’ when you style them with your skirts.</p> <p>I’m speculating that 2020 will be a year of low acquisition, and see the wisdom of investing in SIMPAT items.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would be interested in your thoughts on the role colour and pattern play in your wardrobe, and if your neutrals get more wear or vice versa?</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138757 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:42:26 +0000 Jenn 2138757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>nemosmom,&nbsp;</b>that would be my Johnny Was duster--the most expensive item in my wardrobe, and worth every penny. I'm so glad you're finding counting wears to be useful! Numbers like this absolutely don't tell the whole story of how a wardrobe works, but I do think they illuminate parts of the narrative that you couldn't see any other way.<br /><b><br />torontogirl,&nbsp;</b>this is the first year I've calculated those percentages in different ranges, and I think it's really useful to see! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138754 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:35:34 +0000 Helena 2138754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your well-thought out analytics are always interesting and inspiring to me. I especially love your metrics around how many wears you are getting out of your pieces ... thanks for sharing your analysis! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138752 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:31:58 +0000 nemosmom 2138752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SQUEEEE! An analytical numbers post!!&nbsp; </p> <p>OMG, Jenn, you are SUCH an inspiration! Because of you, I have started recording wears (I am on day 336!), and reasons for editing out my pieces. My numbers are not nearly as impressive as yours, but I do have you to thank for encouraging me more intentional about what I buy.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138745 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:16:44 +0000 Jenn 2138745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>kkards,&nbsp;</b>hah! I know counting isn't for everyone, so I totally get it. I usually post these hoping that my counts can serve as food for thought about wardrobe building, even if you'd never do it yourself, so I'm glad it's inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138726 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:31:14 +0000 kkards 2138726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn- if anyone could make me want to count wears etc you could, your an inspiration. I love have intentional and thoughtful you are to what you wear, and how you buy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138714 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:11:04 +0000 Jenn 2138714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Vildy,&nbsp;</b>opposite in what way? I'm really curious!</p> <p><b>Minaminu</b>, I think you hit on something there. &nbsp;Something changes when you start thinking about your clothes as a <i>wardrobe</i> instead of individual items or outfits. Looking at the big picture can bring a lot of choices into focus!</p> <p><b>rachylou</b>, bet he didn't buy those pants at H&amp;M. Also, I swear you live on a movie set populated with quirky eccentrics.</p> <p><b>Lucy,&nbsp;</b>thanks! Moving to a more mild climate definitely helped my wardrobe shrink, and my casual life means I don't need a whole business formal capsule. I do still travel to cold weather places, so I have snow boots and sweaters and heavy coats all counted in these numbers. Just not a whole season's worth, anymore!<br /><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138708 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 14:59:33 +0000 Jenn 2138708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal and JenniNZ,&nbsp;</b>interesting question about the dresses! I went back and looked to see which dresses I passed on since the last count. There were actually seven of them, since I added two. I had all but one of them in Finds.</p> <p>2 cotton fit-and-flare dresses - I think my purple and plaid eShakti dresses shrunk a little over time (or my measurements changed just enough) because they started to dig in uncomfortably under the armpits. That, plus feeling a bit over fit-and-flare, was enough to let them go.</p> <p>1 polyester fit-and-flare dress - I still kind of like this dressier fit-and-flare, but it's in the holding zone because I have other black dresses that really work just as well, especially when belted. The others are more versatile. This one just doesn't dress down well.</p> <p>1 linen shift dress (not shown) - this is in the holding zone too, but only because I'm planning to sell it (it's Eileen Fisher, so still worth something). It just feels too short anymore.</p> <p>2 jersey maxi dresses - both of these wore out. One got multiple pinprick holes, and the elastic just gave way in the other, making it baggy and saggy</p> <p>1 silk dress - I had this silk tunic dress (it was longer on me than the model) altered into a blouse when it tore in the rear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138661 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 09:52:08 +0000 Jenni NZ 2138661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am always amazed how you can manage so well with such a small number. Like Lucy I really pay attention to your posts with trying to increase my own wear numbers and sustainability. My wardrobe is close to double yours in size ( 163 counted items).<br /> I have too many dresses and don’t wear them enough because I prefer pants for work.<br /> When you edit out your dresses, is it mainly for wearing them out, or is it also getting tired of them when worn a lot? Mine hardly ever wear out- one from about 2007 did in about 2015 I think after many wears, it was sort of T-shirt material at the top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138655 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 08:13:54 +0000 Sal 2138655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are achieving your goals of a smaller and more hard working wardrobe.&nbsp; I am interested how your dress capsule has shrunk so much..... and I hope you find some jeans and other pants.</p> <p>If I count in a similar way to you I have 155 items in my closet (I actually haven't counted belts and hats exactly). Tops and shoes we are quite similar, but I have more in all the other categories especially gear, scarves and dresses - and pants/jeans!!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I love your photos here.&nbsp; You have such a wonderful eye for clothing and colours and combinations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138649 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 07:21:29 +0000 Lucy 2138649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting, Jenn, thank you for posting. Your posts have made me more aware of counting wears and aiming for more sustainable choices. While I have a larger wardrobe, I have some quite separate needs.- I wear quite dressy clothes for work (well, at least in normal times!), but then on the weekend I wear jeans and knits, or casual dresses in summer, with very limited crossover between the two. Lastly, I travel quite a bit to cooler climates, so I have an extra capsule for that, for both work and play!&nbsp;<br />So while I don't mind keeping a larger closet, and I have the space, what I have been more mindful of is sustainability of new items. I am definitely aiming now for 30 wears for new items, especially the more casual ones. I always enjoy reading how you do it !&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-fall-2020-long-many-numbers#post-2138615 Sat, 15 Aug 2020 02:23:37 +0000 rachylou 2138615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like you’re getting good wear out of your clothes... that you’re doing well on finding quality... altho now I have to mention my once upon a time history teacher who had one pair of pants and two shirts (one for summer, one for winter). He’d been wearing them for 20 years and they were shiny with washing, but no holes! So you know... there’s a stretch goal for us all </p>