https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:08:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285837 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 05:15:24 +0000 Anonymous 2285837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree. &nbsp;My wardrobe and what I wear is all my own. &nbsp;The only part of my life that is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285777 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 21:19:16 +0000 Carla 2285777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone! &nbsp;My wardrobe is one place where I feel like I have a little bit of control - while everything else is crazy sauce! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285763 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:37:29 +0000 Cardiff girl 2285763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are so disciplined and organised with your wardrobe,it’s truly inspiring.l am going through a major wardrobe shift and it’s really helpful to read posts like this and peoples replies as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285730 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 16:09:33 +0000 Murph11 2285730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So inspiring! You're so crafty-- any chance you could mend the hole in your sweater? All sorts of fun / effective tutorials out there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285577 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:02:27 +0000 Angie 2285577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love how organized you are!&nbsp;</p> <p>Looking forward to hearing your 2023 style goals </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285547 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:43:00 +0000 kkards 2285547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'm in awe of how organized and methodical you are!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285543 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:18:18 +0000 SarahD8 2285543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic analysis! I am always inspired by your calm and methodical approach.</p> <p>Re: those "regrets" -- it sounds like those were thoughtful purchases but for one reason or another the clothing just didn't stand up to wear the way you hoped or expected. Sure, some clothing is cheaply made but it also happens that clothing that *appears* to be well made sometimes doesn't hold up for reasons that we can't predict or identify ahead of time. I feel like there should be a durability equivalent of the "it's not you, it's the clothes" mantra that is usually applied to fit. You know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285451 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:13:35 +0000 Minaminu 2285451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis Carla! It's great to see that mistakes can happen and I like your philosophical approach! Are you planning to add new colours ? In my case, I really appreciate a tight palette for my small wardrobe as it is easier to coordinate pieces but it can be one of the downsides for some. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285438 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 02:18:44 +0000 Sal 2285438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice day (or two's) work Carla.&nbsp; You have a great handle on what works for you.</p> <p>I think tall boots would be a good option - my pair get good wear each year (despite being suede which might not be a good choice for a snowy climate).&nbsp; I could see you wearing them both with skirts and skinny pants.</p> <p>Your numbers in and out are similar to mine - but I have more pieces in total I think.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Interestingly I find wearing things out a benefit - I feel regret about pieces I have owned for five years, am tired of, and haven't worn out.&nbsp; &nbsp;I try and keep these to a minimum but they still happen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285435 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:47:37 +0000 Jaime 2285435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great summary. Interesting about mistakes vs. regrets. I would say my mistakes are more things that were good ideas but turned out not to fit or function despite a good first impression, whereas regrets are more like poorly considered purchases. (I realize this is completely beside the point !) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285409 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:15:14 +0000 Irina 2285409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great work, Carla! I think about your process when I imagine the work I will have to do once I retire. And it might happen soon.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285387 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:32:52 +0000 Suz 2285387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire your ability to keep your closet so tight and focused, even though I don't think I can emulate it, despite working mostly from home and not needing a whole lot of "dress up" clothes any more. I'm cogitating on it, though. I do see some real advantages to this kind of closet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285347 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:08:12 +0000 Carla 2285347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Jenni NZ - I had a bigger closet before I retired - probably 100-125 items, and it genuinely reflected being out in the world in a different role. &nbsp;I totally get most folks &nbsp;need more clothes! I’ve become a bit of a uniform dresser and I don’t mind repeat wears of items. &nbsp;If I get lots of ‘wears’ out of something over 2-5 years, and need to replace, I can be more nimble at changing things up style wise without the guilt of passing on nearly new things. &nbsp;</p> <p>@ Karie - give yourself time to evaluate your garments and your feelings around the items you wore to work. &nbsp;It was a more emotional process than I expected! The first edit was, I thought, extensive, but the second year after retirement, was a literal purge. &nbsp;DH and I both lost weight (and kept it off) after we retired. &nbsp;Mine was modest (10 lbs over 2 years) but DH’s was 25 lbs over 2 years, so his closet turnover was quite dramatic. &nbsp;This time ‘round his discards fit a small grocery tote since most of his wardrobe is 2 yo or less. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285339 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:16:30 +0000 Cee 2285339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds very sound, Carla </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285338 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:06:17 +0000 Karie 2285338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great post! Sounds like you have an excellent handle on your wardrobe. I am doing my closet switch/edit today, and your post is very inspiring. I have so many older items, things that I wore when I was working (I just retired), that I really need to purge. I know I’m going to be all “Maybe I’ll wear it” but the reality is, I probably won’t. I think I’ll need to use your post as motivation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285334 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:56:33 +0000 LJP 2285334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As Chris said! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285328 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:37:10 +0000 ChrisM 2285328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always look forward to your closet assessments. They’re very inspiring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285305 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:29:40 +0000 Jenni NZ 2285305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am interested in your small closet but not sure if I am inspired by it- I desire more choice, but then I am still working ( you and I are close to the same age) so I like to have work-appropriate clothes. I don’t think we can avoid the odd mistake, but I also think with a smaller closet ( yours being about 2/3 of the size of mine), then ipso facto stuff will wear out sooner, which might constantly make me sad! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285304 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:20:00 +0000 Anonymous 2285304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this post. You small closet always amazes and inspires me. I know I could do it because I have in the past, I just do not have the will power yet. i am slowing down a lot. Nothing new for a long time but quite a bit of second hand stuff. I have vowed only to buy what I am looking for and need new,if I can’t find it second hand, but find that if I am patient I will find it second hand …even shoes </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-closet-audit-is-done#post-2285302 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:04:11 +0000 Carla 2285302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The numbers are in! &nbsp;17 items exited my closet this year (since January.) Some are with regrets (mistakes/disappointments) but most were edited due to wear and tear, with half being binned and the other half being donated for sorting into rag trade/possible resale. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>3 shoes - 3 yo combat boots and 2 pair dressy shoes from pre-retirement (2014 and 2016)<br />1 button down (2016)&nbsp;<br />4 t-shirts (30+ wears each)<br />5 bottoms (4 - 40-70 wears, 1 - 8 wears*)<br />1 coat (black wool pea coat 2015)<br />1 sweater (13 wears - tore a hole!)<br />1 &nbsp;topper - (2020)*<br />1 navy leather clutch (2014)*</p> <p>* ‘mistakes’ - thrifted cream jeans one size larger than my usual slipped down all the time, excellent condition so donated, topper didn’t have pockets which annoyed me every time I wore it, clutch felt ‘dated’ and wasn’t being used - both donated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regrets - I stained my white jeans (64 wears) and they couldn’t be salvaged. &nbsp;New in 2022 black shorts looked&nbsp;<i>terrible&nbsp;</i>by the end of summer (40 wears). &nbsp;Lavender t-shirt (<i>loved&nbsp;<u></u></i>the colour) became so stretched over time (37 wears) that the neckline was indecently low!</p> <p>From January through August I added 24 items that are still in my closet. 18 were purchased ‘new’ and 6 were thrifted.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>6 x footwear<br />3 button downs<br />2 t-shirts<br />3 bottoms<br />1 skirt<br />1 dress<br />2 coats (F/W)<br />2 sweaters<br />1 topper&nbsp;<br />1 bag/purse<br />2 hats</p> <p>3 additional items were purchased this year, which have already been edited &nbsp;The thrifted cream jeans mentioned in ‘mistakes’, and the black shorts mentioned in ‘regrets’. &nbsp;I got an inexpensive navy cotton sweater that was a perfect throw-on over a t-shirt when temps got cold, but I tore a hole in it whilst gardening when I got caught up in the roses. &nbsp;Since the cost of these 3 items was between 2-3% of my annual shopping budget, I’m not beating myself up!</p> <p></div><div>September turned out to be a ‘no buy’ month, and 1/4 of my annual clothing budget is still available to me. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have a problem when it comes to wearing a dress or skirt in winter - I don’t have a long coat, or tall boots - so these are on my list. &nbsp;I also need a ‘vacation’ bikini. &nbsp;I have some work to do sorting out my style goals going forward, but once that’s done, I’ll expand my list. &nbsp;Stay tuned!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></p> <p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div> </p>