https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:58:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher/page/2#post-1629293 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 20:00:46 +0000 Anonymous 1629293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Votre réponseI really like the way you do rachylou but I can advise you myself I am very conservative with my clothes </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher/page/2#post-1629227 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 17:27:14 +0000 rachylou 1629227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good points about the reasons for purging and closet real estate. My main reason now is not fit or condition, but space and a desire to not be completely gluttonous. The thing I have trouble storing most is coats. I have no coat closet, but they are a major wardrobe item for me because I run cold. My closets are turn of the century - narrow and deep. It's very awkward. Had a modern closet organization redo, but all this did was cut down on storage space. I've gone back to double hung (a rod in front of a rod). Not ideal, but those are the facts. I will live with that for the sake of fashion...but I don't want to go beyond that. In any case, there's room on the suit and blazer rod... I just want to be in control, if that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629183 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 15:24:42 +0000 texstyle 1629183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get rid of things that are obvious no-go's like the fit was off or I didn't like the way the material felt or something. Or washing it made it change shape. Then next it's usually the things I'm just bored with and have worn as much as I care to wear.&nbsp; They don't always get purged, but they make the "holding drawer" status for a while.</p> <p>This year my graphic tees will be taking a break and I'm focusing on slightly higher quality tees and tops (at least I'm trying to do this). Last year I was doing some part time work in a messier environment and the graphic tees were an easy, affordable option. Same goes for shoes, last spring/summer it was all about easy shoes that could take a beating, this year I'm opting for a couple of nicer (still casual) but nicer options like my new navy sandals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629124 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 12:45:30 +0000 Glory 1629124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have improved my purge skill since being on the forum. 2 x per season I review all items (spring/summer and fall/winter). I also keep a bag in the closet. My methods work better in theory because I have a pretty large holding or probation (I like that word) zone. I have 4 large bins and in the interests of transparency 3 of these are are clothes that no longer fit (one bin for each size down). I have kept them because I am hopeful and they are quite nice. &nbsp;The bag in the closet fills up quickly because if I put something on and it doesn't feel great I tend to toss it in there. Strange though that those items do not end up on probation. So Rachy this probably doesn't help because I am purging due to fit whereas you love your items and they work for you. Do you need to purge? Only if you want to or are out of room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629082 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 09:37:55 +0000 Staysfit 1629082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, space constraints are a big factor for wardrobe size. I like the idea of using color palette for weaning items. The item you choose to eliminate could be important. For example, I'm not convinced that eliminating shoes in place of a blazer is a good trade unless you are trying to balance your closet for having an over-abundance of shoes. They take up a different kind of real estate in the closet and in the end you aren't really creating a space for the blazer, you're only keeping your wardrobe the same size. It depends on your goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629073 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 07:02:34 +0000 Barbara Diane 1629073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, do you really need to get rid of clothing? Are you out of space? It seems you like and wear your clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629069 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 06:48:36 +0000 rachylou 1629069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hehe. My mum might smack my wrist for swearing, if I try, Joy. Lol. But that's brilliant about the sweaters. I think you are right and I WILL finally oust that sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629059 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 04:35:19 +0000 Anonymous 1629059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it is any help. This spring my collection of long drapey knit cardigans is being purged. Most are Bobeau from a few years ago. This year they look too unstructured and not long enough. I am also eyeing cropped little jackets but need to be sure that none are needed as frock toppers ( say that fast 10 times). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629047 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 04:09:22 +0000 rachylou 1629047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should go thru my shoes. Have injured my foot tho. Have to wait until I can make better decisions. Right now it's tempting to chuck them all. </p> <p>Shevia - top on my list is a blouse with a collar suggestive of something Elizabethan and a long pencil skirt with a flounce at the hem... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629037 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 03:35:47 +0000 Anonymous 1629037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could purge the navy from your everyday capsule and limit it to just the funeral capsule. Sort of a semi-purge.</p> <p>For me, updated footwear is a big deal. Maybe it is for you too?&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a couple of pairs of sandals that I could purge in favour of some more updated block heel/gladiator types. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629034 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 03:32:40 +0000 Jaime 1629034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe we should work backwards from what you have your eye on to buy - perhaps it will lead to some questions about what you already have? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1629033 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 03:25:13 +0000 Kari 1629033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Guilty as charged. I am not a good pruner and I have a lot of clothes in the probation/will-I-truly-miss-it holding zone for months. I know it's time to let them go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628974 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:02:36 +0000 rachylou 1628974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When the cold weather stops, I will be tossing some old bakery fleece-lined leggings... can that count? Lol. But thing is, I'll probably be getting new ones next fall... It gets down to almost 40 in the dead of winter inside there... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628970 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 23:58:49 +0000 rabbit 1628970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think four blazers isn't too many if they tick all the other boxes and are different from each other. &nbsp;Also comfy lounge wear is good (although for me I try to only have 2 lounge outfits at any one time really, so there is something to wear if one is the wash, but I'm not saving a lot of old comfy clothes). &nbsp; &nbsp;Is there another category where you have far more stuff that you can wear and you can do one blazer in, one top out or something?</p> <p>Cutting down on my color palette helped me edit too, and it seems like you have done that in the past. &nbsp; Maybe try on some stuff you are on the fence about and post some keep/edits in a particular category? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628965 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 23:48:15 +0000 rachylou 1628965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok...Right o', I have a massive wardrobe. I've been on a 5-yr long (at least) intensive (in my mind) purge project. Massive as it is, it's down to what I think of as current stuff. So it should be one in, one out now. I got a new short poppy blazer, so I should probably give an existing one up ... These are: a navy blazer, a light blue (long), and a mint (short). I have to have always a navy, because my family is so preppy (it's like having an emergency outfit for funerals always on hand, lol). I feel the light blue is 'in' this year and something I want to play with. That leaves the No Not My Mint!! </p> <p>Maybe I should turn to my sweaters instead. I keep telling myself to give away this old BCBG (do I have those letters right?) handkerchief sweater. However, it lives at the foot of my bed like a robe. I throw it on all the time... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628924 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 21:12:50 +0000 Barbara Diane 1628924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And keep your style goals and wardrobe holes in mind. Once you identify a problem the solution often appears. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628923 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 21:11:36 +0000 Barbara Diane 1628923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We all want/need/have space for different amounts of clothing. And we all have different activities, climates, etc. And different desires for something new. </p> <p>I like to wear favorite outfits regularly. I have a friend who is 3/4 of the way through the school year and hasn't duplicated a work outfit yet.</p> <p>But I think really knowing what you have is an important first step. Noticing which items or entire outfits are well loved and figuring out why. And then comparing the rest of your clothes and outfits against the ones you love. Maybe you can wear items in different combinations, etc. to move them up the list. Or maybe it's time to let them go. I have both done major purges and one item at a time purges. I try to notice what I'm not wearing, and if I can't come up with a way to wear something more, or like it more, it goes. The exception has been a few very well loved items that I am just figuring out ways to make them work because I'm expanding my knowledge, like through YLF.<br />In the last year my purchases of slingback sandals and fringed booties made the biggest impact on how up to date my wardrobe feels. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628900 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 20:05:27 +0000 Gigi 1628900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with celia: Do you have any clothes that don't have a good fit or that are getting worn out? That's how I start a closet purge. After that, you could look at items that you haven't worn in a long time and ask yourself (like Janet and Sterling), Why haven't I worn this item? There might be a fatal flaw in it that necessitates a purge for your and its own good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628879 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:02:23 +0000 Penny 1628879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's certainly one way to look at it, Rachylou, although my question would be, would you purge a color because it didn't feel current, or because it's not in keeping with your style goals (although looking current could be a style goal!) I'd focus on what doesn't feel right, look right, or advance your style goals in identifying what to let go . . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628839 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 17:24:08 +0000 Mochi 1628839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now you're talking heresy.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628838 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 17:22:23 +0000 rachylou 1628838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Or maybe another question to ask is: is there anything dragging my wardrobe down? Like in the way a couple of things in the Pantone colors of the year might make things more lively, what is draining it? Two years ago I purged bright orange. Before that, bubblegum pink. Maybe I'll toss all true blue tees... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628823 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 16:35:57 +0000 Mochi 1628823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Then thou shalt not purge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628821 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 16:30:42 +0000 rachylou 1628821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I was so torn between 'comedy' and 'wisdom' at your words, because truth is so often funny. I need to be kept an eye on!</p> <p>It's hard, right guys? I guess the question for me is, what would I give up in order to be of the moment, participate in the new trends and partake of the new offerings? Because I don't necessarily feel dated with anything... I don't want to stop wearing anything. </p> <p>Yeah, I just want more to wear, lol...! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628814 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 16:15:01 +0000 unfrumped 1628814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fun way to put it!</p> <p>I need to do this, too.</p> <p>I have need to create/keep some good outfits for professional presentations, meetings and these usually need to&nbsp; have "3 pieces" plus modern footwear + professional tote or good handbag. </p> <p>It's amazing how hard&nbsp; it is (for me) to get that right, with proportions, hems, fabric matchups and flattering but neutral or nearly-neutral colors (not ALL neutrals go together, IMO!), how a jacket can destroy how a top lies, i.e. I&nbsp; may need sleeveless shell or&nbsp;a top that&nbsp;fits&nbsp;just so for a certain jacket's armholes or sleeve structure; the pants vs. skirt (pants usually because footwear is often easier and I avoid the dreaded judgement on pantyhose), but then have to watch out for stodgy trouser and blazer combo. In addition, I have to have leeway or options for fit or weight fluctuations--can't assume everything will be static&nbsp; &nbsp;for 6 mos or a year; need to keep checking in on how things look.</p> <p>Anyhoo, all of that above has cause me to think, keep focused on capsules for real, and different, needs--am I adding just another top + pants combo, or have I nailed down one or more really good <u>total ensembles.</u> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628802 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 15:43:02 +0000 Angie 1628802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got to edit and review before you add, Rachy. I'm keeping my eye on you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628795 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 15:36:31 +0000 celia 1628795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question rachy. I realized that I am also not very good at purging.<br /> I would start with the obvious, the ill fitting, damaged and non flattering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628745 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 13:32:01 +0000 Carla 1628745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although everything is 'out' in my closet, there are some things that really come out to play when a season changes. Around that time (like now) I'll go through my clothes and make up outfit capsules and combinations. </p> <p>Sometimes items that looked okay at the end of the season look worn, dirty, pilled, etc. on second regard. These get tossed as well as orphans.<br /> I've started the process, and since the boots have been put away and shoes rotated to the front, I'm surprised at how down in the heels some of my footwear is. I have to see if the cobbler can save my faves! </p> <p>DH and I do a big purge of his closet seasonally as well. He likes the tradition of me taking him for a BIG shopping trip around his birthday in October - so we edit before. Another overhaul (for spring) occurs before we go on our 'winter get away/spring break'.</p> <p>You seem to have a large collection of clothes. Why not start with putting together 2 weeks worth of outfit combinations that make you feel fabulous (10 happiness factor) then seriously evaluate everything else, measuring them against whT you love the most? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628735 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 13:01:17 +0000 ma 1628735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Besides the obvi fit, worn, orphaned things, I tend to purge things that I'm just bored with and don't feel like wearing anymore...like my chambray shirt, which might have been a mistake because I am already &nbsp;looking at replacements. Like Nebraskim, I keep a bag in my closet where I can toss things as I go. &nbsp;Doing it all at once seems daunting.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628734 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 13:01:11 +0000 kkards 1628734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachylou, I've been thinking about the same thing. i'm going to start with the obvious duplicates ---which one do i find myself reaching for, keep that one, let the other go, it's a start</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-other-side-of-a-wardrobe-refresher#post-1628732 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 12:55:10 +0000 Nebraskim 1628732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was wondering about Karen's editing/culling process as well. I am in continuous purge mode: I keep shopping bags in my spare bedroom into which I often tuck things I no longer want and eventually, they get hauled to the resale/charity shop. I've never really done a full-on, all-at-one-time closet sweep but instead seem to have a weird "I'm so done with that garment" mindset that will kick occasionally and cause me to sweep out things.&nbsp; </p>