https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:26:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238292 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 22:18:47 +0000 Jenn 2238292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dealing with a family emergency today, so I'm not able to respond to everyone individually, but you've given me some food for thought. I don't think purchasing duplicates in advance is the right solution for me, but I think that having more than one similar option in my wardrobe would be helpful, so that one can step in for another when necessary.</p> <p>I love my linen Eileen Fisher tank in the summer, so I've ordered two alternatives in roughly the same shape--one is organic stretch cotton and the other is silk (that one purchased used from Renew). Hopefully, the different fabrics will both offer some versatility and make them less likely to fail at the exact same time in the future.</p> <p>I’ll test drive these in context before deciding whether to keep or if I need to look for an alternative shape. And in the future, I’ll try to inspect even things I’m not putting away once a season and keep a list of upcoming replacement needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238259 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 19:57:55 +0000 Jenni NZ 2238259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s certainly a great contribution SarahD8! I relate to what you’re saying there, and I did actually buy a second top exactly the same shape as one I had enjoyed, but in a totally different print, about a year later. The first one has 40 wears and the second now 37 wears. But they’re not essential I suppose.<br /> This is where some sort of ongoing “Essential” or “Basic” or “Signature” range that brands could keep constant for at least a few years would be so helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238252 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 19:30:42 +0000 Suz 2238252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahDB</b> -- what you say at the end there makes perfect sense to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>As someone with a higher affinity for proportion play/ mixing, I think that's why a "similar but not exact" replacement can often work better for me -- I'm evolving into a slightly different silhouette and that satisfies some need for change/ variety. I also have a high affinity for pattern mixing -- but a quite restricted affinity for colour mixing. I have the colours and neutrals that I love, and that's it. C'est tout. Which sort of explains why I'm so sunk if I lose an essential in a core neutral. Hmmm.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, not to speak for <b>gryffin,</b> but she, much like you, has a specific set of proportions she aims for. So it becomes more important to stockpile while that silhouette is trending. Colours and patterns come and go quite quickly but basic silhouettes and proportions seem to change a bit more slowly -- so once they are gone, they can be gone for a while!&nbsp;</p> <p>This is really a de-rail for <b>Jenn</b> -- sorry, <b>Jenn</b>! But I find this extremely interesting overall!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think it's interesting to note how we can identify similarities in "philosophy" or "approach" with one another, even if the look of our wardrobes might be quite different! I've noticed the same thing. And of course we overlap in different ways with different members. Fascinating! My style is like so-and-so's in this way, but like so-and-so's in that way...</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238228 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 17:38:57 +0000 SarahD8 2238228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, this is a huge problem for me. Despite having a relatively large wardrobe, my need for specific proportions* (e.g., I don't tuck, so I need different tops to wear with skirts than pants) means that losing one essential can make a whole bunch of other things functionally unwearable.</p> <p>Keeping an exact duplicate in reserve has occasionally worked for me. Most often I go without and just kind of limp along until the right item turns up again (this can take years!). I think that a periodic assessment of wear and tear with an eye towards shopping slightly ahead of need is a good idea.</p> <p>I relate a lot to what <b>gryffin</b> wrote: "<i>I often find similar but different is different enough that it does not function for me. Essentials are not the area that I look for for variety so exact same works fine for me. It's not about rut or laziness, it's about extremely specific weight, length, fabrication, style requirements that can be extremely difficult or impossible to find.</i>" (So interesting, because while gryffin and I have very different styles I always feel a kind of philosophical kinship in our approach to our wardrobes.)</p> <p>Since I'm on a philosophical streak now, I'll say that I am finding it so interesting that although some posters are saying that by the time an essential wears out they want something a little bit different, a lot of us seem to feel that the fashion industry's constant tweaking and changing is not actually serving us well. How much time, energy, money, and environmental resources have we spent trying to find a replacement for something when what we really wanted was just...the original something?&nbsp;</p> <p>*at the risk of derailing with more duplication talk, I think that I have a high affinity for color and pattern mixing, but a low affinity for proportion mixing/play -- by which I mean that I like to wear a small number of silhouettes, and find that I often cannot recombine items from one silhouette to wear in another. I think this drives my penchant for duplicating the same item in different colors and/or prints (which is a different sort of duplicating from the duplicate-to-hold-in-reserve strategy described above). I'd much rather enjoy the process of trying out new color/pattern combinations than be endlessly frustrated by necklines that fight, hemlines that are just a little off, sleeves that don't layer, etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238191 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:36:06 +0000 Aquamarine 2238191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If after a few wearings I decide something I consider an essential will have longevity, I try to duplicate or even buy multiples of that item. This has included black t-shirts for layering under jackets, striped long sleeved mariner-type shirts, etc. Sure, I’ve made mistakes shopping this way but it mostly works for me. It seems I’ve had plenty of backups this way and can’t really remember any “emergency” holes.</p> <p>But I have a bigger wardrobe than you, Jenn …it gives me a measure of comfort that I never had before coming to YLF many years ago. Before that, it seemed like I never had anything to wear (I prefer an essential-heavy closet). Now I truly feel I can put together outfits easily (as long as my weight remains stable). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238183 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:59:57 +0000 gryffin 2238183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn - I like you and Suz have lynchpin essential without which "things fall apart, the center cannot hold."&nbsp; I always "build redundancy into the system."&nbsp; If something is absolutely essential I have multiples.&nbsp; The minute it becomes a total need I begin the stockpiling process.&nbsp; I personally have many exact duplicates in my holding zone.&nbsp; I often find similar but different is different enough that it does not function for me.&nbsp; Essentials are not the area that I look for for variety so exact same works fine for me.&nbsp; It's not about rut or laziness, it's about extremely specific weight, length, fabrication, style requirements that can be extremely difficult or impossible to find.&nbsp; So this is one area, I follow my own drummer.&nbsp; But whether you go similar or same, the concept is to ALWAYS have a back up, never have all your essentials in rotation - that's what works for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238134 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:11:02 +0000 Marlene1 2238134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think anyone has mentioned what a time-saver essentials are - if you have to get out the door in the morning, having clothes that you absolutely know will work is, well, essential. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238131 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 11:04:25 +0000 Zaeobi 2238131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have just moved to an even *smaller* place (where I had half a wardrobe before, I have a 'full' one but it's a much thinner &amp; shallower closet lol) so this is even more pertinent for me. I'm not ashamed to admit to duplicating items - think I posted about my many Easel tops (cotton long sleeved tops) &amp; Vanessa cardigans (cotton 3/4 sleeved open cardis) from Seasalt Cornwall. </p> <p>I've bought them in different colours because I know my priorities in this way won't change (elbow covering tops in natural fibres). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238129 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:29:27 +0000 Sisi 2238129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not good at all at replacing things in time, mainly because I do not like shopping, therefore I postpone until I am in troubles.&nbsp;<br />Recently I thought that I should buy duplicates when I find something that I like and that works well. I like <b>cat2</b>'s strategy. Will try.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238126 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 09:02:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I picked up on duplication because so many people mentioned it. And like I said, it’s something that really surprised me when I first heard about it. But I don’t want to derail your thread. </p> <p>I do what LaPed &amp; a couple others have said—have multiple similar, but not identical pieces. Long-sleeved white tops, for example: I have a T-shirt that has a little folded fabric detail near the bottom, a near-white 3/4 sleeve top with sort of ridges from the same fabric, like stripes, a very stretchy T-neck….</p> <p>LisaP, if preference for process vs product isn’t it, maybe you can explain it to me somewhere else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238114 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 07:02:25 +0000 Suz 2238114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting...I am an essentials-heavy dresser but by and large a non-duplicator. Or at least a non-exact-item duplicator...uh, with a few notable exceptions.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't wear a lot of tank tops but if I did, that would be an example of the type of item I might well duplicate exactly and for exactly the reasons you give, <b>Jenn.</b> Necessary component to many outfits and needs careful laundering.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is getting way off topic but I realize that I do have quite a few duplicates in different colours and most of these are what Angie might call "completer" pieces -- neither essentials nor statements. Hmmm. I don't know what, if any relevance this might have to you, <b>Jenn</b>. I'm just musing aloud because I often think our wardrobes are constructed along very similar lines except for different climates and you keep a smaller, tighter closet. Yet the overall conception is quite similar.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway -- back to the issue of essentials -- I agree with <b>Irina—&nbsp;&nbsp;</b>I rarely duplicate&nbsp;&nbsp;those exactly because by the time the thing wears out, I want a slight update to it. Agree also with <b>LaPed</b> and <b>Carla</b> that sometimes something slightly different can be subbed in and that results in a welcome style shift -- but that might be more true (for me) when the item is a completer piece than an essential. Carla's sweater example is a case in point -- I can imagine subbing a green for a red but nothing really subs for my core navy.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p>ETA: I have no idea why that sneaker shows up in my post! But, coincidentally, it is a duplicated item, one of the rare examples of an item I actually "backed up" because I know it works as a walking shoe for me. It's not an essential in colour but is an essential in function, so....</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238112 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 06:32:35 +0000 Anonymous 2238112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I manage by having a metal list of what is in its third year and will need to be replaced and buying it when I see it, often trying to upgrade. &nbsp;A few things bite the dust sooner than 3 years but I usually do not wear new things that much the first year. &nbsp;Things get worn the most the second year. &nbsp;The third year varies. &nbsp;Usually I am tired of something after three years and ready to update to a more modern version. &nbsp;If I really love something it stays in the closet longer but does not get worn as much. &nbsp;I may still get a newer version and wear it. &nbsp;I change the closet by the season or even part of a season. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238111 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 06:12:31 +0000 Sally 2238111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm still trying to work out my essentials and that is the problem.&nbsp; I have bought duplicates and then changed my style/size and had to give away perfectly good clothes.&nbsp; I prefer to have a small wardrobe like yours, but I'm not that good at wardrobe management so still making mistakes.&nbsp; The only way I can see is duplication of those items that are essential or as others say know in advance by checking for wear and tear.&nbsp; I do have some things that I can wear across the wardrobe like long black tanks.&nbsp; I sleep in these and can use them as slip under dresses. They can also be used as tank under skirts and jackets.&nbsp; Too long for trousers though.&nbsp; &nbsp;So if one is in the wash, I can always wear the one earmarked as sleep wear :)&nbsp; &nbsp; I always find those minimalist youtube clips interesting as people show how they can get away with so little clothing.&nbsp; I think they have pieces that are really versatile.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238093 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 02:47:46 +0000 Bijou 2238093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, for me it depends upon how hard it is to find the right replacement. The hardest essential item for me to buy is white boots. I need a low heel, good fit and comfort. I only like buying shoes in store because my narrow feet are fussy. With such a hard to fill (and easily worn out) essential, as soon as I spy white boots that work for me - I buy them, no waiting for sales etc. Last time I bought white boots was 2 years ago, I am finding them harder to come by and are always on the look out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238089 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 02:38:56 +0000 rachylou 2238089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear rags… lol. But I have this problem with my bakery clothes - light weight tees for summer and good thermal tops for winter. I just keep wearing them as tatty as they are until the right thing comes up because the suffering is great when the top is not right for the temps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials/page/2#post-2238078 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 01:54:25 +0000 Jaime 2238078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well it doesn't really come up for me, but tanks do not change that much so I guess I would be keeping an eye out for a backup or two. But my wardrobe's theme is backups much unlike yours Jenn . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238059 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:53:18 +0000 Anonymous 2238059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF -not Jenn, but no , that doesn’t sound right to me ( that interpretation , that is ) . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238051 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:35:06 +0000 Sloper 2238051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My style and wardrobe components are different from yours, but I understand when a real essential wears out and is difficult to replace.&nbsp; Lots of good ideas from other commenters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>And cut yourself a bit of slack maybe - you've ended up inadvertently in the midst of a perfect sh*tstorm at the moment - adapting to So Cal seasons, Covid + supply chain issues, and everything (!!!!!) else.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238046 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:27:49 +0000 Jenn 2238046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Stag F,&nbsp;</b>that seems very black and white. Most artists do both those things, as do many people who are interested in fashion. I'm curious, why the particular focus on duplication, though. Do you think of essentials-heavy dressing as being about duplication? Duplication is only one of the many strategies that have been mentioned.</p> <p><b>suntiger,&nbsp;</b>I think it's a pipe dream for most wardrobe items to be infinitely replaceable. If availability doesn't change over time, our bodies inevitably do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238036 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:02:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, yeah, if you have duplicates in rotation, it would be so they could be worn with different things (well, unless all your items were duplicates, ha) Still sounds to me like it’s a difference in weight put on the final product. I’m not an artist, so this is a reach for me, but I’m going to guess it’s like a painter preferring the same paints each time so they don’t have to deal with unexpected differences between paints in getting to their goal of painting their vision vs just playing around with the different paints to see what they make. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238029 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:45:20 +0000 Jenn 2238029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL,&nbsp;<b>lisa.&nbsp;</b>I thought that might make you laugh.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238026 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:40:41 +0000 Anonymous 2238026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The most problematic categories for me, as far as waiting too long (and everything else for that matter) are shoes and pants. Ok bras too... I really like the idea of certain essentials being always replaceable, instead of starting from scratch every darn time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238025 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:37:50 +0000 Anonymous 2238025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how my deleted comment got a wisdom award Sometimes I tell ya …… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238020 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:22:01 +0000 Janet 2238020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't run into this problem often unless it's a sudden catastrophic loss -- a tear or stain for example. I also don't have a small, tight wardrobe -- I always have something to wear, LOL.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I do head this off by having multiples of favorite basic items. I never have only one white tee or black tee, for example. I think I currently have four short-sleeve black tees in slightly varying silhouettes and styles, so it spreads the wear out between them and they last for years, rather than a single season.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have a low tolerance for visible wear when it comes to things like fading, frayed hems, rips, etc., at least on most things other than items like denim jeans or leather moto jackets, that seem to wear patina well. So when an item starts to look shabby, I'm pretty preemptive in looking for a replacement before I *need* it.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238015 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:12:51 +0000 Jenn 2238015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Stag F,</b>&nbsp;I can't speak for others and I don't do a lot of duplication as a rule, but I can tell you I duplicated this particular tank because it was useful in many different outfits and contexts and its laundry requirements (delicate wash, line dry) were such that I didn't get around to washing it as often as I wanted to wear it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238013 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:10:15 +0000 Anonymous 2238013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Comment deleted . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238005 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:20:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The idea of duplicates really brings home to me differences in approaches to dressing. When I first heard about it on here, I really didn’t understand how/why people who like fashion would duplicate clothes, but I think I’m figuring it out: I don’t care what other people think of how I look, so some days I dress schlumpilly, and other days I want to wear a fun outfit. I think duplication comes into play for people who want to project a certain style every day, and who enjoy wearing nice looks more than they enjoy the process of making an outfit. Does that sound right to you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2238001 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:09:33 +0000 Jenn 2238001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina </b><b>and Lisa</b>, I totally agree about updating with replacements. &nbsp;That's one reason (of several) why I'm hesitant to just buy three or four of something, even if it's currently serving me well. I consider being able to be nimble about changing trends, taste, shape, size, and lifestyle a prime advantage of having a smaller wardrobe.</p> <p><b>Runcarla </b>and<b> LaPed,&nbsp;</b>that's interesting about promoting something else into the spot, even if it's a bit different. &nbsp;That has definitely happened with me for other pieces, and you're right, it can be a good catalyst for a style shift. In the case of these particular pieces, I have nothing that would really sub, but I can see how if, say, my jumpsuit wore out, I might find myself wearing a two-piece version or a dress more regularly instead.</p> <p><b>Sal,&nbsp;</b>I thought that Eileen Fisher would be a good source of those perennial essentials because of their "system" pieces, but I'm finding it really frustrating how much is out of stock in all but one or two sizes. &nbsp;This might come down to supply chain issues right now.</p> <p><b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>the seasonality has definitely come into play in that I don't switch everything over between seasons! While I rotate out some statements, most of my essentials are year-round. I should probably make it a point to inspect everything regardless of whether it's going into storage (which, in my case, is just the top shelf of the closet.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2237998 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:49:04 +0000 Anonymous 2237998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Irina , I’m always updating my essentials to reflect what’s current , so I’m not necessarily looking for exact duplicates . I wear a lot of black ponte pants as part of my work uniform ( as an example ) and I like to move forward with them rather than staying in the same cut or silhouette . But I’m also less committed to a core group of essentials and don’t always wear things out before moving them out of my closet . I know I’m not answering your question and apologize for doing a “ me, me , me “ thing here . I find these discussions really fascinating because I often feel out of my depth with wardrobe management talk . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/waiting-too-long-to-replace-essentials#post-2237989 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:25:56 +0000 Irina 2237989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t duplicate essentials in a same color. I examine condition of my things when I do a seasonal switch over and begin looking for a replacement when a garment starts showing sight of wear. By this time I might want a slight tweak on that essential’s style. E.g. one of my essentials is a pair of black, light weight wool pants. A few years ago I had them in slim, cropped style, then replaced it with a wider straight, cropped pair. Next year I plan to search for wide leg, full length black pants. Same with my other essentials like white button down shirts or turtlenecks. </p>