YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe numbers

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe numbers https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:38:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Mel on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1799630 Wed, 19 Apr 2017 07:09:53 +0000 Mel 1799630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great exercise to do. I did it last year with my closet and it really helped to look at my closet with realism. Even though you can never say exactly how long a thing will last (laundry mishaps, anyone?), the fact of knowing what you have and what you actually use helps you to know what you need. Otherwise, I think shopping can easily kick in as a quick compensation when we're hiding bigger problems, or get kicked out as something superfluous. Keeping tabs on ourselves helps us manage our habits with reason.  Barbara Diane on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1799623 Wed, 19 Apr 2017 06:15:50 +0000 Barbara Diane 1799623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is interesting. Thanks for posting. Jenni NZ on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1799538 Tue, 18 Apr 2017 22:47:29 +0000 Jenni NZ 1799538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bumping. Relevant to Jenn's thread on #30 wears. Jenni NZ on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1797931 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 02:08:51 +0000 Jenni NZ 1797931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Right, have added up my numbers. Not what I feel I need- feel I still have too many. It is getting colder gradually and may purge a couple of more summery things yet, but not many.  Anchie, you asked if I track wears as well. Yes I do, but not for as long, just for 11 months so far, May 2016. That has helped a lot. It helped me get rid of a couple of skirts. I've found I hardly ever wear my skirts.  The categories I've done here say summer and winter. But winter also covers autumn and spring, so it should be bigger. However summer is my favourite season and that's why I got out of control there and was able to fast for 3.5 months our whole last summer season. Our winter is not cold- no snow where I live. It can be very wet though so feels cold to me.  Layering tops or layering Ts: summer 3, winter 10 Singlets ( similar to camisoles but more covering): summer 7 Soft tops/aka blouses I guess: summer 9, winter 8 T-shirts for wearing alone not layering: summer 2  Shirts aka button-downs( we don't call them that here): winter 3 Tunics: summer 7, winter 14 Dresses: summer 10, winter 4 Vests/waistcoats/gilets: summer 2, winter 4 Jumpers aka sweaters and cardigans: summer 5, winter 10 Jackets: summer 7, winter 6. Coats: Winter 3 Total so far for top half including dresses and "toppers" ( we don't use that term either): 105. Skirts: summer 4, winter 5 Shorts: summer 2 Pants: summer 6, winter 9 Jeans: all year 4 Total bottoms 30, total clothing without shoes 135. Shoes: summer 23, winter 29, total 52. Total wardrobe 187 pieces. That doesn't include underwear, camis, PJs, swimwear or my old sentimental clothes kept separately. I haven't included "gear" here as I wear very little. I have one old T-shirt and one pair of cropped leggings I would wear for the gym or Pilates if I ever went, which I prettty much don't. My main form of exercise is walking and I just wear comfy trousers and walking shoes for that, or occasionally the aforementioned old tee and leggings. I'm still trying to wear everything at least 20 times and get the CPW down to under $ 5. I have done much better on my summer clothing for that with the fast and may be happier to purge some soon eg a soft brightly coloured top I have loved but bought in early 2011, still in excellent condition, I'm just over it. Over 6 years of frequent wear. I may also reply on a different thread about how long to your clothes last. I know pretty much what year everything was bought since 2008 and most of it is since then.  Thanks for the idea Anchie! Happy Easter. Jenni Lisa on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1797367 Wed, 12 Apr 2017 17:23:21 +0000 Lisa 1797367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh I love number posts and crunch numbers all the time on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shoppingbrake.com/">my blog</a>, especially when I have a wardrobe challenge check-in post.  Thanks for sharing your wardrobe totals!   Bonnie on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1797341 Wed, 12 Apr 2017 14:47:05 +0000 Bonnie 1797341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has been a very interesting read and I decided to add my numbers to the mix. dresses 8 tunics 20 button up shirts 20 vests 6 toppers 18 layering tops 18 pants 13 shoes 24 sporty outerwear 4 dressy outerwear 4 I purchased 50 + items this year and with all of the options I have, will probably need less for the coming year. I have been tracking wears and plan to base further purchases on those numbers. I know I have more tops that I like than I need, I would like to update pants and shoes, I am not wearing the vests much although I like them, and I feel OK about the outerwear and dress options I currently have. This has been an enlightening exercise.  Angie on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1796957 Tue, 11 Apr 2017 14:01:10 +0000 Angie 1796957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *APPLAUSE* WELL DONE, Anchie.  lyn67 on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1796929 Tue, 11 Apr 2017 12:34:57 +0000 lyn67 1796929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OMG this is wardrobe analytic's heaven, not else, I so would like to get my numbers right too, but never had the time and perseverance to do it:-((. But I need to munch on it  at a point in my life later, for sure:-). RobinF on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1796925 Tue, 11 Apr 2017 12:29:17 +0000 RobinF 1796925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great post, very analytical. I am going to take a look at that app for sure. The hardest part for me I think would be determining the number I need. I suppose you got a better idea of that after tracking for 3 years. And what if your tastes change? Like you wear a lot of jackets and not as many cardigans, what if five years from now that is the opposite? Would your wardrobe be all out of whack or do you think that would have gradually adjusted? Such an interesting exercise. Anonymous on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1796910 Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:25:36 +0000 Anonymous 1796910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shedev -- I like the idea of just saying I am going to have "10" items in each category.  Simplistic.  Do you find that some categories get worn much more than others or is wear evenly distributed?   My replacement rate is about 10 pieces x 3 seasons (5 statement, 5 essentials).  I take this to mean that you buy 30 new pieces per year, fifteen of which are statement pieces and fifteen of which are essentials.  That system seems perfect too.  You have simplified everything!!!!!!   I would love to be able to make your system work for me.  I think I could easily adapt it for casual/athletic wear.  Work stymies me though.   shedev on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2/page/2#post-1796867 Tue, 11 Apr 2017 02:04:29 +0000 shedev 1796867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is such a useful exercise. My wardrobe is based on 10 items in 16 catagories, at least in theory. I'm a little over in most and a lot over in a few. I'm having a pretty high turnover year so far, so I expect some decreases this year. I refine this each year and will likely add a few more catagories. My replacement rate is about 10 pieces x 3 seasons (5 statement, 5 essentials) My current breakdown is under layers- 15 tees s/s- 11 blouses s/s- 18 tops f/w- 9 sweaters light- 11 sweaters thick- 12 sweatshirts- 7 sweatshirt jacket- 8 leggings and sweats- 18 jeans- 14 trousers- 9 skirts and dresses- 10 jackets- 15 overcoats and puffers- 8 shoes- 13 boots- 11 Based on these numbers, I will likely split s/s tops into casual and dressy, split jackets and vests, and split leggings and sweats. Anonymous on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796816 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 23:09:08 +0000 Anonymous 1796816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This exercise was really hard!!!  I needed to do something to distract my brain and I thought counting and evaluating would be just what I needed.  Still I was unprepared for how hard it was.  Respect Anchie!!! I break down my wardrobe a bit differently than Anchie.  I have capsules for work and casual.  I also left off the third number because I didn't really foresee an immediate need to buy anything.  The important number was the second number (or how many I thought I needed in a certain category).   WORK (first number is the count in my wardrobe; second number is how many of that category I thought I needed).  I bolded things that struck me as important.  I am good for my work capsule for Summer 2017.  This is partially because I bought five new tops in April 2017.  It is pretty clear I don't need any more blazers or coats.  I probably don't need any more button downs either.  This kills me because there was a time when I wore button downs exclusively.  I don't know when or why this changed.   If it looks like I have an absurd number of tops in relation to bottoms for work, these numbers reflect my entire wardrobe.  The bottoms are mostly four season.  Some of the tops are only two season.  It actually does average out fairly well.  Button Downs 6 / 4 (none I would donate, just won’t buy anymore) Knit Tops 10 / 10  (five new knit tops in April 2017 so I am good) Dress Pants 6 / 6  (seems the perfect number) Sleeveless Tops 5 / 5  (a favorite, but hard to find) Skirt         1 / 0  (probation) Blazers       2 / 0  (rarely worn)  Cardigans     4 / 4  (also rarely worn, but I like the option) Coats       3 / 1  (only wore one coat in 2016-2017) CASUAL and LOUNGING.  This is where the evaluation was most helpful.  I buy a lot of lounging clothes.  I could halve that amount and still have ample supple.  I won't be buying any more lounging bottoms, tops, or toppers.  I also won't be buying any more button downs for casual wear.  I DO wear the button downs I own a lot, but I can see a time when I might stop wearing the altogether.   I wear tee shirts constantly now.  I could easily rationalize two additional long sleeve and short sleeve shirts.  I just don't know what colors I want and that gives me pause.  Finally, I have two pairs of jeans on probation.  If not worn this summer, donate.   Jeans       7 / 4 (have two pairs of white jeans on “probation”) Casual Bottom Winter 2 / 2 Casual Bottom Summer   6 / 4 (some are unworn, but none I would donate) Casual Button Downs   5 / 0 (prefer tee shirts) Long Sleeve Tee Shirt 7 / 9 Short Sleeve Tee Shirt 7 / 9 Lounging Bottom   10 / 4 Lounging Top     8 / 4 Lounging Topper   5 / 3 ATHETIC PURSUITS.  Would not change a thing.  Don't need to buy anything in this Summer.   Athletic Bottoms   7 / 7 Athletic Tops     8 / 8 Athletic Bras     7 / 7 Athletic Toppers   4 / 3 SHOES     24 / ?????  viva on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796762 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 19:51:29 +0000 viva 1796762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was really interesting to me, Anchie. I will admit: the first time I opened it, I closed it very quickly and moved on. Closet numbers! Data crunching! Arrgh!!! But, then I came back today and found it actually very fascinating. What's most helpful to me is thinking about that optimal number per category and then using it to manage my shopping and keeping -- for example, I just love that idea of moving to a one-in-one-out only once you have hit "critical mass" in a given category. But, how to determine what the optimal number is? This makes me want to go to my closet and count. I've recently purchased a couple of dresses, blazers, and blouses, most of which I have been wearing -- a bit of a shift toward being more dressed. It might be a good time to review the numbers and set some limits because when I look at my closet it feels the right size. Thanks for the inspiration and the motivation.  anchie on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796740 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 18:55:15 +0000 anchie 1796740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elizabeth P - nothing to be embarrassed about. I would probably be in your shoes if I did not have this very strict storage limitation. One of the main reasons for this strategy for me is to be able to keep shopping with enough place to store everything and without the guilt of unnecessary purging Elizabeth P on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796728 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 18:38:39 +0000 Elizabeth P 1796728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post Anchie!  It's always interesting to see how people approach purging and wardrobe analysis... and there are always some nuggets of information that prove quite helpful. Every time I see a post like this it gets me all motivated to play with my numbers.  Then I get embarrassed by the sheer hugeness of my wardrobe.  Nothing wears out cuz I can't wear it all.  Ridiculous.  And yet I keep shopping.  anchie on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796708 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 17:17:00 +0000 anchie 1796708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - I am curious to see your numbers. Sterling - I am completely opposite of you - I wear jacket or blazer every day. And my sweaters are just layering pieces under blazers. I still have few cardigans but planning to phase them out. Penny - I have considered sub-categorizing but decided against it. I don't want to have rules that are too strict. There are just too many variables. For example, if I start wearing more shirts and blouses in the summer, maybe I will need less summer sweaters. But then again maybe summer sweaters will wear out quicker then winter ones so I may need to replace them at higher rate. I still have to see how this will go. JenniNZ - it is good habit to track purchases. Are you tracking wears also? Joy - if everything is needing replacement at the same time it means that you wear everything equally which I think is a good thing. But if the whole category is wearing out at the same time, maybe you don't have enough in that category or are not refreshing often enough? Just a thought :) Sal - it seems that we have a very similar idea of how long things last. I have lot of jackets because I run cold and wear them every day over the sweaters. And because jackets are more visible than my sweaters I like to have a bigger variety. rachylou - I am embarrassed to admit that I didn't cull any blouses, I just didn't have any. They are the most difficult items for me, even though I would like to have more I just can't find many that are fulfilling my criteria - not wrinkly, not poly, not dry clean, not shapeless, not transparent Dianna - I went through very similar changes as you - moved to a diffreent country, got job with different dress code, gained weight. I hope I can follow you with the weight loss too ;) karen13 - he app really helped me to see my patterns but it takes some time to get useful data. Sisi - I am always open for suggestions I also like clarity that hard data can bring. Jenn - that is exactly why I did this excersise but will see how helpful it will be. Jenn on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796632 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 14:24:50 +0000 Jenn 1796632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use Closetspace too, Anchie, and I agree that, once the initial setup is done, it's quick to update daily, and the data is really useful.  I'm impressed with this analysis, especially the idea of target numbers for replacement/refresh. That seems like it will definitely help you focus your shopping and prevent you from overbuying in certain categories.  Sisi on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796612 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 13:41:15 +0000 Sisi 1796612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not boring at all! I like this type of posts. Thanks for sharing. You are very clever and need no further suggestions. It is interesting that despite I do not have a mathematical mind I love keeping my wardrobe records. Things become much more clear when I see the figures "black on white" - especially mistakes! karen13 on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796545 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 05:39:12 +0000 karen13 1796545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So interesting! I love data ( financial analyst in past life and I do find "you get what you measure"). I might have to check out that App. It feels like I've bought a lot in the past year, as a big weight loss after 20+ years of being +\- 5 lbs made me need new everything for 4 seasons. But it would be very interesting to see what I actually use and wear. Thanks so much for posting this! Dianna on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796538 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:48:36 +0000 Dianna 1796538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I loved your post, specially since currently I am struggling trying to figure out a strategy to refresh my wardrobe.  I gained weight a few years ago.  I have lost most of that weight now, and I am still in that process.  During this time, my style has evolved, my body shape has changed, and I have moved to another city with a different climate/dress code (I used to live at a beach town with a very casual dress code).  My wardrobe needs a makeover, but I cannot go and buy a whole new one since I am still losing weight.  Thanks to your post, now I have an idea about how and where to start. rachylou on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796531 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:17:51 +0000 rachylou 1796531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That was some ruthless culling of the blouses! Lol. It interests me, your blouse numbers. I see you have quite a few sweaters. I rarely wear blouses and am always wearing a sweater. BUT I have a lot of blouses. I wonder now how few I could get away with... and if it would give me enough room for my coats. Right now my coats are on a clothes rack out in the open. Very functional for my way of being, but very very ugly... Sal on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796530 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:16:29 +0000 Sal 1796530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you have a great system and it is based on actual data so better than mine!!  If you know what you like and what you wear then it is very realistic. Here are my observations: <ul> <li>I agree sweaters and tees wear out by far the fastest.  My jackets, dressesand skirts I think last abut five years, footwear varies from 1- forever depending on the item, scarves never wear out for me but they are something I do tire of more than other items.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I do wear out pants/jeans sometimes in two years but I have a fairly small quantity - I tend to not have a huge variety of styles (10-12 jeans and pants combined).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>You have a lot of jackets compared to shirts/blouses.  Do you wear them over tees/sweaters too.  I probably have three tops to every jacket mostly because of cost - jackets are often my priciest purchase.</li> </ul> Thanks for sharing!! Anonymous on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796518 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:24:43 +0000 Anonymous 1796518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not boring at all. What you have done makes lots of sense. I would need to separate by season because my wardrobe can get lop-sided quickly. I suspect that I am high on hot weather items and low on cold weather pieces. I also like your idea of assigning an optimal number and replacement number. Like Suz, I had to replace my whole wardrobe because of weight loss and am finding that those items are needing replacement at the same time. I must figure out a way to deal with this. Thank you for sharing your wardrobe management ideas. Jenni NZ on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796511 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 02:59:24 +0000 Jenni NZ 1796511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi there Anchie and all, this kind of post is much appreciated by me! I have kept a record of what was bought and what it cost since 2011. I don't exactly know why I was doing it at first. Maybe because I'm a control freak and had sensed that my shopping was getting out of control and that that was connected to some psychological issues at the time. I was also using up some money that my Dad had left me when he died in 2010, so interested to see how long that money might last! So my purchases each year, not counting underwear, camis, PJs and jewellery, therefore essentially clothes, shoes, bags including hats, gloves and scarves, are as follows: 2011 19 items 2012 27 items 2013 39 items 2014 27 items 2015 34 items 2016 29 items 2017 6 items so far. Average items per year 2011-2016 was just over 29 per year. Might submit this then think more. Having trouble yesterday with my phone losing typed material when I was checking stuff further up the post, which is upsetting! Penny on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796497 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 01:15:10 +0000 Penny 1796497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love these kinds of posts, too, and they inspired me to come up with my own numbers, which have helped me focus on buying and maintaining a wardrobe for my actual life, not a fantasy life. ☺ This seems like a great approach based on your needs and space, and I very much like the allocation for new items and refreshes. With respect to the point raised above, I think it could be helpful to sub-categorize by item use or type, especially if that will help you assess what new items to add to fill any wardrobe holes. Keep us posted! Anonymous on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796480 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 22:39:19 +0000 Anonymous 1796480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I counted my purchases in 2016:  thirty-nine. That seemed to suit me just fine so I assume that is somewhat normal for me (having never thought to count in the past).   I wanted to say something about blazers versus sweaters.  There was a time when I would have wholeheartedly embraced Celia's comment about blazers being the better purchase in comparison to sweaters.  Her comment makes perfect sense.  But at some point in my own life I just got tired of wearing blazers.  Too formal?  Too something.   I'm not sure of the exact reason, but I wear them less than five times a year now.  A few didn't even see the light of day during 2016-2017.  I still keep them, but my sweaters get the real wear.  So even if the logic makes sense, the heart might want something else.   Suz on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796469 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 22:17:03 +0000 Suz 1796469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you so much for doing this, Anchie. Our wardrobes are of a similar size, although I'm not sure the breakdown is the same -- I'm going to take a look later on. I really like your idea of a "target" number and also the addition of how many to purchase for refreshing. That could be really helpful to me. I tend to just refresh as I see things worn out, or perhaps I will refresh on the basis of silhouette -- which is fine, but left unchecked could allow me to buy willy nilly, which I don't actually want to do. I'm going to come back to this post to consider it in more detail as compared to my own closet numbers.  One difference I might discover -- because I was forced to buy a new wardrobe all at once (more or less) after weight loss, I am discovering that I have to do major seasonal refreshers of all items almost at the same time! Jackets are a bit of an exception since they last longer. But sweaters, tees, shirts, blouses (esp. the summer ones) -- these all seem to need replacement at an awfully fast clip and since I bought most of them at once, and have them all in regular rotation, they wear out or get tired around the same time.  anchie on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796465 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 21:56:39 +0000 anchie 1796465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, my current and target numbers are close because it is after the wardrobe purge today. Before the purge they were much more different. But my current numbers are now representing the things that I was actually wearing the most last 3 years. And they were also basis for my target number in the categories in which I am feeling I have enough. There are some categories in which I would like to have more of, like dresses and shirts. It will take me couple of years to reach the target number in those categories , but that is ok. unfrumped - you are mentioning some important aspects that I am also concerned about, like unnecessary churn and difficulty to refresh something that is not worn out. Unfortunately for me, this is not an exact science and I know that I have to stay flexible. Another issue is that my weight is not very stable, I changed sizes and complete wardrobes 2 times in the last 10 years. Almost nothing that still fits me is older then 5 years. I just hope that this trend doesn't continue:) unfrumped on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796455 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 20:44:14 +0000 unfrumped 1796455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very fun post! This is just the sirt of thing- targets and estimates- that would help me too. I've bedn heading in this direction but not nearly as focused as you. The actual numbers are what I should start with and have avoided! Because I know when there are too many in a category, I can't wear them all. I do think subdivisions help for seasonal wardrobes. " Sweaters" for me needs to address whether cotton( or similar blends), merino, cashmere etc because they may have temperature limits. I trying to pare down more and it's hard because I'm getting down to where I like most of what's left. Or things just are not wearing out! That does not give me much room to " refresh" unless I'm willing to give something up. You might want to consider a range of optimal . A smaller number gives you more room to change styles ( or size and fit!) more often. What I want yo avoid is a lot of churn that's unintended- buying too much & then having to say, well I like this item a lot but LESS than the new one so I'll toss it out. There's s fine line between upgrading and just " looking too much" because of course there may always be something "better". Anonymous on "Wardrobe numbers" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-numbers-2#post-1796445 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 19:28:30 +0000 Anonymous 1796445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am NEVER bored with these types of posts.  I am always fascinated by the methodology and the analysis.  I really like your system.   My first thought is you live in a very different climate than I do.   I really like the idea of a target number.  It makes so much sense to have a target in mind based on need.  You were obviously successful in teasing that information out.   The second number is brilliant because it shows you how close to your target you are.  Do you think it is significant that for some categories your target/actual numbers are so close?  Is it possible that those categories are the ones that are most important in your wardrobe and need special consideration?   It was the third number that intrigued me.  It never occurred to me to think about how often I should refresh a category.