YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe Planning

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe Planning https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:31:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php notsaf on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1/page/2#post-2210332 Sat, 17 Jul 2021 01:42:14 +0000 notsaf 2210332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Synne said, and not having more at any one time than can fit comfortably in my closet with a bit of space between the hangers Sloper on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1/page/2#post-2210279 Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:28:04 +0000 Sloper 2210279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As always, it's so interesting to read about everyone's thoughts and processes! I think I do what Mary Beth says: Now I plan my wardrobe as a whole. When I do that, the outfits seem to sort themselves. Meaning that I think about colors and shapes and add things that "go" with other things I own.  Over time this evolves as fashion silhouettes evolve, though I don't think I go too far out on any style limbs. Gaylene on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1/page/2#post-2210271 Fri, 16 Jul 2021 19:49:17 +0000 Gaylene 2210271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thread. Just reinforces my thinking that wardrobe systems are as diverse as the women who wear the clothes! After being on YLF site for decade (and succumbing to all the traps which can envelope an enthusiastic newcomer to the site!), I finally realized that I’m happiest with a small wardrobe. That insight came after I discovered three “tricks” which I learned from Angie and other YLFers which really worked for sorting out my attitude towards my wardrobe vs.fashion: (1) Making a list of a) what elements/styles/shapes I like to wear, b) what I don’t like, and c) what intrigues me. That tattered list is still in my closet because it helps me sort through cyclical fashion trends and enthusiasms. The list has become MY personal style guide since “what intrigues me” gets regularly tweaked, but my likes and dislikes have remained fairly constant over the years. I think the specifics of the list work better for me than a fashion moniker. The “likes” part of the list also pretty much defines my “essentials” since it’s easy to distill what I need to have in my closet to put these looks together.  (2) Thinking along the “French 5 (or 6 or 10 or whatever number works for a person)” when I add to my wardrobe. Forcing myself to assess if I’m willing to “sacrifice” a number for an item has really helped me become a more careful shopper. I spend less because I ignore sales, bargains, and “deals”. Instead, I look for how well an item fits into my wardrobe based on what intrigues me at this moment—but always with my personal style likes and dislikes in the back of my mind. <div> </div><div>(3) Maintaining a “one in, one out” philosophy. I have a limited amount of closet space so I’m constantly thinking of what will need to be eliminated if something new is added. Ideally the eliminated piece will be worn out, but, if it’s not, I’m forcing myself these days to consider how the item can be re-purposed without adding to the mountains of clothing deposited at our local thrift shop. I’ve had good success with consignment and handing down my pricier items to younger family members, but sometimes I’ve been left with having to re-assess my thinking about an item. That’s how I ended up with an almost new, buttery yellow, $$$ cashmere hoodie as loungewear last year. The color was a bad lapse in judgement (I adore the shade but it doesn’t return my love when placed next to my face). Demoted to loungewear, the sweater has become my favourite item to wear around the house. And who knew how useful cashmere could be when forced to wait around a chilly ER at midnight—it kept my poor friend warm and cosy while waiting for the orthopedic surgeon and the paramedics entranced by its softness whenever they came by to check on her! Those three “tricks” work as my planning tools because they help me control what goes into my closet. I still make mistakes (cashmere hoodie!) but overall I’m pretty happy with the current size and functionality of my wardrobe. </div> Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1/page/2#post-2210230 Fri, 16 Jul 2021 17:33:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2210230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MB, when I started at YLF and heard about those kind of systems, I was stunned. Way more energy than I want to put into it. “Buy and hold” works for me: With the exception of a few years in the 201xs, my size has been pretty much constant since my age hit double digits. Emotionally, I like what I like, and that hasn’t changed a ton either. I buy things with a use in mind, and don’t get gorgeous things just because I really like them. I’ve stepped away from buying whole outfits like Barbie and Skipper, but I generally have in mind what i want to wear a new item with when I get it. I’ve learned the old “wear it with jeans” copout for tops doesn’t work for me—i rarely wear jeans! As I’ve learned new strategies and outfit formulae, I’ve applied them to the wardrobe I already own. If I think an x would be just perfect, I go look through what I have, and often find a thing that works. I enjoy posting on YLF because I hope people will tell me not just what works, but also what looks like I’ve just stepped out of a time machine without pausing to even comb my hair. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1/page/2#post-2210177 Fri, 16 Jul 2021 14:55:19 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2210177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For nearly a decade - up until the pandemic -  I spent a huge amount of time assessing, planning, maintaining an inventory spreadsheet, tracking and rating outfits, and agonizing over having "the right" personal style.  I don't think it was time wasted, exactly.   I do feel I could have put at least some of that time to better use. 2020 really turned around a lot of my thinking.  The main thing being, I'm keeping things simple.   I don't want to think too hard about what I'm wearing.  Now I plan my wardrobe as a whole.   When I do that, the outfits seem to sort themselves.  My favorite tools are <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/MaryBethMorrisonATL/_saved/">my Pinterest boards</a>, Alyssa Beltempo <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8ssMY0rZQtCgWVwQNpmUA">for outfit planning ideas</a> and Christie Ressel <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjgXeqXsI2mydOJDNiP8VmiYQ73h01xRZ">for wardrobe capsule/planning ideas.</a> Anonymous on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1/page/2#post-2209724 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:50:44 +0000 Anonymous 2209724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I plan around what I have and try for columns of neutral color.  Then it is easy to add interesting pieces to the column.  I stick to mostly warm colors.  This site has helped me define what I like and what I don’t, especially helpful in types of prints and silhouettes. Jonesy on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209557 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 21:33:26 +0000 Jonesy 2209557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shevia speaks my language :)! I sort of plan my wardrobe and outfits (e.g., plugging major holes I identify, thinking about my various roles and wardrobe needs, paying attention to my dominant season, etc.), but sort of don't (e.g., I browse TheRealReal online all of the time and buy whatever strikes my fancy). Excel sheets, lists, and CPWs aren't really my bag, nor do I think explicitly in terms of essentials vs. statements. It's funny because I am extremely planful and organized in other areas of my life, but I think it boils down to clothes and style being primarily a creative, artistic outlet for me (I love Shevia's collaging analogy!). Too much planning/tracking sucks the joy out of it for me. Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209441 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:12:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2209441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ “ My wardrobe is organised. My house is often not…….And my work desk is the opposite of instagrammable.” Lol—same! I once had a roommate tell me that if I could stand having my closets a little messy, our living space would be so much neater, because I tend not to put things away unless I can do it just right. She’s the same one I once accused of not returning a blouse she’d borrowed, because she hung it in the wrong space. Suz on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209438 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:07:49 +0000 Suz 2209438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use a combination of the ideas already mentioned.  First, I ensure I've got the basics (underwear/ socks/ PJs.) covered. I stock up on these once a year at sales. Ditto for gear (if needed).  Next, I know what my essentials are and ensure I've got items in those categories that still fit/ are in good shape. For me, essentials include jeans, tops for various weather conditions in my key neutrals (navy, grey, white), silver/ grey/ white footwear, etc. I keep a running visual list in Finds. Coats for various weather conditions are also essentials in my climate.  (Note -- as others have suggested, it helps to narrow down your colour palette. It also helps to identify your key activities, as Suntiger suggested).  Once I've dealt with basics and essentials, I try to figure out if I've been feeling any gaps. Are there laundry bottle necks? Am I not wearing something because I'm missing the supporting act? Do I want to purchase those items or simply get rid of the orphaned item instead? Am I bored with my silhouettes or happy with them?  Also, I ask myself if there are new trends or combinations I want to try. I don't follow a strict French wardrobe 5 item system but I do try to include a wildcard or a new-to-me style or type of item each season and I aim to refresh/ update at least one statement item a season.  Sal on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209435 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 05:53:20 +0000 Sal 2209435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe is organised. My house is often not…….And my work desk is the opposite of instagrammable. Anonymous on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209425 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 04:37:01 +0000 Anonymous 2209425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh it absolutely is . I’m aware bj1111 on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209424 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 03:17:09 +0000 bj1111 2209424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @lisa p, my life coach says guilt is an unproductive emotion...i'm trying to believe her. Anonymous on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209417 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:57:53 +0000 Anonymous 2209417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Me too bj1111. Very inspirational . Also guilt - inducing Jaime on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209411 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:42:59 +0000 Jaime 2209411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well fascinating! Apart from refreshing my basics (bras, underwear, socks, camis) I really don't have any needs just wants (many or few depending on mood). I like to play with what I find . Kind of like a collage made out of recycled materials. bj1111 on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209408 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:14:39 +0000 bj1111 2209408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love reading everyone’s approaches. Instructive even if I not something I can adopt. Sal on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209391 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 23:03:29 +0000 Sal 2209391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have developed a rough list of core items for me. Most are essentials but not all- eg floral summer dress is key for me but more of a statement. I would say 2/3 of my wardrobe falls into this list. Some areas are overstocked - eg summer skirts - and others are at the minimal level. If my current black boots wear out I don’t have any others. I have quantities that I want in each. So I like to have 2 pairs of straight blue jeans ( I currently have three). I am happy with three - they are all different. But I don’t need more for my life and needs. On top of replacing these I add in other pieces on more of a planned whim. Some are planned eg I wanted a blouse in a light colour - others are impulse buys eg two party dresses. I do review capsules as well - last year I added more to my smart work capsule, this year has been about exercise gear. The system is not foolproof though as I discovered during a prolonged cool snap that my work winter wardrobe was skimpy. The last two winters have been mild. So I added two new cold weather pieces- a sweater dress and some cords to stop the monotony of jeans every day!! chewyspaghetti on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209385 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 22:48:52 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2209385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow suntiger! Anonymous on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209376 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 22:16:55 +0000 Anonymous 2209376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Part 2: capsules and other fun stuff :) What do I have for Each activity, weather condition, silouette? Finds is a helpful tool! What is my color scheme for each? See my little elemental fitness capsules... What is currently trending that I may enjoy? Do I have pieces that would work with those trends now? Are the trends appropriate for my climate/activities? Low PUPY=nope, or try 1 on the cheap. Do I have wardrobe orphans? Why (low PUPY, passed on something it went with, magpie impulse buy)? Do I want to invest more to make them work? Do retail reconossance. What's available, what looks interesting? Try on a metric c-ton of pieces if B&M. It's not necessarily buying- it's information gathering. Are my usual retail solutions viable (still open, fit current shape, have colors that work in my palette)? Keep planning with the new information. Buy some things...return some....repeat! Anonymous on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209372 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 22:03:28 +0000 Anonymous 2209372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok -textbook time :) Part 1: practical considerations To start I keep an inventory of what I have on lists and Finds. Check fit and condition to see if any wardrobe basics/essentials need repair/replacements. What are my life activities now- this frequently changes- and upcoming events? In what weather do I do those life activities (ex- I use workwear from 0-100 degrees but only bike over 55). Are there chronic fit/wardrobe challenges or wardrobe holes related to weather or otherwise. Hello transitional shoes :/ For identified needs what is the PUPY value (potential uses per year) And what is my historic amount of use? For me weekend transitional weather clothes are needed least, summer workwear are needed most. Low PUPY = low budget for me. Am I over or under-represented in some category? Example - I have 20 sleeveless tops I could wear to work (or weekend). It's a high PUPY category at 156 (26 weeks x 6 days a week)- but with 20 at equal use 7.8 wears. And that's assuming I don't use my sleeveless dresses, which I do. So- no more for me! slim cat on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209309 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:32:52 +0000 slim cat 2209309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't exactly plan wardrobe but like already mentioned stick to tight color palettes, go for separates ( mix and match ), limit wild cards for the ones truly fun pieces.  Checking last year needs/wants helps too - my need for midi skirts ( 2 bought last summer - workhorses ) resulted in 3 new ones this year ( 2 simple ones - black, navy with polka dots and one special - black brush strokes over white, handkerchief hem ). I like to shop end of season or at least middle of the season. NAS is less interesting for me because of long summers in CA ( or maybe I just love summer shopping in general ). cat2 on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209303 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:59:34 +0000 cat2 2209303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FI, I started the piece counts when I took over my husband’s work closet, which is casual. I figured out that if we started the season with a dozen things in each category, and the usual number of things wore out, he would still be able to get dressed at the end of the season. So if heading into Fall he has a dozen jeans, long sleeve shirts and sweaters waiting for him, he is pretty much set. For work I do similar numbers: a dozen tops, toppers, and pants are usually enough. I add a total of 6 skirts or dresses for variety. I also add one piece of outerwear for each of us each winter, and make sure we have scarves, gloves, etc. , and always have shoes and belts in our core colors. When I add something new I try to make it visually distinguishable from what we already have, so it feels like we have enough variety. Irina on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209301 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:51:49 +0000 Irina 2209301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa P, absolutely. I started to plan my wardrobe maybe 5 years ago. I fall in love with some random clothes once in a while but not like before. I remember buying a bright red short puffer I adored and could only wear with jeans. At the time I wore jeans on weekends only. And this was my choice of the only one short puffer for my wardrobe JAileen on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209298 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:39:38 +0000 JAileen 2209298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For several years, after a trip, I only bought grey or blue.  On the trip I was pleased with how well my things worked together.  Since then, I added olive and pale pink.  But it really made things easy.   <div> </div><div> </div><div> </div> rachylou on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209294 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:31:25 +0000 rachylou 2209294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Silhouettes and formulas by capsule… i do it like the old toy, Fashion Plates - I just colour in the template! Anonymous on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209292 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:20:52 +0000 Anonymous 2209292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Irina - I like the sounds of your system . I’d like to be less emotional as shopper and be more pragmatic . But I wonder : at this age , can one change their behaviours / habits ? Irina on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209289 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:08:50 +0000 Irina 2209289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’d like to add that I buy only the pieces that would work with the rest of my wardrobe - in my colors and style with a very few “wild cards”. Like cat2, I prefer to shop end of season sales for all my clothes. Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209283 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:55:35 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2209283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I'm sitting on the fence listening, because my system is so different from the common one. I do shop for current needs/to fill in gaps, but because I hang onto so much, I'm likely to be able to fill a lot of needs from my wardrobe; the gaps are few and far between. </div><div>I think the devil in the details is figuring out what the numbers should be--knowing number of pieces per category isn't much good without that. </div><div>I've been looking forward to going back and getting my midi-length wool winter skirts pretty much ever since we got here, recently found out they'd all been stolen. I haven't figured out yet how many of them I will replace. </div><div>Toban, you never buy outfits? </div> cat2 on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209281 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:46:28 +0000 cat2 2209281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do piece counts before shopping for a season. Then I can see where I am well-stocked and where I have gaps. I make Buy and No Buy lists based on that mix. Last Fall I was low on jeans, the prior year I was low on sweaters, this year I somehow had no long sleeve Ts, etc. Then I only buy pieces in a palette of colors that I love. I shop end of season sales for as much as I can, then fill in a few items at full price if I have to. Toban on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209270 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:07:57 +0000 Toban 2209270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe is small to moderate in size with a fairly tight color palette. So new pieces generally need to mix and match well within existing wardrobe. I try to do a seasonal refresh that somewhat resembles the “5-piece French wardrobe” … that is, a small number of new pieces (across categories, like a dress, shoes, topper, scarf, and top) that adds a freshness to my existing wardrobe. I also replace my essentials as necessary. I also pay attention to what I am currently gravitating to when I get dressed and what laundry bottlenecks are. For instance, I just added another pair of lightweight joggers from Athleta in navy because I am fostering kittens and spending a lot of time on floor. I found I was always wanting my olive print joggers that were in the wash so felt it was an item I could duplicate in a second color for max wardrobe versatility. My “duplicates” are generally rare, max two in a specific category/silhouette, and always in a different color. I hang 99% of my clothes and do laundry 3 times per week (mostly because of running clothes) so laundry bottlenecks are rare. I tend to wear new pieces in heavy rotation. If I don’t have an immediate plan to wear an item, I don’t purchase it. I also focus on my real lifestyle (which stops me from buying the fancier dresses I would love because I have no occasion for them.) Some items I’m specifically looking for and, occasionally, I spot something that wasn’t on my wish list but that I intuitively know will be a fresh workhorse in my wardrobe. I also buy for “now” (or ahead by a couple of weeks) and never buy end of season items unless I’ll get immediate use. I generally ignore NAS because I don’t bring in fall clothing til October/November. It’s too far out for my mental space. I’ve adapted a bit to shop slightly early because of online shopping but not that early. I also listen to my intuition. I kept going back to the same floral olive Athleta pants on the web for weeks. Because I kept thinking of them I did eventually buy them when shopping in person. I was slightly worried that I didn’t have the tops to go with it, but they’ve been quite versatile. I never buy something that will need me to make additional purchases to make work. Irina on "Wardrobe Planning" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning-1#post-2209265 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 12:32:04 +0000 Irina 2209265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m working through my winter lists and can share my process with you. For the next winter I have: 1. List of essentials - things  that I actually need. This comes from my experience in the previous winter seasons and my clothes edit in the last spring. This is a priority list. 2. Wardrobe winter goal - mine is adding lighter colors. I have a list of items I would like to add in lighter colors. 3. Wish list - loosely defined statement pieces. I will consider it if I come across it but are not going to spend much time chasing it. Here are lists for each category. I might add something in the fall but this is it for now. Essentials: Black, knee length puffer  Winter high tops Converse  Jeans in dark colors  Thick wool pants in dark colors  Black mid size crossbody bag Goals: Light color sweaters - bought already  Beige hat and scarf  Wish list: Festive sweater  Cream faux fir coat Below the knee wool cardigan  <div>I’m waiting for NAS to hopefully find some essentials. If not, it will have to wait until fall when winter inventory starts getting to stores.</div>