YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe size?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe size? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:41:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php tanstaafl on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869418 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 13:57:25 +0000 tanstaafl 1869418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am new to this site, and have been using the finds functionality to track what is in my wardrobe.  I'm entering things as I wear them, so I don't have it all in yet.  I'm curious to see how many items I do have. I prefer to have fewer things, as long as I am wearing them.  I hate looking at those poor closet orphans and thinking about how I wasted my money on them.  Sisi on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869388 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 11:00:36 +0000 Sisi 1869388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I decided to reduce my wardrobe when I realized that it made me feel overwhelmed. Heaps of laundry to do, tons of clothes and shoes scattered around the house ... I started to suspect that I had too much. One day I did an experiment, took out a small bunch of clothes and decided to live out of that small bunch for the next month. It was a light-bulb. I realized that I was much happier with less choices. Coincidentally after a while I stumbled upon Project 333 (thanks to YLF). Now my total number of clothes and shoes is around 80. I would like to reduce even more. binkle on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869337 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 04:22:34 +0000 binkle 1869337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry about my late response. Using tracking to getting rid of the non-wears: Tracking clarifies what I wear, and surely makes me feel guilty about buying too much. But, it is very easy for me to talk myself into keeping something, even if I don't wear it that often, especially if it has "that certain something extra.". So I could be a lot better with culling. I do get a ruthless streak every once in a while, which helps to finally expel unused things. Usually that springs from guilt and self disgust when I bring home something and can't find room for it, and remember all the other unworn stuff. Then I'll buckle down for a while and avoid not only active shopping, but casual browsing, especially online. Tracking to avoid buying non-wearables: FAIL. I guess life experience has probably more affected my decisions to not buy things that haven't worked in the past. When a silhouette works, I stick with it. For example, wide leg pants are my jam. And I just can't deal with dress poplin shirts for various fit reasons - haven't bought one for work in ten years. ladypainter on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869336 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 04:12:29 +0000 ladypainter 1869336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  Scandinavia/Germany/northern EU have excellent outdoor wear brands, so if your current sets are worn-out/don't fit, I'd cull now and replace there, instead of buying before you go. Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869312 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 02:24:39 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lady painter, thanks! Air cargo is what we did last time we moved back. Why hasn’t it ever occurred to me to save weight on the luggage? I’ll have to look into those duffel bags. Do you have any other tips? ladypainter on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869287 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 01:14:12 +0000 ladypainter 1869287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For an international move, I'd recommend a Patagonia "Black Hole" duffel bag--maximum volume, minimum weight. I think North Face makes a similar model.  If you'll be moving from the US to Germany, check with Graebel International or DHL about air freight shipments for small household items and clothing. You might get a better deal than paying airline overweight fees. I always found clothing purges for international moves to be both traumatic and freeing--a way to explore new personae, if you will Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869263 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 23:52:05 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you! I never have related to the things I hear are common for women to think about their bodies. I mean, I don’t like being this way—it doesn’t feel good. When I was heavier, going to water parks was hard because I could hardly climb all the steps, and I didn’t recognize myself if I caught a glimpse of a mirror. But disliking the state I’m in has nothing to do with myself, and certainly won’t make me dislike me. But I appreciate you making that point. Thanks for caring! Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869262 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 23:47:11 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1869262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I'm not saying you have to dump anything!   You do what's right for you!   What I am saying is... celebrate the you that you are right now :)   And if you ever feel like you're somehow 'failing' because you don't fit some items, consider letting those items go.   There will always be more fabulous things waiting for you. Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869261 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 23:42:54 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LBD, I was pleased with the progress I’ve made—but then I backslid. Sometimes I think the move should be an absolute cutoff and anything that doesn’t fit gets dumped. But I know that my life there will be much healthier than here. I’ll be outside walking, biking &/or taking public transit daily. I doubt I’ll hate my life like i do here, so the depression will finally lift. Both of those things are likely to take weight off. I usually get more lean when I spend more than a few months in Germany. It would be a shame to dump the clothes I’m looking forward to just before they were going to fit. Violett, funny you mention the 30-day challenge. I just tried to do one, got to 40 days and still hadn’t worn 30 items, even counting shoes and outerwear. That probably is something I should pay attention to. Violettt on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869260 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 23:42:23 +0000 Violettt 1869260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi!  Being that I've always been a total clothes horse from about age 6, I love clothes.  My wardrobe is a huge closet on one whole side of one wall in our bedroom (about 18 ft long) with sliding doors and it is filled.  I've been on a quest, to pair down what I actually wear now that I'm retired, but it is exhausting.  Do you ladies notice your boobs getting bigger as you age? lol?  Some of my tops no longer fit, !   I don't believe a wardrobe size has anything to do with numbers, rather what you like to wear! Some women may wear 30 items a week, other women may wear 200 items in one given week.  It's an individual choice.  Now, when I travel, I take one huge suitcase and pack my current favorites.  We all have those.  But my favorites now, are not my favorites last July, and probably won't be my favorites in March of 2018.  We evolve each month, each season, each year of our lives. Our styles/tastes may change even from one month to the next, I notice.  Just unpacked a box of handbags today that I put away last winter, and half of them are going to the Goodwill tomorrow, not my style anymore, not what thrills me today.  Same with clothes.  I feel you need to assess weekly, also if I buy something new, I'm making an effort to discard one thing in the same category. I know there's this minimalism/capsule wardrobe trend going around the internet, but as a fashion lover/clothes horse, I could never live on 30 items, ridiculous~But personally, this new year, I am going to be really downsizing, as I switch up my style, according to my lifestyle these days, and what I actually DO in my life.  Yes, I have loved vintage fur jackets, but here in CA, do I need them? NO.  I adore boots, but do I ever wear them? NO.  I like slip on slip off shoes~  I am learning to buy things I will wear and USE in the climate I live in, and for my lifestyle, not just because something is gorgeously beautiful~ I do find gorgeously beautiful things I will use! Chanel flats? Oui~ Chanel pumps?  Lovely, but I won't wear them these days in retirement.  Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869249 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 23:20:41 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1869249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know, I spent a long time in search of a magic number - because I feel like it's something I should be able to control.   There are a lot of things in this world I have no control over, and I always feel like, my closet should be something I DO have control over. I think that's where that need for numbers occurs, for so many of us.   To have control in our lives. My setpoint for feeling satisfied and that I have enough creative options,  seems to hover at the 110-120 count, not including dancewear, very formal dresses, costumes or any loungewear I wouldn't willingly wear out of the house.   That's down from something like 300+ "everyday" and "festive" items, 3-4 years ago. Something that felt very good this year, was that I finally bit the bullet, and said goodbye to a number of "close to fitting" clothing items that I haven't worn in two years.  I also purged several pairs of high heels that my feet just don't tolerate well anymore.   Regardless of my fitness goals, or tracking what I eat, via the Lose It! app, I realized it was time to celebrate where I am at right now, instead of feeling like what I have done isn't enough.   Having those items underlined the 'not enough'.   Saying goodbye to them was very liberating. I mention this, because you've talked repeatedly about your fitness goals.   I would love to know that you're thrilled with what you have already accomplished! @Sterling said something earlier this year that was a real aha! moment for me - about being realistic about her climate needs.   I spend maybe 10 winter days in Ontario two out of every three years.   I've worked to put together a small capsule to reflect that need.   But mostly, I migrate between Atlanta and central Florida.   Nine months of my year is above 70 degrees F.  I've come to understand that my best successes are when I shop for seasonless items, with a very hot weather capsule to cover about two months.   I don't need any more toppers.   I do need shorts that aren't too long, that look casual smart, and that are breathable natural fibers, such as linen or cotton blends. I think the thing I look at now - rather than numbers - is to try and have everything in my closet be something I LOVE and cannot wait to wear AND be able to be worn in combination with most of the other things in my closet. Anyway, thems my two cents.   I hope this is helpful :) @Rachylou :   "I like clothes. I’d rather have a new sweater than go out to dinner, which is a conundrum - because where will I wear my new sweater? lol"    I laughed out loud when I read that, because that is sooooo me! rachylou on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869235 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 23:00:45 +0000 rachylou 1869235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aside: Ha. You know what? If I were moving next June, I’d already be living out of boxes. Hahaha! I am all packed up before I even start looking for a place. Things move too fast for me when they happen. ‘In house holding zone.’ Hahahaha! I always wonder what my dog thinks. ...our first move, she started counting boxes. I know this because she started waiting for the third box to come out and down the stairs and put on the dolly before she’d come out for the walk to the car... lololol! Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869190 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 20:00:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, thank you! Stagiaire Fash on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869188 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:58:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many great answers, thank you, everyone! Donna F, interesting point about drapey vs structured. I like to wear them together--too much structure reveals too many bumps, but all drapey makes me feel like I'm hiding in a tent. But I will think about whether I have similar kinds of divides in how I wear things. Anne, you and I have commented before on some similarities in our approaches. Like you, I don't mind repeating outfits, and I'd rather keep items at the end of my weight range than buy more each time I go up or down. But the natural set point of your wardrobe is apparently much lower than mine. Hmm. Emily K, thank you for pointing me to your finds and capsules! Your description of very specific activities points out the problem I'm facing--I want to be ready to move back to a country I've lived in before, maybe to a city I've lived in, maybe to an entirely different region. I know generally how to dress for the weather there, and have a general idea what my life is like, but can't predict such specifics as going out to eat in a nice restaurant once a week. In that way, deciding about my wardrobe is much more difficult than deciding, say, what kitchen items to take. Rachylou, as long as we aren't talking about huge, bulky sweaters, I can pack 50 things in a large suitcase. The last time we did this, I paid $1000 in luggage overages to take a bunch of rubbermaid-type totes and about the same to have a pallet shipped back. I don't know what we'll be doing yet--it depends in part on how many things I decide to take. I'd love to do the holding zone thing you describe--I think that's the best way to do any move--but across the ocean is too far to trek for a shirt or a frying pan. I am so with you on the style statements! I'm starting to realize that I like contrast--some structure combined with something floaty or drapey; a soft thing toughened up by something RATE. etc. That only increases the amount of things that "work" for me. It is a little easier now than it used to be, because fewer things look good on me now. Staysfit, great point about things were I "feel an obligation to wear them, because I have them already, they are nice, they look great, but I could easily cut them from my wardrobe and never miss them" There are some things that don't meet Caro's 9 out of 10 requirement even among the things that are too small for me. I keep the small sizes around to encourage myself to lose the weight, but these pieces obviously don't do that job. That's probably the best place to start. Katherine, yes, yes, yes! I find it " difficult for me to part with the pieces which have passed their prime and it takes discipline for me to keep my wardrobe size manageable". It is very hard to distinguish between those things and Approprio's "recycled fashion from previous eras, so I typically have quite a few vintage classics alongside the newer stuff. I tend to hang onto things if they're really good even if I'm not wearing them this year." <div> <div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/member/lapedestrienne/"></a> </div> <div> </div></div><div> </div> La Pedestrienne, your story about the hiking and falling in love and the move cross-country still strikes me as so romantic, in the best sense. The only part I can relate to, unfortunately, is having someone else do the packing and moving, so it's easier to just have everything tossed in the truck. Doing all this culling and sorting (I've taken over half of a neighbor's garage with some things that aren't clothing) is a drag, but I'm really looking forward to the nearly-clean slate, with only things we have affirmatively chosen on it. I expect to be doing a lot of repairs and DIY where we live, so your point about needing things that aren't "outfit" components is important. Cindysmith, we are going through almost opposite things. I line-dry nearly everything too (DS likes his towels dried in the dryer, and if I wash more than one set of sheets, I put them in it too). Actually I don't have a line--I've just learned from Sal that I have a clothes-horse. (I call it a drying rack). Suz's starting point sounds similar, but more extreme than the storage space available in a trailer. Even though I want to be rid of the excess, I don't find the idea of leaving everything behind appealing at all. I'd rather buy furniture and build household DIYs than spend money on clothes. Jenn and Meredith, I'm not sure if you built up or down to your wardrobe sizes, but you both seem to be really comfortable with your wardrobe, which is the place I hope to land.  Gigi, even though I expect to build a closet myself, I don't want it to take up that much of my living space, so storage space will certainly be a constraint. Right now I have a walk-in closet with cascading hangers. So far my feeling about them is different from what you suggest; I've always used them as part of my organization system, as far back as college, when I accused my roommate for days of not having returned a shirt she'd borrowed, until she pointed out that it had been in my closet all along--on the wrong hanger.  If I were clever, I'd use them like Jane's hangers, as a way to enforce 1-in, 1-out. Maybe that's a place to start--just eliminate one multi-hanger. That would require a different categorizing system (unless I remove everything in one category), which would force me to look at everything carefully. You all have given me much to think about, some reassurance that I'm on the right path, and a couple action items--take away 1 of each type of multi hanger (pants, shirts, skirts) worth of things that don't wow me. I don't know exactly how many things I have now, but it's over 300, across a range of sizes. What prompted my initial post was realizing that the items I'm looking forward to after losing the weight are a lot more than I'd expected. I thought it would be around 100, but last night I counted 100 skirts, dresses, pants, and hanging shirts. Some of that culling can only take place once I'm that size, but there are others I can remove right now. I really appreciate all the comments about natural set points for wardrobe sizes, and the examples that what feels right varies from person to person. Angie on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size/page/2#post-1869186 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:54:45 +0000 Angie 1869186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashiontern, I wish I could suggest a magic number to you - but alas, there is no such thing. People have different wardrobe needs and wants, which is reflected in its size.  You might find these posts helpful: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2017/04/11/the-successful-closet-edit/">https://youlookfab.com/2017/04.....oset-edit/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/03/05/variables-that-affect-the-size-of-your-wardrobe/">https://youlookfab.com/2015/03.....-wardrobe/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/03/10/maintaining-an-optimally-sized-wardrobe/">https://youlookfab.com/2015/03.....-wardrobe/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2012/09/27/closet-goals-versus-wardrobe-goals/">https://youlookfab.com/2012/09.....obe-goals/</a> Also, if you do move to Germany, you will need a commuting wardrobe that goes the distance across four seasons, which I suspect you are well aware of. Autumn and Winter weather will become your dominant seasons. Spring can feel like Winter.  Jenn on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869136 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 17:39:45 +0000 Jenn 1869136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As SarahD8 astutely pointed out, it depends what you count, doesn't it?  If I count everything in my tracking software (which would be everything I put on my body except pajamas, underwear, socks, and a few jewelry pieces), I have 151 items. Take out my tracked jewelry (which I usually do), and that brings the number down to 140 items.  Now, remove gear from that, and you come down to 119 items. Remove bags from that: 112 items. Remove accessories like scarves, hats, belts, and eyeglasses from that: 90 items. Remove footwear from that: 78 items. So you see, I can get my numbers pretty low with some creative math. I usually count footwear, but none of the other things for a total of 90 items, but the very first number is probably the most honest. I've spent the past year diligently tracking wears, so my ideal wardrobe size is starting to be based, not on the end number, but of the functionality of items within. Here's how I know my wardrobe size is working for me. <ol> <li>I don't struggle to put together outfits for activities or weather conditions in my life.</li> <li>I'm not bored with my options.</li> <li>I'm wearing most items ten or more times a year, or 30x over three years. (This is arbitrary, but based on Livia Firth's sustainability campaign.)</li> <li>My clothing budget doesn't interfere with other priorities.</li> <li>My clothing fits easily in the storage space I have available, and I don't often run into laundry backups.</li> </ol> DonnaF on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869097 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 15:11:57 +0000 DonnaF 1869097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to have a very small wardrobe when I only bought from Lands End catalogs and from bricks'n'mortar stores. Most stores don't have much of a selection if any in Petites which I need 90% of the time. Now that I shop from Nordstrom online and save items on my Wish List until they are marked down (or sold out) my shopping world has expanded exponentially even though I no longer *settle*. Mixed blessing, I suppose. Meredith on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869080 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 14:10:17 +0000 Meredith 1869080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I have one of the smaller wardrobes around here, but I would still consider it medium-sized because I’m not really trying to be a minimalist. I’ve never counted how many things I own. I have a list of around 30 staples per season, but there is a lot of crossover. And then there are plenty of things that are not on the staples list. So maybe around 80 items (including shoes, accessories, outerwear but not gear). Things that affect size: -Comfort with repeatIng parts of or entire outfits -Preference to not have laundry build up (fewer clothes means I have to do it) -Preference to not be overwhelmed with choices -Desire for good value out of my purchases. I don’t expect to wear everything with the same frequency, but I want most of my clothes to be workhorses that I wear often -Desire to try new things. Because I do like playing with trends but don’t want to churn through stuff mindlessly, a small wardrobe ensures things wear out relatively quickly and can be replaced without any guilt -Lifestyle. I work from home 3 days a week so I don’t need as many work clothes I have settled into this wardrobe size naturally. It has taken several years of reflection and experimentation to find what works for me Suz on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869079 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 14:08:02 +0000 Suz 1869079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's really tough to arrive at a "right size" wardrobe in the abstract. The "right size" wardrobe is always right for the life you live now and the place you live now. As others have said, needs depend on the temperature extremes you deal with, your tolerance for weather changes, your lifestyle, the variety of your roles, your comfort with repetition vs. need for variety, your laundry situation, your closet space...and on and on.  I consider myself to have a large wardrobe at the moment -- around 150 items not counting gear, undies, or scarves/ mitts/ hats etc.  I built this over 7.5 years of purchasing and editing -- in 2010 when I landed at YLF, I had, essentially, a pair of yoga pants and nothing else that fit. Needless to say, it has been an expensive (but fun!) process! And it has been organic. I didn't set a number in advance. At one point I think I tried to do so...but it didn't really make sense for me in the end. The better way was, as Caro said, to simply try things out, decide what I loved, get rid of things I didn't love...  Typically for the last few years I was ranging around 125 or so -- numbers are up now partly due to coat and boot additions -- this is a capsule that as long as I live in the north, I have no intention of reducing.  Like Staysfit, I think largely in terms of F/W snd S/S -- although the transitional seasons together amount, in a way, to one season -- the clothes that work in Spring and Fall overlap to a large degree and tend to work much less well in either summer or winter for me -- though of course there is some crossover.  I "switch" my closets out -- storing off season clothing in a different closet. I enjoy the annual switchover; it's an opportunity to evaluate each piece and make decisions about editing.  Jane on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869078 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 14:05:01 +0000 Jane 1869078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashiontern, good question and very thought provoking. I bought 60 pink plastic coat hangers after DS was born, and so I tend to limit myself to not more than 60 hanging items, plus 9 skirt hangers (a recent purchase). It doesn't quite work out that way as I keep 3 jackets in the office and 3 coats on the coat pegs in our hall. I have gear in a small draw and discard when I can't get the stuff to fit in. I have 6 or 7 bags and may be 10 pairs of shoes and boots. So, may be 90 or so items with a definite split between work and home.  approprio on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869076 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 14:00:21 +0000 approprio 1869076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe is on the large side, at around 200+ items. This suits me, because I like being able to shop my closet. I often think it could be a bit smaller and still meet my requirements, but nature abhors a vacuum so given half a chance I'd probably end up with just as much stuff. My main objective in building and maintaining this collection is to stay ahead of the game. When styling for a new season, I prefer to work with what I already have rather than race out to buy new stuff. Hence, I rarely buy new at the start of the season, but try to identify wants and needs as I go. I typically edit once or twice a year.  Like Katerina, whose comment I very much identify with, I don't much care for fast fashion and I like to have a variety of quality items to choose from. Around half of it is essential items, what you might call the meat and potatoes - shirts, practical pants, knitwear etc. The other half I think of as the working resource.  I don't want to be beholden to trends, but I can't afford to look like I'm not paying attention. Every decade I've lived through has recycled fashion from previous eras, so I typically have quite a few vintage classics alongside the newer stuff. I tend to hang onto things if they're really good even if I'm not wearing them this year. In the past I've made a lot of things myself but right now I'm into customising and altering existing items.  In the long run, I think the size and composition of my wardrobe is probably dictated by natural attrition vs rate of shopping. Yeah, that's a no-brainer, I know, but I do like to wear things until they fall apart. cindysmith on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869075 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 13:57:13 +0000 cindysmith 1869075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had to severely restrict the size of my wardrobe for the last 7 years and counting, because living in an RV kind of requires it. Now that the house is becoming a reality, I've allowed myself to acquire new things without getting rid of old things, and I'm afraid to count things because the numbers might horrify me. After 7 years of "one in, one out" and careful consideration of purchases, I'm probably swinging too far in the opposite direction as I shop for my body as it is now. So storage space has probably been the biggest factor in wardrobe Size for me, with laundry cycles running a close second. During winter, clothes don't line dry very quick (and I line dry all of my clothes), so I need more winter items (because I have a lifestyle that tends to dirty my clothes when it isn't destroying them). LaPed on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869072 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 13:22:29 +0000 LaPed 1869072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I moved cross-country two years ago, and also 2.5 years before that, and spent the year before that mostly traveling/living out of a backpack. At ~120 items, my wardrobe is larger than it's ever been before.  I'd actually planned to get rid of a lot when we left LV, but then DH's employer offered us a relocation package which included a real mover for free, so we went ahead and threw everything, all of our secondhand Ikea furniture and whatnot, into the big truck and let them ship it across the country for us. My 120 includes gear, since I have a lot of crossover between gear and casual wear, but not small items like socks/underwear/etc. Does jewelry count? I don't count it because it's in a box, not in the closet. Do winter accessories count? I don't even know which ones are mine and which ones belong to DH  (except for a couple scarves he'd never wear), because they're all just tossed into a big basket by the door. I don't Kondo, because a lot of my time is spent doing stuff that I would rather not subject my "good" clothes to: hauling firewood, cleaning the chicken coop, scooping dog poo, yard and garden work, ongoing home improvement/reno projects. So, having a big pile of crappy t-shirts and a few pairs of ill-fitting Carhartts is absolutely essential to my lifestyle, but not to my street style. I know Kondo has some nuances beyond "sparking joy" that acknowledge the more utilitarian angle, but I haven't delved that deeply into it.  When I do realize I have something nice and in good condition that doesn't work/doesn't fit/etc, I try to get rid of it while it's still current, either via eBay or consignment. Whatever number I have in my wardrobe right now, it finally feels functional across all four seasons, so I'm trying not to let it grow too much or shrink too much. Staysfit on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869068 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 12:51:33 +0000 Staysfit 1869068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I live in a four season climate, but two of the seasons are short, so effectively the seasons can be divided into Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. I have two separate wardrobes, each with about 150 items, all 300 items fit into my walk in closet that is shared with DH, plus I store gear and undergarments in a dresser and we have a separate closet for outdoor coats. My wardrobe size is dictated not only by climate and space but by activity. I have a professional life which requires a certain level of formal dress, but I can also wear casual clothing including jeans, so aiming for business casual works in most circumstances. I try to go 3-4 weeks without repetition of outfits because I am a very visible person in my workplace and community. Like everyone, I have favorite items that I end up repeating more frequently than intended. I don’t alter my wardrobe on weekends although I may end up wearing gear if I am involved in an outdoor activity, and if I’m home I pick from the casual end of my wardrobe. I am making many fewer purchases, and I continue to eliminate items from my closet as they wear out or seem inappropriate for my style. I have been eliminating more than I purchase. I have figured out which pieces I love most, and which I go to just because they are there. I feel an obligation to wear them, because I have them already, they are nice, they look great, but I could easily cut them from my wardrobe and never miss them. If you have anything like that, I would cull them and keep the rest. If I needed to move or downsize, all this type of item would be pulled out and given either to DD or to a local charity. I love Marie Kondo. I think it’s easiest to do with another person. Have someone else hand you each item and in a split second decide if you love it or not. They will see the look flash on your face and keep you honest. DD did it with me once and it was very helpful. No second guessing. I haven’t missed a single item that was eliminated. rachylou on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869066 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 12:26:31 +0000 rachylou 1869066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, back to say, personally, defining a style persona has helped me a lot. My persona is Quirky Waif. Quirky Waif likes themes. My current is ‘Country Punk.’ It grew out of a thing here in YLF - Who would you be in the Zombie Apocalypse? I tried a style statement, but while that described how I live, how I think, it never gave me a visual on the clothes. Asking if something ‘was me’ also didn’t work, because I interpreted that to mostly mean ‘does it look good on?’ It just let too much through. And saying I liked certain types of garments also let too much in the old closet. I like a lot of stuff! That’s just not good enough criteria. A list of words also didn’t cut it: it missed the gestalt. I like funky, but funky isn’t the spirit I want in the main. And finally purely functional criteria - bakery, cold temps, office - is a Yes but No. Too generic. Asking the right question helps weed. Anonymous on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869062 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 12:21:28 +0000 Anonymous 1869062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi.   I have a medium sized wardrobe.  A medium sized wardrobe allows me to get dressed every single day for the planned activity.  This size wardrobe evolved organically.  I did not plan anything or set down a specific number.  In fact, when I joined YLF I thought of myself as a minimalist.  With time I come to understand I crave variety.  As I added that variety in, my wardrobe size naturally grew.  Today I do my best to practice One In - One Out.   Kathie on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869056 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:08:28 +0000 Kathie 1869056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe size is largely dictated by space, and the fact that I don’t mind repeating outfits. I prefer to keep everything in my closet, so have 4 seasons in a small closet plus dresser. I do cull about 2x/year. Items that are worn out, as well as items I haven’t worn in 2 years, get passed along to better homes. For any season, I have enough tops/bottoms/third pieces to have 7-10 different outfits for work (business casual.) I have two black suits for the few times each year that I need business formal. For weekends, I have a small capsule, 4-5 bottoms, maybe 1/2 dozen tops. As for adding to my wardrobe, I keep a list of items that appear to be wardrobe holes or laundry bottlenecks, and add in those areas. Do give yourself the mental time/energy that you need to figure out what works for you. I started being more deliberate in how I shaped my closet about 5 years ago. After a cross-country move 2.5 years ago, I now have a wardrobe that works really well for me, but it certainly wasn’t an overnight or even 2-3 month process. Katerina on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869053 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 10:06:18 +0000 Katerina 1869053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a rather large wardrobe. From time to time, I struggle with space and I do wardrobe revisions twice a year. I live in Northern Europe, so there is a need for dressing for four seasons. My wardrobe is quite well adjusted to my lifestyle. I usually do not purchase clothes which do not fit my style or lifestyle (which I used to do in the past) - such as very high heels, small handbags etc. I have worked in corporate or business casual environments for years, so I didn’t have to make any dramatic style changes throughout the years in this respect. Caro in Oz mentioned fast fashion. Well, I am not a fan. Ideally, I love quality items which are timeless and I want to own them for years and years. This, however, makes it often difficult for me to part with the pieces which have passed their prime and it takes discipline for me to keep my wardrobe size manageable. I tried the strategy of buying less new items, but not very successfully . I love the process of looking for some new great finds for my wardrobe. It is so much fun. Thus, I tried to improve the quality of the purchases, By that I mean getting the right pieces, which then leads to not buying as many. And, as they say, practice makes perfect I am slowly improving the skill. I have a lot of accessories such as scarves, shawls and costume jewelry, in proportion to other clothes far more than “needed”. This is my way to create different outfits and it gives me the joy of creating new combos. Practical for traveling too, an easy way to achieve variation with less volume. From time to time during the years, I have tried to downsize my wardrobe, tried to be one of the people who take pride in their small effective collections and I failed. It is not who I am. So I embraced my large wardrobe and I have fun with it. I am not sure if this helps you in your situation, but to me, it was important to embrace who I am and work with it and not against it. rachylou on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869052 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 09:09:34 +0000 rachylou 1869052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I say, how will you move your stuff? I had a friend who moved back to Hawaii and she did a shipping container of a certain size - which definitely gave her a limit. Even tho she was going to Hawaii, well, she passed a lot of shorts on to us friends... rachylou on "Wardrobe size?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-size#post-1869051 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 09:02:22 +0000 rachylou 1869051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve only ever tracked wears in an eyeball-it kind of way. And I’ll do things like wear one thing heavily for a month and not again for the rest of the year, which can mess with my eyeballing - But, basically, yes I’ve tossed the unworn and stopped buying for capsules that are full, relative to their slice of the activity pie. My second to last move, I did a big downsize. I put together a wardrobe, that I’d move in with, that I thought would cover all the bases with a few colour schemes in mind (so not minimal, but definitely selective). Then I put a lot in a big holding zone - and that was very interesting. I went through the hassle of digging out quite a lot I missed having around, but after awhile I stopped going back for stuff. That was a good exercise.