https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:49:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update/page/2#post-1937201 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 16:28:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1937201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks KNITTING GENE. There are plenty of times I laugh at his ideas of what a mom can/should do. </p> <p>JENN, thanks for the backup on that. I remember being in a silly conversation a while back about whether a smaller wardrobe is always more eco-friendly, and that discarding items to get there didn’t change that. In this case, the smaller wardrobe will be less “green”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update/page/2#post-1937128 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 13:22:52 +0000 Alecia 1937128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! I love this challenge. It feels a lot like a 2019 New Years Resolution for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update/page/2#post-1937074 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 07:13:57 +0000 Daisy Avalin 1937074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It would probably be useful to me to track what I wear, as I suspect (even after cleaning out my wardrobe earlier this year) that I tend to wear the same outfits constantly, simply because it's easier!</p> <p>It would be interesting for me to track my tees, since I think there are a few that will be at well over 30 wears and some that I wear very infrequently, simply because I don't reach for them as often.</p> <p>I know that my light blue bootcut jeans (&lt;2 yrs old minimum) are &nbsp;well over 30 wears, as they're good with both flats and small heels, and most likely my longer jeans are almost at 30 wears if not above, since they tend to be my dressier pairs.</p> <p>Most of my summer dresses/tunic will be well under 30 wears, I seem to have gone off this look in the last year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update/page/2#post-1937069 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 05:44:10 +0000 Jenn 1937069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm happy to say that both my cotton skirts are now out of the &lt;5 wears club, and I wore the lace skirt to a play this evening. Progress!<br /><b><br />Fashiontern,&nbsp;</b>buying something new is almost always going to be less environmentally friendly than using what you have. You just have to balance that against your personal needs and desires. And I agree with <b>KnittingGene&nbsp;</b>that you're definitely not too old for Vans.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>KnittingGene,&nbsp;</b>taking and editing photos is part of my job, so I'm able to tweak the ones I take at home pretty well but, honestly, I pull most of my images off the manufacturer or store websites. It doesn't need to be pretty to be functional, though. Not at all! Like you, I find the data motivating. I can create 5 outfits with an new item in one night, and then feel like I've worn it a million times and exhausted my creativity with it, so it helps me to clearly see the actuality of it.</p> <p><b>LisaP</b>, I totally thought that when I first read it too, but if you wear a top every single week, it still takes more than seven months to get to thirty wears. For me, shoes and bags rack up wears pretty quickly, as do jeans and toppers that I don't need to wash after every use. Those things also tend to last way more than the 30 minimum.</p> <p><b>Bijou</b>, I'm glad not to have early access to NAS, as it gives me a chance to pause and think on these new additions!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update/page/2#post-1937062 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 05:05:18 +0000 Anonymous 1937062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting . My immediate reaction is always : “ 30 wears ? That’s nothing .” But I bet I’d be surprised if I actually tracked wears . I’m so not a detailed record- keeper or counter but that is precisely why it would be valuable to someone like me . I know for sure that I achieve +30 with bags , workout wear , coats , jeans and many work pieces -but it’s the pieces on the periphery that are questionable . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update/page/2#post-1937059 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 04:49:42 +0000 Bijou 1937059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, this is a very inspiring post and makes me think that perhaps I should start tracking too. If I was to guess, my work out gear, comfortable sandals, boots, bags and jeans are likely to be the most items in my wardrobe.<br /> Having seen your workhorses, your NAS purchases look like they will be perfect additions to your wardrobe and likely to make the 30 plus club. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1937057 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 04:24:06 +0000 KnittingGene 1937057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, inspired by your post, I finally got started with a closet tracker. My pics sure don’t look as good as yours but I’m working hard to avoid perfectionism and instead embrace expediency and usefulness. Hopefully, I’ll get better at the technical side of this. But already, 4 -5 days in, I can see that the data helps fuel my desire to wear my clothes more. I’m excited that this might help me in my tendency to over-buy or underestimate how much I have. Thank you for this.</p> <p>I’m doing it, girls, I’m ordering the AllBirds. I can’t resist the idea of wool shoes so I’ll go for the merino ones. My shoe purchases in the last year have left me feeling like I have plenty but I really do love having a basic pair of white tennies and my Adidas superstars got horribly yellowed at the toe.</p> <p>FashIntern, I respectfully but strongly disagree with your son about the Vans and I don’t even know how old you are. I hope you think about what look and feel YOU want. Also, I’ve noticed that as my daughter has gotten older (she’s 22 now), she is less hung up on my staying in a Mom-lane! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1936999 Sat, 14 Jul 2018 23:50:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1936999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting update. </p> <p>The allbirds discussion is interesting too. I’ve been thinking about getting a pair (was torn between them &amp; Van’s Old Schools until my son informed me I’m too old for the Vans.). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pair in the wild. For me, they would replace two pairs of shoes—the running shoes that I wear when I lift weights (I don’t run) and the Sperrys I wore with dresses. Those are getting worn out after only a year, and I stopped wearing them months ago, because they need an insert to not hurt my back, and I got tired of fussing with it every time I put them on. So shrinking my wardrobe will actually be less friendly to the environment than just hanging onto and wearing what I’ve got. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935641 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 02:23:57 +0000 Jenn 1935641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you have a wonderfully thoughtful approach to building your wardrobe, and you keep your clothes for several seasons. I’m not at all surprised to hear you wear most things at least 30 times. I stopped tracking jewelry a few months ago. Otherwise there would be a lot more of that in the 50+ category. I found it made it harder to look at my outfits with any degree of usefulness, since I ended up with multiple variations of each look, just because of minor jewelry tweaks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935633 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 01:36:01 +0000 Suz 1935633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenn</b>, your wardrobe is so cohesive and I am very impressed with your tracking. I need to get more serious about that also. I pretty much do wear all my clothing at least 30 times, apart from a few special occasion items or-- as you note -- the odd purchase that wears out faster than it should. But I agree that consciously asking oneself before purchasing -- <i>does this item feel like something I'd be happy to wear at least 30 times</i>?-- is a great way to whittle the truly useful from the <i>what was I thinking</i>? purchase.&nbsp;</p> <p>Our most-worn items are similar -- for me, it would be jeans, footwear, bags, watch, striped shirts, navy tops.&nbsp;</p> <p>These Allbirds are really appealing to me -- I think I might just have to try a pair!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935624 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 00:49:22 +0000 Sal 1935624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I checked - they are shipped from Auckland (I know they use NZ merino but I think they are manufactured out of NZ).&nbsp; That explains my super quick delivery then!! (DUH)</p> <p>Yes statements have a big place in my heart too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935620 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 00:24:11 +0000 Jenn 1935620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I think the AllBirds are shipped from New Zealand, aren’t they? They actually take weeks to arrive here! Role reversal! My husband has a pair of the loafers and really likes them for air travel.</p> <p>You’re right that we have similar approaches! I think I’m doing pretty well at getting the number or statements down as a percentage of my wardrobe, but also realize that those statements are SO important. I would definitely get bored without them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935610 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 23:38:24 +0000 Sal 1935610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With the exception maybe of the inherited plaid blazer all the less worn items still look like you.&nbsp; And they are really nice pieces.&nbsp; The vatican scarf is a gorgeous piece but shape is vital to make a scarf easy to wear.</p> <p>I think we have a similar approach Jenn (although I have very few pieces in finds and don't count). About 1/2-2/3 of our wardrobe are real workhorses and 1/2- 1/3 are more specific/statements/seasonal.&nbsp; I am trying to reduce that 1/2 to more like 1/3 or 1/4 and making sure those items have longevity. My workhorses (jeans, black tops, striped tops, everyday shoes, basic sweaters) won't last as long but I have to be prepared to wear them often - at least every second week in season - and some more than once a week. &nbsp;</p> <p>On the Allbirds.</p> <p>I have bought two pairs and had them delivered here.&nbsp; One I had to return as they were an off chance purchase for my Mum that did not work.&nbsp; Jon kept his and wears them ALL the time - he loves them.</p> <p>But the delivery is amazing.&nbsp; I ordered one pair late Sunday night (Saturday or early Sunday in the USA) and they were on my doorstep 3pm Tuesday afternoon (Monday in the USA).</p> <p>I am considering a pair for myself (probably the tree huggers?/summer weight ones) but waiting to replace a couple of other pairs I have that still have life in them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thread hijack over!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935604 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 23:20:39 +0000 Jenn 1935604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Aida, &nbsp;</b>I've probably just posted about every time I've worn that skirt! I do really like it, so that counts for something. It's not super-practical for my lifestyle, is all. I'm always worried about snagging and destroying it. Happily, I have several sets of theatre tickets for dates coming up, and that's about a perfect environment for that piece.</p> <p><b>SarahD8</b>, glad you find it useful! It can feel a bit navel-gazey, but I appreciate the same kinds of posts from others (including you!)</p> <p><b>KnittingGene, &nbsp;</b>I've heard tell the AllBirds are super-popular in SF, probably in part because that's one of the few places there's a brick and mortar store. We don't have a retail location here, but I'm still starting to see them on people on a pretty regular basis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935598 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 22:27:23 +0000 Aida 1935598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice to hear from you Jenn, and thanks for this update! It sounds like things are humming along and lots of your pieces are working the way you want. Great! I was a little surprised to see the black lacy skirt in the under 5 wears club, thought I recalled you posting several outfits with it before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935586 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 21:47:26 +0000 SarahD8 1935586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating update and great food for thought. Just wanted to add my appreciation to you for sharing this, I find this analysis so helpful. Will be thinking on it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935582 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 21:45:21 +0000 KnittingGene 1935582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been eyeing AllBirds and have been seeing them on lots of people here in San Francisco where I’m visiting. Glad to know about their durability. They are SO cute! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935552 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 20:03:15 +0000 Jenn 1935552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Becky, I use ClosetSpace. Like any wardrobe management system, the hardest part is getting your wardrobe input in the first place. After that, it’s literally just seconds a day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935531 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 18:49:51 +0000 Becky 1935531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicely done! I may have missed this mentioned on a previous thread, but do you have an app you use to track your wears? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935449 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 13:14:24 +0000 Jenn 1935449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>cindysmith, agreed, sometimes it just can’t be helped! Out of curiosity, do you wear an apron while you work? I work with paint, glue, pastels, and dye and, while I do default to the same sturdy (and black) outfit when I know things will be messy, I also have a cotton canvas apron that helps quite a bit when I remember to use it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935436 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:42:50 +0000 cindysmith 1935436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably need to tackle a challenge like this myself. Unfortunately, my lifestyle and job just chew through garments at a horrifying rate. It disgusts me sometimes, but it is what it is and I guess what it is is the cost of the lifestyle we've chosen LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935430 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:27:06 +0000 Jenn 1935430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JenniNZ — My post #30wears purchases have generally been better, too. It really is a mindfulness thing, start to finish, isn’t it? Also, realizing it takes longer than you think to rack up wears on your clothing, so you really have to be in it for the long haul with anything you choose to add. </p> <p>Style Fan, some things, you just have to keep for the story, and that scarf is one of them. I wish it were a slightly less awkward size, so I could wear it more easily, but I’ll never get rid of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935423 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:02:19 +0000 Jenn 1935423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>jussie and bj111, I’m not terribly concerned about the skirts. They’ve basically been worn a little less than once a week since the start of June (four times in six weeks). I still have 6-8 weeks of summer left, so they’ll get there.</p> <p>bj1111 — It has been a bit easier getting dressed. I’ve always kept a pretty tight color scheme, but I realize that narrowing choices in this way doesn’t work for everyone. </p> <p>Jussie — I still do have statements in my wardrobe. Most of them are sitting in the 10-24 wears category, and they provide a high happiness factor! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935406 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 10:56:15 +0000 bj1111 1935406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what struck me about the items with the most wears is how cohesive the lot is.&nbsp; black and burgundy with caramel accents.&nbsp; no wonder they've had #30wears since they all go together.&nbsp; was it easier getting dressed?</p> <p>with so much of your wardrobe functional and in use, you can take a chance on something that will extend the rest of the well-loved items, like the two skirts, even if those items don't get as many wears.&nbsp; having options is also nice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935389 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 10:12:46 +0000 Style Fan 1935389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great to hear from you, Jenn.&nbsp; I am impressed with your tracking.&nbsp; I am also fascinated by the scarf from the Vatican.&nbsp; What an interesting piece that would be.<br />I don't keep track of my wears but I also notice tops wear out much faster than jeans and other bottoms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935366 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:37:34 +0000 rachylou 1935366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I’m really REALLY impressed. Gonna have to have a closer look at AllBirds! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935360 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 06:31:16 +0000 Jenni NZ 1935360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great to hear from you Jenn- missed you! As you know I have been trying to do the same. I am doing OK with many things, especially some of my post-YLF ( so past 18 months) purchases. Eg: black cropped jeans 2017 35 wears,pewter pants March 2018 29 wears, fringed flat black booties 2018 39 wears. Other new items less, of course, but am in the swing of it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935354 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 06:12:51 +0000 jussie 1935354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job at becoming more aware of your environmental impact.<br /> Makes me think we all aught to focus on our core basics more and really limit the statement pieces as they just don’t go the distance and get used to their maximum potential.<br /> Was there any particular reason you haven’t worn the cotton skirts that much or is it pretty much how you predicted? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935345 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 04:28:35 +0000 Jenn 1935345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For contrast, here are the items I’ve worn less than five times. </p> <p>Striped tee - new replacement for a striped tee that was retired with exactly 30 wears and pinprick holes. </p> <p>Two cotton skirts - new this summer. Probably only needed one, but they’re at four wears each. </p> <p>Lace skirt and LBD- dressier pieces, just don't get worn as often, which is fine</p> <p>Plaid blazer - inherited from my mom, not sure if I’ll keep</p> <p>Scarves - The two gray scarves were vacation souvenirs, probably poorly thought out, but I wear them occasionally and they hold fond memories. Roma scarf in bottom middle is deceptive in the tracking, as I’ve had it since high school, and it belonged to my mother for years before that. (My great-aunt, who was the mother superior of a convent in Illinois, brought it back from her trip-of-a-lifetime to the Vatican.) Heirloom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-my-clothes-out---a-30wears-update#post-1935344 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 04:20:55 +0000 Jenn 1935344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, absolutely. Some of that is just laundry realities, as I'll wear most pants (but especially jeans) more than once before washing. I also have way fewer bottoms than tops.</p> <p>ETA: Also! Tops, especially knit ones, tend to need retiring right around 30 wears, whereas pants and jeans last much longer. Probably the fault of thinner fabric and increased laundering. </p>