https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 30 May 2026 11:13:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-688365 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:27:54 +0000 rachylou 688365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's true! It's true! I have not only too much clothing, I have too much furniture! And pots and pans!</p> <p>To move, I've now twice spent months packing before I even started to look for a new place and then took a month to make the transition from one apartment to the other.</p> <p>It's a self-inflicted ordeal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-688351 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:11:15 +0000 goldenpig 688351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, you're hilarious! Show those bratty clothes who's boss! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-688338 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 22:58:53 +0000 Anonymous 688338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My closet started to get out of control, not because of the number of items, but from the different color and pattern directions it was going in. The clothes started to form cliques and they didn't get along with each other. Once I removed the bullies, peace once again reigned. I have a few more in there I need to whip into shape with some dye and then there will only be one alpha-color for summer and one for winter. The rest will be neutrals. </p> <p>I like your approach, Mochi. It seems well thought out and will fit your lifestyle along with the amount of energy you have to spend on your wardrobe. And those few, fantastic items are going to be show-stoppers, I'll bet! You have great taste. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687654 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:21:20 +0000 Kirti 687654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Count me in for a 'smallish disciplined wardrobe' too, Mochi. Despite having a tiny wardrobe, I already find that some of my clothes get a bit neglected while others are worn a lot so if my wardrobe were much larger, I think I would get overwhelmed. That said, I still have a lot of wardrobe holes to fill, so who knows what will happen in the future? I just want to have a list, a plan, so that I don't end up cluttering my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687607 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:12:45 +0000 ButterflyLady 687607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your thinking, Mochi. I feel the same way - the feeling of 'abundance' makes me feel slightly panicky and overwhelmed. Small and useful is the way to go for ME! It's taken me a long while, but I've finally realised I don't need 'more' clothes, I need 'better' and more 'fit for purpose' clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687606 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:00:10 +0000 goldenpig 687606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your threads are inspiring Mochi! Your mother is wise. I definitely do not want to be "owned by my stuff" and that is good motivation to pare down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687554 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:59:49 +0000 Deborah 687554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your thinking Mochi! Timely too as I have been pondering recently on the fact that it is challenging to keep all my current seasons clothing in regular rotation, indicating to me that perhaps I have too many clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687538 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:33:06 +0000 Lyn D. 687538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another way to enjoy a small closet is, as Angie said, to actually wear some of the dressier items in a more casual setting/way. Most people will make comments such as-don't you look lovely rather than think you are 'over-dressed'. Plus, it is a great way to lift our own spirits and confidence. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687524 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:02:27 +0000 Isabel 687524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those really are principles that everyone should follow. And there is the rub : personally, my life is boring as all get out ! LOL ! I don't work outside the home, I live in a rural laid back community, I also don't have many special occasions to dress up for...and so on. But I LOVE clothes ! Though I HATE shopping !</p> <p>You list is a good one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687514 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 02:42:21 +0000 Jaime 687514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love reading your thoughts (and everyone else's). My wardrobe is definitely shrinking as I better understand what I like and what works, but my shoe collection is still excessive and I don't see that changing. Minimal or maximal - everyone should do what works for them and remember Angie's rule - fashion must be fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687463 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 01:00:22 +0000 catgirl 687463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been ruminating on your and Natalie's posts all day. Keep 'em coming. My big revelation was that I have been downsizing hugely, mostly because I've FINALLY stopped buying for a season we don't really have (high summer), and culling at a pace of probably 5 out to every 1 thing in. But I am still learning from these threads! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687459 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:58:33 +0000 Lisa 687459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post! I definitely agree that stuff can own you if you have too much of it. And I also agree that it is better to wear all of your clothes, all of the time. Lower CPW of each item that way. I am trying to keep both of these ideas in mind every time I get an itch to shop for something new! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687458 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:58:05 +0000 Charmian 687458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's like a mission statement for your closet size. I like it :)</p> <p>This statement:<br /> <em>I want to be able to easily see what I own. I like to quickly grab stuff and come up with an outfit without a lot of thought poured into it.</em></p> <p>particularly resonated with me, as I have the attention span of a-- hey, what were we talking about again? Ok, that's a cheap laugh, but in all seriousness I just can't seem to visualize outfits the way some of the lovely members of this forum can, so I make up for it by having as many easy-to-mix-and-match pieces in front of me as possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687314 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:36:56 +0000 cade 687314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting post and I wholeheartedly agree. May I add that I found it much easier to dress well now that the only clothes that reside in my closet fit well and look good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687250 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:35:13 +0000 Ornella 687250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This point is so true and really reflects my own current situation:<br /> <em>If (more like when) I had to move at some point, then I would need to deal with more packing and unpacking. </em></p> <p>I still have some of my clothes unpacked (ok, mainly winter wardrobe) but the recent move and smaller space I now have for storing my wardrobe have really brought home just how little I actually need.</p> <p>Not to mention that when packing, I have discovered so many pieces that haven't been worn and loved enough (times) despite inhabiting my wardrobe for some time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687245 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:29:08 +0000 texstyle 687245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In addition to all the great tips and advice here, I found this site to have some good capsule examples and ideas for how to mix the items for a large number of different looks (often just like 25 total items with shoes and accessories!)</p> <p><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2011/03/wardrobe-capsules-for-your-life-casual-business.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......iness.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687235 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:09:34 +0000 RunnerChick 687235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well-said and thoughtful - thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687233 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:04:24 +0000 fern 687233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly - a small wardrobe fits your life.<br /> Mine too, for similar reasons. It fits my personality.<br /> My husband &amp; I attempt to keep all of our "stuff" useful and beautiful - it's strange to me how much effort that is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687196 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:07:22 +0000 Gaylene 687196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And for me! </p> <p>Your Japanese mother-in-law has perfectly articulated my feelings of being "owned by my stuff".</p> <p>I'd like to add (paraphrased) Angie's comment on Natalie's thread. Angie--rather vehemently for her -- said "I WILL NOT TOLERATE YOUR NOT WEARING YOUR STUFF." So to obey her command, I'd add another reason to the list: a smallish closet will force me to wear all my stuff!</p> <p>Thanks for so clearly articulating why I'm reaching for that goal of a smaller closet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687193 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:02:56 +0000 Meredith1953 687193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your practical and thoughtful approach to how much is enough! Very well said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-a-smallish-disciplined-wardrobe-would-work-for-me#post-687184 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:50:12 +0000 Mochi 687184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mean to make anyone who has a larger wardrobe feel remiss or wrong, so I hope that's not what happened. But I thought it would be fun and meaningful for me to articulate why going minimalist at least seems right on paper. In no particular order of importance:</p> <p>I could probably fit a fair amount of clothes into my two closet spaces (main bedroom and spare guest room) if I thought it was necessary. But this would require some major rearranging of stuff including shelving. I am not an organized, linear-thinking person (and forget about getting Hubs involved), so this would entail a lot of work. </p> <p>I have never forgotten what my Japanese mother-in-law told me...in a way I think it's true: "You don't own your stuff. Your stuff owns you." </p> <p>If (more like when) I had to move at some point, then I would need to deal with more packing and unpacking. Blah. </p> <p>I want to be able to easily see what I own. I like to quickly grab stuff and come up with an outfit without a lot of thought poured into it. </p> <p>I LOVE the idea of all or at least most of my things "playing well together." </p> <p>I feel sad at the thought of owning things I rarely or never use.</p> <p>I am not a pattern person anyway, so I think it's more doable to find solids that coordinate. </p> <p>I don't want to spend a huge amount of money. Or to be more precise, I would prefer to earmark my money toward a few really wonderful investment pieces, knowing that they would carry a lot of the weight of my working wardrobe. </p> <p>I don't want to spend a huge amount of mental energy on going to physical shopping locations or going online to find things to buy. (Don't get me wrong...this can be VERY fun. But sometimes I become oversaturated and overall I have very little of the physical and mental energy required for shopping.) </p> <p>I can assume that a lot of styles won't work for me anyway, so I may as well keep it simple in terms of what I own. </p> <p>I have an uncomplicated lifestyle--work from home, no formal social functions to deal with at this point, etc. Anything I end up wearing will either be for my own pleasure or for functionality. (Exercise/rain/casual wear, etc.)</p> <p>A "small" wardrobe is a relative concept anyway, and I will have a better idea as I start to build up my wardrobe. </p> <p>This, I'm thinking, is what I would keep in mind when considering how much clothing feels right for me.... </p>