https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 00:15:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2153513 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 14:32:42 +0000 Anonymous 2153513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to all that! I'm constantly replacing things because I keep a fairly small wardrobe- so very few OBG. Aside from scarves and jewelry, but I'm off both and may pass on nearly all of them. </p> <p>For me the things that are least worn are the mild weather only pieces like short sleeves (especially unlayerable ones) and mules. They sit unworn all but a couple weeks of the year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2153143 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:29:19 +0000 Irina 2153143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, the size of a wardrobe matters a lot. Until a few years ago I thought that my shoes don’t last more than a couple of years because I walk everywhere and too hard on them. I realized later I just don’t have enough shoes. I’ve been adding more every year although it is not easy, My feet have some serious issues. I have now 27 pairs and need to add some winter and fall footwear. I have maybe 4 pairs on my list. But shoes that I bought 3 years ago are still in a very good shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2153139 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:45:57 +0000 Suz 2153139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the layering in this outfit, Carla!&nbsp;</p> <p>And these are interesting observations. You're absolutely right, of course -- seldom worn items last longer as a rule, and those with small wardrobes will necessarily go through their things quicker.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having a medium-to at times large wardrobe, I own quite a bit that has lasted me through the years. And then again, I also own items I've had to duplicate within the 5 years because they are workhorses!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2153024 Sun, 08 Nov 2020 09:10:07 +0000 Jenni NZ 2153024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 59 items in my counted wardrobe that are 2014 or earlier, my whole counted wardrobe is about 164. I could really manage without most of the earlier stuff I would say. Much is dressier than I need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152999 Sun, 08 Nov 2020 03:27:27 +0000 Jaime 2152999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree of course! For me sprinkling wears of my favorites means I will be able to keep them a very long time. And they are almost all second hand - if something is not current but still appealing perhaps it is even more likely to stay in your closet longer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152963 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 18:55:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2152963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i> had everything dry-cleaned to make it last longer</i> </p> <p>I don’t see the point. It would last longer, but the money spent on dry-cleaning could have gone to purchasing replacements. It saved on resources to make new items, but used resources and polluted other resources (yes, there are greener dry cleaning methods now, but this story sounds like it was before those were widespread). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152960 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 18:43:04 +0000 Anonymous 2152960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your comments about what you had learned reminded me of an aunt with a small wardrobe. She told me once that she had everything dry-cleaned to make it last longer. I’m not sure that always works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152954 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 18:33:02 +0000 Cardiff girl 2152954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great outfit ,looks smart but casual and practical at the same time.<br />You have been very articulate about your &nbsp;thoughts on your findings .<br />l agree that a larger wardrobe lasts longer as do less worn ,and therefore, less laundered items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152950 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 18:08:38 +0000 Jane 2152950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really appreciate your challenge and your thoughts. Thank you RunCarla. I think you are right about the smaller wardrobe. </p> <p>The other factor that comes into it for me is boredom. I just get to the point where I can’t wear something anymore, almost like I’m completely saturated with it! Even if I like how it looks, suits me, gets compliments I reach the point where I can’t where it because it doesn’t spark joy! I’m an emotional dresser! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152946 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 17:12:25 +0000 Liesbeth 2152946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your observations are spot on. I haven't made it past my first post yet because we're taking a couple of days off and my mind has been otherwise preoccupied. I hope to create some more work appropriate outfits next week and present all in one final post. I did find already that most of my older items that are still in good condition (and not occasion wear) just haven't been worn that much and maybe need to be culled. True workhorses do tend to wear out in less than five years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152931 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 14:43:38 +0000 kkards 2152931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This outfit! This is fashion blogger/street style next level fashion. FAB</p> <p>and thank you so much for starting this challenge, it was so fun and such a nice distraction from everything else this week/year. For me, it was interesting to discover how many sweaters and blazers that i have that would be been great for this challenge, unfortunately (happily) the weather turned to warm to wear my wool sweaters.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152878 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 04:52:36 +0000 slim cat 2152878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice outfit and perfect analysis of the longevity of the wardrobe items!<br />I feel a bit envious of your wardrobe and your abilities to make things work in best way possible - bravo!</p> <p>In my case - moving to CA put some of my clothes from Seattle in almost permanent holding zone. Some of them are very useful for my current work now ( and still look good ) and some are still waiting for a chance to go out and play . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152858 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 01:06:44 +0000 Bijou 2152858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A beatutiful outfit and perfect for travelling.&nbsp;</p> <p>Your observations are similar to my own. I have found that I have very few older items in my summer clothing due to more flimsy construction and regular wears. It is only the dressy items that don't get worn as much that have survived beyond 5 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152852 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 00:12:52 +0000 Carla 2152852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also noted that the outfits are generally composed of dark neutrals (black and blue) and to some extent consistent with what I was gravitating towards when I joined YLF and as recent as 2017 - just before I retired. &nbsp;I think black and blue are my core neutrals. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>#1 travel capsule from 2013&nbsp;<br />#2 travel capsule from 2018</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152848 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 23:42:45 +0000 Anonymous 2152848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading what you learned and think it is true. When a good part of your wardrobe is packed away for months. Those seasonal items can last for years. When they are in rotation year round they wear out. I saw and felt this when we lived in Southern California and felt that was why people were so into new styles. They wore out the old ones and were having to buy new anyway.<br /> Your outfit is wonderful and I agree that the puffer vest color brings out your hair color.<br /> Thank you for starting this challenge. I have learned that most of my clothes are older than I’d thought and that something thrifted can become a MVP ( Most Valuable Player). This is especially true of some dresses and bags for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152846 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 23:10:42 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2152846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice outfit! </p> <p>Yes, I agree about the inverse relationship between wardrobe size and churn. No matter how many items you have, you only have so many wears per year. Wear the same pair of pants to work every day (if you go to an office) and you’ll have 30 wears in 1.5 months. More items=spread out wears=things stick around longer. As Jenn points out, for people who want to have the latest trend, that could be a problem.</p> <p>I think a lot of people have enjoyed the challenge and enjoyed getting in touch with their golden oldies this week </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152841 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 22:48:28 +0000 Sal 2152841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes your takeaways are similar to mine but you put it so well! </p> <p>For me having a relatively small wardrobe means that I wear things out as I tire of them - not always but often! Not the dressy pieces, not the true classics, but often jeans, sweaters, sandals etc. Because I get sick of things hanging in the wardrobe not being worn too.</p> <p>I only have a couple more options older than five years outside some very dressy looks. </p> <p>Thanks for organising Carla - a welcome distraction!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152840 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 22:29:59 +0000 Jenn 2152840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your observations match mine exactly. I never really thought about wear and tear when I had a larger wardrobe, but it's a major factor in my planning now. It makes sense when you look at the numbers, though. Doubling the size of your wardrobe would mean it would take six years to wear something the same number of times you do in three now...and that's a big difference in terms of shifting trends and potential lifestyle changes.</p> <p>(In fact, I didn't partake in the challenge, because the OBGs in my wardrobe tend to be the kinds of dressy things you mention, or more substantial winter pieces that aren't currently weather-appropriate.) </p> <p>ETA: I counted, and I have 20 items in my wardrobe that are 5 or more years old. 16 of them are shoes, outerwear or accessories like scarves bags...so only 4 regular clothing items in that age category!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152836 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 21:14:20 +0000 nemosmom 2152836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Your outfit is fantastic - you have had quite a successful week of great looks!&nbsp; Your takeaways are spot-on. For those garments <i>"held in affection seem to have a particularly long life, and encourage special care to keep them going" - </i>I suspect some of my own reasons for not wearing favorite pieces is because I love them SO much that I want them to last. But, then I get sad that they don't get worn...&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I only made it to two days of your challenge, but it was really helpful. You have inspired me to revisit my oldies-but (not-so) goodies in hopes of finally letting go of what isn't working.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152829 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 20:37:28 +0000 Minaminu 2152829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab outfit and great assessment! </p> <p>I think the care of the garment is particularly important for a small wardrobe and agree that the pricepoint is not necessarily an indicator of the quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152825 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 20:20:34 +0000 Anonymous 2152825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been enlightening indeed. I didn't participate because I took the suggestion too literally, and figured that since not much in my closet was older than a few years, it wasn't for me. &nbsp;But I realized that's not really true, and that there are a good handful of pieces closer to 5-8 years old and worthy of styling and posting. &nbsp;Today I'm wearing a sweater that has got to be 5 years old, which is OLD for a sweater, and it's one of my all-time favs. Anyways - the smaller my wardrobe gets, the newer it always seems to be. But I'm ok with that. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152821 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 20:16:44 +0000 Irina 2152821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks so contemporary and effortless. Nicely done, Carla.<br />i enjoyed your challenge more than I expected. &nbsp;I liked digging through my wardrobe to put together outfits.But I knew it would not be much, I did a major edit of my closet in 2015, getting rid of all polyester and acrylic as well as pieces that were too fitted, shoes with higher heels. Some that survived, was worn a lot since I ended up with a minimal wardrobe.I rebuild my wardrobe over the years and hope that now the pieces will last at list 5 years or more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152804 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:20:11 +0000 Angie 2152804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE the way the colour of the puffer picks up the warm gold in your hair!&nbsp;</p> <p>You are dead right with your assessment. That's why people with the &nbsp;larger wardrobes have items that stay in good nick for longer. Less rotation = Less wear and tear.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152801 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:15:15 +0000 Bonnie 2152801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The black and blue combo works great and the lighter vest is the perfect addition.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152795 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:01:26 +0000 rachylou 2152795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This outfit seriously works. I think what you say is true. I did an experiment, living off a subset of clothes, and frequent wear quite destroyed everything... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---obg-5-and-what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned#post-2152790 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 18:56:35 +0000 Carla 2152790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pinstriped button down - BR 2016<br />jeans - MAC - 2019<br />Micro puffer - Uniqlo - 2019<br />black trench - Suzy Shier - 2015<br />Sneakers - Converse - 2019<br />Bag - Coach - thrifted 2018</p> <p>Recycling the pinstriped button down ‘cause I’m running low on oldies! Beloved black brocade trench coat layered over newer puffer. &nbsp;Pre-loved Coach bag is a favourite. &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>What I’ve learned: &nbsp;when you have a small wardrobe, and cycle through clothes at a higher rate, few items will make it past 5 years because wear and tear takes a toll. &nbsp;Clothes that are worn less frequently (dressy capsule) are more likely to still be in good shape. &nbsp;Items that have classic design (button down shirt, trench coat) and are made with good materials and craftsmanship, are more likely to survive annual edits, as are statement pieces that are rites of passage (the jean jacket, leather jacket, channel bag) or an emotional touchstone. &nbsp;Items with a ‘story’ and that are held in affection seem to have a particularly long life, and encourage special care to keep them going. &nbsp;Although ‘quality’ does factor into longevity, price point doesn’t necessarily. &nbsp;Some great OBGs can come from mainstream retail, and some can even come from shopping thrift or consignment.</div><div><br />What do you think? &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div></p>