https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 01 May 2026 13:20:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023467 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 20:44:09 +0000 The Cat 2023467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also only have one (quality) watch. I really like it and think it goes with everything I wear. So I don't see the need for more watches--unlike people I know who have dozens of watches and find joy in choosing a perfect watch for each day's outfits. (That's what I do with reading glasses, but that's another story.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023462 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 19:55:47 +0000 Jenni NZ 2023462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a new concept to me and I don’t think I follow it at all! I can’t think of any category where I have only one. I have 3 pair jeans, 3 warm coats, multiple ankle boots unless “one” cobalt pair counts...etc. Maybe because my clothes are so eclectic? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023450 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 19:04:48 +0000 Roberta 2023450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a rule, I must be constantly vigilant to keep from buying duplicates of things I own and like - but there is <b>one </b>exception, my fabulous 15 year old J. Jill jacket, which is just the right shade of dark blue, fits perfectly, washes well, has useful pockets and is warm enough to pass as a coat when paired with a scarf.&nbsp;</p> <p>I know I will never find another jacket that is so right, and luckily I can't imagine an incident that would thoroughly ruin it other than leaving it in another country. Because I would pay to have it shipped from any of the 50 states. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023444 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 18:23:07 +0000 LeandraofBleuAvenue 2023444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought the 90s had the best fashion ever, but looking back I think we wore some pretty tacky things.&nbsp; I used to wear combat boots with dresses which was the height of 90s style for me.&nbsp; Now I've down graded to tasteful black leather boots.&nbsp; They look cute and casual with dresses and I only have the one pair, so they have to go with nearly everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023432 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 17:32:32 +0000 SarahD8 2023432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting discussion! I am kind of an unrepentant princess of duplication so I can't think of many examples along the lines of what has been shared here.</p> <p>I do see the power of one in my relationship with color, though. Sometimes I have had an item in a color that is a one-off for my wardrobe, but have found it really useful and versatile (often because the color created a hit of contrast with core wardrobe colors). I try to remind myself that just because one lemon yellow top is super awesome, I don't necessarily need more of that color in my wardrobe. Sometimes I don't actually need to build a complement! I realize this also goes against the advice about having a tight color palette. Paradoxical, but it has sometimes really worked for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023411 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 15:51:12 +0000 Jenn 2023411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Sal</b> said! I'm sorry to those who requested the original thread, but I can't find it. I suspect it was just a comment <b>Sal</b> made in response to something else, rather than an in-depth discussion on the topic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023224 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 19:48:32 +0000 Sal 2023224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not Jenn but I used the phrase as a way to stop me duplicating when I don’t need to. Sometimes when you buy a winner - or own something that you love- it is tempting to get another one. In my experience that often does not work for me. I can’t remember How I came up with the phrase.</p> <p>Of course it does depend how we categorise pieces - I may have one pair of black ankle boots but I have three pairs in total. And I have one pair of white jeans but I own four pairs of denim jeans.... </p> <p>It is really a way of saying that sometimes one is enough - because we love the first item does not mean we need to add another. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one/page/2#post-2023111 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:55:09 +0000 Angie 2023111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Indeed<b>, Jenn</b>. One jumpsuit: spectacular, but does not impart power to the wearer :(</p> <p>I'm going with my new pleated skirt as the power of ONE :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2023106 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:27:00 +0000 ChristelJ 2023106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would also love to see the original thread. I believe I get the general concept, but where do you draw the line with categories? For example, I have many straight leg jeans, but only one is grey, one white, one dark blue denim.<br /> In the category of print summer tops, I have an embarrassing number, but to me, each one is special and different. I guess you would call it a collection, carefully curated. Variety is super-important to me in most categories, in fact.<br /> However, I only have one raincoat, a perfect navy hooded Michael Kors with an off-set zipper and soft lining. It blocks wind, never wrinkles, is warm but not hot, fits well, complements my coloring, is un-fussy, and is smart but casual to suit my lifestyle. I hope it never wears out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2023097 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:40:23 +0000 Becky 2023097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found myself thinking about "the power of one" as I was out and about shopping this weekend. Could you direct me to the original thread in which this idea was discussed? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022853 Sat, 27 Apr 2019 17:48:01 +0000 Lesley 2022853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like to duplicate; I usually feel like duplication makes each item less special. Also, when I get sick of an item, that would mean I'd get sick of several things at once.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, I do have the same cut of jeans in several colors/washes and duplicate tees. But my nicer tops, sweaters, shoes, jackets, and dresses, are all one-offs. I also wear a single watch and I like to carry just one bag per season, mostly because I hate switching out contents.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022824 Sat, 27 Apr 2019 14:41:18 +0000 Anonymous 2022824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am thrilled that translucent louses are trending and hope to pick up a black one. I find I can wear translucent black as it is softer, not as heavy as a solid saturated black<br /> I definitely need more than one of white anything as one is in the laundry, especially white jeans as they are not put in the dryer and can take a couple of days to air dry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022822 Sat, 27 Apr 2019 14:31:38 +0000 LaPed 2022822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, flannel shirts are one of the only categories where I do keep true duplicates! I generally have 2 or 3 in rotation and find that they last almost a decade before the elbows wear through and the cuffs start to fray. If I only had one, I'd probably replace it every 4-5 years. My style preference for some things has remained extremely consistent. I've had an LLBean black watch flannel in my closet at all times since I was ten years old. Currently on my third one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022815 Sat, 27 Apr 2019 14:17:47 +0000 smittie 2022815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to add: I suspect that if you’re a uniform dresser, you won’t have a lot of “ones”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022728 Sat, 27 Apr 2019 08:28:44 +0000 Bijou 2022728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Doc Marten boots - I really love them in this pattern and know that it will be hard to:<br />1. wear them out; and<br />2. find another pair that I like as much.</p> <p>So given those two factors, I am happy to keep the one pair I have. I do love that flannel shirt on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022715 Sat, 27 Apr 2019 05:28:14 +0000 Jenn 2022715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>lyn67</b>, I just need to take my own advice into account with other bits of my wardrobe!</p> <p><b>runcarla,&nbsp;</b>you've made me think about my other "perfect ones:"<br />-one pair of snowboots<br />-one trench<br />-one Breton tee<br />-one puffer</p> <p>I tend to duplicate tops, sometimes exact, but at least in style. Also have a bunch of black dresses and ankle boots.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Mainelady,&nbsp;</b>I'm not usually a big shirt over dress person, but this gives just the right casual edge to the column of black.</p> <p><b>kkards,&nbsp;</b>I'm a one-glasses-person too. I do have a cheap backup pair, but they're just that...cheap backups.</p> <p><b>Sisi,&nbsp;</b>I got it from&nbsp;<b>Sal.&nbsp;<br /></b><br /><div><b>Liesbeth,&nbsp;</b>I definitely duplicate a lot, but I'm trying to be more deliberate about it!</p> <p><b>The Cat,&nbsp;</b>elegant and comfortable sounds like a winning combination!</p> <p><b>Firecracker</b>, isn't that funny? I haven't had great luck with duplicating in different colors...although I do have linen tanks in a couple of different colors. They have to be really basic pieces!</p> <p><b></b>Thanks<b>, JenniferAnne!&nbsp;</b>the boots are by BedStu and I LOVE them.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022708 Sat, 27 Apr 2019 05:16:41 +0000 Jenn 2022708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>suntiger,&nbsp;</b>hah! Perhaps I should have been more specific...</p> <p><b>shevia</b>, your whole eclectic wardrobe is one-of-a-kind!</p> <p><b>smittie,&nbsp;</b>yes! That's the same way I feel about flannel shirts. It's not like they're going to disappear, especially not from the workwear-brand that made mine!</p> <p><b>Joy,&nbsp;</b>I just read that those translucent shirts are trending, so yours will be trendy! I admire your commitment to one LBD. I confess, black dresses are my weak spot--I have FIVE, though one has been demoted to a swim coverup.</p> <p><b>rachylou,&nbsp;</b>little specific there with the bell-sleeved red sweater! I wish I could find the perfect, do-everything scarf, though!</p> <p>Thanks <b>S</b><b>tyleDetective.&nbsp;</b>I was in college in the early 90s and my heart is definitely in that decade. I, too, have a perfect faux leather jacket, and I tried to upgrade with a real leather one, but it was never the same. &nbsp;I've worn the faux one about 20x more than the real one.</p> <p>Thanks,&nbsp;<b>Angie.&nbsp;</b>I know you have one jumpsuit. Maybe not so much love, though. :)</p> <p><b>Jessikams,&nbsp;</b>I'm a duplicator too, but I'm trying to be better about it. Sometimes, it's absolutely the right move, but I realized I was doing it more than necessary.</p> <p><b>Sal,&nbsp;</b>I seriously think about this all the time! Interesting that you're off kimonos. &nbsp;I've been considering a second one...something that could double as a robe and still be worn with jeans on occasion.</p> <p><b>anchie,&nbsp;</b>that's <b></b><i>exactly</i><b></b> the kind of piece I'm talking about!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022609 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 19:09:49 +0000 Jennifer 2022609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this outfit! And the BOOTS!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022587 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 16:41:25 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2022587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super cool outfit, Jenn. I was just thinking the other day about duplicating something in another color, and I thought better of it. Now I can't remember what it was! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022584 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 16:17:04 +0000 The Cat 2022584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice shirt and good colours for you!</p> <p>The One that first comes to mind is my only winter daydress. Deep blue velour. I have had it since around 2000. And though I have had some other winter daydresses, they have actually been few, and by now they are all gone. Last winter my old blue faithful was my only daydress. A real workhorse. It looks relaxed elegant and feels comfortable (the perfect mix for me), so I can use it on both dressy and casual occasions, and laundry as well as packing is super easy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022520 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:25:02 +0000 Liesbeth 2022520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good thinking. I bought a second plaid shirt and it just split my wears. Still, they’re a bit different and scratch a different sartorial itch :).<br /> I’m afraid I hardly have any Ones. I used to have one wool winter coat, two since last year. I used to have one perfect denim jacket but now own a darker,sleeker one too and am on the hunt for a cream version. I used to have the One pair of jeans but they no longer fit and now I have several mediocre pairs :p.<br /> Once I like a style or silhouette, I buy more in different colors and styles (trousers, sleeveless tops, shirt dresses, blazers...). I do find it a good strategy for wardrobe building but needs to be contained to frequently worn items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022517 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:52:06 +0000 Sisi 2022517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, your&nbsp;plaid shirt is alwasy perfect on you!</p> <p>Who was it who invented the "just one"&nbsp; concept? I remember&nbsp;reading about this&nbsp; time ago but I do not remember where.&nbsp;At the moment I have&nbsp;1&nbsp;white short-sleeve shirt,&nbsp;1&nbsp;pair of jeans and 1 blue lbd.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022516 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:51:50 +0000 kkards 2022516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>the power of one....what a&nbsp;fabulous way to think...</p> <p>my watch....here i'm a serial oner..i had a great watch that i loved for a decade or so, but than apparently i got water in it, bought a cheap swatch to wear while i search to for the next "one", which i found about 6 years ago</p> <p>my glassess...i know that some here have a selection, but i can't get my head around that, so i look for the "perfect" pair and then wear them until i look in the mirror one day and just know its time for a new pair</p> <p>black leggings...a couple of years ago i found a pair i really liked, and realized that this wasn't something that i needed more of, the one perfect pair was enough&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022503 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 09:56:31 +0000 Mainelady 2022503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Power of One. I like the idea of that. I need to give it some thought. I really like your flannel shirt and how you have styled it. I have never worn one of my flannels over a dress and now you have me wondering why I haven’t. I will be doing that next fall. Thank you for the inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022502 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 09:56:28 +0000 Carla 2022502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like you, I have one flannel shirt - and love it! I did go a year without one, when it's predecessor wore out. (Serial monogamy?) I have only one:</p> <p>- perfect cream button down shirt<br /> - jean jacket<br /> - black peacoat<br /> - tall black boots<br /> - statement bomber jacket<br /> - flannel shirt<br /> - denim shirt<br /> - ball skirt </p> <p>Duplicates are either identical - but in different colourways (lace tank tops, striped mariner T's, CK cropped bottoms), or similar style family (black pants, jeans, puffers, trench coat, canvas sneakers). The 'one's' do stand out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022497 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 09:06:08 +0000 lyn67 2022497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love how you said it, so frankly! And LOVE when that happens!!!:-)) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022480 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 06:17:03 +0000 anchie 2022480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see why you love that shirt so much - it loves you right back.<br /> For me I think it is denim jacket - I have the same one for almost 10 years and it is still going strong and is perfect for my needs. Don’t need or look for another one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022472 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 05:35:44 +0000 Sal 2022472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am touched this stuck with you Jenn. I do try my best to stick to this philosophy and here are some examples<br /> - one knee high boots<br /> - one white sneakers<br /> - one slides<br /> - one white jeans</p> <p>I do have multiples of others - eg two wool coats, two kimonos, two long sleeve dresses, several black tops from tank to long sleeve.</p> <p>I do regret the second kimono as I have gone off both at the moment and preferring more structured toppers. </p> <p>I love this look on you Jenn - you wear the plaid so well and it really works over the black sleekness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022468 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 04:45:47 +0000 Jessikams 2022468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohhhhhh I tend to duuuuuuuplicate..... but let’s see- I have had the same watch for 20 years and feel no need to replace it or add others for variety. It works for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-one#post-2022452 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 03:44:18 +0000 Angie 2022452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>KILLER</p> <p>And I’ll think about your question... </p>