YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would I buy it now?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would I buy it now? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:10:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Star (Lise) on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187772 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 15:01:05 +0000 Star (Lise) 2187772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, let us know if you do the WIBIN? as it will be interesting to hear your outcome considering you just recently did an edit.  Totally get about the cowboy boots not being edited even if not worn often. Bijou, I also never edit out because of size as I tend to fluctuate between two from time to time.  In fact at the end of last winter I was thinking of editing a slightly bigger pair of jeans and this winter they have been my most worn!  That is why I am a very slow editor, a bit like JenniNZ, I think.  I have never heard of a heated steering wheel  coming from South Africa :) Suntiger, what is PUPY value?  So you let the velvet tops go...  I am hanging on to my skirt, but I do have a few velvet tops that I may let go fairly soon, they are a bit tired anyway - or I am a bit tired of them more likely. nemosmom on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187758 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 13:50:51 +0000 nemosmom 2187758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>*puts heated steering wheel on wishlist for midwest winter*</div><div> </div><div>Oooooh, I did not think to add the "why not?" part of the "would I buy it again" question!  Usually I am like, "NOPE! Next!"    No wonder I have a lot of churn... </div><div> </div><div>*scribbles in notebook* </div> Bijou on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187756 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 13:26:40 +0000 Bijou 2187756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Star, I really like this question very much and think it will be very useful for editing going forward. I am a slow editor for a number of reasons: 1. I tend to have a reasonably consistent style, so I don't dislike what I own; 2. I have changed jobs and roles and so whilst I have more formal clothing that worked for my previous job, I would not rebuy them because they are not what I mainly wear now. I do have to dress formally from time to time and so love popping on a formal suit (even though I would not buy it simply for the occasional wear); 3. As for heels, I don't want to buy any more in the future, my current selection that have been broken in and are reasonably comfy are great to keep and use as and when required; 4. I tend to wear clothes between two sizes and so keep my favourite items if they are either too big or too small, because it does not take much for me to creep up to a larger size or back down again, depending upon how seriously I am training for my sport. Had to laugh at the heated steering wheel, not something I would ever want or use in Australia. Janet on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187748 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 11:12:42 +0000 Janet 2187748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL at the heated steering wheel. That is the ONE item I sacrificed on my current vehicle when I got it. The choice was either wait 3-4 months to get the car I wanted in the (at the time) rather unique color with all the options I wanted, or to get the same car within a week with all the options except one: the heated steering wheel. Well, obviously I am a creature more prone to instant gratification, LOL. I remember that it had to be delivered to us from Albuquerque, and an Albuquerque destination is still saved as the first one in the navigation system. Anonymous on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187746 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 11:07:13 +0000 Anonymous 2187746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Now I need a heated steering wheel :) The velvet skirt makes me think of the short sleeve velvet tops I used to have some years ago. There's only a couple weeks of the year that they work in my climate, but velvet feels wrong in spring. Out they went. Most of my wardrobe I'd say yes, I would buy again. I've done a lot of work identifying what's best on me, and tried to match my wardrobe to it's PUPY value. The exception is most often shoes, cause it's hard to really know without actually going out and wearing them for a day. Janet on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187739 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:48:23 +0000 Janet 2187739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am up too early for some reason and found myself revisiting this discussion. I like Sal’s thought exercise of going through the current wardrobe with this question in mind. I may try that after this cup of coffee. Not with the goal of ditching stuff right now, because I did recently do an edit and we’re in a transitional season, but to look at the whys and whens. I’m an emotional shopper and am emotional dresser. In the past I have also varied widely in body-dressing mood from one week to another — for instance I would feel fairly body confident one week and wear more fitted styles and then have a period where I felt more comfortable covering up. It occurs to me that more recently I am feeling increasingly over any bodycon styles, but that may also be because I’m a little larger now than I feel most comfortable. Is this emotional shift permanent, now that I’m “of a certain age,” or might it shift again if I drop 7 lbs, which has happened in the past? So, for example, right now I would not buy the fitted midi dress that I wore a lot 2-3 years ago, but I’m not sure I’m ready to give it up. It’s in the holding zone, with several other pieces that I feel similarly about. So mood and size fluctuations definitely come into play. I can relate to the falling in and out and in love again with an item or style thing too. I have three pairs of cowboy boots that have seen almost no wear in the past few years, when I wore them a ton 5-10 years ago. They kind of got pushed aside in the era of ankle booties which are easier to style and less specific — I know a lot of people think it’s weird to wear cowboy boots if you’re not in that ranching/cowboy world (which oddly enough, I am sometimes, but I don’t wear those boots on the ranch — I wear muck boots there!). Truth is, the cowboy boots were a good match for the bit of rocker vibe I enjoy, which I seem to get more now from other styles. And at the moment, I can’t say I would choose to buy cowboy boots. However, they are 1) nicely broken in and comfortable, 2) sort of classic in a rather specific way, 3) styles that I carefully chose and/or stalked for a year because I loved them. Shoes are harder to let go of for me when they are still comfortable. And I know that as soon as I let them go, they’re gonna trend. LOL. Star (Lise) on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187736 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:28:56 +0000 Star (Lise) 2187736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thoughts Everyone! It is a thought provoking method, isn't it Sal. JenniNZ, I want a number of about 120, excluding shoes, bags, scarves, sleepwear.  I also only purge when I am 100% sure, and often try various alterations first. Cat2, agreed about being on Team Wear, I am definitely not a purger and binger, that is why my wardrobe feels too large.  I go through phases too, and may not wear an item for 2 summers and then wear the heck out of it.  I will be using this method mostly for identifying where my style is going more than purging. Sal on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187700 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 04:00:29 +0000 Sal 2187700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I went through my wardrobe list with this thought and had 20/91 (not including my active wear/gear which is close to 50 alone) that I would not buy again.  And there are a variety of reasons why..mostly for the sorts of reasons below. - the black EF sandals have been wonderful but I am sick of them so I wouldn't buy again, but I am happy I did buy them and have had great wear from them.  I haven't got rid of them but expect they will get less wear next season.  Reason I wouldn't buy again - I have tired of the style. - the tangerine dress I wouldn't buy again has I have worn about four times in four years..... and I can't see it ever getting past 10 wears.  I do like it, won't get rid of it yet.  Reason - won't get close to 30 wears - the black wide leg crops.  I wear them and have had about 20 wears from them. I plan to keep them.  But they can look a little bit too casual and saggy.  I could have held out and got a better fit.  Reason - could have done better. Jaime on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187685 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 02:47:17 +0000 Jaime 2187685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do think about this when I am reviewing my wardrobe, but I am not always sure of my answer. Lots of interesting thoughts on this thread! Sally on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now/page/2#post-2187681 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 02:42:30 +0000 Sally 2187681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like this in principle so I try to keep a really small wardrobe and wear what I like over and over again.  I do change my mind about whether I would purchase something again.  I gave my mother a mustard cardigan that I no longer wanted and then I found it in her cast offs.  I wore it twice last week, got complimented by colleagues on it and thought to myself, "why did I give that away?".  Changing size often hasn't helped either.  I have a lot of things I wish I hadn't thrown out but maybe that is nostalgia.   Jenni NZ on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187624 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 22:52:51 +0000 Jenni NZ 2187624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well cat2 I certainly don’t do the “if I haven’t worn it in a year I should edit it out” system either, and for me it takes some ?5-10 years of not wearing something much before I am really sure that I won’t want to wear it ever again. I have slowly done it with a few items though in the 4 years I have been on YLF. Because I feel it’s more sustainable to wear stuff at least #30 wears then I do try to push myself to wear whatever, and sometimes that can work. I had some greeny-grey trousers like that from 2012 where the cuff was a bit wide and they were a bit short, by letting down the cuff a little I solved both issues. The wears increased to now 60, but not worn much this past NZ summer. If I decide I am over them, which I think I may be, then I feel much better about editing them out now. More sustainable and got my money’s worth! They did go really well with a couple of particular tops so I enjoyed them for those, it wasn’t forced to wear them all those times. cat2 on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187612 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 22:22:27 +0000 cat2 2187612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am on Team Wear, not team wardrobe purge and binge. I ask if it is in good condition and if it fits and if so I keep it and over time find a way to wear it. Today I am wearing a denim dress I bought last summer with a six year old linen sweater. The sweater is fuchsia colored, and for the last two years I was not really in the mood for it, but this year it’s again in heavy rotation. Under a lot of systems I should have tossed it — didn’t wear one year, wasn’t currently in love with it, etc. However, I know that I like variety, and having it in the closet provided that without any additional spend. I also don’t think asking if I would buy it again makes sense — of course I wouldn’t, time passes and the next time I go sweater shopping there will be something else that draws my attention. Jenni NZ on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187593 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 21:04:36 +0000 Jenni NZ 2187593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That blog Suntiger points us to is very good. It was Debbie Roes’ previous blog Recovering Shopaholic that led me to YLF in the first place, as she mentioned it/Angie on there. I got to Debbie via Googling “ What is a normal sized wardrobe?” in 2016 when I was feeling desperate in my older home at the time where my clothing was in 3 different bedrooms! Thankfully things have improved. Downsizing the wardrobe...well in 4 years I have only downsized it by about 40 items from about 200 to 160. I was aiming for about 150 so not too far away now. I feel I need around 120 clothing items and 30 pairs shoes to meet my needs for variety and fun. Are you sure you need to downsize yours so drastically to only one third? How big is it?! Anonymous on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187591 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 21:00:31 +0000 Anonymous 2187591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel that way about my heated steering wheel , JA Sal on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187590 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 20:57:33 +0000 Sal 2187590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha JAileen! I like this process a lot and may do the same thing. And I agree with not removing immediately pieces that still have function or you like, such as the pink jeans. I even have things that I like but feel that I have scratched the itch with one piece. JAileen on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187553 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:59:17 +0000 JAileen 2187553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This makes a lot more sense than “does it spark joy.”  The only thing that sparks joy in me is the ice maker on our refrigerator.  Every time I fill up a glass of water I think, “I absolutely love this!”<div> </div> Anonymous on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187551 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:46:19 +0000 Anonymous 2187551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has been my editing method for years . And so often the answer is “no” , which reflected my poor buying habits and lack of choice / availability in the market at that time . rachylou on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187536 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:31:59 +0000 rachylou 2187536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have to have a long think... the first thing that comes to mind are all my black sweaters, because my dog is a blondie! Star (Lise) on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187514 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 16:13:38 +0000 Star (Lise) 2187514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfrumped, where I live returns are not really an option, seriously!  Very different to when I lived in South Africa and could return anything up to three months later.  I learn't this the first time I came here on holiday and the handle on a bag I purchased broke off in 24 hours.  When I took it back the sales assistant shrugged her shoulders and said it was not broken when I purchased it.  Purchases here are keepers so I am becoming very selective, as you can imagine.  It is probably fortunate my closet is over-stocked unfrumped on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187512 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 16:05:19 +0000 unfrumped 2187512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also live the “ would I return it” question and see it for somewhat different situations, but useful, in its own variations. Especially for: shoes that seemed to fit but after several wears, are impossibly uncomfortable. I have not returned this type, typically, though I know some people return with reason that, your shoes hurt my feet. Similarly, sweaters that only start to itch after several wears or certain circumstances. Also, too much muchness. Maybe buying things that really are great but can’t wear it all , in that category. The difference in this question is that one could get the money back for something better, wardrobe or other. That overlaps with “ sunk cost” guilt over truly unwearable or disliked items, but an alternative mindset, for some of my would-I-buy-again keepers, is being grateful for what I have and watching out for “ wardrobe perfection “ rabbit- hole. That doesn’t mean wearing what I hate, and for me now means, do more “ eenie meenie” choosing to admit I prefer this over that, so don’t need that. Star (Lise) on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187507 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 15:54:14 +0000 Star (Lise) 2187507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfrumped, so many good examples.  And oh my, 'these shoes will loosen up' - I have finally learnt mine never have and never do!  Phoebe, yes I was thinking while reading some of these comments, that if it is a No that it is not a hard and fast rule that the item has to be purged, and the reasons for not purging said No item will vary not only for different people, but even for different items within our own closets.  I believe the original blog post I read about this stated the same thing.  No does not necessarily = instant purge.  It just sure helps for one to see things logically for a future path, and prevent me from repeating mistakes, and acknowledging personal style changes.  Glad you love it Anonymous on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187503 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 15:33:42 +0000 Anonymous 2187503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The practicality of this question really appeals to me. I think the same expansiveness of definition and blurred borders can be applied as would be applied to the virtually completely subjective concept of "sparking joy". Love it, plan to use it unfrumped on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187493 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 15:11:43 +0000 unfrumped 2187493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Star said. Good wardrobe evaluation question which I do use and find helpful. What Star said because: the items I wouldn’t buy again but don’t think I should remove , I believe fall into a certain category of still having many of the “ right” features AND I will wear them, but want the next iteration to have some different qualities. Examples for me include some silk shirts and cashmere sweaters that are the right fit, color but I believe moving forward I will do better with more easy- care items or fewer such. This attitude requires my saying that I will wear my gray silk shirt even casually, not save for “ good”, and decide at some point whether it gets stained beyond repair or doesn’t hand wash well or is not worth dry cleaning costs or I find I’m not actually wearing it much . Which also means I am not trying to think, “ I should give this away because someone will cherish it beautifully and get 5 years of use from it” , because I don’t bank on that. Another simple example might be color palette shifting but not needing to make any clean sweep. I have some burgundy items that now I’m thinking are darker than I like going forward, but are in the right style, fabric so I will wear but have fun seeing if new preferred shade turns up. So this type of item might be part of a wardrobe evolution strategy in which I have to like the new item so much that I will then toss the other, rather than hold on to both, split wears, or be covering up the real deal that it’s an item I somehow like to BUY but not WEAR. But I have removed items for which my impression is, “ what on earth was I thinking?!” and realized it was an emotional or impulsive buy or had my inner voice was nagging me about problems, but my instant gratification voice was saying, oh, these shoes will loosen up, this top will shrink a size, etc. texasgal on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187490 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 15:04:30 +0000 texasgal 2187490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another way to look at this: would I return it if I could? (Obv tags on, unworn, etc) Star (Lise) on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187470 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 14:39:07 +0000 Star (Lise) 2187470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chewyspaghetti, it sure does. chewyspaghetti on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187466 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 14:33:47 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2187466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't use any organized method to keep track of my wardrobe, but I do use this question to help determine if it's a keep. It really helps you think about it in a different way. Star (Lise) on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187464 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 14:24:33 +0000 Star (Lise) 2187464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nemosmom, too true!  I actually did not include this past year in my thinking, as  you say I would not be left with much;)  Your comment makes me think of this velvet maxi skirt I own and love, just the right cut for me (straight column), a rich rusty burgundy color.  The thing is I have only worn it once in the last six  years.  The climate here is just not conducive to skirts 8 months of the year, and the colour and texture is just not for Spring.  So this is an odd piece, I will not purge it, I love it and I did dither a bit with is it a Yes or a No but I must remember never to buy a velvet skirt again! Star (Lise) on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187463 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 14:17:43 +0000 Star (Lise) 2187463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Irina, the way you feel about your dressy pants articulates exactly how I feel about some of my No items.  They are not going anywhere, I enjoy them, I will wear them out but would not buy again.  This is why I will not purge every No item, but as you say the road map ahead is clear. nemosmom on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187462 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 14:16:27 +0000 nemosmom 2187462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Oh this is a super-helpful question to keep in mind while editing!  For me, it's one of a few questions I have to ask as I go through my "maybe" pile.  There are pieces I love that I wouldn't necessarily need to ask myself if I would buy again, and there are pieces I would buy again, but don't necessarily wear.  Editing is tricky!  </div><div> </div><div>Since the pandemic, I find myself laughing at the method, "get rid of anything you haven't worn in the last year"... I would be left with one pair of sweatpants, a pair of jeans, three tee shirts, and a pair of slippers....  :D </div> Irina on "Would I buy it now?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-i-buy-it-now#post-2187457 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 14:10:58 +0000 Irina 2187457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I ask myself this question sometimes. <div>There are obvious mistakes especially when I buy something that doesn’t fit but looks like it can be altered. </div><div>But there is part of my wardrobe that doesn’t reflect my current preferences. In the winter months I used to wear mostly dressy pants to work and have only 2 pair jeans suitable for the weather. I bought and enjoyed wearing these pants. I like like them and I don’t  plan to get rid of them now but I’m not going to replace once I wear them out. I would rather wear more jeans. Asking myself this question helps me to understand changes in my style and plan better future purchases.</div>