https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 06:10:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-858409 Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:19:47 +0000 jayne 858409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, missed your question earlier, I don't really have too much problem with toppers either although I am really stuggling with one leather moto that I cannot find the right 'under' for. I have decided earlier I look best in jackets with collars so I rarely buy without a collar and then most of the tops are T shirt like (no collar) or vneck which look fab under a jacket with a collar. So I guess I have limited myself that way, but I find it freeing to stop trying every single type of top or jacket. I rarely pair collar shirts with collar jacket but I do when I go for the preppy look which is within my style zone.</p> <p>No much help, I have limited myself after experimenting to what looked good with my favorite jackets. The jacket has been a staple for me all my adult life. I am trying to now learn to find toppers without jackets that suit me and my style aspirations. Again, the best have collars. or v neck. I find boat neck is wrong on my shoulder type or neck length or something. So eliminating what does not look good seems to be the path I followed. Have you any inspirations from all this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-854516 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:30:09 +0000 krishnidoux 854516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ruffles! Ds, that is one that I have a hard time pairing with a proper bottom bc it can so easily overwhelm it. Then it is hard to match with a shirt, unless it is a blouse, and still. It pretty much would leave only tees or camis! Although it can look pretty nice paired with a rocker or disco, RATE print tee or a sequin tee, and a loose student-like scarf.</p> <p>I don't think the problem is plain vs detailed, but, rather, harmony between pieces. You could run into the same problem with a closet full of plain separates: some would be square plain, others A line, others round... some long and some short... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-854371 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:23:53 +0000 dizzys 854371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>^ I noticed I am having this problem recently with a ruffled cream cardigan. I thought it was a simple enough piece when I bought it, but the scoop of the cut on the top is a little too wide and the ruffles are not playing nice with my other topper items. This seems to happen quite a bit with me. I guess I am not picking plain enough seperates??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-854298 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:43:40 +0000 krishnidoux 854298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne, do you shop for top and topper at the same time? Do you find you have a hard time with top and topper? Often this is what gives me issues: the shirt's collar won't fit the jacket's, even though lengths are good and colours sublime Or it will be sleeves, or shape. One top is "round" and its topper too straight, too short. Do you get that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-853727 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:43:49 +0000 jayne 853727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what a great discussion.</p> <p>I agree with many many points and have picked up some great tips here. </p> <p>My contribution is that I have a limited set of bottoms per season that I am trying to match toppers to. They are either skinny or slouchy. </p> <p>So when trying to evaluate a topper for the skinny bottoms (this is winter so no skirts) I have found the silhouette I prefer is looser, maybe a half tuck. And if not tucked, I know from many many years of the wrong lengths, just what length top my wide thighs look best in. SO I evaluate the top for half tuck and untucked against a specific length. If it passes all these fit criteria, then it usually works for my skinnies at home. </p> <p>for my loose trousers, I prefer the fitted top to I can have a waist. This also works for full tuck and also untucked. Again, I keep the tops a bit shorter when fitting for slouchy trousers. Most of the time they work for both bottoms but there are a few toppers I wear only with one type of bottom.</p> <p> I keep my bottoms neutral (grey black, and ok cobalt is a neutral right?) or dark jean and I have my definite color ranges for toppers. Actually when I think about it, it is only fit I have to worry about because i keep to primary colors on the top for the most part. and hey, everything goes with cobalt, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-853683 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:10:40 +0000 rachylou 853683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Angie's advice about wearing an item you need to get things for to make an outfit, while shopping, is a good one.</p> <p>Because yeah - it's only in theory that theory works like in practice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-853238 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:44:00 +0000 ButterflyLady 853238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>krish - I would have done that, but I already had two large bags of returns to carry, and I am still having problems with my shoulder I'm planning another trip though, and will take a few more things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits/page/2#post-853215 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:19:18 +0000 krishnidoux 853215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ButterflyLady, do bring more items in a separate bag! You point out something worthwhile: the pre-fabricated outfits often lack that oomph, or that mysterious stylishness, and can't be helped no matter what accessories we add. So true! That is one of the reasons I have been staying away from buying whole outfits. </p> <p>Shannon, so true that clothes are emotional and that is why it is hard to think of them as a working "mecano" piece of a whole. I often don't know why I am so attracted to one given item, but once at home, I sure know quickly why it doesn't work with anything else... and then I am faced with two outcomes: either buy more things to suit it, or return it! Now that I have some direction, knowing for example that my overall style is Soft Gamine, it is easier to decide what to do, but I admit I am a reluctant returner.</p> <p>abc, I'm going to read your WIW right now. So true that the problem becomes more apparent when packing for a trip and trying to create capsules. Suz is the queen of travelling capsules, do go check out her WIW for inspiration!</p> <p>Caro, that is a great trick, and I will remember it: starting off with the footwear. Yes, it does help a great deal!</p> <p>Sveta, you know how I admire your wardrobe and how you wear it too. Good for you for being able to memorize each item! I will try to pay more attention myself, see if I can. Then pulling everything out and trying it BEFORE having fully, finally bought the item in question is a good idea. I will also apply it. I do this exactly, but too often, only once the item is bought for good, I don't know why I never thought of doing like you. That is a great trick.</p> <p>Nancylee, you've nailed it: proportion! So often this is WHY it doesn't work... cut, length, silhouette all lead to proportion issues. I will also keep this in mind next time I shop.</p> <p>Donna, I can imagine how your orange blazer would be more versatile... I notice on this forum that often, pieces that members report as "workhorses" are NOT in a neutral colour.<br /> We think neutral is safer and should match everything else and that is where we trip and fall, it seems. Your post and Claire's seem to demonstrate this exact point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-853172 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:17:30 +0000 ButterflyLady 853172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I switch between buying individual items and trying to *make* them work, or attempting to buy outfits and failing to make them interesting enough with accessories etc.</p> <p>I am going shopping today, and will be wearing some of the items I need new things to work well with ... hopefully this will work and reduce returns! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-853027 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:38:46 +0000 Transcona Shannon 853027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Were you peeking in my closet Krish???</p> <p>I have the hardest time shopping for outfits because I'm such an emotional shopper - I tend to buy a piece I fall in love with. I can't even begin to count the number of closet orphans this has led to over the years.</p> <p>And as you've mentioned, I'll get something and have three items in mind to combine it with and when I get it home and try it with those three items, none of it works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-853011 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:21:48 +0000 abc 853011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, you are totally singing my song. I had the same exact problem when I was packing for my recent trip (see today's post with my WIWs).</p> <p>I am relatively early on in my YLF / style journey. I have never thought about outfits when shopping - I think this is the root of the issue, but you are spot on when you said when buying things you thought it would go with X, Y and Z in your closet and were surprised to find out it didn't, but went with A, B or C instead. Same thing going on here.</p> <p>Thanks for this post, it really has me thinking and hopefully I will be more aware when shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852796 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:22:08 +0000 Caro in Oz 852796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first thing I do is to sort the shoes I want to buy/wear for the season because I want most outfits to go with most shoes.</p> <p>If I'm buying a lot in one season I will try to buy it all together or over a week or two so I can return things that don't work together. If I'm just buying individual pieces they have to go with several outfits before I'll consider keeping them. I agree with Sveta if the combinations don't excite me the item goes back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852737 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:30:07 +0000 Sveta 852737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never shop in outfits but my closet is fairly small and I know what is in it by heart. I guess I do the math without realizing it in my head, the first pass anyway. If I like the cut, color and think it will work with my wardrobe I bring it home. There there is another pass. I literally pull out EVERYTHING from my closet and start playing dress up with the new thing. I don't expect it to work with 100% of what I have but it has to be a fair amount. And it also has to be awesome! Sometimes it works with everything but I don't get excited about the combinations or they are similar to what I already have so back it goes. I think my return rate is 75% not counting online orders and I really strict with this - if it does not excite me in outfits, too similar or not a good supporting item I am currently missing back it goes ASAP! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852729 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:22:47 +0000 nancylee 852729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a good point, Krish. For years I impulsively bought individual items with little thought as to how everything would work together. I've learned (mostly here on YLF) to think more in terms of new items playing with my current wardrobe, but I still make the occasional mistake. Proportion is so important and you often don't know how things will work together until you try them at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852719 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:13:33 +0000 DonnaF 852719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I return a lot of things because stuff I thought would *go* don't. And yup, I've learned that all those pieces have to come off the hanger and on the body to check the proportions. I have also learned that items that I thought would go with everything, like Claire's black pants and black blazer, may not be as versatile as one would think. =&gt; Cue my heather gray tipped blazer. Sometimes it may *go*, but the look is darn boring! My orange blazer goes with much more, and the same thing can be said of my citron blouse! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852688 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:31:34 +0000 krishnidoux 852688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852682 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:25:41 +0000 Mo 852682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, shoes number 35 Part of that is needing both the boots for Tahoe snow and all the sandals for FL heat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852681 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:21:57 +0000 krishnidoux 852681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ds, thanks for the link!</p> <p>Mo, thanks for sharing your "magic" number. It is most helpful. I'm going to go count mine, to see. Do you include shoes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852678 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:17:20 +0000 krishnidoux 852678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, may I say that your care in selecting appropriate pieces is very much reflected in the final results on your WIW's. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852677 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:14:22 +0000 Mo 852677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also never shopped in outfits, and still don't. But I do have a bigger picture in mind usually when looking for a piece. And yeah, sometimes what goes together in your head does not pan out in reality in your closet. Some of it is just trial and error. As for # of items and outfits, I've found 150 items (including shoes, jackets and coats) is a comfortable number for variety for me, and I can only guess the number of outfits that makes. Enough, that's for sure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852672 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:09:42 +0000 dizzys 852672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am rebuilding a wardrobe after a drastic weight loss and finding that taking closet photos on my phone and referring to notes that I have made with closet holes has helped. I am also finding that my pieces have to be super versatile since my wardrobe is small. This blog has helped me figure this part out.<a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/p/building-remixable-wardrobe-series.html?m=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.puttingmetogether.c.....s.html?m=1</a>.....things need to be versatile in color and need to be able to be layered under/ over, belted and tucked....still figuring this all out and making a lot of mistakes trying to be arty and unique...... But its threads like this one that has helped. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852670 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:00:53 +0000 Ingunn 852670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting read! I'm learning a lot from your thoughts. </p> <p>I seldom (read: never) shop in outfits, only single pieces. But I always consider how many combinations I think I can wear the new addition with before I buy anything. I always bring along my phone, or even my iPad so I can refresh my memory by flicking through the images I have of my wardrobe items in Evernote. When I bring the new item home, I try to find time for a dress up session, because combining without trying isn't good enough - like you mention, Krish - one has to look carefully at hemlines, lenght, proportions etcetera. Often I take pictures for later reference. I have narrowed down the choices of colors, cuts and styles a lot lately, so hopefully I make fewer mistakes by making more coherent choices. On the other side, I need to try new silhouettes and colors every now and then to remain current. This is a never ending process, I believe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852658 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:37:56 +0000 amiable 852658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the discussion yet, but wanted to say that yes, this is my experience too - things that I imagine will go don't. If I'm lucky, I notice this before wearing it out.....</p> <p>Now, I'll read the discussion, and hopefully gain some more insight! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852600 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:36:40 +0000 krishnidoux 852600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, Lisa, good points, and I admire your discipline! It's true that shopping in the same store helps to mix and match. Often works better within one collection. </p> <p>Tanya, so interesting about certain items... we should be all putting together the items we notice like this, just for fun, I bet it would be very useful. In my case I have been noticing a lot of black wedge boots and fit and flaired cut (often double breasted, often oversized collar) coats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852527 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:17:54 +0000 Lisa 852527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am guilty of far more clothes than remixed outfits. I try to stay away from owning too many outfits stars as I favor a smaller, more remix friendly wardrobe. I do find it helpful to shop for an outfit in the same store because then pieces will "go." And this prevents me from owning lots of wardrobe orphans. If I can't find an outfit in a store I limit myself to an outfit in a shopping trip. If I have to go home with half and outfit and go out a second time looking for it 's mate, then I return the item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852492 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:35:47 +0000 Tanya 852492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread and the comments are so educational, as I also find myself in the same boat! I am doing well with colors, but often do find that cuts/lengths of items just do not look well together.</p> <p>One of my solutions has been to try the new item when I bring it back home with everything I thought it would work, and see if that is really the case. For most of the items, I have adapted a 3 fabulous outfits test - can I make three really fab and different outfits with the new item (everything else should already be in my closet)? If not, and I am also not prepared to spend more for additional items to make it work - back it goes. The exceptions are special occasion items which only have to work one way and work horses such as basic white shirt/jeans that I expect to work more than three ways.</p> <p>I have been also doing something similar to what Suz describes: analyzing various inspirational outfits for the missing items, and seeing which items appear multiple times. For example, I have learned that leopard flats and belt are really high on that list - there are over 10 outfits I aspire to saved in my folders that I am only missing those pieces for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852487 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:34:51 +0000 krishnidoux 852487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kim, I love your approach and will adopt it. 3 is a great number, the Wholy Trinity of the Wardrobe! I'll strive for 3 outfits, then lay the rest to rest. </p> <p>Raisin, isn't it funny how we are so good at shopping for our kids, no headache, no qualms, but for us... we think that somehow we could re-invent the wheel when comes the time to drive.</p> <p>Unfrumped, so I am not alone here! You bring up a good point: varying lengths. Esp. with jackets compared to tops. And may I add: top lengths and pant rise. That is so often a problem that arise only once at home, trying things on. I like your solution, breaking it down in smaller goals focused on each outfit, instead of trying to satisfy the whole wardrobe.</p> <p>Suz, you sum up the issue very well. As you say, knowing one's style certainly helps. Ever since I did the Kibbe test and shop with Soft Gamine in mind, I get more interesting things that work between them. Alas, not enough! I do write down missing key elements when I build outfits, and then try to shop for those but that is when I often come home empty handed after long searches. Sometimes after a long battle and series of rejections in cheaper stores, I have to give up, go one floor up in the mall, defeated, enter a more expensive store and boom, the item lies right there in the exact shape and colour I want. So sometimes I think my problem would be solved if I was rich and could afford anything I fancied. But would it?</p> <p>e., clever way to solve it! I also find that it will match something unexpected in a much better way than what I had envisioned, and my wardrobe has different colours in it. I am actually trying to expand beyond my comfort zone in terms of colours, but these nice surprise still happen - even with unforeseen colour matches.</p> <p>Claire, I always wonder how they do it on WNTW, to buy a whole new wardrobe for 5 thousand dollars. It may seem like a lot of money, but if you do the math of what you have in your wardrobe, considering coats and shoes, it is actually not such a big budget. They show a little of the process, with the accent on the psychological transformation accompanying the make-over, but they don't really show how the person was able to choose everything that goes with everything in the end. That happens very fast, and always leaves me wondering. You say they go by outfits... I recently needed to rebuild a serious part of my wardrobe because of weight change, and tried to get some outfits. However I find that I can't re-use the beautiful pieces I got other than with the outfit. Granted, at least I have an outfit. But, you know, for the price, I thought I could press out some more juice out of them...</p> <p>Your example with the black pants nails it. That is exactly the type of headache my beloved pieces give me, and just before it's time to go out with my DH downstairs yelling "Chéri! Waiting for you in the car!" ugh. </p> <p>Taking the clothes with us is a good idea, and in fact I have done it on occasion, and it was helpful. When I bought tights, for example, it might seem silly, but actually tight's colours and fabric can really clash if you are not careful!</p> <p>Texstyle, that is a good solution: asking the SA what goes well with the piece you are considering to buy. Also something I do: and although I couldn't buy the other pieces, at least I have an idea of the feel, colours, lengths... I warn that some SA are really clueless about this and will just point out to other things from the "just arrived" collection trying to make a sale. But you can spot them quickly. </p> <p>How clever of you to study other people's outfits more closely, not just in terms of style, but also in terms of proportions, fit and materials. </p> <p>Lots of very very good ideas here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852472 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:19:26 +0000 Sarah A 852472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thought provoking post! I feel i have a lot of outfits from my pieces. But in some ways I like unconventional pairings and different proportions (ill get the feedback a top is too long, too boxy for a skirt I pair it with...etc) often look "interesting" to my eye which I like, prime trait of my eclectic side here I suppose. </p> <p>I love Unfrumped's "special dimension" test for new items. I am going to put this on my dressing room checklist!</p> <p>Also, Texstyle, I watch BONES on TV b/c DH likes it and to study Dr. Camille Saroyan's style. Glad im not the only one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852441 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:47:41 +0000 merwoman 852441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may have the reverse of your problem Krish. I can mix and match like crazy - but I have a fairly limited colour palette: black, white, black and white together (how daring), shades of gold, sour yellow and citron, blue in many shades, and a bit of maroon and grey. Sometimes I think that to the untrained eye it might look like I'm always wearing the same thing.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-number-of-clothes-vs-number-of-outfits#post-852378 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:48:51 +0000 Suz 852378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Texstyle, what a great idea to try on similar items to what you have at home in the store!</p> <p>And Claire - you are so smart. This is JUST what we should be doing -- bringing our to-be-matched separates with us when we shop. Or maybe wearing them. </p> <p>But yes, more and more, I am also coming to this idea of shopping for an outfit. Maybe each season I will pick one or two aspirational outfits and shop for those, and they fill in the cracks with what separates I can, slowly building the wardrobe of higher-quality items as I rotate the duds out. </p> <p>It sounds as if you are doing away with all the creativity (just copying some stylist's already formulated idea) but imitation is often the beginning of growth in the arts, so why not also in this realm? </p>