A Confession - I have WAAAAAAYYY too many dresses. - YouLookFab Forum

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A Confession - I have WAAAAAAYYY too many dresses.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

After doing some Spring cleaning these past few days and putting away some Winter wear, I noticed I had a lot of dresses in my closet. I've decided to figure out how many dresses I actually own that are fairly new (within 3 years). From what I remember, I own approximately 35 dresses including the dresses I just recently bought. I feel kind of disgusted with myself and really need to think about selling a few dresses on EBay and/or SYC maybe starting tomorrow.

How many dresses do you own??

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22 replies

Latest reply was from MsMary

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Only 5 - and I want more!!!

Anonymous

I don't think it's possible to own too many dresses???

*confused*

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Well, I guess I tend to buy stuff and end up forgetting about them. That's why I'm kind of mad at myself for buying too much. If hubby knew, he would be shaking his head.

I do have two separate small closets and tend to use the one in my bedroom more often.

Meredith1953

Veteran

Uh Oh.....I have like 3 dresses and 1 skirt. I definitely need at least a couple more of both.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Holy cow that's ALOT!! Are they all your size and in style? Would you consider moving some of them along? I am finding that my style has moved on and I don't want to wear even some of the dresses that I bought in the last few years. Dresses that wrinkle too easily, have too much cleavage or are too short are on their way out. I wear my dresses year round. I layer the short sleeve dresses over tights and boots in winter and wear them on their own in summer. I have MOTG dresses, casual work, and formal work dresses. I also need cocktail dresses, dresses for 80 degree days and 100 degree days. This is one capsule that never feels full to me. I am always on the look out for a great cute sprightly summer dress.

christieanne

Veteran

Do you wear more dresses in the summer? It may be time to be a bit picky and let some go to consignment or other homes. At least you have a lot to choose from.
It's not really the quantity that would concern me - but if they are all too similar in cut, color, pattern then I would say keep the best of the best and let go of 10 or so.

cciele

Veteran

That sounds a lot, but it depends on how often you wear dresses and what capsules they fit into. I have 17 dresses -- some for work, some for play, some for fancy events.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Gulp. I just counted and I have 39.

That's including all seasons, and all purposes from dressier to ultra casual, even sundresses that basically function as beach coverups. Not counting formal dresses -- 4 of those.

I know some will go away when I pull the summer dresses out for reevaluation.

Now just don't ask me to count my jackets.

Jjsloane

Veteran

That's a lot of dresses, but I think Rita's advice is wise. Check them all out and if you can whittle them down great. If they truly are all different seasons, occasions etc.. you might just need that many. Just figure a system to rotate them in regularly so they all get a little love.
I think I have about 12 plus a cocktail dress? I thought that was alot, but they do span sesons and some are work only or casual only.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Janet - I'm with you - I have more jackets than I care to admit... and am currently on the look out for an emerald one... another capsule that never feels full.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I just did a quick audit.

I own 9.

2 are "party" dresses —one an all-year round LBD that is a bit on the subtly glamorous/sexy side, and one is a very light silk chiffon going-to-a-wedding-or-garden-party type dress, suitable for warm days only, even with a jacket.

2 are all-year-round sleeveless jersey sheaths that can be layered over or under, one black and one blue-grey.

1 is a multicoloured midi sheath that works best in spring/summer/early fall.

1 is a multicoloured midi that works only in late fall/ winter.

2 are sweater dresses, one for fall/winter and one for spring.

1 is a turtelneck sleeved dress in a light fabric that can be layered over or worn as is. Good for spring/fall/winter (but not winter's coldest days).

Practically speaking that means I have about 5 in each season, with the addition of a dressier piece. I think for me that's a pretty good number. But I will probably add a sundress for summer if I can find one I like.

I get the impression that you love shopping and buying. So why not just weed out the ones that no longer thrill you, either by selling or giving away, and make room for more shopping adventures!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have 18 dresses now, after coming to a similar conclusion as you before I moved back home to CA from FL. Mine does include absolutely everything from a satin and chiffon gown to a water resistant surfer dress. I decided no more sundresses. I have roughly 6, which is plenty. My last dress purchases were all 3/4 or long sleeved since I knew I'd be returning to a largely cold dominated climate. I am happy with the amount and variety I now own. (pic shows all but the surfer dress and new ink blue day dress)

EDIT: I should add I've sold several dresses on eBay successfully. They seem to be an easier sell than some other items for some reason. Just finally sold my strapless black Shelli Segal yesterday actually!

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jayne

Veteran

Hmm that was alot. I think I own 30. So I cannot judge. I use some in winter only, maybe 5-8, and most in spring and some JUST summer (white mostly) and have about 5 that are for real dress up! I am comfortable with this number. I love dresses and use them all

teri

Veteran

I probably own too many to count..... lol
I can never have to many.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Wow. That's not terrible if you're actually wearing and enjoying these dresses, but if you aren't or haven't...yeah. Yikes! E-bay, swap, or donation time!

Currently I own 5. (I now can't stand one of them on me, so it has to go!) 3 are casual summer dresses, because I refuse to wear fussy clothing during heat waves!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I also have many dresses; I believe I currently have around 40. I am interested in purchasing more

bella

(website)

Veteran

I've got 18 + 6 strictly cocktail dresses (i.e. they cannot be dressed down at all). 2 of them are on their way out, they will be culled after this spring. I honestly thought I had fewer, I was surprised when I counted them. I think this is too many for me, it bugs me to no end when I can't get my fair cost per wear out of clothes.

Aida

Veteran

If you wear them all, I think that's fine! I agree with Rita that it would be worth going through and trying to sell the ones you don't think you'll wear or aren't your style since you are concerned about the number. I have only a handful (less than 10) that I wear, and a few waiting to go to the YLF swap next month; I've found I like dresses more than skirts, so I wouldn't mind increasing my dress count personally

missvee

Veteran

Yikes - I have 3, including an all purpose LBD. Can't stop...must get shopping!!!

rachylou

Veteran

I guess-timate 25. Don't get much opportunity to my wear dresses, due to the prevalence of A/C, but they're good dresses...

cciele

Veteran

Anyhow, please don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure we've all accumulated one item or another and have forgotten about their existence! Keep what you like, sell, swap, donate the rest, and move on.

And if you can use all 35, great! When I think about it, my dresses take the place of trousers in the workplace -- I have zero pairs of trousers

MsMary

Veteran

Dresses are the least-represented item in my closet. I have 8 day dresses, 3 dressy short cocktail-type dresses, and two long formal gowns:

Nine West "magic" dress x 2
Reptile print jersey dress
Pink/purple print jersey dress
DVF silk floral print wrap dress
Kate Spade brown linen day dress
Vintage navy and white day dress
Jessica Howard black sheath

Desigual short party dress
Nine West fake missoni party dress
Evan Picone purple jersey cocktail dress

Vintage 70s long formal
Newer purple sparkly halter long formal