Maybe this is just saying the same thing, but I wonder if you actually have an adequate basic work wardrobe established yet. If not, then you would be facing a) simply not having the items you need right now to get through a rotation of 10 days or so, and b) having too many things "going out" on you at once if some were well-worn to begin with. That would make it very hard to be on a program of only buying so many things per unit time if that program was intended as more of a wardrobe maintenance plan.

Whereas, if you have, say, 7-10 satisfactory outfits or whatever for work, and all items are in pretty good shape, then you can aim to budget and plan to replace/refresh/upgrade as you go along. That allows you to be looking for your best values, be ready to grab an item when it goes on sale, plan next season's additions, adjust to changing styles or body shape, and so on.

I suggest investing in two pairs of good quality shoes that you can alternate; or one now and one when it fits in your budget. Please take care of your feet to avoid any foot /knee/hip issues further down the road due to uneven soles and poor support.

Regarding shabby as a style -- I recall a guy I know mentioning that if you have high-quality watch and shoes, then you can wear ratty clothes and people will think it's a style thing

Just wanted to say thanks to all who contributed especially most recently to this thread, and to whom I had not yet thanked. I was away for a very hectic long weekend, and still havn't caught up with sleep, let alone YLF!

I have heard my work hours, and it looks like I won't be doing more than a day or so a week. I am pretty confident in my work wardrobe, but WILL be getting some more shoes. I had planned to get some next winter anyway, but will bring it forward.

I am also thinking through relaxing my 12 in 12 a little, while still trying to keep my committment to ethical fashion when possible.

Interesting thread, thanks for starting it. I agree wtih Gaylene that " think the actual number of items that you buy during a year is less important than your commitment to buying thoughtfully and carefully". Best of luck as you search for new things!