Basics Review, Edit, and Shopping List

I went through my basics toward the end of December and culled five items. I also did a full count, as there were a few categories that seemed to be running a bit low and I wanted to confirm my suspicions. My totals (I don't include gear here, because that's a separate category IMO and makes up about half my wardrobe!):

Sleep shirts (long sleeve) -- 5 (all thrifted Boden bretons)
Sleep shirts (short sleeve) -- 7
PJ shorts -- 3 (one needs to be replaced)
Lounge pants -- 4 (one needs to be replaced)
At-home hoodies -- 4
Long johns (sets) -- 3 (two synthetic, 1 merino)
Bralettes -- 10, but includes one rarely-worn sports bra (eliminated two)
Knickers -- 12 (eliminated two)
Crew socks -- 8
Ankle/no-show socks -- 8
Knee socks -- 2 (eliminated one)
Camis/layering tanks -- 5
Tights -- 10 (4 opaque, 2 sheer black, 2 fair isle, 2 ribbed)

I got rid of my two oldest bralettes due to shot elastic, and also culled two pairs of cotton briefs that never fit right. I said good-bye to an ancient pair of wool knee socks that finally developed holes in the heels and toes after more than a decade (!!).

Going into 2019, I'd really like to add:
1 - 3 pairs of PJ shorts (I wear these every night and will soon be down to two pairs if I don't add anything new.)
1 pair lounge pants (to replace an old threadbare pair)
2 - 4 pairs knickers (to maintain my laundry schedule I really need at least 14 pairs, so I'm a bit short right now.

Other than that handful of categories, my numbers feel reasonable for my lifestyle. (Okay, 10 pairs of tights might be bordering on excess, but they do all get worn a couple times a year!)

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*APPLAUSE*

Fabulous basics edit and review, La Ped.

If tights are your thing - there is no excess. Keep, wear and enjoy.

LaPed

Veteran

Angie, that's my reasoning too! Tights are the basic with the highest joy-factor for me, even if the CPW will never be the lowest.

Sal

Sounds good!

I like tights too...... I love bras and dislike camisoles. No more tops requiring them for me.

And quality socks are so worth it.

Helena

Thanks for sharing and the much-needed inspiration and motivation, LaPed!

nemosmom

Nicely done, LaPed!! Did you ever find seamless knickers?

Suz

Let me guess. Were those socks Darn Tough? They are long lasting. Alas, they don't fit me as well as Smartwool....

This sounds like an excellent edit. Your numbers (and needs) sound reasonable to me.

Anonymous

Your numbers all sound reasonable to me.
PJ shorts seem fairly easy to come by (no real fit issues) though there might not be that many available now.

Where do you find your second-hand boden shirts?

Sal, yes, I have mixed feelings towards camis. I like them under shirts when it's cold, and find they give a smoother line under fitted knitwear. They serve a purpose during cold weather but I rarely wear them outside of winter.

TG -- glad my edit is providing inspo!!

Nemosmom -- I have some Chantelle Soft Stretch styles on order. I'm skeptical of the "one size" thing, but people rave about them, so we shall see.

Suz, they were actually Viyella. I think it's a British brand, but maybe made in Italy? It looks like they don't make women's knee socks anymore, which is a shame because I would buy them again without hesitation. The Darn Toughs I'm wearing today can't be much newer. They do run a bit wide, I think, compared to Smartwool. Smartwool always wear out on the sides and the ball of the foot for me, rather than the heel or toe.

Smittie -- eBay! Someone was auctioning off a bundle of five and I got them for about $20 including shipping. That was four or five years ago, so I've definitely gotten my money's worth. They're a little too t-shirty for me to wear as tops (I like thicker bretons, like the Saint John ones, best), but are perfect for sleeping. I might even buy new next time around so I can pick out my own colours. PJ shorts won't be hard to find, I'm just cheap and have been waiting to see if the ones I want go on sale.

Christina F.

Sounds like great work! I need some PJ shorts too, since my bedroom has been about 85 degrees F every night.

One size knickers?! Please report back on this.

kerry

I know it doesn’t seem to be a need now but are you familiar with Woolpower at all?

https://woolpower.se/en/

My husband now owns socks and liners, 2 weights of long johns and a crew - swears he’ll never wear anything else now!

CPW's are not necessarily directly correlated to outfit-happines factors. Not at all!

One of my clients had 33 pairs of Winter tights - her thing - and we kept them all.

Ooh, that Woolpower looks great, Kerry! I wish I could justify more long johns, but they are one thing that seems to last me forever.

Karie

What a great wardrobe basics edit! I did mine back in September - I did quite a bit of culling but no counting -
I think my numbers are similar to yours, even with the tights. Tights are what I wear with skirts and dresses for work all winter as they keep my legs warm.
My numbers for camis and layering tanks is probably about double yours - I wear them every day almost year round as I run cold no matter what the temp.

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