Buying duplicates of basics

Elly

I know we've talked about this before, but I have a question---

Who buys duplicates of basics in multiple colors? Does it work for you?

I'm hard to fit when it comes to tops and am considering buying button downs and tees in multiple colors (white, black, and several non-neutral others).

The tees would almost always be worn with layers over them or with statement jewelry or scarves.

The button-downs are super basic, but would probably be worn multiple times a week and might have to hold their own (i.e. it is very possible that I might show up at work wearing dark jeans and a pink button down and then later that same week show up in similar or identical dark jeans and an identical blue button down).

When does it become overkill? At what point to duplicates loose their usefulness in your wardrobe? Does it discourage creativity?

Also-- I wear a lot of brights, but my main neutrals are navy/denim and black (lots of black bottoms and jackets!)--- does this always look dated/off without a lot of completer pieces?

14 years ago

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from vibhi

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Not overkill a all! If you know they work for you, I would definitely get multiples. I have no problem wearing the same exact pants or skirt twice in one week, much less a different color. I have lots of well used multiples in my wardrobe, and I'm not even talking about layering tanks, turtles and t's.

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

One summer I bought four duplicate knit dresses in different colors to wear over the summer. You can only wear an item one time here in the summer before it needs to be dry cleaned or washed, so I need a pretty huge summer wardrobe. What happened to me was that I just got tired of them. I got tired of wearing the same dress, even though it was different colors. It was convenient and it was effective (I always had clothes to wear in the summer that were relatively cool). But I was sooooo bored! It made me hate summer even more. So I'd say unless it's camis or something that needs to be washed frequently to avoid wardrobe bottlenecks, I'd get maybe 1 or 2 duplicates, tops. But that's just my opinion. Personally, I don't like wearing the same shapes/textures a lot and I tend to get tired of my clothes long before they wear out.

As far as brights and black or navy, I think pairing them with white or cream looks fresh.

14 years ago

Anonymous

I have numerous duplicate pants (exact same brand and style, but in different colors), mainly because it's so blankety blank difficult to find pants that fit properly. They need to fit my hips without gapping in the waist, and they have to be long enough to wear with heels. Also, I'm short waisted but have a long rise, and I'm only 5'2" tall. I can't wear petite pants, so I either have to find misses' short pants that have the correct inseam length, or buy regular pants and have them hemmed. I also have a couple of duplicate jeans (for the same reason mentioned above), tops and cardigans. I honestly don't care if people at work think I'm wearing the same thing the same thing over and over. I just care about looking professional for the office. What's more, I don't think it would be such a good idea to come to work looking like I have a vast wardrobe. I have really nice evening outfits that they never see, and that's when I enjoy looking more stylish.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

If you find the perfect basics, do it. I buy dupes of the perfect jeans, and the most basic tops. I find especially white tops have a half life, so if I have a replacement it kills the pain when they start getting yellow under the arms etc.

14 years ago

Anonymous

I like having duplicates of things that work perfectly for me. I have to be careful that I'm not just buying one of every color, but that it's something I really like in each color. I've found this works best for me if I'm buying "workhorse" items, not "hero" or "statement" pieces. For example I have 4 shells that are the same, but different colors, and I layer those under cardigans or blazers. I have the same blazer in gray and in white. I have the same pencil skirt in black, brown and navy. I have the same pants in black, gray, camel, and brown. Since these pieces are usually what i use to complete an outfit, not as the central focus of it, I don't feel like I'm wearing the same-old thing everyday.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Duplicate jeans is a good idea. To hem one for flats and one for heels. I have three white tees , very nice and flattering fit. However I rarely wear them, since I don't layer much in summer and a simple white tee I find inappropriate for work. Or maybe I've moved on, or maybe I've been bored by the duplicates. However, I have duplicate boots ( perfect 1.5 inch solid chunky heel) in burgundy and olive green. I love them and wear them a lot ( resoled them once)

14 years ago

Velma

Veteran

I routinely buy long- and short-sleeved tees and tanks in duplicates (usually 3-4), when I find nice ones that are long enough in the body. Sometimes I buy one and wash it, just to be sure of quality and fit, and later go back for more! I don't find this boring, but I do have to make sure that I really like and will use all the colors I choose--otherwise, I end up living in one of the duplicate items and avoiding the others!

I buy GREAT jeans in sets of two--but only if they're really perfect. I will also buy bras and underwear, socks, pajamas, and occasionally cardigans (fine-gauge cotton--the ones that wear out fast!) in multiples. I own my favorite pumps in brown and black, as well. Boy, I guess I kind of do this a lot!

I don't buy accent pieces like scarves or jackets this way. I also don't think I'd buy a dress, skirt, or anything in a print in multiples. These are the items that I rely on for variety and color--but the good solid basics? Why not??

14 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Nothing wrong with duplicates of basics at all. The only "issue" I can think of is if you wear the same basics in the same way every day. That would be dull, wouldn't it? If variety is truly the spice of life, then wear those basics, but mix things up with scarves, jackets, jewelry, vests, etc.

14 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

Here's my latest personal rule:

I can buy no more than 2 of something that is the focal point of an outfit, such as shoes, outerwear, non-layering top, jewelry, scarf or a dress. If it is *really* amazing and each piece looks distinct due to print/color differences, I may allow myself to go up to 3.

I can buy multiples of completer items - tank, layering top, jeans, cardigan, socks. Even then, 4-5 is my upper limit.

If I buy too many of the same thing, especially before I've figured out if the item really works for me, I come to regret it because I do get bored.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I prefer to buy duplicates in the SAME colours.

14 years ago

Belladogga

Active Member

This is something that I’ve been thinking about recently as well. In the past I’ve basically decided on a uniform for work and bought multiples of pants and button downs in different colours. If you are difficult to fit or, as in my case, restricted to online shopping with returns being difficult and extra expensive (living on a small island with no shops) buying multiples is very convenient. There’s also the big advantage of not having to think too much when getting dressed and always being at least “appropriate”. Depending on where you work fashion creativity might not be particularly valued (but I do think that an appropriate and stylish wardrobe always reflects well on you). But… as Ana said it gets boring and in my case it certainly wasn’t very stylish or creative. It’s so easy to fall into a rut with multiples. I didn’t think much about fit or proportion once it wasn’t clearly too tight or falling off me and I didn’t accessorize. From what you're written though you do accessorize and you seem to think about creating outfits with your multiples...

However, I don’t think buying multiples has to be boring or that it necessarily discourages creativity. I’m starting a new job in a few weeks and need to put together a new work wardrobe on a budget (I’m changing fields and have gained 10lbs since I was last working). This time with my new YLF knowledge I’m trying to think in terms of capsules. I’m starting again with a few multiples of pants and button downs to make up the core of the capsules but I’m paying a lot more attention to diversifying and acessorizing. So instead of going for 5 button downs to take me through a week (can’t repeat here in the tropics) I’m aiming for 2 button downs, a dress and 2 blouses, tunics or knit tops. I’m deliberately looking at options like dresses, skirts and knit tops that I wouldn’t have considered before (and maybe I will get multiples of those). I still have the advantages of a formula but there are more elements in the formula. My neutrals are grey and camel/khaki (old habits die hard). Instead of different shades of blue for all my tops I’ve chosen purple, teal, orangey-red and yellow as potential capsule accent colours. Perhaps there will even be pattern... For jewellery I’m looking at necklaces since I wear glasses and a bolder replacement for my very tiny watch. I want to get some belts that are not black or brown… In the process I’m trying to consciously trying to formulate my style statement.

It’s kind of intimidating, I don’t know if my choices will work and it won’t all happen in three weeks but I’m excited about my fashion experiment. Definitely feel more creative… Hopefully as my stuff gets here and I can start trying outfits I’ll be able to post some pictures for advice from all the inspiring ladies at YLF.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Elly, if button-downs are hard for you to fit and you've found one you love, I would get one or two in you favorite color option and another in your second favorite color option. If you get one in every color and you're not equally crazy about all of the colors, the tertiary (?) colors might just sit there unworn. Or worse, you'll wear them and not feel fab.

I think Angie has a post about creating a very small work wardrobe and I think she suggests a few button-downs, a few feminine blouses and a knit top or two so that you're not wearing the same *kind* of top every day. If you wear a button-down every single day of the week, even with accessories, it might start to feel like a uniform.

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I buy duplicates in the SAME colours; or ONE OR TWO other colours.

I have a duplicate boyfriend blazer (black and grey); and duplicate of my favourite skirt (black and black).

I recently duplicated a favourite basic black top - it didn't look as nice in the other colours, and I'm also pretty sure I wear it so much because it IS black. Depending on your lifestyle, it may make sense to buy in different colours!

14 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Like Angie, I usually buy duplicates in the same colour. One exception is camisoles. Right now I've got two black ones, two light gray ones, and several other colours -- lavender, navy, green/navy stripe, white/navy stripe -- all in exactly the same brand and cut. Only a tiny bit (the hem, and maybe a bit of the straps) of the camisole shows, though.

14 years ago

danza.armonia

Active Member

If I find a basic that I really love, then I buy duplicates in different colors. Not too long ago I bought a short sleeve fitted button down from BR in deep pink, beige, and watermelon orange.

14 years ago

Kate

Veteran

For clothes, I never buy more than three of the same thing, in different colors. Usually I limit myself to two.

My only duplicates in the same colors are socks and undergarments.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Duplicating a basic in the same color has worked best for me, especially if it's white or black. White has to be washed/cleaned more often and is more easily stained while black fades even in cold water. Last winter Angie recommended an Express basic turtleneck knit top that had some style and length. I got one in black, but when they got drastically reduced at the end of the season, I duplicated in black plus red, navy and grey. This season I'm so glad to have them but wear the black ones far more than the others.

14 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Wow-- lots of different and great ideas on this topic!
I think some of it applies and some of it might not fit with my lifestyle, but all the responses were great and made me think.

Things in particular I've figured out:

1) I never repeat tops that don't have at least a t-shirt under them-- they go into the laundry after one wear -- I like to have 1.5 weeks of clothes because of shared and inconvenient laundry.

2) I don't wear white to work! I find having a white button down is great to combine with black basics(slacks/pencil skirt) and accessories to "formal" them up, I don't wear white on a daily basis because of how much dirt I handle. Two hours in white at work and I have brown dust/dirt spots on my boobs. Does it still count as a duplicate? Hmm. . .

3) I like the idea of duplicating the same color--- I might do that later as my first black button down is wearing out. I would be afraid to do it now though, because I can't imagine wearing a black button down (that is identical) twice in 10 days and a little bump in weight gain can mean major chest gapping when you have a big chest, so saving one might not be smart. I guess I will have to hope they are still around. I could probably use two black layering ts though!

4) One of the colors I was thinking about is really only something I would wear in the summer -- because it is a color that I can't wear with black, and most of my basics/layers are currently black. It is hard because it is probably my personal favorite color, but I just currently don't have the wardrobe to support it outside of jeans.

5) I think many of you ladies are right when suggesting a little variety-- especially in a small work wardrobe. On one hand, it will be much harder to find a couple more blouses or knits that fit-- on the other hand wearing the same button down 4 days a week reminds me of my mother-- in a bad way.

Awesome! Very interesting to hear what you do and you helped me figure things out-- Thanks guys!

14 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

I buy duplicates and always have. Usually it works well for me. This season I overdid it at H&M--I bought long-sleeve tees, 2 black, 2 navy, 2 gray, and 1 purple. I love the tees but I've discovered that I would have been fine with one of each. I discovered that what I really like to get me through the winter is the 2 (same) black nylon White House Black Market short-sleeve tees that are the perfect layer under anything, whether showing or not.

So I would just say, be sure of what you need, and don't get beguiled by availability of colors in the perfect basic item.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Having duplicates of basics does not make for a boring wardrobe IF you wear those basics in different ways. Switch cardigans, switch jackets, switch accessories, etc. Vary the look!

13 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I do buy multiples of different colors in basic layering pieces- tees, tanks, cami's, socks, etc. I recently bought some tanks from Target in several colors. I need them for under my brace, so I bought all of the dark colors that they had (black, dark burgundy, and navy) since the brace is black. I find that this works well for me with layering pieces, but I don't think I would do it with my blouses.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'll duplicate anything that's *perfect* - and especially if it took me a long time to find it. Most of the time this means basics (neutral boots, jeans, thermal tops), but I've also duplicated hero pieces (fishtail parka, utility jacket).

If you are good about switching up your accessories - belts, bags, jewelry, hair, whatever else helps change up your overall look - then I don't think you will get bored, but will rather love having a perfectly fitting button down whenever you need one. But if you are the kind who wears a workhorse pair of shoes, handbag, and never swaps jewelry, it's true that you might feel you're in the same outfit all the time.

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

Well I am on team duplicate since I just purchased tall boots in the same style, but two different colors! If it is an item I have a tough time to fit and it's an outer layer (a top, blazer, sweater, etc), I will purchase two, in different colors. If it is a layering item that you would not see (especially long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts), I will purchase two in the same color. I'm not a big fan of purchasing more than two of the same item regardless of color, because I might grow bored if I wear the same items more than twice in a week.

13 years ago

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

The onlylthing that stops me from buying/making more dupes than i already do is my budget!! if i had a bigger budget i would definitely buy dupes of shoes that work, as i'm so picky.

Buying dupes of separates is great, as how you mix them up can really vary the look. i like to vary the color in a particular way to get more mileage - i acquire 'opposites'. So one dark, one light. or one neutral, one bright. one solid, one patterned. that way i get the benefit of a dupe with more variety to the looks. HTH!! steph

13 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

If I really like the item, and it's a wardrobe basic, I'm finding (in hindsight, that is) that it's useful to get one in a neutral and one in a 'fun' or different colour. Beyond that - I get bored with the pieces. For instance, I have too many button down style shirts, but I really only wear the white one and the french blue one. The burgundy? Teal? Steel grey? They don't get worn. In fact, they have not been worn at all. Yikes.

That said, I would absolutely duplicate a well-fitting camisole, socks, certain jeans, hose, bras, etc.

13 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

Elly, OH yes I do buy duplicates!

Especially tees and jeans. It makes sense to stock up on what fits great and is available in a rainbow of colors. I do this with shoes too.

13 years ago

Cilleena

Veteran

Oh my goodness, yes! I buy duplicates and find them extremely useful. Last year I bought a rainbow of colors in a great fitting scoopneck tee and have worn them to death. I alternate between having a colorful tee with a basic topper and a basic tee with a colorful topper. But, I think having many, many white, cream and black or grey, whatever your favored neutrals are is a great idea.

13 years ago

Theory and Practice

(website)

Active Member

Elly, I remember getting made fun of in HS because I had dupes of this sweater that I LOVED. She didn't understand the style potential.
Here' s my rule: If it fits like it was made for you and it's a classic enough style to get through a few seasons without looking dated, then buy it in every color available. You will have limitless possibilities! For example, I have an ivory blazer that I'm crazy about. When I saw that it was on sale again, I picked up another. Why? Because I could use a backup, just in case. The basics, like camis, tanks, and various layering tops I also buy in every color. I have a whole top drawer of my chest of drawers dedicated to camis & tanks, and at least 3 black, white, and gray tanks each.

13 years ago

vibhi

Active Member

I think it's always better to buy the orignal product because it will provide that quality which is quite better than the duplicate basic type of shirts.

11 years ago

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