"What's a workhorse for me?" Boy, that's a really good question.

My first thought is a workhorse is something I wear a lot, over and over again. It's just that good. But you know, as soon as find something that good, I almost immediately start to ration it. Maybe not enough to go on my official "rationing list," but I do start holding back. Either that, or I go on an obsessive hunt to find duplicates.

And then there's the fact that I've got so much clothing, I make a fairly conscious effort to wear everything. I'm always moving on.

I also have a way of working a thing very very hard for a week or so, and then I well... move on. To be quite honest, I'll come back to it... but *like* next year. Maybe it's actually a reflection of seasonal progression.

... No, you know, I'm not entirely sure that workhorses - as I'm wont to define them - have that much value for me. What is the importance of the workhorse? What happens when you wear them so much, they wear out - but are irreplaceable?

Hmm, good question. I think for me a workhorse is a piece I keep coming back to to make outfits work and it's a seamless thing with very little effort. My drapey white tee comes to mind. Nothing much special on it's own but it makes great outfits out of my other things. Statement things can be my workhorses, too. Blush metal plate sandals I got last year. Added a little pizzaz to a lot of things that would otherwise have fallen a little flat. Oh, and most recently my white skinny jeans - again nothing too special in isolation but it's like the perfect puzzle piece to my everyday look this FL winter (more like fall weather for all of you).

Honestly? I still don't really have a hot clue what is going to turn out to be a workhorse, although I'm narrowing it down a little:

- Versatility is key. I'm starting to look for items that can transition from my casual life to my work life (i.e. leather blazers/jackets for one). Obvious things like distressed jeans aren't going to work in both wardrobes, but you get the idea.

- Low fuss factor is important. I can't stand wearing clothes that I have to tug, adjust, straighten up, etc. I find those items don't get reached for as often.

- Items that give me structure always end up in big rotation.

That's as far as I've gotten so far.

What WILL be a workhorse? Gosh if we can figure this out between the bunch of us, we should write a book! I've tried long and hard to figure this out over time. For example....denim jackets. I am a casual person so having a denim jacket is a no-brainer. But it has taken literally seasons to get just the right one. I actually bought a bunch since I assumed they would become workhorses for me. But they remained unworn in my closet. Why? Its illogical. But looking at it closer...Most are too stiff. Most are too tidy. I like things that fit perfectly. Too loose and I feel swamped. Too tight and CLAUSTROPHOBIA! And I wanted something a little worn in since the ones hanging in my closet were too "new" looking. Too long...too short...too SOMETHING. Until I found my Kut from the Kloth jacket a year ago. That darn thing is perfect. It goes with everything. And it just "feels like me". But I would not have been able to predict BEFORE i bought it that it would be perfect. I mean, all the OTHER jackets fit my on-paper requirements for a potential workhorse. But they never lived up to it. But my Kut jacket is one of the items I would grab if I had to run from a burning building.

I am not a fusser, either, or someone who has patience with something that won't stay put. Which is why I swore off on waterfall cardigans even though they look ok on me, because there's no closure and they flop around.

Few things are workhorses in isolation, either. I suppose some dresses might be but often they are styled with jackets, sweaters, scarves etc. take skinny jeans - I wear them but they are not as much of a workhorse for me as my straight leg jeans, because straight legs I can essentially wear with any top but skinnies I only wear with certain tops. Presumably that's different for someone with a different body type.

I was actually talking to a good friend of mine about this yesterday - she was saying that she often rediscovers old items that she had planned to get rid of - absence makes the heart grow fonder, etc. I don't do that that much, or ration items - I guess I feel like if I spent the money I might as well wear something as much as possible. Everything wears out eventually or doesn't fit anymore, after all.

Yes to clarify again, I meant identifying workhorses IN ADVANCE! Even simpleminded me can identify a workhorse after the fact - usually after it's worn out and I miss it.

Aziraphale, your post was really helpful. Thank you. I applied it to my closet immediately and will be curious to see if my predictions come true for new/little worn items.

Well, maybe I am spectacularly failing at grasping the concept of workhorse, but it is fairly easy for me to predict if a new item will be worn a lot. I know I have items that are pivotal to my style and wardrobe, every replacement of there is automatically a workhorse! I probably never had a workhorse outside my essentials, and that says something about the rigidity and predictability of my style, but hey. Falling out of bed with ten minutes to get the kids ready for school, I can slip into the dress I know will be fuss-free, reach for the boots I know go with everything, and I'm all set. This is what I need for my life to function right now

I am loving this thread. Thank you, Una!

I like Sunee's list - it's a really good start. For me, I find I gravitate towards classic construction and shape, items that will "punch it up" when worn with something very basic, and things that I don't have to worry about.

The first point is pretty straightforward - I don't really go for on trend very much, preferring to stay with shapes that aren't really era-specific. Skinny or straight leg jeans, fitted ribbed or oversized boxy sweaters, turtlenecks, volumunous maxi skirts. The second is tied in to the not going for trend thing - I do gravitate towards a quirky detail, though. Perhaps it's a boxy sweater in a pink leopard print, or a skinny jean with a bright floral pattern, or a traditional wingtip shape with black and pink contrast. I can wear the sweater with plain straight leg jeans, and be 100% comfy AND look kinda cool. The floral jeans can be the centerpiece, with a plain white button front shirt, and I look like I've made an effort.

I will say that for me, neutrals are not typically my workhorses - I treat jewel tones as neutrals, though, so raspberry pink, teal, and leopard print are my "neutrals." If it's one of those, it's almost guaranteed a regular rotation. (Obviously, things like white v-neck tees and plain jeans are a given, here, I think, so I'm thinking beyond those things to the things that might be less readily apparent)

There's a lot of talk here and on other fashion boards about buying quality over quantity, but I just... I can't. I can't do it. I've tried, and it seriously stresses me out. I'm guaranteed to chuck something in the drier without thinking, or accidentally leave a lip balm in a pocket and ruin an entire load, or get it covered in mud because one of my dogs gets too excited. I have to feel 100% ok about it going through the home laundry cycle without any special needs and/or getting completely destroyed. (It's important to note here that I have a fair amount of decent quality brands in my wardrobe, but I'm a lot more OK accidentally shrinking my 100% lambswool J. Crew sweater I purchased in a by-the-pound thrift than if I bought it via J. Crew. There's a LOT less pain for me in knowing I paid $0.78 than $78, if you see what I mean)

In my wardrobe, those are the things that get reached for the most: traditional cut/ fit, quirky but not trendy detail, and inexpensive. For me, those make workhorses.

For me the factors are:

- fit
- comfort / unfussy
- quality (I just don't feel as good in low quality clothes--not necessarily the same thing as price)
- versatility of color and function, i.e. the color works w/ multiple pieces and the item is one I need often. Work clothes rather than fancy dress clothes are more functional.
- appropriate for the dominant season. I get a lot more wear out of transitional pieces than I do out of pieces for really warm or really cold weather

That about does it!

Love the lists offered.

I would add the adjective, "reliable" --not meaning boring, but it is what it is and does not surprise you with suddenly looking not-right, such as when you see it at a certain angle, or doesn't misbehave--ride up or fall off shoulders or hike up and so on. Because sometimes things seem right.

So that's in a way just a reiteration of all the fit and flattery and comfort, but that those features are there every time you put it on and not just when all the planets are aligned.
Versatility does count, because that means you don't have to remember just the one or 2 ways you can wear something, or is not actually versatile but is repeatable--creates a type of outfit you like and like to repeat even though you can't wear the item multiple ways. So that would be the difference between a "workhorse", which implies frequent use, I think, vs. a few items that may only be used occasionally, but are perfect for those occasions (cocktail dress).

So, I've tossed out a few items that I still liked but felt were letting me down by day's end or something. Or, if that's happening, there has to be a really good wardrobe hole being filled (like dressy occasion shoes, or something).

I'm on my lunch break and taking notes as I reread! Some common themes seem to be:

FIT: comfortable and correct (PPL, sleeve length, shoulders, etc), with a no fuss factor

QUALITY: not necessarily higher price but feels good and can be cared for easily

FLATTERING: to you, however you define that. Also a color you love.

VERSATILE: this may mean that it goes with a lot of other items or that it is not hard to style. It's a useful item with a clear function. In thinking about this more, my workhorses are not standouts but they are also not background. Essentials?

RELIABLE: this seems to be items that you can count on to step up and do their job without having to fuss (although this may be another definition for workhorse!)

What have I missed? Happiness factor?

Una, as far as the happiness factor goes, I suppose it depends on your definition of happiness. One of my workhorses is a BR cream turtleneck. It's very basic. So in and of itself, it doesn't push any special buttons. But it makes me happy because it creates outfits for me--it goes with the skirt that is too distinctive to be worn with anything but something very plain; it is the right length to wear with either pants or a skirt, because the fit at the bottom of the turtleneck is somewhat tight and can be adjusted up or down; the color is flattering on me and goes with many other items in my wardrobe.

So for me, I guess a workhorse isn't necessarily something that makes me happy in and of itself. It's usually its functional properties that make it a workhorse for me. I hope that makes sense!

Maybe this is the "versatility" part of the equation. If something is going to be versatile, it can't have *too* much character on its own. I like how you say that the workhorses are not standouts. I don't know if you would consider my cream turtleneck to be "in the background," though. It's very simple, yes, but it's not "in the background" like a cami would be...it's a clear part of the outfit.

Great thread...I am learning a lot.

I struggle with this and am often blindsided by what my workhorses turn out to be, as well as by what I wind up not wearing. I wonder if we turn this around, we can find workhorses by identifying wardrobe preferences and gaps, aiming for today's version of perfection (fit, quality, style. happiness, comfort) without settling for "almost" and creating our workhorse from our understanding of what we have and what will best support it, even as we try to be open to serendipity.

Shoes, boots and booties declare themselves to me over time. I spend a lot of time test driving them before committing and once I purchase, I am already sure they will play a role. Extra comfort plus versatility make them workhorses. The shoe workhorses play nicely with my wardrobe style, climate, and feet. That said, I am happy to have options that offer a change from my usual black or gray, are comfortable, yet worn less often.

I am glad to own items that are not workhorses in terms of frequency, but that really hit all the buttons when I need them to be there. I like having a variety of date night outfits by season, but can I say that an outfit worn 2-3 times in 4 months is a workhorse? To me, yes, if it gives me a "go to" choice that makes for a high happiness factor.

So I am thinking there may be a difference between daily workhorses (like the black wool coat I have lived in all winter) and those that I count on for less frequent occasions, but whose absence would send me into a big dilemma (the perfect pair of dressy, unique black pants or cool clutch). To me, both are workhorses and earn their keep, but in different ways.

Thanks for your post, Una. I am really enjoying hearing other people's thoughtful responses as well. There are good ways to sort out closets and purchases all around.

Thinking about my cream turtleneck made me think of one of Angie's workhorses: black turtlenecks. If I recall, she has two identical ones, and she refreshes them maybe every year or two. So this would maybe not be an item that in and of itself makes you say, WOW!, but it is so functional and sets off so many other elements of your outfit that it becomes a workhorse.

To borrow an analogy from Saint Therese of Lisieux, a workhorse is like the greenery that surrounds the roses in a bouquet. You need the greenery to make the roses look even better than they do on their own.

Gigi, good points. The Gidigio boots for me are the perfect marriage of huge happiness factor plus everyday wearability. Others provide happiness by being quietly indispensable. The issue is how to pin down those items!

Sorry to be long-winded! I just wanted to say that Eliza's idea of looking at wardrobe holes is a great suggestion for helping to pinpoint what has a good chance of being a workhorse. I have a cardi that is a mild workhorse despite the fact that it doesn't fit me well at all (I have it on today, in fact). Nor is it of good quality. But I have nothing else to fill the function that this cardi has--it's really a wardrobe hole of sorts. So, I assume that whatever I could get to replace this cardi would become a workhorse. Of course, now I have to figure out exactly what it is about this cardi that makes it work well in so many outfits, and then try to find something that fulfills those qualities.

OK, brain is tired. Going to go now.

Gigi put her finger on something I've been pondering. When genuine need meets limited quantity, you've got yourself a workhorse, even if the item isn't perfect.

Pondering some more... Today I'm wearing several things that perhaps could be classified as workhorses because I reach for them relatively often.

• Pine green, fine-guage sweater with interesting sleeves
• Low-heeled loafers
• Black turtleneck
• Trusty brown puffer

I'm also wearing a houndstooth jersey pencil skirt.

But back to the potential workhorses. Things they have in common:

• They keep me warm
• They're modern and *this shy* of classic
• The colours are quiet, but deep (like a bad date... haha)

I think it's interesting that even when I don't really have it together (like today, my stocking colour is way off), I'm still doing OK with them for the most part. I'm still portraying me.

I think I may be in a little rut lately... not sure.... it has snowed almost every day for the last two months.... I am not really motivated to be super creative. I am falling back on my workhorses almost every day.

My top workhorse of the last 6 months: Madewell archive cognac boots. I know I am late to the cognac party but I love the little pop of color they bring to an otherwise (almost always) black, white and denim outfit.

MK animal print belt, which plays off the cognac in the archive boots.

Black or Denim Skinnies... I know so boring. I have to avoid the snow and puddles. Flowing pants are just not gonna cut it around here this time of year.

Some kind of warm cozy graphic black and white sweater. I acquired a bunch and they are all getting quite a work out this winter.

Here's a typical outfit I wear probably 4 out of 5 days a week these days.

It has to make me feel great. That doesn't always mean it makes me look great, but I have to feel great IN it. And I find that impossible to define, because it depends on weather, external function needs, environmental norms, and my own emotional state.

Generally speaking, I find gray or black cashmere sweaters, white tanks, and loosely fitting - but shaped - white linen tops make me feel awesome.

I missed this last week. Sometimes it seems like I'm panning for gold looking for wardrobe workhorses. For each item I get right, there are maybe a dozen or so returns (or consigns) that I scooped up in the pan with it. I do have an "orphan prevention checklist" and each time I discover a new reason why a wardrobe item doesn't work, I add another line to my list. Like some of the others, comfort and visual aesthetics play equally important roles. But I really wish I could pin this down so that I stop wasting time and money.

I totally know that JCP seamed pencil skirts will be workhorses for me - every time they come out with a new color or pattern, I buy it. And why? Because the fit is perfect. And lucky for me, they're not expensive, which makes them great for work. Since I work in a school I'm always getting pencils, pens, markers, and or glue on my clothing, or I'm snagging something on a wood school chair.

I have a fairly big wardrobe & wear things fairly evenly, so I don't actually have workhorses per se. However, I definitely have what I think of as the 'glue' of my closet! At a minimum, I need a grey version of each of my favourite items: slim high rise trousers, full high waisted skirt, shorts (for summer), sleeveless or short sleeved blouse, long sleeve tee, wool cardi, and cotton/silk/linen/blend cardi. I'd love a grey sleeveless fit & flare dress too, but that's proved a HEWI for me. Those pieces make sure my other more colourful items aren't orphans! Of course, in real life, I like having 'sets' in all kinds of neutrals and colours, hence my large wardrobe. hehe

I know my favourite shapes & fabrics & colours, so I know that something I buy that fits all of those categories will definitely get worn. I tend to repeat bottoms more than tops, so the perfect skirt or pair of trousers will likely see more wear. But I suppose I'm really a uniform dresser at heart: at least 80% of my outfits follow 1 of 3 basic outlines, which makes knowing what pieces will fit in well/be versatile fairly easy.

I have a very large wardrobe so I don't specifically go out looking for workhorses. However certain things get worn more than others. My bootleg jeans (all colors), my variety of fun tennis shoes, my snowboots and my puffer coats are the workhorses of the winter.

My clothes must be comfortable and easy to care for. I don't do dry clean and I don't iron.

Missed this. Great thread & some fabulous ideas here - thanks Una & everyone. I also gauge the "feel" of something before I look in the mirror I find it more reliable than how (I think) I look.

For me my workhorses are always jackets/coats, pants/jeans & great footwear - they have been my go to items since I started buying my own clothes over 40 years ago. That isn't to say all jackets or jeans or shoes are right for me but these are the categories I come back to again & again because they feel like me.

Other considerations for me are quality & feel of the material & fit. If any of these things are off the item will not be a work horse so no bunching, itching, gaping etc.