Duplicating in Another Color - Why I'm *not* doing it this time.

I wear tees a lot in summer here in Texas. I like to find different shapes, colors, styles to keep it interesting. But as much as I like to have options, sometimes it just doesn't make sense to buy the same item in another color (for me at least). Often, I end up only wearing my favorite of the two and the second one feels like a mistake.

I decided this particular tee from Garnet Hill might be an exception so I ordered it in two colors to try. When I received them yesterday I first tried on the coral colored one - and I immediately didn't like it at all. It is a slightly lighter color in person and made me feel washed out. I also didn't like what it looked like on my upper arms. I'm in good shape but the color and sleeve style certainly did me no favors. I almost opted to not even try on the teal colored tee! But then when I did, I was surprised at how much more I liked it in teal. The contrast with my skin tone was so much more flattering on the upper arms, the color goes with my eye color and overall it just felt so much more right.

Lesson (re-learned) for me - to be happy with a style in one color since I do crave variety in my wardrobe anyway and ultimately the lesser favorite color languishes on a hanger.

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by texstyle

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6 years ago

Anonymous

I'm learning this lesson too!!!!!! Hard lesson to learn.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Sterling - I had a feeling you might relate :-).

Cardiff girl

I totally concur with this.If I ever buy two of the same item of clothing in a different colour one is envitably neglected but it seems to be a hard lesson to learn!I think that t shirt has a lovely drape to it ,l bet it looks great on -in both colours!

Suz

Excellent illustration of a point I need to remember!

Angie I think is one who favours duplication in the same colour, sometimes. For wardrobe essentials that makes sense to prevent laundry bottlenecks. But "completer" pieces probably don't deserve duplication in the same or another colour.

Interesting - especially about the flattery factor.

The Cat

Well, I guess it is a matter of knowing which colours suit you. I sometimes duplicate--and have had no regrets so far.

jussie

I think an exception to this is black and white, because they both serve such different purposes so it can be useful to have both in the same tee/blouse/shirt.

Katerina

I actually often duplicate my favourite pieces in different colours. I bought my favourite silk top in black, cream and fuchsia and I actually wear all of them frequently. The black one I duplicated also in the same colour. However, all the colours have to be flattering colours on me. As soon as one is less flattering - the item will be neglected.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

NICE lesson,Tex.

And yes - the colour of the item is just about the most important part.

I also buy duplicates- sometimes same color if the color is strong in my palette and sometimes in different colors. But I get the trying every thing on. Sometimes the same product just looks, feels or hangs different when purchasing duplicates in variety of colors. Teal is lovely... very versatile. Enjoy wearing it

Style Fan

Excellent point, Tex. I have duplicated Tees in the same colour, usually cream or ivory, but I have four tees from Three Dots all in different colours.
The teal looks like a great colour for you. Very flattering.

Staysfit

The only time duplicating items seems to work for me is if the duplicated item is in a neutral, (so two different neutrals, or one great color and one neutral) or two identical items.

Sal

Interesting and good conclusion. I rarely duplicate in either the same or different colours- but can see the appeal for others!!

SarahD8

Haha, I just duplicated my winter coat of all things — after ordering and returning four other coats that didn’t fit — so I am way at the other end of the spectrum practicing extreme duplication rather than restraint.

I can see how those two T-shirt’s would suit different coloring, though. Good on you for identifying the one that is yours and leaving it at that!

cindysmith

I've had to quit duplicating color for similar reasons. I only reach for the favorite one and it's depressing to think about how muh money I threw away on the one I don't wear.

Brooklyn

Yes, if I duplicate I usually duplicate in the same colour. It makes sense for summer items because they need washing so frequently. And then you are not likely to create an orphan.
I like the teal coloured tee a lot.

Joy

I agree and have learned not to duplicate in another color unless you know that you will wear both colors and really like the fit.

Today I am wearing a top in mint green that I also bought in white. I wear the mint green by far the most and should donate the white version.

Gigi

I have found that unless the duplicate is of a different quality of color (say, one is very dark while one is very light), I have the same problem: one of the items gets worn, while the other sits on a hanger. Knowing this has helped me duplicate successfully.

A couple of years ago, I duplicated a dark top (black) in another dark color (teal), breaking my rule, because the teal was such a pretty color and I had no teal in my wardrobe. Sure enough, the teal sat unworn in the closet! Live and learn.

Molly Mac

If I love an item and it is hard to find, I will frequently duplicate. I have a difficult time finding pants and jeans that I think are flattering on me. If I find a style I like (LOVE the Sloan style from BR) I will usually buy a basic color like black and than a fun color like tomato red. Duplication of clothing seems to be a hard yes/no question for most of us. Interesting!

Oh, yes, I also duplicate hard to fit and find items like jeans and sometimes shoes if they are particularly comfy and classic in style. LOL, at NAS I purchased 5 pairs of my all time favorite running sneakers! The price was unbeatable! (I’m still happy about that deal!). I guess I would add gear to the list, because I buy multiples of my exercise bras, and undies and socks too!

Bijou

Tex Style - this is very interesting because for me, sometimes duplicating works fantastically well (thinking of my favourite Zara sweater that I have in 3 colours) and yet other times, it is exactly as you have found with this t-shirt.
The reason my Zara sweater works is because the cut and the colours all work for me (ivory, blush and pale grey).

Duplicating can be tricky. I have a pair of boots that I love and they were relatively inexpensive. I can see I will get another year out of them, but then they will be worn out. The issue is do I duplicate (have a pair to wear when these die on me) or do I not bother because I am sure some other new style will come along and it is nice to "freshen up" one's style with something current?

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Duplicating in Another Color - Why I'm not doing it this time.