Thimblelina, that looks fantastic! I was nodding my head reading what you and Claire had to say - I think I really like the idea of the "beauty of one". Having just one piece in a certain style makes sure you'll change things up. And I like the idea of wearing my one piece out until I really can do one in one out. I've always said I can't do a very small wardrobe, but right now I am dressing out of one for sure. I'm not bored yet.

Beautiful, Thimbleina! I'm reading the thread for wisdom, too.

Agreeing with Gaylene - until ALL my clothes were things I loved I really couldn't do the one in one out either.

If I were you I would banish (put away) all the "meh" clothes that you are struggling with; only then will you be able to see what you have & whether it's enough for you.

The other import thing for me was tracking what I actually wear & how I felt in the outfit - that has been THE most enlightening process.

Staysfit, those are great
observations on staying focused. I think I’m getting more so and I envisioned
the 1/1 as part of that, but that probably is not exactly necessary nor
sufficient. Anyway you’ve helped me be more focused on being focused!

Thimblelina, I so hear you on numbers. (And where is Mo when we
need Mo-math?). I am not trying to use an arbitrary number
(meaning I don’t have to) but I am very aware that I really can only wear so
many things even over a 12-week “season” , so that is the motivation.

Thistle, such good measured words and a great list! Yup, yup,
yup! I started off with a plan and then kind of added things. I am being very good about the home-inspection before final decision. I wish I made more perfect decisions in the store, but have not let that get in the way of returns. And isn’t meh
interesting? Are things meh in and of themselves or only by comparison? I have
trouble identifying my target “demographic”
of clothing since it all depends on how much energy I want to spend exploring
the endless options, most of which are on-line.

Suz, hah, intermittent frenzies work for me, too. I know I
should track things but I would like to get by with gestalt. Nodding again to
Thistle, maybe I shall turn my hangers around, finally.

Clearlyclaire, I have SO enjoyed reading about all of your adventures with the small wardrobe. I've read about the power of 1 and can't quite get there. I am more likely to try the power of 2 or 3. Which is probably not as powerful! I can relate to the one dark, one light, one color schema really well, for some reason.

caro, I kept thinking I had done that, but then I move things back in because I think I will wear them, or because of change in the weather. I had planned to do the 40-hanger season but lapsed.

So, I think all of you are like the different strains covered in the flu vaccine and have re-innoculated me to keep plugging away. Wait wait, I'm not comparing y'all to a disease, but to the prevention and cure! Just having a discussion has re-lit the lightbulbs for recent meh items and colors that no longer "go" and things that ought to have been so obvious, but I was still missing. And re-doing my list of real wardrobe holes vs. unnecessary items.

I am still not sure what the point of one in one out is. Just to make sure you don't exceed your closet volume? Or to feel you are exercising control over your shopping habits? Or to see how close you can get to a philosophic ideal of dressing? All of the above?

Gasps! We're germs!! Hahahaha
I like mo's rule about trends in threes too - she limits herself to three iterations... One light, one dark, one patterned. She's a wise one that Mo!

Ummlila, that's a fair question. I admit 1/1 is just a construct for the idea that I have enough to wear but they're not all favorites, and I have to admit I will probably continue to want some new things. So the key is, why? I think it gets to the meh issue, but also change and experimenting, and then the obvious wantsies, some great new color or fabrication. But in reality if I add something, in one way or another, something else will not get worn.