My Closet - YouLookFab Forum

Lyn*’s post on culling her closet and her budget for 2012 really got me thinking about what I have and what I need (need…not want). So here’s my count of items in my closet. Bear in mind that this is for fall/winter only and off season clothes are stored in a cedar closet downstairs.

Dresses (excluding occasion dresses): 6
Dress pants: 7
Skirts: 8
Sleeveless tops: 7
Long sleeved blouses: 7
Blazers: 17 (egads!)
Boots (excluding outdoor snow boots): 5
Shoes/booties (excluding running shoes): 8
Decorative scarves: 8
Belts: 6
Cardigans: 5
Sweaters/knits: 11
Jeans: 5
Outdoor coats: 5
Total: 105

This list does not include t-shirts or sweatpants. What surprised me most when going through all of this (other than my obvious love of blazers!) is that it’s probably only about 60% of these items I can honestly say I love and that flatter me. And I don’t think that’s good enough. I have a really hard time letting go – my extremely frugal upbringing often has me “settling” for things that are less than ideal because they are inexpensive (hence my thrift shopping) and I loathe to get rid of anything that I paid for (I’m working on this). My other issue is I honestly do not know what my current style is and how to work towards the style direction I want to head into (retro/vintage inspired). This makes it difficult to narrow down purchases and create a cohesive list of wardrobe holes. But there are some items I would like to see added to my closet in 2012. They are:

• red dress pumps (would love to get the Sofft Ramona pumps in Fire Engine red patent)
• very comfortable and versatile flats (maybe in a metallic)
• the perfect crisp white button down shirt (great for work or pairing with jeans for casual)
• something orange
• navy cashmere v-neck sweater (what can I say? I just finished reading Parisian Chic!)
• white trousers (not denim)

Other than that, I really have no clue what I’m doing! Please tell me there are others that are feeling somewhat lost???

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

This is so cool! Thanks for posting this, Shannon. I love statistics, so it's interesting to me to see the numbers of items people have in their closets. I'd love to see an accompanying photo too, because I like seeing how people organize the space. : )

kimlee

Now I am wanting to go and take a true inventory of my own closet. Thanks for sharing, Shannon!

MNsara

Oh, you are NOT alone -- I'm always lost in my closet

I need to reread later, but wanted to quick say that I lusted after those Sofft Ramonas in red after seeing Kyle look so incredible in hers. After months of lusting and trying to rationalize them, I actually tried them on. They did not work well at all for my feet So, the moral of the story is to try them on soon, so if they aren't the ones, you can start eyeing up other bright red pumps!

I'd suggest you also try on Brooks Brothers no-iron shirts (they come in 3 fits, I think). They have turned out to be the only one I have actually worn! (As opposed to the other orphaned ones in my closet).

Navy cashmere v-neck! Brilliant! I think I might actually have time to read my Parsian Chic book now. . . yay!

modgrl

I know how hard it is to get rid of clothes that still fit and are in good condition but that don't feel 100% fab... can you put them in closet purgatory for a few months and see how you do without them? If you don't miss them and don't reach for them, maybe it is time to let go. That will free up space in your closet and your mind to search out new things that fit and flatter, and you can start to get a better grasp on which of your clothes really feel like "you" and make you feel your best.

Lisa

I'm with you in the "lost" group. I have tried to purge my closet all year long and my last recap is here. I find purging a bit hard because of guilt, I feel bad to move things along when I spent hard earned money on them. Even if they don't feel 100% me. I'm just a slow closet purger. I was very surprised at my initial numbers when I started tracking my wardrobe in a spread sheet. I still have what I consider for myself too many clothes but have accepted that my closet purging will go at my own slow pace. I do try to be much more selective with my purchases.

Ah, yes, I am torn on the 'almosts' as well. It doesn't help that household income will come to a screeching halt next month, and so will the clothing budget! At this point, I'm down to parting with one more every couple of weeks or so lol. Last week was the animal print wrap dress, this week it's the bright purple jersey sundress that I'm always tugging up or down. Sundresses are supposed to be easy breezey, not a constant adjustment! Oh, but the color is so wonderful . . . . yes, I share your issue! (It is being demoted to lounge status for now, by the way)

ironkurtin

Perfecting the closet is kindof like a unicorn - it's a beautiful idea, but not real life. Don't be so hard on yourselves! It's about the journey, there are no right answers, and there's no test. In a way, that's what makes it fun!

rae

I really need to do this exercise with my work clothes... I have a sneaking suspicion that I LOVE way less than 60% of what I have, and plenty of those are boots... You are better off than you think you are, Shannon!

mamaKate

Shannon, I commiserate. I am in a similar process of realizing just how much of my closet consists of items I don't really love - bought because they were on sale, or because they seemed like they would be versatile.

Just remember: 1)quality over quantity (repeat. repeat again.), and
2) Purging is free - in fact if you can consign or re-sell these items can even be a source of a little cash - and most especially, free-ing.

ETA: I have resisted counting the items in my own closet because I fear they will number in the several hundreds!

Suz

It's a great exercise, isn't it, Shannon?!

And I'm so glad many are sharing their stats. I may start a thread with my own as well. I did a count.

My goal is only clothes I LOVE and that flatter me, but I am by no means there yet.

In terms of heading towards retro-vintage inspired, maybe your jackets and accessories are a good place to start. Jackets automatically make a statement, for one thing...and you can find some GREAT vintage ones at better consignment stores! And accessories (and footwear) can give you that look quite quickly as well. To my mind you are already well on your way with this; many of your outfits have that vibe, which I'm sure is why Angie mentioned it to you.

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