My count...20. Too low even for me! - YouLookFab Forum

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My count...20. Too low even for me!

Peri

Veteran

This is my count for daily wear type clothes for this season.

I didn't count special occasion items because they are rare for me, so only involve a few items. I didn't count workout/PT/lounge at home wear. I also didn't count accessories like scarves, or things like camisoles that are needed for an outfit but don't stand alone, or shoes or coats.

So this is what I have available for work or casual social. Two pairs of pants and 18 tops. Technically I could say that's enough, but the tops still include a few things I'm so-so about...not everything is super happy.

I lean towards minimal, but I think I'd like a bit more than this! I've been trying, really...just have to keep looking.

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

Adelfa

Veteran

It's definitely possible to get by with two pairs of pants. I know because I've done it in many periods of my life. Lately I tried adding one or two more pairs, and I'm liking it! So yeah, I'd start by trying to increase your bottoms--more pants, or a skirt if you wear them.

Peri

Veteran

Thanks Adela. I wouldn't mind having charcoal grey and navy pants, but really I'm fine with my black pants uniform. I know it would disappoint a lot of people, but I have no problem at all with that kind of repetition.

My first priority is a few more sweaters, particularly a few tunic type, because one of the pants is ponte and I just prefer longer tops with that.

Gaylene

Veteran

Would you actually wear the third bottom on a regular basis? Do you want more variety in your work/casual life? If so, what other kind of outfit can you see yourself reaching for on a regular basis? Or do you prefer your variety in your tops rather than bottoms?

Those are the questions that I keep asking myself because, like you, I really don't vary my bottoms that much for my casual lifestyle. I've come to terms that I am quite happy wearing narrow, straight-legged styles. I like dark washes in my jeans and dark colors in my everyday winter pants--charcoal grey and navy go well with all my cool-weather tops and jackets. If I bought a different color or style bottom piece, I'd have to really think about what tops and jackets would work with it and might have to add to my top/jacket collection. I guess what I'm trying to say is that only you know if you really want another bottom piece, and it's perfectly OK to choose to spend your dollars on other items if you decide that two pairs of pants is enough for you.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Wow, that is minimal. Assuming you have to wear work clothes 5 days a week I would find that challenging. Pants can be hard to find, though - fit, style, durability... Any chance that you could just duplicate one of the pairs you already own and like?

Alassë

Veteran

I agree, 2 bottoms is doable. Personally, I felt much happier when I added a 3rd. I automatically go for more bottoms & fewer tops than what you listed, but what is the right ratio for you?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What do you think you'd need to make you feel you had enough variety? Would you wear toppers as well as tops? Would that help?

Peri

Veteran

I'm never clear on the difference between a top and a topper! I guess a topper is something like a cardigan or jacket, that you wear over some other stand alone top?

If that's right, then I just don't have the desire or need for that. Too many layers...too bulky feeling for piano and too warm for me. I do have a few that were included in the count, so that's enough for now.

I'm really leaning towards a few more pullover sweaters, in different colors. I'm not minimal about wanting one color scheme at all...color variety in tops is important to me. Way more than in pants. It's funny how I can embrace the minimal closet count but can't get behind the minimal color pallet at all. And I'm not at all minimal when it comes to ornamentation. Bring on the accessories!

I would go for navy pants next, but not just to get them...they would have to be all kinds of PPP because I for sure can do without them.

Catnip

Veteran

Peri, I'm a minimalist but think two pairs of pants is just too few. This could lead to laundry/dry cleaning bottlenecks. What if something happens to one of them?

Are your two pairs of pants both black? I have a friend who always wears black ponte knit pants. She has ten pairs of them. That sounds like way too many to me, but two? That would make me very nervous.

I know finding pants that fit well can be very hard. I had been looking for perfect black dress pants for over two years and finally compromised on a pair that required extensive alterations. I just took a photo of myself wearing them. They look so far from perfect that I decided not to post the picture.

We need to keep looking. I'm confident I will find the perfect pair and when I do, I'm buying two pairs. So don't give up!

elpgal

Veteran

Sounds good to me. I have worked with 2 pants during several periods. I have 4 right now and am currently at a new low with tops that work at 5. Don't particularly like toppers either and my tops are all colors and all of them are patterned. I have recently wanted to increase my number of pants and got a pair of burgundy cords but am finding they don't work with a lot of my tops, so maybe I need toppers. I'll be watching you to learn how you work through it, Peri.

Gigi

Veteran

Peri, you're right that a topper goes on top of a standalone top. Practically speaking, it's a necessity for people who are often cold or who live in climates where the weather can change drastically from one day to the next. For instance, when there's a really cool day near the end of summer here in Minnesota, it's easier to reach for the same short-sleeve tops I've been wearing every day and just throw a topper (cardigan, lightweight pleather jacket) over the top. Toppers help extend warmer-season clothes into the start of a cooler season. They're also helpful for people who freeze in air conditioning in the summer, because they can wear the topper indoors and easily remove it outdoors. But if you run hot and you have a pretty stable climate, maybe you don't feel much need for one.

As for the pants, since you have only two and it is often hard to find good-fitting pants, I would just start looking around and shopping for another pair whenever you have some time. This way, by the time you find another pair, maybe one of the others will be ready to be retired. This way, you can take things at a leisurely pace. But I agree with Catnip that having only two pairs of pants is maybe a bottleneck or wardrobe emergency waiting to happen.

It sounds to me like you are maybe just a practical dresser in general. I used to be that way, so I can understand why you are perfectly fine with just two pairs of pants. But I have been experimenting with using my wardrobe for emotional purposes, and now I find that I like just as much variety in bottoms as in tops. I really think it just has to do with how you view your fashion life--emotional, practical, or somewhere in between.

Anonymous

Last year I got through our short winter on one pair of jeans (plus gear for at home) and I made it just fine. You have the luxury of one pair to wash and one pair to wear, so I'm sure you're not desperate. The kind of outfits you're describing showcase the top and the accessories anyway, so your pants are more of a supporting act. Once you find a few great sweaters that you really love, you might feel more comfortable letting go some of your so-so tops. If you were in love with all 18 of them, do you think that would feel like enough? I applaud your willingness to be PPP. That's how truly great wardrobes are built.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It makes sense that colour variety in tops is crucial to you. If that, and your jewellery, is the way you get a zing into your outfits, of course you're going to love it! So go for it, and enjoy.

Like the others, I am a bit awe-struck that you can manage with two pairs of pants and not worry....Clarie's situation is a bit different -- you wear your clothes at home (not her gear/ loungewear) and people come into your house and see you in them. I'd be looking for a back up pair or two, even if you are completely happy just having two styles or one style in the same colour.

By the way, I see nothing whatever wrong with that. One of the most stylish people I've ever known is a former male colleague of mine from my teaching days. He is silver haired. He dressed in a constant uniform of black pants, white shirt, sometimes a black sweater or black jacket. With black outerwear. And he always looked impeccable.

A part of me wishes I could go that simple. Not minimal, exactly, but simple. Unfortunately, I think the colour loving side of me and the playful side of me would go into serious withdrawal -- I derive some of my fun from playing with new shapes, colours, and styles.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I guess the question is: is this the right number for you? Technically I would be able to get by with just 2 bottoms but I would be bored to death. I need variety as a breath of fresh air and I have to have it in both bottoms and tops (otherwise it is not variety for me at all). I guess I have too many trousers - 10- but they include different cuts ( skinny, straight, slouchy, wide legs) and colors ( black, grey taupe, cobalt, cream) so I can get variety I crave.
On the other hand I need to get on the trouser ban for the next year: I definitely have enough...

E

Veteran

How interesting! When I travel I bring 3 bottoms, all dark neutrals (better to hide stains hehe) and that feels like more than enough (my last trip was a month): I usually end up with 2 slimmer trousers and 1 full skirt, for a bit of variety in my silhouettes. But it sounds like you're happy with your current state, so good luck finding some more pullovers.

Lisa

Veteran

2 bottoms is nice and minimal. For myself, I have found I can work well with 5 bottoms. I don't mind repeating a couple times a week, but every other day is too much repeating for myself. Now DH, he has 2 pairs for work and 2 pairs for weekends and that works very well for him. Like yourself, he has plenty more tops (button down shirts) that he remixes to vary up his outfits. As far as toppers (blazers, cardigans, pullovers), I find I like lots of variety (colors, prints, even texture differences in the knit [basket weave, pillow weave, flat weave] to mix up my bottoms.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I have of late found myself with 2 pairs of pants and 2 skirts too... and I always wear pants when travelling, work or leisure. I have surprised myself by making do despite laundry bottlenecks, but found I keep wanting one more pair as psychological safety net.

I do 'save' them by wearing two of my three skirts at home though! And some days I don't get beyond lounge pants.

Tops, now... I have about 7 at the moment that really really work practically and aesthetically. Toppers? Two, not counting outdoors-only coats and jackets. I could use several more again to *feel* sorted.

So what and how many-ish do you feel you are missing? Just a few sweaters? If that's all, I envy you: what a great place to be, Peri!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Wow, two pairs of pants definitely sounds minimal to me, but kudos to you if it works for you. Does that include jeans? I don't like to do laundry more often than once a week, so that would be too few for me.

I almost get hives just thinking about only having two pairs of pants, but I thrive on variety and choices (I also get bored with eating the same thing every day). I'm almost embarrassed to admit how many pairs of jeans I own. I admire others' minimalism!