I'm so, so appreciative of these thoughtful replies. You know, I have long felt an undercurrent of disapproval from corners of the forum for wardrobe turnover . I know it wasn't my imagination, but it's nice to know that those whose feedback I value support turnover in the spirit of enjoying style and fashion and being current . I have never hid my insecurities and weaknesses - and along with weight fluctuations, I'm not very often at peace with what I look like and how I dress. I buy a lot, but I also donate a lot of really good clothes in excellent condition. Others benefit .

Anyways, I am going to consider setting seasonal limits in terms of number of pieces, which goes right back to setting priorities when you don't need anything . At work, my footwear and bottoms are what I spend on and update continually. I have lots of both. For my non-work life, that broadens to include statement tops and jackets/coats. My goal today will be to create a list and set a goal/limit for the number of pieces I will let myself buy this fall and winter . Not sure I can take myself off of IG and Substack as that's where I get my style info ;). And Angie, you're right , YLF is NOT social media and I didn't ever intend to suggest it was. "Pukka" indeed, lol.

I have sensed the undercurrent of disapproval as well (but, never from Angie). Your honesty is one of the reasons I try to participate in this forum. I know that when I find myself being disapproving (never towards you) that means I need to look at myself and figure out what the real issue is for me. My guess is that the disapproval people feel about churn comes from their own concerns over environmental waste, money, or maybe guilt because they have gotten the societal message that caring about fashion is frivolous. All good things to think and talk about so we can find our own comfort level and maybe. not have so much angst. Maybe this post should be in off-topic?

Thank you kinnick , for your comments. I agree with everything you've said.

Your dilemma of finding the "perfect for you" wardrobe is something we all understand; each for different reasons. A blogger I have followed for over six years has just identified the fact her inability to settle and enjoy her closet was because she had too many statement pieces and hadn't taken the time to identify and renew the most important basics like jeans. She had fully reinvented herself and her clothes over three times but is just now understanding why it hadn't worked. Matching your wardrobe to your life and your heart is not an easy undertaking. As other's have said, permission to try, permission to release and permission to try again are vital to this journey. After a while, you will get a much clearer picture of what the sweet spot looks like.

Joyce- that’s very interesting . Do you mind sharing who that is ? Thanks !

Lisa, if I'm understanding you correctly, you've got some tensions between preferred style and lifestyle "needs" (I'm putting that in quotes because I think one of your need is clothes you love! But on a purely practical level I get it ... When your life is more quiet and casual, it can be hard to justify purchasing certain things).

One idea is to modify what's on your wishlist just a little to be more practical ... like with your example, maybe brown suede dressy boots wouldn't be as practical, but brown suede fashion sneaks might be (or flattered, slightly more casual boots even). A brown suede belt or bag is totally practical with jeans and a sweater, as would be the coat. I guess what you're suggesting is on your list doesn't seem unreasonable to me? And those kinds of pieces go a long way, since you can wear them frequently with multiple outfits. They will add new life to clothes you already have. As to space, I think it's fine to have a certain amount of churn... we all do on here (to greater or lesser extents). I think limited space probably makes you even more discerning about what's worth having. This is a long and winding reply but in summary, you are allowed to buy the clothes you like, even if they aren't strictly necessary, and I think you need a brown suede capsule lol

Please buy your brown suede capsule and wear it grocery shopping. Honestly, it will make grocery shopping more fun!

So many great comments already. Re donating clothes: I’m a member of a nonprofit that runs a thrift store. Everything we sell was donated to us. The money we raise goes to programs that help schoolchildren, seniors, veterans, etc. I’ve worked the register in the store and talked to our customers. I love it when our nice clothes go to someone who ordinarily couldn’t afford them.

Great idea Helena about brown suede sneakers! I want to add brown - but booties aren’t my thing. Was thinking of getting burgundy sneakers, but I bet brown ones - in suede - would be a great alternative, and my way of incorporating the colour trend!

I have a pair of brown suede ballet flats that I love, and certainly am wearing them as often as I can right now! Another few couple of months though and they are put to rest (snow etc) .....which is why I am eyeing boots :). Which, and thank you ALL, I have ordered 2 pair of now to consider !

First; I dress up a bit to go to the supermarket and library. The workers, patrons, and customers deserve for me to look nice!

And as an enabler who lacks the closet editing gene, I wholly endorse using hangers that stack.

I am also seriously considering compression packing cubes at the very least for my extra bulky sweaters. (Thanks for the suggestion, Lisa!) I just have to decide if I want the small ones for my suitcase.

Wearing clothing that layers can be great for travel, but IRL I like bulky sleeves that I may find physically comfortable in only a very narrow temperature range and may not layer well even underneath. That leads to a larger wardrobe. Shrugs.

I love textiles- I love the colors, textures and patterns of different fabrics. I love trying new silhouettes and styles. I love scouring websites and thrift stores and regular stores to find treasures. It’s therapeutic to me to look at the beautiful variety of colors and contrasts..

I also like having a manageable wardrobe and I REALLY don’t like adding to landfills.

I find the best balance when i separate shopping for my wardrobe and shopping for a dopamine hit.

When shopping for my wardrobe, I focus on the value I get from my clothes instead of the number of items. When I prioritize wearing and enjoying my clothes, the size of my wardrobe kind of solves itself. I can’t actually enjoy using too many items at one time. Searching for something beautiful and useful and then wearing the heck out of it is fun, satisfying and usually guilt free for me.

When what I’m craving is a hit of shopping dopamine, not a new wardrobe item, I go to goodwill. Lots of interesting fabrics to look at, VERY easy on the budget, and minimal environmental impact.

What’s not good for me is seeking a dopamine hit from mindless scrolling and buying. That is an easy escape but it is wasteful and leaves me feeling guilty and overwhelmed. I’m trying to do most of my shopping in person now, as that definitely helps me make better decisions.

I am nursing a sick child (puke bucket in hand), so I will simply nod at all of the sage advise and replies here. I have actually struggled with a similar issue. Our house is t-i-n-y—700-800 sq feet with a child and all the toys. I cram all my clothes into a single antique dresser and hang the nicer items on my wall (no closets yet as we rebuild our home).

Last year or two I tried limiting myself to a smaller wardrobe. It never worked. I find a higher churn rate is just easier and better. I love fashion and style; limiting myself was depressing. The only difficulty is editing and churning when I need to. Still, I feel it’s the best choice for me.

Also, I have few social obligations. My biggest social outings are the grocery store, weekly co-op, and church. That’s it. For me: I adore getting dressed up grocery shopping. So I say: buy the brown suede capsule! I feel very happy getting dressed up for grocery shopping. I used to fear it made people feel intimidated or that I looked overdressed. Finally, I decided who cares. It makes me happy.

I just looked at the closet and it seems packed, to me. I have enough of everything I need. None of it is expensive, but it is all as good as I can find within a price range that feels comfortable.
I realized I was straining to find pieces that worked for everything, thereby reducing the overall numbers and lessening churn, but it turns out I do need a few situation specific clothes or I feel badly dressed and uncomfortable.
So the wardrobe is expanding to hold a smart casual capsule, in a different size from last year, things ( fashion, mores) just keep changing so much faster than they used to. Perhaps we have to run a bit faster?

That's an interesting comment about changes happening faster than ever. I used to have the same jeans for years, but not anymore. There have been so many newer looks in the past 5 years (or even less ?) that maybe I'm buying more to reflect those changes. I could say the same thing about pants in general, actually.

I have been thinking about the change happening faster - and can’t decide if I agree or not.

I think some trends come in with a hiss and a roar - butter yellow, adidas samba - to name two. Both which I like! But others can be around a long time.

I have always liked Mary Jane shoes and was looking out for them in 2023 - really none were available here. Last year they were but only at a very high end. This year I purchased some and I think I will get a few more years from them - on the northern hemisphere trend lists they are still coming up. Given I really like the style I will wear them when not cutting edge any more. I think the key - Ummila is good at this - is recognising early in the cycle which trend speak to you. The challenge is that sometimes the items are not available at a good price point or locally.

Oh please buy the brown suede capsule. You deserve to look good wherever you go!

I LOVE what Joyce said. “Matching your wardrobe to your life and your heart.” Yes, our hearts matter. Especially in this moment in history. I hope you are able to move forward in a spirit of nurturing the things that bring you joy. Bring on the brown suede!