My question actually has a kind of numerical component--meaning,
did you ever consider that you could maintain just a "33-item" wardrobe (or 50, even) if you had say, 40 pairs of shoes (just to pick a random number) ?

The limited clothing number would not mean never buying something new, but having very limited numbers of the key items and using them in a very multi-purpose way (dresses that function like LBD's; jeans that are dress up or down; trousers, skirts; limited tops & blouses) and do most of the vibe-occasion changing via the shoes.

Or the more practical way of looking at it is whether it becomes more possible to have a more limited clothing wardrobe if you "allow" yourself a generous shoe selection. But even that can be pared down to making better choices for shoe versatility, when possible, so, being more picky that a given pair of shoes has to really pull its weight.

Speaking to that numerical question, I have to confess that even though I strive to pare down my closet to only things I love to wear, I have little interest in meeting a numerical goal. 33 items sounds horribly limiting *to me*. Even 50 does. But you never know how I might shift focus in the future as I get older and more set in my ways. I admire and respect those who are happy with such a streamlined wardrobe, but it's just not me, at this point in time.

But if we're talking in terms maybe of proportion, say a shoe collection that outnumbers garments in a wardrobe, I don't think I'd thrive with that, even though I love having a generous shoe selection. I have about 80 pairs of shoes/boots now, and my clothing way, way outnumbers that. I probably have well over 80 tops alone. I know it sounds excessive to wardrobe minimalists, but I live in a four-season climate and love variety.

Oh, no way! Numbers wise, I have 5 to 1 clothing to shoes and I feel I have quite a varied shoe wardrobe even though it's less than 30 pair.

Hm, interesting question. I don't know if shoes trump clothes for me, exactly, but shoes are a much harder purchase. And probably more important, in a way. I have wide, high-volume feet, and I walk/move around a lot. I'm hard on my shoes, so they simply don't last like, say, a good jacket would.

I often look to my shoes to bring some subtle eclectic-ness into my outfits, but my feet are too large for pretty, dainty, strappy things. I need sturdy shoes that ground me. Hence my functional funk factor. That's a tough, tall order -- and while I have high demands on my clothes to fulfill all these requirements, the stakes are not quite as high and the clothing items are frankly easier to find. I can pick up a funky sweater no problem, but I can't pick up a pair of cute silver metallic ankle strap flats... as much as I'd love to.

I have more clothes than shoes, but shoes operate differently in my wardrobe!

My cart has both a pair of shoes and a new piece of clothing. The piece of clothing is on my need list. The shoes are on my love list. What do I buy? Of coarse, the shoes every time! lol.

I think a minimal wardrobe with lots of shoes wouldn't make a lot of sense for me personally, although it's an interesting idea.

Why wouldn't it work for me? I'm hard to fit for both clothes and shoes, but I feel like it's easier for me to find basic, versatile shoes and non-basic clothing. My main issues for shoes are just that my feet are really small and I'm picky about comfort, so what I have to choose from are mostly old-reliable brands that don't go as trendy. Then, the more interesting options even among those can sell out before I have a chance to really consider them. On the other hand, with clothes, what works is a lot more of a random luck of the draw, and the kinds of versatile, well-tailored pieces that would pull their weight in a minimal wardrobe are often the hardest to find and the least fun to look for.

I do love shoes, though! I've got a pretty good collection and love shopping for them. And I'm always amazed how much fresher everything feels when I find a shoe with an updated shape that goes with a lot. Case in point: I just got metallic pointy-toed flats and black d'orsay flats and I'm really enjoying wearing them with the types of things I wore ballet flats with last year.

I like to have lots of variety in my shoes so I'm not looking for the one shoe to rule them all. I rarely wear a pair of shoes more than once during a work week. And the more distinctive ones probably more like once every 2-3 weeks.

I agree that shoes can definitely change the vibe of an outfit. I certainly love buying clothes- particularly sweaters and jeans- but shoes and bags are my passion.

Hm I like simpler shoes... but I also like having a lot of them Definitely a higher clothes-to-shoes ratio in my closet as with most people, and that is a good type of ratio for me.

High five, Aida and Diana.

Shoes! I love how the right shoes can update or change the vibe of a look. I'm trying to rein it in but I always feel like shoes are a good investment. Clothes come and go but the CPW on shoes is usually pretty good.