Shopping this year - YouLookFab Forum

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Shopping this year

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, just was updating my Finds and thought I'd revisit my purchases for 2021, so I'm not in shock when I do the final assessment around the new year!

As I anticipated, the numbers are high-for-me, at about 43 fashion-related purchases (give or take, as I'm not meticulous, especially with accessories - including jammies, gear, accessories, clothing, and outerwear). The reason I expected higher number is because my wardrobe is finally catching up to the shift in proportions and shapes that's taken place the last few years (e.g. wider jeans), and additionally, I knew I'd have to replace a number of winter tops because I am suddenly finding wool very itchy, and additionally some items were just not fitting as they should.

It broke out approximately as follows:

- 2 jammies
- 13 tops
- 5 athleisure/gear pieces
- 6 bottoms, including shorts
- 2 jewellery accessories
- 5 pairs of shoes
- 2 other accessories
- 3 toppers/layers
- 5 utter fail tops (they get their own bucket at the bottom ha)

The colour palette has been very cohesive, with lots of neutrals and touches of burgundy, soft pink and light-to-medium blue.

If I was going to criticize myself I'd say 13 new successful tops is still more than is quite necessary - but it's done and they are almost all workhorse material, so hopefully this will balance itself out next year.

Overall, I feel good about it all, even though the number makes me squirm a little. Almost all of these purchases are very classic/essential-for-me and I don't think will be quick to date. They are mix and matchable, lifestyle appropriate, comfortable, and practical. As usual, I am frugal (some might same cheap!) with my wardrobe and I'm ok with that so budgetarily it's all good.

To finish the year, the only thing I feel like I might want is a festive skirt, something pleated or satin or black & white print... but this is a definite "if I see something I love" thing, vs. something I will be on the hunt for.

Thanks for reading if you made it through! xx

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If I recall correctly, you had a really light purchase year the year before this one, right? Sometimes that happens -- you go light one year and heavier the next.

I would not feel guilty about any of this. Most of what you purchased works really well for you. It does sound like a lot of tops, but because you keep your bottoms so classic, tops are where you get your interest. Plus, they tend to be cheaper, by and large. So -- it's all good!

rachylou

Veteran

It’s funny… 13 doesn’t sound like a lot to me to buy… but then I think of how much clothing I have… and maybe it’s a lot to store… but then I think about how the bakery eats tops… did you ‘lose’ any tops? Your wardrobe seems well-considered to me, Helena…

Tanya

Veteran

It sounds to me like you did very well - you seriously updated/upgraded your wardrobe, got things you like and all within the budget. Enjoy your gorgeous new wardrobe!

Sal

Veteran

Well I have added 32 and I think it is that amount (give or take either way) each year. My wardrobe isn't really growing ( I have increased my activewear a small amount) so it feels like that's the right amount.

A style shift, lifestyle changes etc all contribute.

But I do support analysing it and saying why, and is this purchasing wise and supporting my style direction. I think in your case you are doing so.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks for the encouragement, and yes, for sure I'm not worrying about these numbers ... actually I'm not worrying about numbers in general. I think it all balances out in the wash. I'm learning just to hold that whole concept lightly! I think I tend to have spend guilt, but even at that, I know rationally that I'm not spendy and stay within budget ... so it's all good!

Sal, you and I seem to be about the same in this regard I'd say ... I'd say on average that's about where I'm at, and the overall size seems to remain stable. It's almost like I have a natural closet set-point.

Tanya, thank you!

Rachy, yes for sure - those types of differences have a huge influence ... I don't think many of my tops survived my year at the pre-school job For my part, I don't go anywhere haha ... so 13 tops feels like a lot, but you are right, it's really not, it's not even 2 weeks' worth and it's not like I have a ton to start with. I did lose a few ... some sweaters that were itchy and/or too tight ... and I suspect a few of my knotted tees might need to be replaced next year.

Suz, yes, right you are ... at some point this year I realized some re-building was going to be in order, for my current body, lifestyle, style, as well as the changing silhouettes ... next year might be a little more of the same, but I think you are right, it all balances itself out!

Runcarla

Veteran

For me, it’s all about the budget. No matter how many individual items you might pick up, if you are within your personal budget parameters it’s all good!

I usually wear 12-15 different tops each month - more during transitional seasons. Wool sweaters aren’t likely to be worn in summer, nor sleeveless in winter (though there are exceptions.) That usually means 2-3 wears per month - 24-36 wears per year for something that is year ‘round or 12-16 wears for something that is more seasonal. Though some items last better than others, most garments tend to show signs of wear at around 60 wears - which for my wardrobe size and garment rotation is 2-3 years.

I believe you keep a fairly modest collection of clothes, so your number (barely more than one top per month averaged over the year) doesn’t seem extreme - especially if you are replacing. I replaced half my tops this year - 11 new in 2021 (2 sleeveless button downs, 2 flannel button downs, 2 sweaters (one thrifted), and 5 t-shirts - 4 in one go. My numbers this year are up as well (30+) and I made a few mistakes too (10% of my annual budget.) Last year I left almost one third of my clothing budget unspent, this year it’s more like one tenth - which I may spend before the year is out!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I cannot even calculate how many items flow in and out of my wardrobe - it is a bit confusing because I buy and sell consistently. As Carla says, if you are within your budget (financial and emotional) all is good. My skin has gone to impervious to everything to quite sensitive, so I hear you about replacing your itchy knits.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Seems that you have a good handle on this emotionally and financially. You have managed a change in proportions and shapes, adjusted your wardrobe to get yourself to a slightly different but happy place, and all within budget. Sounds like success!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Ya gotta do what you’ve gotta do, man.
It doesn’t sound like there's a whole lot of churn going on, so thumbs up on that. I’m with you on being curious about numbers but not sweating them, have been thinking I might post my own—as soon as I see if I’m going to find the boots I want. If you’re looking for critique, I’d say check that bin at the bottom with 5 tops in it, but I think you’ve already done that in other posts. Buying for what’s happening now (& kudos that “what’s happening now” is more exercise!) makes sense. Knowing that the situation now won’t last forever & we might want some of our stuff then is wise too.

nemosmom

Veteran

Oh, I hope you are not beating yourself up. If you look beyond numbers, it sounds like you are staying true to what works for you: your palette is cohesive, you have identified reasons why things didn’t work and that will allow you to make informed decisions about your clothes going forward.

The last couple of years have been so challenging— lots of adjustments and changes, and uncertainty. You shopped for your current lifestyle to ensure you can actually wear what you bought - and that is a major win IMO. It’s not like you went and added 40 ball gowns, or something crazy. Practical and well-executed, I think!

My numbers are outright atrocious. Lifestyle changes, health issues, style shifts, and stress shopping… I’m chalking up 2021 as pandemic lessons and hoping to do better next year.

Irina

Veteran

Sounds good to me
I don’t look at the numbers, more importantly you stayed within parameters of your needs and your color palette. Good job in my books.

cat2

Veteran

Your picks have been careful and work with your palette, so this sounds like a win to me. I am streaky when it comes to working on my wardrobe, tackling what seems like the priority at the time, so three years ago had lots of outerwear, two years ago lots of outdoor accessories (scarves, gloves), and last year was a massive t-shirt refresh. Maybe it was just time for your tops?

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I'm convinced that there are some years when you just realize your wardrobe has become out of whack and you have to fix it. You are conscientious and live your life with intention, and it sounds like these purchases were made the same way.

I do think it's good to know the numbers, though! Being aware that this year was high means you can go into next year with that knowledge and moderate to prevent "big purchasing years" from becoming the norm.

Helena

Veteran

Jenn yes, you said it so well - the numbers are not an exercise in guilt or even goals, but rather awareness ... for me anyway that is the way it seems to work. And yes - my wardrobe felt completely "out of whack" - I think because I was spending too much time listening to others and not enough to myself - so I'm feeling much more in whack (?!?!?) now

NM I'm not and make sure you're not either!!! You've got a million plates spinning with your busy work, pandemic chaos, young kids ... don't add any stress to yourself over plus or minus a few bits of clothes. xoxox

Thanks all for the encouragement and kindness! xoxox

Anonymous

As you know , I’m not a counter or tracker so I have nothing insightful to say about that part . Budget and storage space are my two constraints / balance checks . I wanted to comment on the idea of a statement skirt - that sounds like a great idea for you , and I can already see how much fun you’ll have with one !

Helena

Veteran

Thanks Lisa! I still might have to lemming your Joe Fresh one, although a black and white print also appeals to me ... hmm might need to brave the mall one last time before I steer clear of the crowds ...

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I agree with Runcarla,l think it’s more about budget than numbers especially if you know you are going to get a lot of wear out of your purchases.Enjoy it,lord knows we all deserve alittle retail joy this year.

CarolS

Veteran

This is great reflection, Helena, and wonderful that you're using it as an awareness exercise, not as self-flagellation! I've never been a counter or year-end wardrobe analyser, but this and other posts like it have me thinking... I just did a quick count that brings me in around 30 items for the year (depending on whether that pair of HeatHolder socks counts, and if I keep a pair of joggers and tneck I just brought home.)

Given the state of my wardrobe, it's interesting to see that at least 4 new items have not been worn at all - partly due to a warm fall, but in some cases due to the items being potentially very useful in future (ie black velvet pants, a black midi skirt). A couple have been worn once (for a wedding).

There might be a post in this eventually as I think about this year and plan for 2022.

Roxanna

Veteran

I think you have done a great job this year of upgrading your essentials to add a little more flare/personality that, importantly, still feels *you*. You have really done a great job knowing yourself and buying what you know will work for you. Inspirational!

Staysfit

Veteran

I admire how you can keep track of what you purchased, etc. Do you do this as you go, or do you look in retrospect?

You live in a four season climate right? The number of tops needed seems to expand given the need to remain covered, stylish and comfortable across so wide a range of temperatures.

This year, I think I could easily look through my closet and figure out what I purchased, since the numbers were lower than ever before……marches off to count……

Helena

Veteran

Haha Staysfit! This is the first year I've actually started tracking and completed the process ... I start with good intentions and then it tapers off. This year I created a collection in my Finds for each month ... I wasn't pedantic about it so it could be plus or minus a piece or two, but it's roughly right. It's so interesting to have the visual perspective of what I bought!

Staysfit

Veteran

Back already…..it was easier than I thought. My total for the year is 42 (44 if you break 2 pantsuits I purchased into separates). I am not sure what this number means since I have a large wardrobe and I am not trying to become minimal as much as ensure that I enjoy and make use of what I have.

Maybe I will be able to start tracking now also! I like your less than pedantic method….since mine is obviously even less so! :-). I have never had the wherewithal to keep track, although perhaps I can learn something from my current count and maybe I can start tracking now…..

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I write things down as I buy them. Looking back over the year, I am surprised at how long a year is, lol. If I sat down and thought about when I bought this top, I might know it was in a February and then somehow logic my way through to realizing it was Feb of this year. But if I just look at my closet and ask myself what I’ve gotten this year, I don’t count the top.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

What Jenn said. I don’t track really, but I know this year was a big purchasing year for me. After taking a break last year and feeling a little shift this year, plus a little financial windfall, have led to me updating quite a few things. Even though I’ve added a bit (over 50 items), I’ve edited more out than I’ve brought in. I think it’s useful to have a sense of how we’ve shopped over the past year as we consider the year ahead.

Helena

Veteran

SF I was gobsmacked when I realized some of the stuff was purchased this year ... might be the pandemic, but January may as well have been 19 years ago lol!

Staysfit, as I'm thinking of it, the visual is actually the most insightful piece ... for example, one of my fails was a black summer t, but one of my biggest successes was also a black summer t ... the difference being the silhouette, but I wouldn't have realized that without the visual reminder.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I have been writing down what I buy and keeping the receipts for over 10 years- nearly 11 years now. But for me it has been tracking the wears that has helped me to see what I actually wear and what I don’t.
Some little-worn items have remained in the closet if they still suit and fit me and could be useful eg a grey/black skirt that could be worn to a funeral stays there even though only 10 wears since bought 2011. Otherwise I am doing better on only editing things that have had #30 wears or more, on the whole. So that I feel I had made good purchases and got good value and wear out of them.
I have just had a small spate of purchases but some not arrived yet and may not be kept, I anticipate between 15 and 20 items for the year, more than the 12 in 2020. I will be reducing my holding zone soon after discussion with daughters about clothes swaps for their friends, anything they might want, and then donating. I am still trying to reduce the wardrobe size a bit to around 150 items. Number is in flux but more like 160 for now.

Joy

Veteran

I don’t often count purchases but almost all of mine have been second hand, which was my goal for this year. The few pieces that were new retail were items I could not find second hand, mostly a couple of pair of pull on pants in brown. I need to replace sone shoes and find a new pair of navy booties and pewter booties. I hope some end-of-season sales will help. Also I may spring for pull on velvet pants for the holidays if I find the right ones. Your purchases make sense. Do what you need to do to have a wardrobe you can wear and feel great.