Variation vs. variety... - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Variation vs. variety...

catgirl

Veteran

Was pondering this today because I was thinking about whether to order this citron handbag. I already have an acid yellow Coach bag, but this is a signature color for me and a style I like. At the same time, I wonder if I'd be better off with a new to me color instead of just a variation on a theme. Same with pants - I have lots of skinnies in various patterns but not a lot of variety in silhouette. Restricting myself to certain colors and cuts is a method to keep my wardrobe more cohesive.

Over to you - do you prefer variations on similar items, or a lot of variety (a bit of everything), and why?

http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/.....wordsearch

Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Traci

Liz

Veteran

Yes.

How's that for an answer? In general, I do not want to duplicate a look of something I already have. However, I do that within some pretty narrow zones. Example: I generally only wear pencil skirts, because the silhouette is easy for me to work with. So I don't go buying a pleated skirt just for variation.

But within that limit, I try not to duplicate. For example, I buy one navy skirt, one black skirt, one bright skirt, one patterned skirt -- not five black skirts.

Alassë

Veteran

I like variations on a theme. That said, I think you would enjoy & use the citron handbag.

Thistle

Veteran

So, citron handbag seems made for you . . .

As for me, I tend to stick to certain color palettes I know work, and certain shapes. That said, I have found a great deal of inadvertent duplication. How many white v-necks do I really need?!?!

So, sometimes I think I get stuck in a rut of what works and am less adventurous than I should be.

Anonymous

I don't restrict myself, but I am more likely to go with less variety in terms of silhouette. More skinny or slim pants, more fluid and slimmer line tops. This is a silhouette that works for me, and I find it easier finding things that fit and work well together. Within those parameters though, I do have a fair amount of variety in color and print. As for shoes, jackets, purses and accessories, for me, that's where anything goes as long as I think it will work with some of what I have. I like your purse and think it would look good in citron.

Echo

Veteran

Finally, after many years of experimenting with variety, I have found things that work better for my lifestyle and my body, and I much prefer variation now. I am happy that I don't feel as big a desire for variety because I know better with a lot of things. I used to convince myself that something would work for me when it actually didn't, and so I'd have a closet item I'd never reach for. That happens less now that I opt for variations on the themes that work instead.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am not even sure I can answer that. I am trying to get my head around the difference.

Because -- you've picked "colour" as the bag theme. But for me, two bags of the same colour wouldn't substitute for one another unless they were also similar shapes and capacity. In that case, they'd be too much like one another and I would end up splitting wears. In other words, for me, the theme for bags is FUNCTION vs. colour.

And in general I think I divide clothes by function more than colour. Then again, I wear pretty much the same colours all the time, so maybe that explains things.

Anonymous

In bags, I think it's kind of cool to have a signature colour or look - and if this bag is different enough in shape and material from your Coach, then go for it!

Anonymous

And speaking of citron bags, I have been looking since January for one and have not found a single bag in that colour, save for a Calvin Klein with a chain strap that is too small and dressy looking for what I want. This colour never appeared at retail here.

catgirl

Veteran

It's a little confusing in my mind too! I guess for me it's about what constitutes duplication as opposed to variation. When I first joined YLF, I wanted every possible color and style option in my closet but now not so much.

I would consider either 6 black jackets in different cuts or 6 of the same jacket in different colors to be "variation". But 6 different jackets in 6 different colors would be "variety".

crutcher

Veteran

Variation vs. variety in fashion...in life...I would prefer variety or so I say...Yet when you look at my shopping for April..I have two new pairs of black pants..one ankle length EF and one skinny black jeans...Definitely variation and not the same...I guess I just like things available when I want a certain look which can count for variation...Oh well, maybe I prefer variation after all..smile...

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, good question. Both? Like, I buy lots of teal things, and red handbags. But I like to have a variety as well.

Good thing I am not a minimalist.

As for your question: well, it sounds like the two yellow bags aren't identical and would therefore serve different purposes. Like my three red purses. One is a hobo, one is a smaller shoulder bag, and one is a clutch. They do not really serve overlapping purposes. The first is a work bag, the second is a weekend/going out bag, and the third is a fancy dress bag. I used to have a red tote as well (until it got stolen), which served the fourth big bag purpose for me, the laptop bag. So if I wanted to I could use a red bag every single day. And for me a red bag goes with almost everything, which I think is the case for you and your citron bag.

Staysfit

Veteran

Hmm, I like your clarification. I think a bit of both for me. I have both variety and variation in my wardrobe. It seems to me however, that in my closet, variation is more prevalent than variety. I prefer certain styles, colors, and shapes; then I look for variations on the theme. I feel happiest that way.

I love the citron purse by the way. Is it different enough from the other? I purchased the two blue bags below this year. They are almost identical in color. They are different styles and sizes and like Suz mentioned, they serve different functions. I agree with her that function might be a good way to think about this.

Longchamp 'Le Pliage Cuir' Leather Handbag

View Info

Top Pick

2

Dooney & Bourke Saffiano Leather Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

2

E

Veteran

I prefer to go with variations rather than variety, for the most part. So I have full skirts in various colours & patterns & fabrics/fibers (and even various ways of being full: pleated, gathered, circle), but no straight or pencil skirts. And they all hit around my knee. And that's pretty much how my entire wardrobe goes! My tops show the most variety, but they all have some kind of rounded neck, whether high or scoop. My jackets might tend more towards the variety side too. But I'd be happy duplicating one 'perfect' cut for me in each category for the rest of my life, varying colours and fabrics and trimmings and what not. I do enjoy having more than one category though, so skirts & trousers for example or woven blouses and knitwear.

Fun question.

celia

Veteran

I try variety but lean towards variation. I made my peace with sticking to certain colors but try to find different shapes/ combinations. But even when I try tI branch out I find myself resorting to the same kind of combination. Let'a say that when it comes to fashion I have a roving eye but remain faithful.

Sal

Veteran

I don't know, I like some variety but have been doing more variation since joining YLF to make some of my existing pieces work harder.

I am not a huge bag person but I like to have one that goes with most things (I have the odd outfit where none of my three day bags really works and I just make do). They are different shapes but basically all fit my wallet, keys, phone and makeup purse in. My tan bag fits my IPAD - and could also fit a light sweater. However if I needed either of these things and wanted to take one of the other bags I would just carry them separately.

carter

Veteran

Both for me, depending on the item. Clothing and day-to-day shoes, I will absolutely either duplicate exactly or buy variations on a theme all day long.

However, I'm a handbag girl, so I do force some self control here. If I have a handbag in a color/style I love, I won't buy another one that is interchangeable with it. I will though, pursue other options with one or more of the same features I love about it. I have very similar size/style/function handbags in black and brown. For me, those are not interchangeable because of the color. I also have the exact same bag in blue, coral and silver. Different enough for me. Now, for hot pink bags...all virtually the same shade and a signature color for me. I have a shoulder bag, a tote bag and an evening bag. To me, these aren't interchangeable either. Same set up in black.

I can find all kinds of ways to justify minor differences, so my litmus test is "would my husband recognize that this is a different bag than the one I used yesterday?" If the answer is yes, there's enough difference to get it. If he wouldn't notice the difference, there probably isn't much. But then...I am a bagaholic, so take it with a big ol grain of salt.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

As long as the wardrobe is cohesive in some way then I think you can have both. I tend to limit my colours because I have a lot of neutrals & semi-neutrals in my wardrobe but if my wardrobe base was just black or one other neutral then I think I would have more colours.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Well, for me personally, too much variety in silhouette and colour causes things to get out of control, and I am unhappy. Like you, I'm more drawn to variations on a theme; I'm not a wardrobe minimalist by any means, but I think I do have a handful of "uniforms" that I gravitate toward. I also restrict my colour palette. Two citron handbags doesn't seem unreasonable when citron is an integral part of your personal sartorial arsenal. I have three pairs of red shoes for this reason.

(As far as silhouettes go, there's also an element of what looks good on my figure. Maybe I'd have a larger range if I had the body for it, but I've learned that certain silhouettes work much better for me than others).

kkards

Veteran

A variety of variation, I own 5 pairs of navy pants, each slightly different, each serves a slightly different look, so that I get variety, yet each will work back to a core basic group of shoes and toppers.

donnat

Veteran

I don't range far out of my colors, 3 red shoes, 3 red bags, 7 black dress pants, 3 blue bags, 5 white button downs,
I have no prints, except stripes, of which I have an assortment. No green or purple or yellow anything.
It's about function. I had trouble with that question.

DonnaF

Veteran

I wear mostly separates since I almost never find dresses that I like that will work for my body and aren't DCO. Sticking to variations of themes like pencil skirts makes it easier to mix them up. I have a little variety like the VC tube skirt, a couple of flared midi skirts, and an accordian pleated skirt, but those are more challenging to get the proportions right.

Having written that, I am now being drawn to huge, drapey wide leg pants. Go figure.

MsLuna

Veteran

Interesting topic. Hmmm... At the moment I seem to be in the "variation" camp (based on your description). I'm planning to buy multiple LBD's because I feel happy in black but these LBD's will have varied silhouettes (fit & flare, cowl neck shift, sheath, etc). I also own multiple black toppers (blazer, Moto jacket, long cardigan). I will probably stay that way until I'm ready to shift my style again.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Interesting question. I have no idea. I guess it depends how you define variation and where you start a new category. But I love the shape and color of that bag, so yes.

Jen W

This is something I've been thinking about lately. As I've built my wardrobe over the last year it was easier to focus on variations of color and silhouette. The next stage for me is working on variety since I have all the ink blue dresses/sweaters/toppers that I need for quite awhile. I love the capsules that Angie puts together because I can see very clearly how a variety of tops would be more useful than 7 that were very similar. And yet she uses a very tight palette and aesthetic that makes the grouping cohesive and look like they all belong together. I think having a signature color palette and having variety within that palette might be the answer for me. Now that I've built out that neutral base I'm on the hunt for "my" citron. But seriously, no more ink blue for me this year!

Joy

Veteran

Bells rang and light bulbs flashed when I attempted to copy a version of a fall casual capsual that Angie posted a could le of years ago. What she had included was a mix of colors, textures, and sillhouettes in toppers, tops and bottoms. I didn't have enough variety in my rather large wardrobe. Now I find that I am less bored if I keep this in mind.
On the other hand, I still do like to stick to colors I like rather than new-to-me colors just for variety. I'd get the citron bag, especially since it is a style you like + signature color. Retail will move away from citron and you will miss the opportunity.

rachylou

Veteran

Well I gravitate toward variety but variation is my personal holy style grail. The grass is always greener, I don't suppose. Anyways, and thus I vote cohesion and for a different bag silhouette in your signature citron

dakotacheryl

Veteran

I am definitely team "variation". Slim fit pants, slim fit skirts, tops that don't cling but aren't too floaty (which I used to have until I saw how huge they made me look in photos), no patterns usually, no florals ever.

For handbags I will have variations of a color I love, for example, I have two citron bags. One is a tote, and the other is a cross body style. Need the tote for work days, and the smaller bag for weekends etc.

Great thread to read !!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

That is a very nice handbag and I love the idea of it in citron for you. It takes it from a classic style to a more Una-Classic style.

I've learned that I don't require a lot of "variety" in my closet and I actually own many items that are the same basic cut, style or color. I love charcoal gray and have items for spring/summer/fall and winter all in that same color. Ditto for navy, off white and burgundy. So for me, if I love a color and feel I would like to have another option in that same color, I'd go for it. I have an off white handbag but want to add another one because it's a color I love to wear in spring/summer. Besides, it's going to get a bit worn if I use it everyday so I want a backup. Now I need to go shop for a new off white handbag.

Marina

When it comes to clothes and functional accessories (like shoes, bags or scarves) I have more variation and little variety - a lot of variations towards my "basic items" to attend different usual needs plus a few different itens working with those to add some variety/diversity.
When it comes to optional accessories (like jewelry or belts) I have more variety and little variation.

12