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Waiting too long to replace essentials

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Reading the comments on Angie’s shopping mistakes post, I really related to those who suffered from filling wardrobe holes with something not-quite-right. I’ve gotten better, but one of my biggest issues is waiting too long to shop for replacement essentials.

My essentials are actually essential, so when one becomes unwearable, I have a hard time getting dressed and really need to replace it as quickly as possible. Sometimes, that means I don’t have time to choose made-to-order from a preferred sustainable manufacturer, to shop around for different options, or to wait for the perfect piece to come back into stock.

Case in point: I had two of these silk tanks, my go-tos for layering under sweaters and jackets. Bought in 2017, they had 188 wears between them, but both had to be retired over the course of the past month, failing in slightly different ways as the integrity of the fabric gave out. I didn't prepare in advance for this eventuality and now I'm scrambling.

How do you manage wear and replacement on your essentials so you’re not caught off-guard? Do you make a list at the start of the season? Regularly inspect for early signs of wear? Expect to replace after a certain wear count/number of years? Have backups handy well in advance?

How can I get better at this?

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Shopping

45 replies

Latest reply was from Jenn

Style Fan

Veteran

I have a lot of back-ups, and I duplicate or triplicate my essentials that are essential for getting dressed. I have three denim button-up shirts, three ivory long-sleeve tees, two straight leg mid wash denim jeans, two pairs of black joggers, etc.
None of these pieces are statements, but I wear at least one of them every day. I sometimes feel like I am always buying boring essentials, but I can't have a working wardrobe (my style goal) without them.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Do you make a list at the start of the season? Regularly inspect for early signs of wear? Expect to replace after a certain wear count/number of years? Have backups handy well in advance?

I inspect for signs of wear during my seasonal switchover/ edits and start the search. It's easier for me because I don't shop made-to-order and will purchase from the box stores. That doesn't mean I don't get caught off-guard. Sometimes I expect it will be easy to replace an item (merino crewneck in navy?) but shifts in retail availability mean I'm wrong.

I also use the FINDS function here to remind myself of what my essentials really are. Not that I need a heck of a lot of reminders. Much like you, I rely on separates (and some dresses or one-piece items) in my core neutrals of navy, white, and grey, and if I'm missing a top for summer or a top for winter in navy, I'm pretty much sunk. So...

One of the advantages of curating a wardrobe like yours is that everything works together, everything has a purpose and a place. One of the disadvantages of a small, tight wardrobe is that items wear out faster and need replacement sooner. If you know that many of your tops are worn out within 3 years, maybe trying to replace in year 2 would make sense?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like variety in what I wear, so I don’t have essentials that I can’t get dressed without. Even my underthings change according to season & my mood & current size/shape. Wearing things less frequently means they take longer to wear out. I agree with Suz on staggering the purchase of any duplicates (or holding one back so the other is “ahead” in number of wears)

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I start looking early - the minute I notice signs of wear, however slight. I don't necessarily buy immediately. I just try to identify places, so that I can start my search there, when I'm ready to purchase a replacement.

But if it's seasonal swimwear, or shoes such as summer sandals or winter boots, if I see a replacement that I know will work, I'll go ahead and buy it and keep it for when I need it, even if it's off-season when I find it. My essentials really haven't changed much over the past dozen or so years, and there are certain things I'm pretty sure I will never stop wearing.

ETA: I should note that I mainly thrift and buy from resale sites. (Undergarments and hosiery are ALWAYS new. ALWAYS. LOL).

Suz, I really like your wardrobe planning! I'm about to put away summer stuff, and I'm going to inspect and make a list.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES to all your questions!

Some essentials purchases are more successful than others, and I get that you can't buy something that isn't there!

To Suz's point, my wardrobe is larger than yours Jenn, so I have a larger assortment of essentials that also don't wear out as fast. That makes their replacement less of a train smash and less urgent.

Like replacing white tops is HARD! I have been at it for years, but had white essentials in place to see me through.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Another thought, Jenn. Some of the wear of those tops may have been quicker than you would have expected/ anticipated because of the change in climate. I'll bet you are wearing tanks much more of the year than you did before the move. So in a way, your essentials have changed. Or rather, the seasonal balance of the closet has to change and that will take a few years to get sorted.

Anonymous

If it's something that's really an "essential' I have at least four.

cat2

Veteran

I am with Style Fan, I buy non-identical duplicates of key items — so I have more than one crisp white shirt, but none of them are identical. I usually grab the oldest, absent some style detail that is key, and so wear it out first. I keep a list of what is wearing out.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I haven’t quite had this issue because my wardrobe is larger than yours Jenn and there is always *something* I can wear. But I do have some absolute favourites that it is hard to replace. On a previous post of yours I mentioned my black jacket which I have been looking out to replace for over a year. I just can’t find something else as good- bought one and returned it. So at present, that one just gets shabbier… it hasn’t actually failed yet.
My only answer for you would be Suz’s idea of checking wear twice a year and perhaps also looking out in advance from when you realise something is such a fave that you will have trouble managing without it

Sal

Veteran

It is tricky and bad luck to have both go in a month. I normally don’t buy replacements in advance, but I wait until the item is on its last legs. I am a bit RATE.

I did buy the olive pants in advance knowing my black Lululemon pants are showing a lot of wear. I am still wearing them though.

I think in your tight closet you do have more true essentials then most of us so keeping an eye on them and replacing early is a good strategy.

I do wish more companies had a forever range of pieces such as black tanks, denim shorts etc that are always available.

Funnily enough I am looking for a black tank too as mine is really now a yoga top only.

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Runcarla

Veteran

Ah! I recognize the problem! I think it comes from keeping a small closet. I’m like you and tend to get caught by surprise. I’ve been on the lookout for a red merino v-neck since a laundry accident in early spring ruined my perfect (thrifted) sweater. It wasn’t too important during the summer, but now I’m feeling pinched, since I haven’t found one! Also looking for mariner t’s (have none atm!) It took me 8 months to replace a flannel shirt, after it was gone.

In some cases, other things can get promoted to plug the hole - either temporarily, or permanently (I’m wearing a green merino v-neck sweater a lot) and style can shift as essentials change out of necessity (wore out black sneakers and have been wearing black loafers instead).

nemosmom

Veteran

Ditto StyleFan. I evaluate essentials at least twice a year and i often keep duplicates of things like olive pullovers and vneck tees. This way, I avoid laundry bottlenecks and wardrobe holes.

I have discovered that I don’t crave a lot of variety like I thought I did (thanks to tracking wears, I see I like looking at the pretty things more than the stress of wearing them). And since my basic outfit formula doesn’t change much, duping makes sense for me.

JAileen

Veteran

My essentials for cool weather include long sleeve cotton tees and Columbia nylon everyday pants. In warm weather (I really mean our gross hot weather), I wear a sleeveless cotton top, and either shorts, skort, or cropped pants. I do wear whatever type of bottoms two or three times between laundering, but wear a clean top everyday. So I have several of each type of clothing, because I only do laundry once a week, and I need enough for a week long trip, such as our birding trip to Arizona this past August. BTW, I tried washing out a pair of dirty sweaty nylon pants, but they took several days to dry. Luckily I had packed several pairs.

The only things I have specifically bought and held in reserve are Salomon hiking shoes.

LaPed

Veteran

This is such an interesting question! I love the range of different strategies. It’s definitely higher-stakes the smaller your wardrobe is. I often end up promoting not-quite-the-same pieces from within my closet, as Runcarla describes, rather than buying duplicates or direct replacements. Trying to replace too directly often ends in disappointment, though I haven’t quite nailed down why. I think it comes down to adding things that tick all the boxes vs adding things that I love. I find my wardrobe is more functional if I do the latter; I end up with chaff if I get too prescriptive or granular about what my wardrobe “needs” are.

lozz_oz

Veteran

I do as others have already mentioned...duplicate or triplicate, so there are always replacements in the wings. I like a particular white cropped t shirt (surprisingly from Target) that I stock up on just in case they don’t repeat it the following year.
I guess I suffer slightly from FOMO, so I like to have the backups at hand!

Irina

Veteran

I don’t duplicate essentials in a same color. I examine condition of my things when I do a seasonal switch over and begin looking for a replacement when a garment starts showing sight of wear. By this time I might want a slight tweak on that essential’s style. E.g. one of my essentials is a pair of black, light weight wool pants. A few years ago I had them in slim, cropped style, then replaced it with a wider straight, cropped pair. Next year I plan to search for wide leg, full length black pants. Same with my other essentials like white button down shirts or turtlenecks.

Anonymous

Like Irina , I’m always updating my essentials to reflect what’s current , so I’m not necessarily looking for exact duplicates . I wear a lot of black ponte pants as part of my work uniform ( as an example ) and I like to move forward with them rather than staying in the same cut or silhouette . But I’m also less committed to a core group of essentials and don’t always wear things out before moving them out of my closet . I know I’m not answering your question and apologize for doing a “ me, me , me “ thing here . I find these discussions really fascinating because I often feel out of my depth with wardrobe management talk .

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Irina and Lisa, I totally agree about updating with replacements. That's one reason (of several) why I'm hesitant to just buy three or four of something, even if it's currently serving me well. I consider being able to be nimble about changing trends, taste, shape, size, and lifestyle a prime advantage of having a smaller wardrobe.

Runcarla and LaPed, that's interesting about promoting something else into the spot, even if it's a bit different. That has definitely happened with me for other pieces, and you're right, it can be a good catalyst for a style shift. In the case of these particular pieces, I have nothing that would really sub, but I can see how if, say, my jumpsuit wore out, I might find myself wearing a two-piece version or a dress more regularly instead.

Sal, I thought that Eileen Fisher would be a good source of those perennial essentials because of their "system" pieces, but I'm finding it really frustrating how much is out of stock in all but one or two sizes. This might come down to supply chain issues right now.

Suz, the seasonality has definitely come into play in that I don't switch everything over between seasons! While I rotate out some statements, most of my essentials are year-round. I should probably make it a point to inspect everything regardless of whether it's going into storage (which, in my case, is just the top shelf of the closet.)

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

The idea of duplicates really brings home to me differences in approaches to dressing. When I first heard about it on here, I really didn’t understand how/why people who like fashion would duplicate clothes, but I think I’m figuring it out: I don’t care what other people think of how I look, so some days I dress schlumpilly, and other days I want to wear a fun outfit. I think duplication comes into play for people who want to project a certain style every day, and who enjoy wearing nice looks more than they enjoy the process of making an outfit. Does that sound right to you?

Anonymous

Comment deleted .

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Stag F, I can't speak for others and I don't do a lot of duplication as a rule, but I can tell you I duplicated this particular tank because it was useful in many different outfits and contexts and its laundry requirements (delicate wash, line dry) were such that I didn't get around to washing it as often as I wanted to wear it.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don't run into this problem often unless it's a sudden catastrophic loss -- a tear or stain for example. I also don't have a small, tight wardrobe -- I always have something to wear, LOL.

But I do head this off by having multiples of favorite basic items. I never have only one white tee or black tee, for example. I think I currently have four short-sleeve black tees in slightly varying silhouettes and styles, so it spreads the wear out between them and they last for years, rather than a single season.

I also have a low tolerance for visible wear when it comes to things like fading, frayed hems, rips, etc., at least on most things other than items like denim jeans or leather moto jackets, that seem to wear patina well. So when an item starts to look shabby, I'm pretty preemptive in looking for a replacement before I *need* it.

Anonymous

I love how my deleted comment got a wisdom award Sometimes I tell ya ……

Anonymous

The most problematic categories for me, as far as waiting too long (and everything else for that matter) are shoes and pants. Ok bras too... I really like the idea of certain essentials being always replaceable, instead of starting from scratch every darn time.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

LOL, lisa. I thought that might make you laugh.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Well, yeah, if you have duplicates in rotation, it would be so they could be worn with different things (well, unless all your items were duplicates, ha) Still sounds to me like it’s a difference in weight put on the final product. I’m not an artist, so this is a reach for me, but I’m going to guess it’s like a painter preferring the same paints each time so they don’t have to deal with unexpected differences between paints in getting to their goal of painting their vision vs just playing around with the different paints to see what they make.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Stag F, that seems very black and white. Most artists do both those things, as do many people who are interested in fashion. I'm curious, why the particular focus on duplication, though. Do you think of essentials-heavy dressing as being about duplication? Duplication is only one of the many strategies that have been mentioned.

suntiger, I think it's a pipe dream for most wardrobe items to be infinitely replaceable. If availability doesn't change over time, our bodies inevitably do.

Sloper

Veteran

My style and wardrobe components are different from yours, but I understand when a real essential wears out and is difficult to replace. Lots of good ideas from other commenters.

And cut yourself a bit of slack maybe - you've ended up inadvertently in the midst of a perfect sh*tstorm at the moment - adapting to So Cal seasons, Covid + supply chain issues, and everything (!!!!!) else.

Anonymous

SF -not Jenn, but no , that doesn’t sound right to me ( that interpretation , that is ) .

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