This is timely -- I used to keep a list in a small notebook of different categories of clothes, so I would know what I would have when shopping. I haven't updated for awhile.
I think I have a lot of clothes and I could do with a little less, but I really need to divide this into 2 wardrobes: a size 4 - 6 wardrobe and a size 12 wardrobe, since most of the pieces are not interchangeable. All of it sits in my 6-foot closet right now (with 6 feet hanging space and 6 x 2-foot shelves and 4 drawers outside of my closet).
Thank you to those who counted pieces -- "wanted to know but afraid to ask", now I know. I will be counting my pieces shortly b/c it's time to do inventory again.

My wardrobe is pretty small...and I like it that way. I clean it out regularly and don't mind wearing the same things over and over. I really prefer to love everything I have than to have a big variety. I counted today:

12 dresses (5 day, 6 cocktail, 1 long formal)
9 skirts (too many....I don't wear half of them!)
4 hiking shorts/skirts (for summer activities)
2 pair black pants (one cigarette, one straight leg)
5 pair blue jeans (2 premium, 2 non-premium, 1 for hiking/yardwork)
2 pair white jeans (hemmed to different lengths)
27 tops/blouses (including layering tops)
20 tees (long and short sleeves)
12 cardigans
4 cashmere v-neck sweaters
25 pair shoes
8 pair boots

Not included in this count: workout wear, coats, swimwear, scarves, and bags

It was an interesting experiment to count everything. It helped me realize that I currently don't have ANY blazers, I could use some more pants, and that I have WAY too many skirts and cardigans.

My closet is fairly large; but I am finally not having "WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR" panic in the morning; which is actually not related to the amount of objects in my closet, but the amount with which I love the items I have

I think my wardrobe probably falls in the 'very large' category. I'm not especially trendy and while I might (might? ha!) shop a lot, the things I buy that aren't basics are bought with an eye to the long haul, so I have a number of pieces that have been around for over a decade. The only non basics in my wardrobe that I don't absolutely love are things I didn't choose for myself - mostly gifts from my parents that I'll either alter till it's awesome or nest for a couple years before donating.

When I refer to my wardrobe, I'm thinking of ALL my clothes, but at any given time, my closet only houses about a 1/4 - 1/3 of my clothing. I rotate seasonally, and also store the seasonal items that I'm not interested in wearing that year.

My head spinning just from reading these numbers! I began to keep a spreadsheet of my cold season clothes (late fall - early spring) so I can say pretty accurately what's there:
22 tops / shirts / blouses;
6 jeans / leans / trousers;
2 skirts;
5 dresses;
5 cardigans;
10 blazers / vests;
5 outerwear coats/ jackets;
4 boots (including 1 snow boots);
2 booties;
4 pumps / flats;
Total of 65 items (we are not counting accessories like scarves / belts / jewelery, right?)
OK, I went and counted my summer things - some may be in the wash though:
11 tops;
5 jackets / vests;
3 skirts;
8 dresses;
3 bermudas;
6 sandals / summer shoes.
Total is 36...hmm, no wonder I find summer dressing harder than fall/winter - I have much less stuff!
So was I right thinking that my wardrobe is small then?:-)
That was a good exercise, thank you Una!

The Bag President has you all beat on the number of handbags she owns.

Yes, I keep a spreadsheet! Sorry it took me so long to respond, I was away from YLF all day. If you (or anyone) would like to see it, pm me your email address and I'd be happy to send you my spreadsheet if you want to use it as a template or just to see what it looks like.

I'm not sure what counts as large or small, but here's where mine's at:

3 pants
3 jeans
11 skirts
3 bermudas
1 shorts
(21 bottoms)

16 dresses

2 jackets (not coats)
7 blazers
13 cardigans
1 hoodie
(23 layers)

6 long sleeve tops
1 3/4 sleeve top
13 short sleeved tops
11 tank tops
4 camis
(35 tops)

total: 95 clothes

3 leggings
4 tights
9 scarves
7 belts
(23 accessories)

15 shoes (including gear)

roughly 60 pieces of jewelry total (I'm currently going through them trying to decide what I rarely wear and need to let go, so hopefully that number will be smaller soon)

I don't keep track of my gear in my spreadsheet (other than gear shoes) nor pjs, lounge wear that NEVER leaves the house, exercise clothes, bras, underwear, or socks. I think maybe I should (though I'm not about to track my sock usage) because I definitely have more than I need, especially now that I do laundry once a week instead of once every 3 weeks.

ETA: Now that I see Angie's post, I figure I should include my number of handbags: 2 Some things I like a lot of (tops!) and some things I really play favorites with (handbags and shoes).

I love this thread! I also love knowing im not the only person with a spreadsheet, lol. I have an extremely large wardrobe and i am completely ok with it. I have over 500 items but my numbers include, pajamas, shoes, scarves, outerwear, basically everything except underwear (but does include the couple pair of tights i have). I'm trying to get get the number down to an even 500 and then will decide about streamlining even more.

Like Lisa i have a spreadsheet but unlike her i dont track the outfits i wear, i just track the last date that i wore the piece and if something goes a year without wearing out it goes.

My spreadsheet is set up in columns. First column is the item description started by color. Second column is the date i last wore the item. Third column is what type of item it is. More recently i also have columns for brand, store purchased and price paid. I also have a column where i list bottoms and holiday so i can sort all my bottoms at once or just pull up seasonal/holiday items.

I love my spreadsheet because i can sort it by color, by date, by item type etc. It just makes me happy.

I also store all of my clothing together by item, all tanks, all short sleeve, all long sleeve, all jackets, all outerwear, etc. My gear/logo tees are all folded in a dresser and i have a drawer full of jammies. It really helps me to know what i have and i try and wear things that i havent worn for the longest time. Right now i'm pretty much trying to wear things that i havent worn since last August. Pants get repeated more often and of course i have a few pices that are favorites that i just grab more often.

I dont sort my items by color just by type. Most recently worn get hung behind so it helps things rotate along with the spreadsheet. Yes, i have issues, haha

The thought of spreadsheets makes me nervous! HA. Funny, because it seems like something I'd like, but apparently it's just TOO organized for me.

I have a very small wardrobe because I have purged so much. I dream of having a small, yet workable wardrobe that allows me to just go in and 'play dress-up' without frustration. I can't imagine purging a season's worth of clothes every year to begin again (as I know a few others do)...I'm not sure how that method aligns with "buying only what you love." I am really trying hard to fill my wardrobe only with things I love and with things I hope will last more than one season (quality wise, mostly, and certainly style-wise).

I guess part of me loves the idea of a small wardrobe because remixing things to get new outfits seems like such a fun creative exercise. If you have a super large wardrobe, that skill seems much less necessary. I still remember (and pull up occasionally) Tanya's old threads on how she remixes this or that wardrobe item...(although I'm not sure how large her wardrobe is, her remixing skills seem unmatched!!)

ETA Okay, DUH, I didn't answer your question! I guess I agree with QM's definitions of a small and large wardrobe (1 week's worth vs 1 month's worth). I think a small wardrobe is unmanageable when there are too many orphans or it doesn't fit someone's actual lifestyle, and a large one is unmanageable when there are too many unintended virtually identical wardrobe items (i.e. you are buying more of the same thing because you don't know/remember you already have it). (Like 10 scoopneck longsleeved black knit tops, or something...)

Yet another fascinating thread. I don't have much to contribute but I am soaking up information like a sponge here. I'm awed and a bit overwhelmed at the thought of a spreadsheet...but my "wardrobe" (such as it is, after my recent purges following weight loss and quick purchases/alterations so I would have something to put over my nakedness) is..um...verra small. Is this the way I want it in the long term? Yes, probably–but I find I don't have enough of some things now (and I need to make notes about what those holes are, so I can fill them.)

And maybe, despite everything, still have a tendency to buy things that I don't really need, for the life I might be living, but am not living. Or maybe not. Example: I bought two pretty jackets on sale last month, sort of spring/early summer jackets. I'm not wearing them now, so I think: What was I THINKING, buying those? But the thing is...I really like them. One, I am pretty sure I can style in the fall, despite its colours being summerish. The other, I know I will wear for many years; the style is good on me. It's just that, living in a four season climate, I can only wear it during a two month period each year. Or MAYBE to highly air conditioned occasions in summer.

I do a closet switchout for summer/winter. But I leave my "spring" clothes in my "summer" closet, and my "fall" clothes (which are to some degree the same as the "spring" clothes) in my "winter" closet. So whatever time of year we're talking about, there are always some clothes just staring at me, saying, accusingly: You don't wear me!! Even with my TINY closet!!

Don't know what to do about this, if anything. Maybe just acknowledging that yes, we have FOUR seasons and it is OKAY to need clothes for each one is a big step!

Wow, this reminds me of the aww I felt when seeing the thread on the number of shoes people own. I've greatly expanded my wardrobe since joining YLF. It was rather sad last summer. Maybe 5 or 6 casual tops and 5 or 6 prs of shorts and that was pretty much it. It was down to, hmm do I want to wear the pink top for the 20th time or the white top for the 20th time. This summer, I am encountering another need for resizing. I really need to overhaul all of my shorts again. I've slowly lost 50 pounds since I had my youngest child a year and a half ago. So, I've got stuff all different sizes in my closet. I'm hoping to make it to my goal weight, 10 pounds to go, before I buy more new bottoms.

So, I feel like I have a huge wardrobe (for me) this summer only in the tops I wear. The shorts are pretty sad, only a couple pairs fit properly. At least I can mix in cute tops and I've been wearing my jeans more, they fit better than last years shorts. I may have to give in and buy more shorts.

I was going to post something like this so very pleased you did, Una!

I'm going to add my current list of clothes for interest:

Dresses - 4 summer, 1 winter
Skirts - 2 casual (1 TBR - To Be Retired)

Dress pants - 2
Jeans - 4 (White, dark wash blue, black skinnies, blue leans)
Summer pants - 3 (1 TBR)
Clams - 1

Jackets/blazers - 6 (1 TBR)

Button downs - 14 (several probably TBR)
Long sleeved tops - 13 (several TBR) includes a lot of v and scoop neck t shirts
short sleeved tops - 15 (several TBR) as above
Tunic tops - 3

Cardigans - 8

Total 75 items

I haven't included gear or old clothes for dog walking etc. I also haven't included the old clothes that are hanging around waiting for me to try to reinvent them. Dated things, rather than orphans.

This thread is making me think a bit more about my wardrobe. Thanks Una!

I finally did my monster (2 wardrobe) tally -- some pieces need to be purged but I'll wait until I've lost weight to do so.

10 dresses (some more dressy, some more casual, 3 of which I can wear now)
1 vintage 50s formal dress (and crinoline) -- smaller size
12 skirts (size 10 to 12, some dressy, some casual)
15 skirts (size 4 to 6, some dressy, some casual)
3 dress pants (size 10 to 12)
3 dress pants (size 6)
3 jeans (size 12)
2 casual pants (size 8, 1 cords)
7 jeans /casual pants /cords (size 4 to 6)
2 dressy jackets (size 6)
1 denim jacket (size M /6)
1 denim jacket (size L)
3 winter coats (1 down)
2 trenches /macs
1 sweater coat
1 sweater jacket
1 knit hoodie (sweater)
14 cardigans (about half I can wear now)
3 pullover sweaters (all grey!)
1 black turtleneck
4 long-sleeve button shirts (2 I can wear now)
4 short-sleeve button shirts (1 I can wear now)
2 peasant blouses -- longer sleeve
1 denim shirt
15 tops (some too small)
20 tees -- 3/4 or long sleeve
9 tees -- short sleeve
15 tank tops
1 dressier camisole
6 gear tops
5 gear bottoms
4 gear jackets and layering
3 belts
12 scarves
4 leather bags (more polished)
3 casual bags
1 vintage evening purse
2 knee boots
2 ankle boots (1 casual)
6 heels (including sandals)
6 ballet flats
1 clogs
2 sneakers
4 gear shoes /boots
3 flip flops

...that was quite the list! (Socks and underwear are my own business.) Expect purging in 6 to 12 months time...

EDIT: totaling 222 pieces (not counting socks, tights, underwear and pijamas).

EDIT 2: need more jackets (dressy and casual) and belts.

Ooh, I'd be afraid to add shoes and lounge/gear. That would surely put me over 200. Running attire alone is a dozen or more. Then there's skiing gear, oh and all the swimsuits for water sports . . .

I think having 2 sizes is tricky and obviously why you might have extra on hand, but I don't think you have 'tons' of stuff. And as someone pointed out, if you know what you have and you wear it all - it's not too much!

I think the word "large" needs to be defined! Too large for the space or too large a number of items? And sometimes large can be used in a negative way...as if large is bad. Clearly some people want a large wardrobe.

WhenI lived in San Diego with the super de-duper walk-in closet, I never considered my wardrobe large. But now that I have a closet 1/3 the size, my wardrobe became too large for the space and I felt overwhelmed. Now, I have decreased my clothing inventory by 1/2 and I'm still feelign it is too large. But only because I don't ahve the space I did before.

Okay, I think that I have the most items here...by far. This is kind of scary, but here goes.

42 dresses (most are versatile, three are firmly in the formal camp_
23 outerwear coats
7 blazers (can be worn inside)
13.5 suits (two jackets share one skirt)
42 skirts (three are very dressy)
11 button-down tops
33 tee-shirts
34 tank tops
25 long-sleeved tee-shirts
2 long-sleeved polo shirts
8 "going out" tops (didn't fall into another category)
Approximately 60 sweaters (it was difficult to count them all)
5 cardigans
6 twinsets
2 sports jerseys
11 jeans
3 pants

I didn't have the energy to count shoes, but I did for a thread in the past and think I had about 50-60

Didn't count workout wear, pajamas, or accessories

So just from what I counted I have about 367 items of clothing. Add in the shoes and I am over 400, and once you add in the accessories, workout clothes and pjs, I guess I would be approaching 500 items. (I just remembered I didn't count swimwear or beach coverups, so yeah, definitely approaching 500.)

Steph, do you feel overwhelmed by it or do you feel like a kid in a candy shop each morning when it's time to pick an outfit? I think 'too much' is more about manageability than a number. I have a good amount but I don't feel it's too much for me.

@Enginemom: I agree that there is some discrepancy in the definition of "large". My wardrobe is large for me, but I like things leaner. Someone else may want much larger and actually need that many pieces for what they do. I don't think there should be a negative connotation with that word, but I do think it is relative to an individual's needs.

two style bloggers have posted spreadsheets of their closet contents in the past few months - i've linked to their posts below for anyone who is curious. Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen was the inspiration for Dead Fleurette's post and spreadsheet (altho it seems the spreadsheet idea has appeared in many a great mind!)

from wardrobe oxygen:
http://tinyurl.com/3f8kava

from dead fleurette:
http://tinyurl.com/3msv7gm

i don't have much to add - i will say that keeping track of my outfits for many months has really helped me to find what is the optimum wardrobe size for me. i like a small wardrobe, partly for the convenience aspect. but i found that going TOO small caused 'fashion emergencies' when a wardrobe workhorse "fell in battle", as it were. it turns out having backups of basics makes a lot of sense for when the washer goes on the fritz or you stain your khaki skirt and can't find a replacement in the stores, etc. this goes double for clutzes and those hard on clothing generally.

also, if you have weather extremes and fluctuations you are just going to need more clothing in order to deal with these fluctuations. there's only so much you can do to get around it.

i LOVE reading all these lists! it's fascinating to me, THANK YOU EVERYBODY for taking the time to post!!! steph

Mo, I don't feel overwhelmed in that I have too many items of clothing. I do, however, feel that I don't have enough space for everything. I should probably pare things down so that I can have room for the items I wear the most, but I did cull my wardrobe a few months ago, so the idea of doing it again is daunting. I like having a lot of options! (But I probably can get rid of some of those sweaters.)

Steph - that's really interesting. I prefer the idea of a small wardrobe and it's very encouraging to see people who are stylish who have less than I have.

I've been thinking a lot about this. I do like a large wardrobe, but it has to be a particular KIND of a large wardrobe:

I LOVE to have "the perfect thing" for every occasion. That means I need to have a whole lot of DIFFERENT kinds of pieces. I also need to have basic pieces (pencil skirts, blazers, cardi's, patent leather pumps) in every color. I mean, EVERY color! LOL

BUT...

If I have too many too-similar pieces, I start to feel oppressed and like I am not getting to wear things as often as I'd like. This has happened to me with the category of "work tops." I have a ton of great tops but too many of them are too similar. I need to stop buying more of what I already have and love and just enjoy what I already have and love.

Wow! Look at non-analytical me doing some analysis! :p

Mary, I completely know what you mean about not getting to wear things as often as I'd like. I keep finding myself thinking "oh, it would be great if I had another mustard yellow top, then I could wear mustard yellow more often!" But I already have seven mustard yellow items in my wardrobe. Every time I want more of something that I already have (corduroy, tweed, shades of plum), the problem is that I should wear what I already have and love more often, not that I need to add to my collection. It's a process...

@MaryK and Kate: I think it's more than ok to have a few duplicates of commonly worn items. It's better than wearing 1 to death and then not being able to replace it in time.
I have 3 grey v-neck sweaters b/c I do wear them a lot in cooler weather, and this fall I should probably pick up another 1 too as 1 is getting kind of ratty looking.
When you get to the point where you don't wear something you really like at all, then that's the time to cull the shopping a bit.

Well, AG asked in her initial post what we consider a large wardrobe, and for the details of what large means to us...I think people have done a pretty good job at defining the term.

The only time I see a large wardrobe in a negative light is when it's underutilized or unmanageable. (i.e. great pieces, but lots of orphans, or lack of organization makes them unused, or lots of multiples of an item purchased only because the owner forgot she already owned three identical tops.)

In a general sense, I think a large wardrobe would be tremendous fun...

Thrift shopping today!!!
I can't edit my monster (2 wardrobe) tally, so I'll add here...

15 skirts (size 10 to 12) so +3
3 dressy jackets (1 of which I can wear now) so +1
2 casual jackets, so +2
5 short-sleeve button shirts (2 of which I can wear now) so +1

...totaling 229 pieces (not counting socks, tights, underwear and pijamas), from 222..
I still could use some new belts.

Melllis, you are right. I do rotate my clothes frequently. This is why I would love to have a large wardrobe. I don't have a lot of variety to choose from, so I'm stuck in a rut of constantly consigning things and buying new things to replace what I let go. When you end up wearing the same 10 dresses for an entire season, you get bored fast. If I had 40-something dresses, as is not uncommon around here, I would probably buy less.