When do you duplicate an item you love? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

When do you duplicate an item you love?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I have two identical dresses in different colors (red+grey), and two identical pencil skirts (red+black) and two identical shirts in different patterns (leopard + floral). Now I wonder if I should get yet another pencil skirt in yellow because I love the two I have so much. All my doubles are fairly classic pieces that I intend to have and wear until they fall apart. However, at one point I will just have too many if I keep adding identical pieces. What is enough?

Over to you: What do you duplicate in your wardrobe and why? Will the first piece fall out of favor when you get the second one, if they are not identical both in style and color? Will one end up in a style rut, with outfits looking very similar if the duplicates become triplets and so on?

Dressing

46 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

AnnieMouse

Veteran

I duplicate my favourite tops - I have the exact turtleneck in 6 colours, easily. And I wear the devil out of them. I have three pairs of the same jeans, at least, in different finishes, because they are comfy, fit me the best, and I get the nicest compliments on my tuchis when I wear them. I rotate amongst them, based on the other elements of my outfit and my colour needs on the day, so each will last longer.

I have other things that are close duplicates, but not exact matches (open knit sweaters, oxfords/ brogues, ballet flats), and they rotate too. Very little falls out of favour in this way for me - it all remains feeling fresh and less saturated to me. When they are exact duplicates (the jeans, for example), I try to rotate them evenly so I don't wear them out and can continue enjoying them.

ClaraT

Veteran

I never duplicate (apart from layering camis/bras/panties). My wardrobe is quite small, and for some reason I don't have the urge to duplicate. The one time I bought a great-fitting tee in 3 colors, I found I really only reached for my favorite one. Lesson learned (for me).

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I have Halogen seamed skirts in several colors, GAP button front shirts in different patterns, a couple colors of silk blend layering shells, a couple of wrap tops, a couple cropped jackets. Like you said, these are pieces that are classic, not trendy. That said, these are not the only kind of skirts, shirts, jackets, shells that I wear so it's not as if I am always in a pencil skirt with a button front shirt or a shell with a wrap top over it. And no, I don't feel that the original falls out of favor when I get the new one - on the contrary, having the item in different colors keeps me from getting bored by one or the other and gives me opportunity to wear with other items in my closet that may not have been a good color combo with the original one.

Elly

Veteran

I will admit I am a duplicator. Tee shirts are often something I will duplicate. They get worn most heavily in my dark neutrals though --- I have to really love the color/love it on me or have a specific outfit to wear it with/that requires it for any of my duplicate t-shirts in colors to reach the level of wear of my black or navies.

I will duplicate jeans, and they also get wear. However, I do find at a certain point that I will wish I had a bit more variety -- even amongst bootcut jeans I have pairs that go better with certain shoes or go to work more easily than other pairs, so over-duplication is bad unless they really are perfect for everything you wear that type of item for.

I have 3 identical button downs in 3 different colors. I wear the black and hot pink frequently (the first for a streamlined all black look,the pink for a "buisnessy but not boring" look). I also have a white, but I have yet to wear it. It is supposed to be for interview wear, but I haven't had a formal enough interview yet. If I don't end up needing it for that, I will probably start wearing it casually. White isn't my best color, but I like the classic-ness and professionalism conveyed and I fell into the "white button down" trap a bit. However, I bought all three at one time, and found that while I love the fit, the colors differed in fabric quality (one is more wrinkly, the white is thinner and see through) and although I love the french cuffs for more formal situations, they are harder to wear casually and make the sleeves harder to roll (I fail at the scrunch).

Other than that, I try to avoid duplications, simply because for me I find that one of the items is the favorite while the other hangs in the closet, or because I feel too similar wearing two identical non-basics in close succession.

I probably wouldn't break the rule for dress slacks or pencil skirts, but they are occasional pieces in my life. I might break it for sweaters.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think I've only exactly duplicated layering camis. I seem to get similar items, but like just the teeny differences in details between them. Oh, wait, I have 2 exact Old Navy cardigans and I love and wear them both equally. One is bright purple the other true red. They are the same color intensity, so it's not like one acts as a neutral while one is my splash of color. That may be why they get worn the same amount too.

Anonymous

I'm a die-hard duplicator! No apologies. I just make sure to combine items in such a way that it doesn't look like I'm wearing duplicates. Hope this makes sense.

unfrumped

Veteran

I go back and forth.
I do duplicate. I've regretted it some as I've overestimated the number of times I can wear certain items, and usually one (or 2) is the favorite or proves more useful, so I'll just wear my favorites.

Then I've had, as per my posts, some issues with finding that I've overinvested in a certain item and then when it starts to be replaced by a slightly different silhouette, I'm less agile to make the change.

For the pencil skirt idea, I'd ask: if you're wearing the heck out of that type of skirt right now and so are finding you'd wear one yet another day of the week except you're sick of the 2 colors and you have some great combo's you could make with the 3rd color, then it can be useful. But you might find you just wear one of them less often and it's a wash. Or you may think that actually, you aren't wearing the neutral one and that it's the best way to introduce more colored bottoms, so it's part of the plan that one will be more of an orphan.

It could be problematic to "save" them up and plan to pace your wearing them over 2-3 years, as sizing or style might change a little.

Would you rather keep on the lookout to shift the silhouette just a touch, with a tube skirt or something?

When playing with capsules and outfits, I still find I have way more outfits than I can wear in one month, but the problem is that some are very meh. So even if I dupllicate something, now I want it to be to replace something that is meh with something that is a 10. Otherwise, it's just more of the same and some item or other will just sit on the bench.

I have had the worry that if I don't buy something that really fits now, they may change how they make it, but I think that's not a good approach, as something about me is as likely to change as well.

I'm considering duplicating a longer cashmere sweater right now because I really like how the current one fits, and am having to think hard about, do I need the same in another color, or just wear the one more often, hang on a bit and get a whole new shape later on?

Great help, huh!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I duplicate often. I don't like hunting very long to find something so when I do find it, if it's really a piece I love, I'll buy another, sometimes the exact item so if one wears out I still have a backup. I do this mostly with very classic things like a simple tee or V-neck sweater or jeans.

shedev

Veteran

I bought the ON sweater I'm wearing in both black and white. They work in different capsules. I don't duplicate a lot, but sometimes it does make sense.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

AnnieMouse - wow, six turtle necks! But why not, you seem to know your taste really well. I think layering pieces can be duplicated far more easily than others.

ClaraT, that is exactly what I fear might happen if I overdo it.

Linda, you have many duplicates, but as you say, it makes mix & match a lot easier.

Elly, you seem to be like me. I also only duplicate the pieces I think of as core pieces for my style. In general I would prefer them to not be completely identical.

Mo, I'm thinking that you avoid "uniform" dressing, am I right? That is the impression I get from your WIWs. Your outfits are not that structured, rather more fluid, which perhaps means that duplicating makes less sense because the materials and silhouettes probably should vary a little more for your style. Tell me if I'm way out here

Ruth, what kind of items do you duplicate?

Unfrumped, thanks for elaborating. I completely agree that three pencil skirts might become too many. I will probably not be wearing one more than once a week, to be realistic, so the rotation would become slow. The tube skirt is a great idea for slightly more variety.

Tex, we are leopard scarf and shirt-twins, and I think we share many preferences style-wise. My strategy is definitely also to only duplicate the classics.

Thank you all for giving away your strategies. I will not be making pencil skirt triplets right away, but try to wear my two current ones a lot the next few weeks to see how much I really want more. In general, two of the same is more than enough. Turtle necks, basic v-necks, t-shirts and maybe pencil skirts could maybe be tripled without problems.

Shedev, I completely agree. Having a basic in both black and white is probably both common and wise.

nancylee

Veteran

I usually duplicate when it's an item that fits perfectly, is very useful, or is integral to my style. Often it's those items that are so indispensable that I can't risk them being in the laundry when I need it most! Overall, like Angie, I find that duplicates in the same color are more useful than duplicates in a rainbow of colors. The exception to this are my VC midi skirts, which are useful in a range of colors.

Right now, I have duplicates of my favorite jeans, white button shirts, white layering tees, pencil skirts, and v-neck cashmere pullovers. As for how many duplicates, for me two seems to be the magic number.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Nancy, do you mean exact duplicates, that is, in the same color?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Very astute! I may not have come up with that on my own actually I do a loose uniform of sorts I guess, but I crave variety even within those confines. It's not unrealistic to say I only exactly repeat outfits maybe a dozen times a year.

nancylee

Veteran

Yes, Ingunn. Of the following, I actually have two of the exact same item in the exact same color in my closet:

2 black v-neck cashmere pullovers
2 pair medium wash straight leg denim
2 black skinny pants
2 white button shirts
2 white short sleeve tees
2 white long-sleeve tees

I find having duplicates of these staples simplifies life and also makes a good base for travel packing.

But I have duplicates of the following in different colors:
2 duplicate pencil skirts (one black, one cream)
3 duplicate VC midi skirts (navy, black, light teal)

Liz A.

Veteran

I pretty much only duplicate work clothes. I think this is because I hate work clothes so much, and I don't care to shop for them, so I like to get it over with quickly. I have 2 pairs of the same trousers, 2 pairs of the same crops, 2 of the same skirt, 3 of the same button fronts, 2 of the same tops.... all different colors or patterns at least. I can't think of any casual clothes I've duplicated. I suppose it could also be because I dress for work more frequently.

Lol just remembered 2 of the same pullover and 2 cardigans as well (all for work).

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Mo, I'm getting to know you

Nancy, thank you for elaborating. I have two straight leg medium/dark wash blue jeans, too, when you mention it. I also like to have two white t-shirts, but this year I bought them too big, so I ended up donating one to my DD. I don't think I will be needing two identical BLACK pencil skirts.

Liz, I guess work clothes makes more sense to duplicate in general when the dress code is business casual. You are wise to do so!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have duplicates of my VC tube skirt and my Halogen skirt. (3 tube skirts, different colours, 2 pencil skirts, different colours.) I would only duplicate an item that was a great fitting staple at a fab price, that I adored.

Anonymous

Ingunn,

My duplicates are mostly pants, as I find it so difficult to find ones that fit perfectly and have the ideal inseam length for the shoes I wish to wear them with. At the moment, I have 4 identical pairs of gray Editor Express pants, 2 identical pairs of black Editor Express pants, and 2 identical pairs of blue skinny jeans. I sometimes duplicate tops, but usually different colors--not exact duplicates. I do have a couple of identical camisoles, simply because I wear them so much and no one notices. Lastly, I have a couple of duplicate pairs of boots and shoes, as comfortable ones that accommodate my bunion and are also stylish are hard to find. I do not have any duplicate dresses or jackets or coats.

I'm more inclined to duplicate after I've purchased something, realize I love it, and later find the same item at a steeply discounted price. Then I pounce, figuring it's well worth it to have duplicates of things I know will get a lot of wear.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Suz and Ruth, that makes a lot of sense to me,too.

Lisa

Veteran

I will generally duplicate 2 in different colors for prints for dresses, trousers, jeans, and footwear, ie items you see. For layering tops and t-shirts that you generally don't see (t-shirt materials) I will go up to 5 since they are worn daily under my blazers/cardigans/sweaters.

MsMary

Veteran

I will be very surprised if I am not the winner here:

Halogen seamed skirt in ELEVEN colors.
Madden Girl patent pumps in six colors (used to be seven but one pair wore out)
Kate Spade Karolina pumps in two colors
Target boys' button-front shirt in three colors
Halogen cardigan in three colors
Target long-sleeve tee in three colors
Frye Rory boots in three colors
Nine West "magic dress" in two colors

And that's just "regular clothes." I am a huge duplicator of undies, pj's, and workout wear:

Macy's flannel pj's in four colors
Dearfoams cotton summer pj's in five colors
Target cotton nightgowns in three colors
5 identical black workout capris
4 identical black workout shorts
3 identical black long workout pants
Workout shoes in 2 colors
The same everyday bra in 5 colors
Workout bras -- 4 black, 4 white
at least 10 each of two different styles of panties
All matching white socks
All matching black socks

deb

Veteran

I am a terrible duplicator. My current duplications are;
Foxcroft White button down - 2
white buttondowns all mfgers - 6
Halogen pencil skirt - 4 (different colors)
Nexx silk shirt - 3 (different colors)
Lauren Ralph Lauren jeans - 3 (different colors)
Classiques sweater -2 (different colors)
Old navy cotton buttondown - five (my summer uniform this year)
Eddie Bauer tees - 2 (different colors)
Old Navy crew neck sweater - 2 (different colors)
Talbots cardigan - 5 (different colors)
Talbots silk tanks - 5 (different colors)
Talbots silk camis - 7 (different colors)

And I know there is more if I go look in my closet.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I duplicate the things I use a lot: my Max Studio stretch pants, because I use them for so many things: working at home,classes, rehearsals, going out, lounging at home. I have two pairs of black straight legs, one pair of black bootcuts, and another pair of charcoal bootcuts, which is really showing the love I've had for them over the past two years. I love that I can wear my pointy black heels and a fitted jacket and have a slick audition oufit ready-to-go, and just swap out the heels for dance shoes once I'm there.

It's funny that this is a topic, because I am actually headed out the door now to buy another pair...

I have any number of camis from Forever XXI, because they are ideal for layering with stretchy boleros for dance performances. Black, white, cream, red, pink.

And, of course, bras. I love my Le Mystere Dream Tishas with lace.

I get so much use out of my black Everlast Kamali pencil skirt, that if I ever see another, I will buy it. Same or different neutral color. I wear/have worn that skirt at least every ten days, for the past couple of years. It's in several of my WIW's, and people always think it's a dress when I wear it with a black top.

MsMaven

Veteran

I find that when I duplicate in different colors, one gets worn a lot more than the other. I try to keep this in mind each time I am tempted to duplicate an item in a different color. Am I doing it just for variety? Or because I really believe I will use the second color? (Cream pullover worn 10x more than the one in paprika.)

No problem with duplicating jeans--if one works, it's always good to have at least one more the same. Same with whatever dress pants I am likely to wear again. In the future I am going to pay closer attention to colors and duplicate only colors I know will work for me repeatedly.

FlorenceFearne

I think I'm slowly working my way toward a uniform, and part of that entails having more duplicates. Having too many pairs of perfectly fitted black pants? Impossible. Same with black tank tops. I sometimes go a whole week wearing those 2 items every day, with different boots, toppers, scarves, and jewelery. I guess It's like my little black dress. Right now, I'm looking to get more similar items so I don't wear out the ones I have. My grey engineer boots are actually disintegrating, but I wear them at least twice a week. So I'd like to get 2 pairs of grey boots next (1 flat, 1 heeled), so I can rotate a bit more.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

My duplicates are 3 pairs of black Theory Emery pants, and three pairs of Eileen Fisher black slim heavy weight rayon pants. That's it for my dupes, and these are my most favorite pants. I picked up my Theory dupes on eBay for a song compared to retail, and my EF dupes at end of the season sales. I wear these pants all year long and extras make for easier timing on dry cleaning trips.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I felt I had a real problem with duplicating before losing the weigth and remaking my entire wardrobe. At the beginning I started doing it all over again and stopped myself. Due to a lot of thrifting, that decision became easier... I now make the rule of only two duplicates of anything and have done a great job of sticking to that. Am proud of that change...

Scarlet

Veteran

Never. Unless we're talking undershirts or something.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Good question Ingunn and something I've been pondering. I admit to quite a bit of duplicating. And I'm thinking of doing less of it. It's not so much about not wearing the second color as much, as I do wear all of the colors I "collect." It's more that I'm looking the same rather than expanding my style vocabulary.

Duplicates do make for great FFBO/uniform dressing requirements, so given my line of work I'll probably never be able to completely stop buying duplicates.

12