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why I have a large wardrobe and it is OK

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I love simplicity, abhor clutter and yet I have a large wardrobe that requires being very organized.I am trying to determine why I cannot be more Parisian or more "Angie" about my wardrobe, both I greatly admire.

Some reasons:
I love variety, particularly in texture and proportion.
I live in a very messy , snowy climate, which requires many layers and many coats and jackets.(boots also)
There are 4 distinct seasons.
I work at 3 different schools teaching various art related topics that require different degrees of durability from very casual to very stylish. They all need to be stylish but I do dress differently when I teach drawing to freshman as opposed to adult interior design students.
I need a church wardrobe.
I need an art event and theatre wardrobe.
I like to be current and not dated, however I am learning how to buy more unique pieces that will fit my style forever. (not always easy which is why I love H&M)
I am a collector.
I love to thrift.
I use clothing in my painting as subject matter.
There, I am done and I will feel guilty no longer.
Anyone else have a large wardrobe?

General

33 replies

Latest reply was from Sara L.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

My wardrobe is sprawling and hard to keep streamlined, too, greenglove. Sometimes it is overwhelming! I was forced to purge recently because of lack of closet/condo space!

I think my wardrobe is so huge because:
- I have a hard time deciding which colours and/or patterns I like best, so I often buy both choices!
- I have at least three different sizes represented! (long story!)
- I am an avid thrift shopper also. (How can I resist just ONE MORE cute cotton sweater for 3 dollars??!)
- I have a somewhat conservative "MOTG" wardrobe that is acceptable for going out with my children and to family things, and I have a crazier wardrobe for travelling with my partner, doing the occasional 'girls' night out' thing, and just for 'me-time' outings when I feel like expressing my mood and self better. Really should try to incorporate that better into my MOTG style.
- I tend to be an impulse shopper!
- I collect pretty or interesting pieces, just to admire them.

Inge

(website)

Love your analysis! You have such a clear view of what you need for all aspects of your lifestyle, and you are a master at selecting items that suit you to a tee. I think there's no reason to feel guilty about wardrobe size (small or large) at all. If it works for you, then it's perfect.

I think my wardrobe is on the smaller side at the moment, but I'm still trying to fill some wardrobe holes, so it's growing as we speak:-) I do plan to re-evaluate things every season, just to make sure that everything in my closet is really working for my current style preferences and lifestyle.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Mine is large-ish, as well. I would rather have more pieces that I love to pick from for longer, than a select few that wear out and then I have to start searching again. I like variety and sometimes only wear a dress maybe 3 times in one year. But 5 years later I am still loving it, not 'over it' and it feels special those 3 wears as well To each their own. As long as things are being worn, and there is room to store it, I see no issue. I have zero guilt about this too, since adopting and successfully shopping within a budget this last year.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the responses so far. One thing to add- I review my wardrobe twice a year and do purge what does not get worn. I am very disciplined about this. Sometimes something does not get worn a whole season but I am so grateful that I held on to it because a perfect opportunity always arises if I love it!

Anonymous

Jean, it sounds like your wardrobe is "right sized" for your life, and what a rich life you have! There is no reason to purge just for the sake of having a small wardrobe. Purging is just for things that are no longer right for you. Carry on!

rosee

Veteran

With all the closet purging threads lately, I wondered when the large-but-proud contingent would speak up. No need for any guilt!

I have just over 300 pieces at the moment (including accessories) but I ideally want to get it down to at least half that. I do have many sizes represented right now but a smaller current size wardrobe.

Large or small -- it doesn't matter, as long as it works for you and the stuff doesn't just lie around collecting dust. I plan on keeping some vintage and thrift items I don't wear often but love to wear when I do. Vive le difference!!!

(edited for clarity)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am a member of team lean (at least ideally) but in reality, I live in a climate like yours, Jean, so my closet may LOOK lean but it's only because I only see half of it at any given time.

It sounds as if you have just the right number of clothes for your various roles. I think it is perfectly fine to have a large wardrobe!

catgirl

Veteran

I love that you have a large wardrobe, and we all benefit from it directly by seeing it in action!

I am aiming for medium and fab. Right now, mine is pretty much medium but also somewhat mediocre - making progress, though!

Parsley

Veteran

My goodness, no need for apologies or to justify yourself! If your wardrobe works for you, then it's the right size. (and so far, i sure haven't seen any pieces that I'd have you get rid of!)
As Claire says, "Carry on!" You seem to be doing just fine!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Jean - based on your analysis/explanataion, your wardrobe sounds perfect for you. I think the size of a person's wardrobe and how they wear their clothes is very individual. What's works for one does not necessarily work for another. The recent posts of purging, for me at least, represent finding happiness with my wardrobe and no longer hanging on to items that I don't feel good in. But I agree that puging for the sake of purging makes no sense. I'm envious of your satisfaction with your wardrobe and all its functions - I can only hope to be that satisfied one day, whether my final wardrobe be big or small. No guilt needed!

rae

(website)

Veteran

While I do want a more streamlined work wardrobe and am actively purging that one, I feel a LOT like you do re: my "real" wardrobe full of my beloved casual clothes. Although I am in work wear 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, I can't see reducing my casual wardrobe because:

- Yes, I do like variety, especially in the "mood" of the outfit. This is why I love having multiple colors, even in the same style.
- In summer, I sweat. I'd stink if I didn't have another set of clothes ready in the wings.
- SoCal necessitates layers year round. Whether it's a morning chill or A/C chill, I always need a topper.
- There's a lot of different stuff to do on the weekends: down n' dirty swap meet hunting, trips to the beach, dinner parties, dancing... a girl needs to be ready!
- Jean, I especially like your comment about being a collector. I was just talking to hubs about this: in a lot of ways, I treat my boots and bags as part of an art collection. It just makes me happy to see, use, and touch them.

cciele

Veteran

No need to feel guilty Jean! Your wardrobe definitely is right for you

Una, can I join you on team medium and fab? Oh, except when it comes to boots -- definitely a collector there

mamaKate

Veteran

Thanks for initiating, Jean! Even though I am "guilty" of starting one of the purging threads, I am a loud and proud large-wardrobe compatriot, and I share very few of your "reasons" (I live in a temperate climate, have need for only a few capsules, etc.) I haven't counted, but I would guess that my wardrobe items number in the several-hundreds.

Simply put, I am on Team Keep. In bizarre harmony with my frequent need for purging, I am also an unabashed collector. I still have a handful of items from over 20 years ago, a number from over 10 years ago. I still have all my high school prom dresses as well as the dresses my *bridesmaids* wore to my wedding.

I have a need to organize and arrange things, and my wardrobe is the main target of this mild neurosis. Luckily it can't talk back!

One of my first memories is from when I was about 5 years old, sitting for over an hour outside on a stool on the patio in freezing weather, happy as a clam with my collection of small treasures (buttons, figurines, etc.), arranging them in all manner of groupings.

I'm never happier than when I have put a set of objects in order, and goodness knows that set of objects won't ever be the house as a whole! So at least it can be my wardrobe!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Count me as another member of team large wardrobe. I completely support your large wardrobe logic and in fact I will enable maintenance and new additions to said wardrobe!

Even though I purge a lot, I buy a lot. Fashion and shopping are hobbies of mine, and I enjoy it. I feel *a little* guilty about it, but not enough to go on SYC.

I have identified 4 wardrobe capsules --
-- Work (very casual, conservative, easily washable for restaurant work, a bit of a uniform of solid colored shirts or tees, and jeans). This very basic wardrobe also doubles for outdoor activities such as dog walking, light ranch work, and dirty work.
-- Smart casual (I spend the most time and money on this capsule even though it is only 20-40% of my time -- this is where I express myself and this is what you see of me on YLF).
-- Loungewear
-- Going out (a very small capsule of dresses) formally.

Multiply this by 3 different climates -- cold, warm and very hot -- and you've got a lot of clothes.

I found I actually had fewer clothes when I lived in Southern CA because there were fewer extremes in climate. I didn't own many sweaters or coats, and now they are crucial for keeping warm in the mountain winters.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

This makes loads of sense, Jean. One person's large wardrobe is another's "just right."

Mochi

Veteran

I think the key is organizing, and obviously having space. Beyond that, yeah, I could see how you get all that use out of the large assortment you have.

In theory, I feel I'd like to have a smallish-medium sized wardrobe (which is such a subjective term, anyway). Right now it's bare-bones, even for someone who works from home and lives a very casual lifestyle. We shall see how it plays out, though--now that I'm starting to enjoy my clothes so much more! But I do feel that for me, I would need to really be AWARE of what I own at all times. Seems like a given, eh? But I get the sense from reading some blogs (not this one, but I won't name names) that there are women out there who have so much, they don't even know what they own. Not good from my standpoint.

Also, I was thinking about whether that Parisian minimalism is really still in effect to that same degree? Now that internet shopping has exposed everyone to all different price points across national borders, would it still hold true that "clothes are really expensive, so buy few but well"? I am curious about this, now that H & M and stores like that have proliferated.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Just chiming in to say that your large wardrobe is warranted, Jean! I'll add that you probably have the space to store it :).

I have many clients who prefer large wardrobes because that works for them. Just like this works for you.

Although I prefer a small and pulled together wardrobe at any given time (I continually edit so that it stays small) - I have 41 bags. It is what it is. I LOVE MY WARDROBE PETS.

Anonymous

It sounds like you have a wardrobe that is just right for you. I have been downsizing the past couple years because I HAD a large wardrobe but not much of it really was "working" for me. I never had anything to wear,despite the volume of clothing. So identifying the parts of your life that require different clothes, you can focus on making sure each of your life-components is appropriately attired. I think it was just last year when I realized that I honestly did NOT need an entire capsule of evening-wear....even when I go out somewhere festive, its still not very glitzy. That really opened up a lot of space in my closet! Being honest about your life and what you really need is the basis of a well-functioning wardrobe. And I think when you consider your clothes/shoes/bags as art that is worth collecting....I think that is something to be accepting of. Why not? So much of fashion is art.

Anonymous

After having a college roomie who had zillions of outfits that she just dropped on a chair after wearing until the chair would fall over onto her bed, I've felt that a person needs great self disipline to manage a large wardrobe...something I don't think I have but wish I did. Your reasons make so much sense and work so well for you that you shouldn't change a thing.

Barbara

Veteran

Excellent post AND replies! I love clothes, footwear, bags and accessories. My wardrobe, while not huge is more than sufficient. The more hats you wear - style personalities your lifestyle requires - the larger your wardrobe may be. I do not attend as many gala events as I did when I lived in Europe, so that part of my closet is pared down to a minimum.
I spend a lot of time outdoors and adore denim so I have plenty of jeans, tees and sturdy but stylish footwear. The life you live NOW is reflected in your fashion choices.

Lantana

Veteran

Interesting thread! You validate your large wardrobe with a fine analysis that belies your love of simplicity. I do so admire your style, especially the recent lace and midi outfit. Heavenly.
I have divested myself of mountains of clothes over the years and do have a few regrets. I spent some years in the tropics and beforehand gave away all my cold climate clothes, including several sweaters I had hand knitted. I would love to have them now. As for those days in the tropics, not one item survived the heat, dirt and sweat.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jean, I wanted to add that I had a very interesting conversation with an older writer friend a few months ago. This friend is an extremely well known and much loved Canadian poet; she just received one of our country's highest honours. She teaches, writes, and has many speaking engagements.

She and I were agreeing that artists generally need at least TWO and possibly THREE major wardrobe capsules. There is the what-I-wear-at-home-while working capsule. For visual artists this would probably be a lot different than for writers, but as a writer, I need decent, but extremely comfortable clothes that let me lounge OR answer the door OR run to the corner store OR sit at my desk. Anything that binds, tugs, or requires hitching around is just no good. Yet loungewear won't do, either. At least not for me.

Then there is the teaching wardrobe. Most of us teach; you teach at multiple locations. I sometimes do so, too, and agree that what works in one setting won't necessarily work in another. Some of my clothes overlap these two categories. But not all.

And finally, there is the "performance" capsule. This has to include the kind of statement pieces that I certainly wouldn't wear in my at-home capsule. I still have virtually none of these clothes and really feel the lack whenever I'm called upon to be in the public eye.

Multiply by our various seasons and you've got a lot of clothes! And that doesn't even count workout or sleep and loungewear. Or date wear (which might overlap with performance/ launch/opening wear, but might be slightly different). Or clothes to wear for occasional meetings with corporate types. Or your church wear.

I still don't own all these clothes. So I consider my wardrobe too small, even though I PREFER small.

Jjsloane

Veteran

You are my wardrobe soulmate. I am always intrigued by the people with small and fabulous wardrobes, but I am on team "the more the merrier". I like options and variety, but also quality pieces. I am weeding it to all options I love so that should count. I spend a good deal of time keeping things rotated, cleaned, hung and available (luxury of multiple spacious closets).

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

You certainly have mastered your style and closet and should not have to make any apologies for the size of your wardrobe. If I had the room and everything in my closet was as fab as your stuff I'd keep it all too! I did do a purge but my wardrobe building has been so rapid that I'm pretty full now and running out of room. I don't separate clothes by season or capsule so it's all one big set of clothes. I just counted all my coats and jackets and I'm at 25, yikes! And I have at least that many skirts too! So I am joining you on the organized but large wardrobe team! I tend to keep and wear things for years/decades so that's my excuse!

Anonymous

I see nothing wrong with having a large wardrobe as long as you use all of it. What I don't like to see is stuff taking up valuable closet space that never or rarely gets worn. Your wardrobe, of course, will depend on where you live (climate) and your lifestyle.

MNsara

Veteran

Aw, Jean, I could give you a big hug right now I love your logic and appreciate how well you've articulated your logic!

I right there with you on the seasons, the thrifting, the wide variety of work situations, etc. I'd also add my need to satify mood swings in styles - sometimes classic, sometimes boho, sometimes bright, sometimes drab, sometimes tailored, other times volumiinous, etc.

I wish I had your eye toward recognizing trendy, unique pieces that will please me for the long haul . . . I need to work on that one. Somehow combine the "would I wear it tonight?" with "will it make me smile next year too?".

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Jean, I love this!

Even though I have purged a great deal this year, I have also bought a lot, so my wardrobe is still decidedly on the large side.

As much as I admire the concept, I can't imagine having one of those extremely lean wardrobes. I've never been that way, even as a child. My mom was a recreational shopper, and she kept everything, so she was quite a collector too. Even when she no longer wore something, I think she liked seeing the colors and prints and patterns in her "collection." She was an artist at heart and enjoyed things that captured her eye.

As a fellow artist, I relate to the need and desire for a variety in wardrobe. I prefer variety and options, and I do get a bit bored with some pieces after a while. I also live in a climate with four very distinct seasons, which necessitates a greater number and variety of pieces. I can also relate to what Denise said about fashion and my wardrobe being a bit of a hobby -- it's another creative outlet for me.

At the same time, I also love organization and hate clutter. I definitely like to practice techniques to manage my "collection" like the "one-in, one-out" rule, and organizing my closet in a way that makes sense.

So, count me as another proud large wardrobe owner!

anne

Veteran

Interesting thread. I tend towards team minimal, but this is mainly acheived through not buying very much, rather than rigorous purging. And being the same size approx as I was 15 odd years ago I end up keeping (and wearing) things that are quite old. I also have things (like Mo) that I might wear only 3 times a year - but I enjoy all those times. I also get clothes handed down to me, and this allows me to experiment a little since there has been no financial outlay.

Sal at Already Pretty did a great post once ( which I have never been able to find again) on something like things she wouldn't buy again but isn't going to get rid of - I can really relate!

And Jean, of course I think your large wardrobe is perfectly justified

Aida

Veteran

Great post, and great responses! I have (and enjoy) a medium-bordering-large wardrobe, for several reasons: variety (especially in silhouette), the need to layer 9 months of the year, the fact that I can wear much of the same stuff 9 months of the year, desire to find interesting color combinations and proportions... And happily I have the space for this. I'm also in the camp of fashion as a creative outlet (and hobby), so to severely limit the items in my wardrobe feels a bit stifling. My wardrobe still has several holes (especially in the "very dressy" department), and I have been wanting to slim it down recently but NOT because the size is unmanageable; I still have too many "not good enough" items that need purging or replacing

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