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Wisdom of buying the same thing in different colors?

Peri

Veteran

Joy's post about evolving capsules...getting back up items...got me thinking.

I often buy something in several colors if I like it. Usually it's on something basic like summer tops...recently I've found a slightly fancier than basic T shirt that I like and I've gotten it in three colors.

I've read in several places that this is smart...but I'm not sure. It's hard to find things I like, so it seems to make sense. On the other hard, maybe I get more tired of things that way. And maybe people remember that I'm basically wearing the same thing.

What is the collective wisdom?

General

32 replies

Latest reply was from lynne

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I do this and don't really worry about it, would love to see how others respond.

Thistle

Veteran

I don't do this as I end up with a clear favorite and the duplicates sit idle. I feel like i am duplicating a look, and if i am trying for a bit of variety, wearing the green shirt on Monday means i won't wear its blue twin for at least a week.

i do duplicate in same color. I found the best mock turtleneck and I bought 3 of them in black. With every penny as they are 4 years old, still black, and still hold their shape.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I'm like Thistle - I'll usually prefer one colour so the others won't be used as much.

I do duplicate when I find something that is an essential for me - for example I have 3 pairs of (not too) skinny jeans. I have them in a dark wash that reads black or blue depending on the light & what I put with them & x 2 blue pairs - one is a slightly lighter & brighter blue. These work with every other top & jacket I own & the cut is one I love whether it is trending or not so it made sense to buy them.

shedev

Veteran

I used to do this a lot, but I only end up wearing the favorite color. Now I'd probilly pick the color I need most or the favorite if there is one.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I do it sometimes when I equally like both colors and need them equally.

Carole

Veteran

I do this with basics, like skinny jeans, tshirts and camis. Haven't regretted it!

Peri

Veteran

So I think my T shirts are a little Caro's jeans. Basics that work for me.

I should say that I see different people every day in my job, so maybe that's a factor...there is no one to notice that I've worn the same top in different colors. But I will keep thinking about it...returns may be in my future. Because Thistle is right...I may be duplicating a look and I'm the one who will get tired of it.

Liz A.

Veteran

I do this too but not with anything I think is very distinctive. So I have duplicate T's, tanks, pants, button-fronts, sweaters. But all solid colors, and I need multiples to wear when one is in the wash.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I do this occasionally. I've recently bought 3 tshirts that are identical except for colour and pattern. I own two skirts that are the same, just different colours. Both are summer essentials. Like Sveta, I only do it if I like both options and having both colours extends my capsules.

I also (more rarely) buy two essential items in the same colour.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I duplicate loosely in similar style if not exact copies - like drapey tees. I have 4 or 5, all from different retailers, but with a similar vibe.
I will say my BF bought 4 versions of the exact Wicked tee and wears them all the time. The varying colors is enough that others don't see him as always wearing the same thing.
Oh, now that I think about it, I do have 2 exact burnout camis and 2 exact turtlenecks.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Nothing wrong with duplicating, if you're wearing both (or all of them, if there are more than two). For me personally, duplicating is a good idea, but mainly for basics. I don't know that I'd duplicate anything too distinctive. I guess I have one pair of short boots -- Fluevog, so fairly distinctive -- that I have in both red and dove gray. But they're my workhorse boots. I'd be hard pressed to determine which I wear more, and I only bought the second pair after I had discovered how frequently I wore the first pair. But other than those boots, all my duplicate items are things that nobody else would notice are duplicates. For example, I have two Brooks Brothers shirts that are exactly the same, but one is white and one is black. But these are normal, tailored shirts, which in my opinion all pretty much look the same. Same goes for simple tee shirts and basic pencil skirts etc. No one's going to notice if you have multiples.

DonnaF

Veteran

I've done this a lot, probably too much. When something fits, flatters, and is a reasonable price, I am always tempted to buy multiples. I have way too many of the same style long sleeved crew neck T that Angie recommended a year or more ago. I couldn't decide on the color so I got six different ones. I don't wear all colors equally. OTOH, I think Nordstrom changed the T for the worse, so it is probably good I was able to get all cotton since it doesn't pill.

FWIW, I think it is the wearer who gets more tired of the duplicate(s) than the (mostly unobservant) observers.

One danger of having multiples: My house is fairly dark, and years ago I bought the same comfy pumps in black and navy. You guessed it. It wasn't until I got to work that I realized I was wearing one black and one navy.

rosee

Veteran

I do this but in limited colors, and mostly for basics and essentials. I found 2 tanks from different retailers that fit really well and bought 15 of them, 3 each in 5 basic colors (I know these will be missed when worn out so I already bought back ups). I sometimes do this with basic tees as well, usually 3 colors (mostly neutrals that I like equally: white, grey, navy). I also do this often with pants and sometimes with skirts, as I find pants really hard to shop for (pear shape). If I find a pair that fits well, I get a second or third color. I have bought 2 different red tops twice each (the second of each still has tags on it and is not with my regular wardrobe but in storage). I hope to continue wearing these when the first ones get worn out. I don't wear them every week but do wear them enough that I think the second will be appreciated.
While some may argue that this is not the best strategy, it does seem to work for me as when I like something I tend to really like it and miss it when it is gone. I find that I wear certain things more often and so I like having a second available for use.

T-Rex

Veteran

It it's a basis shape in your wardrobe, if it fits better than other versions of the same thing in your wardrobe, and if the quality is a bit higher...go for it!!!!

If you are like me, though, collecting items that will rarely be worn just becase they look *so good* in all those different colors...you need an intervention. Have a friend whose style you trust to go through the options with you. Eliminate the orphans. Leave at least one workhorse that will go with almost anything. But also leave one that you truly fell in love with because of the color or print, despite it's practicality. If you love it, you will find items to go with it.

DonnaF

Veteran

I will add that I used to have quite a few Lands End turtlenecks. Then one day post YLF I woke up, decided they were all too big, boxy, and short, and had to ditch the lot. Or sometimes multiples = multiple mistakes. Sometimes it is safer to diversify (says she who has a few dupes in her Nordies Wish List waiting for the price to go down). Do as I say, don't do as I do!

Gaylene

Veteran

No wisdom here because I'm another duplicate buyer. My duplicates usually are the same item, but in varying colors. This approach works best for things like turtlenecks, tees, undies, socks, sweats, and other basics, but is usually not such a great idea when it comes to other parts of my wardrobe. To be honest, I think that overdoing the duplicating leads to a uniform way of dressing--a nicer way of saying I got into a real wardrobe rut in the past by loading my closet with multiple colors of the same item. For that reason, I've been trying very hard to NOT duplicate in the last year; my strategy is to force myself to look for variations instead of multiples--and telling myself that color alone is NOT a variation.

deb

Veteran

I have always done this but since joining the YLF Club I am trying to stop my habit. For me it was easier than looking for something else. Now, I force myself to only buy one and take time selecting the color that is best for me. I think this is why I am running into a top shortage this year. I am being very selective on what I purchase.

unfrumped

Veteran

I would say it depends, but that I'm doing less of it. I slowly learned that the item I thought was just perfect and so I had to get 4 colors or I' be out of luck will in fact not be.my favorite in a year or 2 and somethinq almost like.it, but better, will appear. Or if it didnt, I would survive. Or that having different styles of clothing offered more options than different colors of the same thing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I usually duplicate in the SAME colour.

Anonymous

It depends. I've duplicated and triplicated my favorite flats and have not tired of them. Other duplicated items, especially in different colors, have some much less worn members among the non neutrals. It probably comes down to consideration on a case by case basis.

Jamie

Veteran

I often duplicate items, sometimes in other colors if I like what is offered, but more often than not, I duplicate in the same color.

Lyn D.

Veteran

I don't usually buy duplicates except in bras, but often wish I had.
Usually the case with an item I love and wear often, and by the time I realise I should have duplicates they are sold out!

Deborah

Veteran

I'm like Angie! I tend to duplicate in the same colour too:). Occasionally I duplicate in different colours but I really have to be sure about the colours. For example I could duplicate a black topper in blue and I would be pretty confident I would wear both equally but if I were duplicating black with a red or more vibrant colour I can guarantee I would regularly reach for the black. Duplicating for me is about having what I like to wear always at hand. So things like my black skinny jeans (2 pair), asymmetrical black top (I have 2) Asymmetrical jacket (grey and black) - they are such staples I really don't like it if one is in the laundry and I can't wear it:).

Krista

Veteran

I have several duplicates in my wardrobe right now. For me, I think it's that I went through several years where I felt like nothing fit, then I had an epiphany about my body's fit challenges and now I want everything to fit properly, so if I find something that fits - well, I buy it in multiple colors. I do have somewhat of a signature look for work and right now I'm okay with repeating elements if I have to. One of my fashion goals was to simplify my morning routine to the point where I had plenty of FFBO's to throw on and get out of the house. Previous to YLF, getting dressed for work was like being in a hurricane because I had tons of wardrobe orphans and finding things that worked together meant that half of my closet was left on the bed each morning. If having duplicate items means I'm less stressed out - great! I'm all in

Anonymous

A couple things I have bought in different colours but only if I know I will wear them all equally. I bought the Gap Mesh sleeves sweater in navy, grey, and white, and I have worn them all equally so far. I have the circle hem sweater in vermillion and navy, but the colours are so different in impact it's like having two different sweater styles.

I do sometimes consider duplicating in the same colour -- now that I have a better handle on my style I see doing that more often.

Peri

Veteran

Thanks for all the answers. The summary seems to be that for basics it can be okay to duplicate. I feel good about two of the T shirts but I will contemplate returning the third...it may be overkill.

Thanks!

Anonymous

I do it with basics, and think it's a smart idea--particularly with hard-to-fit items like pants. Honestly, I don't care if people think I'm creating the same "look," as long as the look I create is my best look. Just sayin'

Peri

Veteran

Love it, Ruth! Thanks!

Freckles

Veteran

I multiple buy both the exact same item and the same item in different colours. I've never had a problem with this until this past season where a cashmere turtleneck I bought turned out to be not worn as much as I would have liked. I should have bought black but was trying so hard not to.
To be fair I was never convinced about this colour and while it makes lovely outfits it really is just not the best on me. Went back to the store multiple times to try on all colours...

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