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WIW and question - when to upgrade, when to make do?

Helena

Veteran

Hi friends, just sharing today's outfit and wanted to ask about when you upgrade pieces and when do you make do with what you've got?

Case in point: the taupe booties and striped shirt and both comfortable and in good condition. But they are not *quite* perfect ... I like the look of the slightly bolder and stiffer shirts I've seen this year vs. this one which reads very soft, and am looking at a more up-to-date-to-my-eye pair of boots (see link). I did change out the lace on my current boots to remove the tassle.

But are they different enough? Am I being too picky? What is the line between being discerning/up-to-date and being wasteful?

Everyone's answer will be different and everyone's perspective will be valid! Curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks for looking and sharing! xx

Potential bootie update: https://www.thebay.com/product.....3488391.ht

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Cotton-blend Shirt

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Cardiff girl

RobinF

Veteran

I think you look great, as always, but I do know what you mean. I feel guilty if I get something that I already have, even if it is a better version. I am more easily tempted by shoes because they are my weak spot. I guess I would ask myself if I had gotten enough use from the old ones, or how much more I might wear the new ones. Not much help I'm afraid!

Irina

Veteran

I find myself sometimes trying to decide on a similar issue. And the answer - it depends
I like your booties but I think the new ones would look better with pants and the old ones with skirts/dresses (I hope you wear them, you have very, very nice legs). So, a case for adding new boots. As for a shirt, there is nothing wrong with it but soft shirts often might look too relaxed and give an impression of being worn out. I think you might feel better in something crisp.

Sal

Veteran

It does depend. For me if it’s a real staple or signature piece I might upgrade. If it’s a completer or less important piece I make do.

I don’t love my black boots - but they are useful 8-10 times a year - and comfortable. And simple. I don’t plan to upgrade despite a desire for something cooler. I also am making do with my black sweater dress - I would prefer a more flattering fitted shape - but this is comfortable, great quality, cosy and it was pricey.

I am a bit of a satisficer though - once I make a call I will live with it unless it’s really bad. I did change out some bldvk joggers and am happy with that decision.

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Dee

Veteran

I really like this combination on you and I think a more structured/crisper shirt gives you another vibe to wear and would not be something wasteful or redundant. As for the boots, I think if you find yourself wearing this colour of bootie often then it could be a great idea to get this colour in another style. I also like Irina’s suggestion of wearing your current booties with a skirt or dress too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look fab! Soft, modern classic, and pretty, Helena

I've found that when the items are signature and/or workhorses - I don't make do. I replace asap, budget and time permitting.

You're after "a sharpness" in your evolving style, from what I've noticed. Demote this shirt to wear with white shorts in the Summer in kick-around settings, and get a sharper one!

The taupe boots - IMO - need a lower heel to wear more regularly and become signature workhorses that you sport as a complement with the bag

Roberta

Veteran

A. I love this outfit, and B. completely understand that you might like different details or textiles in the same palette. This is why we own five pairs of blue jeans when one pair would do.

I think shoes in particular start to look dated because it is so easy to alter the toe, the heel, the shaft height etc. and make them look completely new. But other garments go through the same process.

I try to resist, or I would double my wardrobe every year. I am more vulnerable to pants for some reason, and find their different details enticing. Side stripes! Front patch pockets! Wide legs! Raw hems!

I could wear my current jewelry for the rest of my life and not be fussed.

slim cat

Veteran

I usually keep comfortable shoes/boots as long as possible without any update - lol ( difficult feet ).
I like your boots with dark relaxed jeans ( or straight ones ) - with different laces maybe ( like black for contrast ) ? The outfit is great - quiet polished look.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look great, Helena! I was nodding with Angie about the boots -- the heel height would give me pause for frequent wear.

Also in agreement with Sal. If it's a workhorse essential and it is looking worn to me, I will replace (when able). If it's a completer piece, I am more likely to make do.

Helena

Veteran

Thank you all and just replying quickly as out and about AND forgot my glasses haha ...but appreciate all the feedback and I think as Angie wisely points out, since these are essential workhorses that get frequent wear, makes sense to get them right. This shirt is indeed perfect for summer so and the boots are probably 8 years old and owe me nothing at this point! However, because I have items that work, I am going to be very patient and picky appreciate all your feedback and takes! Xx

rachylou

Veteran

It’s slightly emotional to me. I feel the upgrade has to be meaningful. For example, I have a couple of ruffle hem dresses from Target, floral. I’ve looked but not upgraded because what I’ve seen is only different in the most minor of ways. Same type of floral, same shape… doesn’t honestly look better, only like I duplicated.

Helena

Veteran

Rachy yes I think you nailed it ... I will be patient so that if I'm saying I'm upgrading it really feels like an upgrade not just a replacement!

Cee

Veteran

I really like it, Helena

Sal

Veteran

I should have said - you look great!!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well Helena, it really all depends on the definition doesn't it? Because, for example, a crisp shirt is not necessarily a replacement for a soft one, but, perhaps, an entirely different beast!
Your outfit looks great - glad you are happy with the jeans, and there is always room for a soft knock around shirt if you do go for a sharper shirt. I had the same thought as Angie about the heel height, but maybe that is just my heel phobic projection.
But I give myself a lot of freedom in how I spend my clothing budget, so there's that.

judy

Veteran

I think that the line between upgrading and making do happens for me when I know what I'm wearing looks great (which you do! Love the tones in the outfit) but it doesn't FEEL great somehow. You've already figured out that you're feeling a need for crisper shirt and maybe new boots. So yeah, trust your gut...and yeah, patience!

L'Abeille

Veteran

I know this doesn't answer your question. But my first thought when I saw your pics and before I read your text was: I have similar booties, I have a similar striped shirt, I have similar pants; how soon can I copy this outfit?

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well, you look really nice, and you do look smart, to me. I personally would not be replacing something with something else so similar, I think. It does look like the “clone clothing” that I have mentioned before. However, you might not feel that? It might feel very different to you if one shirt is softer and one crisper? Also I am with those who think the current boots have too high a heel for regular wear. I recently donated some 2014 tan booties which had only had 16 wears to a local thrift store for being too high. Luckily the original price had been a sale price so I decided I could cope with the sunk cost at under $5/wear.
I will replace with similar if a workhorse is wearing out, like my recent purchase of new dark grey pants.

Bijou

Veteran

It's a lovely outfit. I like Angie's approach and find that for those items that I keep referring back to but don't wear, I try to get to the bottom of why they remain unworn. Footwear for me is always about comfort!

pirouette

Helena you look lovely in this outfit. I agree with Judy trust your gut and get the crisp shirt and new boots. It’s so hard to find clothes and shoes they you like if I find things I like and already have a similar less than perfect item in my wardrobe I go for it and I’ve never regretted it.

lyn67

Veteran

I think true upgrading (vs. cloning) in same colors AND existing outfits is hardest task for me, too! Upgrades can often feel crispier so maybe the new outfit won't fill in for the same usage- I mean with the new items the level of dressiness can change easily and then you have to ponder if will work in the same settings as before. Or, will you change settings, too? There is a reason you bought those items in the first place -and there is a reason for why you want to upgrade them, too- hard to know the outcome- but you'll have to trust guts.
This is a beautiful corelated soft and feminine neutral pants outfit- which suits you and suited well your needs and venues to date.
If the reason of replacing would be to freshen more up to trends or say adding more of "a sharpness" in your evolving style (as per Angie said) then the answer could not even involve replacing items in the same type and color-did you considered that?
I find that for adding "sharpness" contrast or pops of brighter/saturated colors are the key (at least for me) and can be more efficient than upgrading existing blending in items.
Here is all soft neutral, so I would probably try addings some crisp whites first somewhere in the outfit. Say some other shoes- not the blend in browns- rather some cream/whites/baby blue (sneakers or loafers- for a pop)--and you may have them already in your wardrobe no need to buy new. Or you can try keeping all the existing elements but change beige pants to your white ones-and they will instantly feel fresher even with the old softer shirt. Also changing the shoe/bag complement to blacks (will bookend you hair) even to some daring reds, yellow or greens (for another kind of sharp pop).

Olive Green

Veteran

The crisper shirt would make a big difference to me, and look more current, I agree with your assessment. Rock on!
Either bootie looks good to me, if it is something you wear a lot, another pair would not be amiss?

Anonymous

I like what lyn67 said! Can't hurt to try the new versions to compare.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree that the shirt is not a direct replacement -- a crisp shirt has a distinctly different vibe from the relaxed, drapey one. I would have no hesitation about trying a different shirt to achieve that sharper vibe. One shirt does not suit all purposes! Your current booties look nice, but I do think the new ones you're eyeing do look a bit more current, and I'd be looking at a lower heel for more versatility and all-day wear, but that's me.

Once I start feeling like an old favorite is becoming less...favorite, and I'm drawn to new updated versions, I have a hard time wearing the old piece and feeling fab in it. But this is especially true if the old piece is starting to show wear, or I'm just kind of burnt out on it. Once I feel that way, a new and better version is usually on my radar.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I vote for a crisper new shirt, and keep the other one for summer, as Angie says.

It isn't wasteful to shop for replacement pieces, if you're re-homing the old ones responsibly, by getting them cleaned up and polished into the best possible condition, and selling or donating them.

In your shoes (see what I did there?), I'd be inclined to replace the laces with matching or tonal velvet ones. Something like these Allegra K ones. Just to extend while I search for an eventual replacement, if the Cole Haan ones you listed don't work out.

Runcarla

Veteran

This is a great look on you, Helena! Button downs work very well for you. I like Angie’s suggestions, and can see the soft button down with shorts as a signature summer style.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Great question!

I'm going through the same boots issue. Here are mine, that I already bought used. I think they look cute, but they can look a little dated on my feet. (I wore them to a casual job interview with a floral jersey dress, and it did not look good in the mirror when I got home.) I am interested in a new black pair, perhaps along the lines of the silhouette in your link. But I'm also not so sure how walkable those are.

Things rarely get worn out for me, so I'm more likely to replace things when they look dated. But I have a much higher tolerance for this than others. I think this is true for most people--perceived obsolescence over functional obsolescence.

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Star

Veteran

I think the shirt will be different. Colour is not everything. A soft striped shirt vs a stiff striped shirt are two different animals and have different uses. The boots - I can see how the newer one looks a tad more modern but it is very subtle and I think changing them could be wasteful (your word ;)).

cat2

Veteran

I won’t add anything new that isn’t readily visually distinguishable from what I have. So I would add a new crisp shirt, but make sure it’s a different color stripe or color than my current pieces. I like the proposed new boots in the abstract but they seem a bit 70s to me, and I am not sure that is where you are headed?

Jonesy

Veteran

I agree that it totally depends! I always consider practical considerations (e.g., comfort, wearability, especially with footwear) but I also let my heart move me--I would never think of a soft button down shirt + a more crisp button down shirt as "wasteful" :)! It seems like you wear button downs quite a bit and they suit your style, ditto booties, so I would argue that if you are desiring some upgrades, and your budget allows it, why not?

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