Multiples. To buy? or Not to buy?
I used to think that if I loved something in black, or white, or gray, I needed it in other colors too; I’ve done it many times. First, with the Splendid lounge pants that Oprah liked so much (I had three pairs, two black and one navy. I still have the original black pair, 10 years later). Over the years, I acquired quite a few Inhabit cotton cardigans in actual colors (brick, yellow, cream, brown…), four pairs of Repetto BB flats I no longer wear, and of course, have all three “colors” of the James Perse casual tee I love so much.
But lately, I’ve started to re-think my strategy (as if I was always so deliberate…) of immediately “collecting” multiples of things I love, because after spending the past year analyzing my wardrobe, I’ve recognized that I really only ever wear the original. And, I’d rather have another, different piece, than more of the same.
Usually, what happens is that I fall in love with something and want to immediately wear it all the time, for the rest of my life, and, what if I wear it out? what if it’s in the laundry, what if I get a stain on it? THEN, what will I wear??
BREATHE.
This is literally (not exactly, but in a Rachel Zoe “literally” kind of way..) what happens to me when I start thinking about no longer having or being able to wear something I love – I start to get anxious. Now, I think I know why: I’m extending the deep anxiety I feel when I think about losing the people I love, to the things I love. I think that somehow, if I have enough things, or multiples of things, whenever I no longer have one thing, or the first thing, at least I’ll have another to replace it, without losing a beat.
I also used to think that if I could just amass a wardrobe full of the “perfect” things, and have one in every color, that I would never have to shop again. Why, I would never want to shop again, I have no idea…but ultimately, I thought I could create the “perfect” wardrobe, have the perfect things, and by extension, I would BE perfect. That idea created a never-ending cycle of shopping, searching, and buying that led to my over-full closet a year ago.
Of course, life doesn’t ever go the way you think it will, no matter how much you try to rationalize your actions. Alas, clothing is not armor, and there’s no such thing as perfect.
I lost Ozzie more than a year ago, and I can’t acquire enough things to bring him back, or diminish the pain of losing him. And the people around me will die. Absolutely. Hopefully not soon, but they will. And nothing will make the loss easier to bear, except perhaps the memories of them I will carry with me.
I would also argue that I HAD amassed a nearly “perfect” wardrobe, of a lot of really great things. But that didn’t make me happy, or good enough, or immune to pain. It left me overwhelmed and suffocating under too much stuff.
I do not mean to say that everyone buys multiples for the reasons I do (EVERYTHING for me, seems to be so wrought with emotion…), sometimes we buy multiples of things for very practical reasons, but I acknowledge and know now, that striving for perfection, and my fear of the future is the primary reason why I do now, and have in the past, owned many multiples of things I love.
Thankfully, I’m doing a better job at not buying multiples lately, as much as I still feel drawn to. I try to sit with the feeling I have when I want to buy the black version, or the gray version, and identify why. And then remind myself that buying this or that, or whatever it is that I feel so strongly I MUST HAVE at the moment won’t save me from pain, from loss, from actually having to deal with the things that scare me. And it won’t get me any closer to perfect.
All buying more stuff gets me is more stuff.
So, if you’re like me, and trying to acquire less stuff, more meaningful stuff, then the only thing to do is be more aware – be more conscious of what you choose to add to your wardrobe and why; be meticulous about it.
And I find keeping these things in mind helps:
- Know your style – if you like the idea of having three colors of the same top or sweater or pair of pants to mix and match either in your work or play wardrobe, and you know this works for you, then by all means, buy multiples. But be careful, and don’t buy multiples of EVERYTHING – be very selective of the piece you choose to buy multiples of; it has to be very-close-to-perfect and the style has to be something you’ll be happy wearing for quite some time. If you’re like me, and you’ve done this in the past, thinking you’d be happy wearing the same styles, just different colors, and you end up just wearing one color all the time, then buying multiples of the same STYLE doesn’t work for you, but buying multiples of the same color might. Although I did that with white t-shirts, and ended up with 26. THEY WERE DIFFERENT!!! Which was still too many…
- Live with the original for a while before buying a second one – I’ve made this mistake more than a few times: when I find something in the store that I love, I’ll grab one or two more in other colors, or even the same color, and buy them all at once (most of the time because they’re on sale..another reason I don’t buy on sale much anymore!). I do this at the Gap with underwear, even though I never remember which styles I like the best, only to get at least one or two pairs I don’t like.
- Identify what is it about the item that makes you think you need another color. As you’re getting dressed, do you often wish that you had the top in black? or the sweater in gray? How many outfits would you be able to make with the second one if you got it? Could you replace the original one with the new one? Sometimes I’ve found that I don’t like the item in the second color as much as the first. It was the entirety of the thing that I liked about the first version and for some reason, it’s not the same in the second. The look is different, and maybe even the fit is different in different colors sometimes.
- Will you crowd out your wardrobe with too many multiples? If you’re trying to maintain a small-ish wardrobe, having multiples of things doesn’t leave much room for trying and adding new things. I’ve learned that I like to try new things periodically, I like to cycle through styles, and I like to try new shapes. So, I’d rather try a new shape – like the Everlane scoop-neck tee – instead of purchase another James Perse casual tee, for example.
Given all this, and even as I am more aware of what I buy and why, I do still sometimes buy multiples:
- When I only have one of something and it seems to always be in the laundry – like my Everlane ryan tank in white. I got a second one of these and now, I always have one available. Until they’re both in the laundry…
- Panties – it’s so hard to find ones you love, so when I do, I tend to try and purchase a few, and especially when they’re on sale. I don’t care about what color my underwear is, so I usually stock up on weird colors as they go on sale.
All of this ultimately goes back to simply appreciating what you have. I understand now, that this is the key to, well, everything, really. Instead of obsessing over acquiring the perfect thing, or focusing on figuring out ways to always be surrounded by the things I love, I should appreciate NOW, that I AM surrounded by the things I love, and the people I love. I am forever sucking the life out of everyday, beautiful moments, by focusing my attention on the future, instead of bringing it back to NOW.
As I recognized in a post recently:
Why not just enjoy the thing while it lasts, REALLY enjoy it, instead of tainting that joy with thoughts of a future without it?
And that is it. Instead of buying a second, love the first. Appreciate the uniqueness of it.
Do you buy multiples? What are your “rules” for when you will and when you won’t? What has worked well for you? What, not so much?
See The Minimal Closet in the WSJ! Then read more in The Minimal Closet series (new posts Thursdays):
I’ve decided to stop buying multiples unless I actually need it. I’ve been known to buy a back up but then I fret about wearing the back-up and when to get rid of the original. Ugh. It sounds so crazy when I write it down. I think it’s more of a fear of not having enough. I have to remind myself that I have enough and that I have time now to shop for something else when I need more clothes. I completely relate to your post.
Huge problem for me. Because if one is good, two is better! I mostly have a problem with say, perfect t-shirts at Old Navy .. they fit perfect so – must have one in every color .. but why? Then I have a closet full of boring t-shirts. Anyway, am trying to stop this.
I also have (well, had) the same problem with makeup .. buying back-ups of my fav colors because it may be discontinued. The problem with this is that if you always have the same stuff you never discover new items to love. So I finish the product I love and move on.
Monica.
Grechen, thanks for the reminder that “clothing is not armor, and there’s no such thing as perfect.” I need to print that out and put it on the bulletin board I recently added to my closet! You are completely right about a multiple in a different color often fitting differently, or not being as perfect as the original – it’s a mistake I’ve made frequently.
While I am trying to be more aware of the “multiples” trap, the one area where it has actually helped me is when I buy white items. I had a color analysis last year and finally figured out which shade of white (more of a winter white) is most flattering on me. Since I tend to attract stains and always seem to be spilling something, I now buy my white tops in pairs so I will have one available if one is in the wash or stained beyond future use. This isn’t a huge expense – from $15 tops at Target to $50 turtlenecks from Chico’s, it has proven to be a good investment.
yes, yes, yes. i’ve bought backups and never worn them, because i’m afraid to wear THEM out. crazy….
i love your drawings, btw!!
oh, makeup!! i buy a second one before the first one is even used up, and then i never end up using it. i did that with the nars orgasm lip gloss because it was supposedly “exclusive” way back in the beginning and i loved it, so i bought three. years later, i remembered i had them, but i was “over it” by then…
i also buy new product and never finish old ones.
ugh.
yes, well you don’t need to talk to me about white items…i still have more white t-shirts than i need, but i ALWAYS want to have one available, because i wear them so often. so i’m with you on that.
the only thing we can do is be aware. this is all i try to do – be more conscious about my shopping/buying habits. and i’ve learned a lot that way! and if it turns out that you actually WEAR multiples, then that’s great…i just never did. but that was a big revelation to me, i thought i DID wear them.
I strongly believe in having multiples in my wardrobe, just not in every single piece. Some examples in my closet that get regular wear:
Banana Republic black tropical wool Jackson pants — 2 pair
Talbots Audrey cashmere sweater – 4 different colors
Talbots cashmere turtleneck – 2 different colors
Talbots round-neck cashmere sweater – 2 different colors
Talbots faux-wrap long-sleeve knit top – 4 different fall colors (will be buying at least 2 of the spring colors)
Ann Taylor silk popover blouse – 2 different colors
Banana Republic silk popover blouse – 2 different colors
Talbots white full-length denim jeans – 2 pairs
My wardrobe is cohesive and appropriate for my lifestyle, and I feel very comfortable with my choices. However, even at age 50 my wardrobe is still a work-in-progress!
I have a problem with multiples (ha, no surprise), and it corresponds directly with the problem I have with ‘saving’ the things I like best. So, of the five identical Inhabit cardigans I have (I am shocked by this as well), I wear only the two colors I like least and “save” my favorites. My instinct with multiples seems to be to create a buffer between myself and my favorites. According to my own enigmatic logic, I never buy two of the same color in case one wears out. That would work out better in the long run, LOL. It has been insanely hard for me to not buy the James Perse short sleeve cashmere sweater in pink this week…because I LOVE the charcoal one so much, and if I had the pink I would wear it all the time, but only because I was ‘protecting’ the grey one.
Growing self awareness makes me quite uncomfortable with myself.
Thanks to the minimal closet posts, this past year I’ve started getting rid of the items that are standing in the way of my favorites. I haven’t figured out what is going on inside me that makes me hesitant to wear my best stuff. I do know I was like this as a kid. Sometimes practice comes before belief and understanding, so I am trying to trust the process of change in the small bits I can handle.
Your recent posts have been just what I need. I have a hard time saying no to things, and when stressed I’ve always turned to either shopping or eating. After the worst year ever last year, and overbuying during some crazy weight loss (transitioned from Type 2 controlled diabetic to Type 1.5 out of control – thanks to stress), my closet is overflowing, my budget is shot, and I’m just now getting back to good eating habits. I’m overwhelmed with too many things in my closet, and need to purge and refocus. Reading through your process has helped me to keep myself accountable. Monday was an extra day off work, so I buckled down and listed 15 pairs of shoes/boots on eBay and put together a bag for the thrift store. Step 1! Now to face the mountains of clothing piled up….
I’m very guilty of the multiples buying. I have at least a dozen pairs of the J. Crew Cece flats because they’re just perfect – but when I really only want to wear grey/black/occasional jewel tones, I don’t really need all those color options. (But when it’s a good deal, it’s so hard to pass up!)
Black/grey tank tops, bras that fit, comfy undies, black tights, and good quality thin wool socks are all things I allow myself to have as many as I can find when the price is right, because I will wear them and I will need them. But 3 colors of that quirky anthro cardigan just because it’s on sale? No. Or at least, not anymore.
It’s hard to get rid of things that were lovingly hoarded, but I’m working on it.
that’s wonderful maddie! i always wanted multiples to work for me, but they just don’t. i think for some of us they do and some, they don’t…and that’s the beauty of life, isn’t it?? (as i’m finding out…there’s much more beauty in diversity than we realize sometimes…)
love your last comment, katy, and that was SO HARD for me too, at first, but i just kept saying to myself “sunk costs are always sunk” – something that my econ. professor in grad school said ALL THE TIME (i wrote about that here). it was time for me to let go of a lot of things i loved, but just weren’t “me” or i had never worn, and all that time and energy i spent worrying/thinking about what to do with them, etc., etc., was just “costing” more.
baby steps 🙂
Oh Grechen, I love everything about this post. So much of what you’ve written rings true for me. I have to thank you for articulating it better than I ever could. I’m going to bookmark this post, lol, so I can be mindful of appreciating the things that I have that I deeply love, without immediately wanting more of them. It’s such a hard thing to do but the rewards are so much more peaceful than that ‘always wanting’ feeling.
oh man…christina…
you know, i have the same issues around wearing my “best” stuff – i have to make myself. the interesting thing is, that i buy things that WILL hold up to a lot of wear, that’s one of my qualifications! but I’m STILL afraid of wearing them out. and i never have. even things I DO wear, it takes a lot to actually wear them out. the splendid pants i mentioned in this post are sort of falling apart in the waistband, but that’s it, they still “look” new – and they’re 10 years old, and i’ve worn them A TON. So…
but of course, as you touched on, that’s not the issue at all. we’re not afraid of “wearing things out” – we’re afraid that we, ourselves, aren’t good enough to wear them. not on the surface, i don’t think, it’s buried deep inside. how crazy is that though? that we’re not good enough to wear an item of clothing? yet, it’s there…
i think we need to just reinforce every time we reach for that piece we don’t think we should wear that we ARE good enough. it has to be a mantra – like you said – a practice, daily, until we’re finally convinced that we ARE good enough to wear our clothes. we’ll get there eventually. but in the mean time, we should probably be a lot less hard on ourselves 😉
yes…practice makes perfect. or better, at least, since there’s no such thing as perfect…
My issue isn’t buying exact multiples, but multiple versions of similar items that provide the same function.I keep reminding myself that I can only wear one thing at a time anyway, so do I really need multiple versions of it? It’s hard when I find some style that I love and is flattering–like recently, this great striped blue shirt from Equipment that I got on sale. Then I saw another similar one at Gilt where I have a credit–but really, how many blue striped shirts do I need? And I’ll probably want something slightly different in six months if the one I have wears out or gets stained? So I said no.
Of course, there are cases when I should buy multiples, like my favorite knit lounge pants, and I don’t. For example, I have a pair of lounge pants that I always go to, and they’re in the wash half the time, so it probably does make sense to have a second pair, because they’re really more like socks or underwear in my wardrobe. However, another Rag & Bone black blazer that I found on sale, very similar to the other 2 I have? I’ll pop it in my shopping cart immediately.
Yes to all of this. Enmeshed in the ‘not being good enough’ aspect of this is my fear of being judged by others. This logic falls apart too, but it starts in my head as me judged for having clothes that are ‘too nice’. I’ve seen it here in other posts…people are quick to assess what others value and how others spend money. (I know, first world problems). But there are expensive choices that our culture absorbs (cars, kids, drinks) and expensive choices we see as “well aren’t you fancy”. I don’t like conflict and I don’t like to stand out too much, so I think I can hide behind the armor of “not my best’. This is ridiculous on a number of levels, one of them being that my red cardigan can’t possibly shield me any better than my grey one. Another being clothes are not armor (#minimalcloset).
Baby steps.
AND (P.S.), the truth is that I love to support designers who are carving out a living by creating beautiful things using beautiful fabrics while making the hard to choice to do so as equitably, attentively and sustainably as possible. It generally costs more to by an original design, but the way I value copyright in writing as a grad student is the way I value copyrights in pattern making and style. I’ve come to embrace that doing less harm in this world includes my consumer choices. I know a bit about jewelry design, and I know that it is almost impossible to make a living wage when competing with mass production of knock-offs. I am proud of my fashion impulses. And so I want to learn to embrace the good in them, an be comfortable saving for and buying the few great things I find instead of the multiple buffers that I use as decoys.
I’m not sure why this thread and the reader comments has opened this up for me. I’m grateful.
yes, i’m guilty of that too – buying multiples of things i don’t really need, and not of the things i do…. with underwear and bras specifically. i HATE to spend money on them, but i love the good ones i have…and always wish i had more.
I never used to buy multiples as I thought it prevented me from having variety in my wardrobe but recently, I have started to buy a few repeat pieces. As I’ve got older the way I see my wardrobe has changed, I used to buy things I liked with no thought to how I would wear them and as a result I ended up having a mish mash of clothes that I wasn’t wearing, and I would feel guilty about that every time I saw them hanging in my wardrobe. Now, I try to buy things that I know I will wear and that I know go with the other things I have, I still like to have variety but I’m trying to build a collection of hard working clothes that I love and I wear. During this process, i’ve invested in a couple of great staple pieces that are super versatile and I find myself wearing a lot…but wearing them a lot means that they’re unlikely to be around for long! So I did something I’ve never done before, I panicked and bought a second of each before they were no longer available. It sounds silly to me now, why did I panic? It’s only clothes! Anyway, after I hung them in my wardrobe I started to question my decision, maybe I should have bought something different, something that I love just as much but that gives me more variety? It’s not like it’s the same item in another color, it’s the exact same piece. They’re part of the foundations of my wardrobe, so are an important addition, but now after reading this, what you said about loving the first and appreciating its uniqueness instead of buying a second is ringing in my ears…
Niki I totally get it bc I do the same buying of the exact same piece! I’m okay with it. For example I live in denim so if it’s a perfect denim in the perfect wash well then…..ya I will live in it . So worth it to me. OMG there is that word “perfect” over and over:) But ya know I feel comfortable with the item so that’s the reason I do it. I don’t crave variety at all. I limit myself to like three or four brands and it all goes together.
I rarely do the multiples in different colors although I will admit to the same buttondown James Perse shirt in black, burgundy, gray and olive. Even white which I don’t look so hot in. Maybe I’ll dye it haha. As long as I limit the color scheme it’s okay. I have a couple of James Perse coral and a muted green tees with tags on still because I thought I needed color but in that case I just won’t wear it. Multiples don’t always work but if you know what you love and will live in and are content so be it:)
Oops I forgot in honor of honesty….I also have that JP button down in marled light gray and marled darker gray. OMG.
I do buy multiples of some things – usually inexpensive basics. The Uniqlo V neck tee that fits perfectly, ribbed tanks from Old Navy. – stuff like that. I don’t get more than I can store, but I really wear these things often enough to justify having a few. The tanks – colored ones are for bedtime and gray and black get worn as underpinnings with all kinds of sweaters. And they get worn over and over and over again ..
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My strategy with things like socks and undies and PJs and gym wear is to buy on sale and toss as soon as they get holes or become stretched out. When replacement time comes, there’s no keeping any pathetic pairs alongside the nice fresh ones. (Sadly, I used to do this, as though I were saving the new ones for something special, or felt that I had to wring every last bit of life out of the old ones before even cutting the tags off the replacements.) I can say with confidence that I have my multiple-buying under control, and not because I’m some highly evolved being. My tiny house and tragic lack of storage space is a tremendous motivator.
I confess, though, that if I ever find an amazing-fitting pair of slim black ankle-length pants that meet my many requirements, I would buy, like 5.
yes, yes yes! What Christina said about not standing out, I also hide behind my least favorites clothes.
I am reluctant to look too dressed up, for fear I will stand out and be judged.. and that people will equate it to having a superficial interest in clothes and fashion.
Christine, if you ever find that elusive pair of pants, please post it on here! That is the one true gap in my wardrobe, but it seems to be the “unicorn” of fashion – can’t find them anywhere. I’m a tall, curvy size 8, and I keep hoping someone like LOFT will make some that fit me without those annoying cuffs. If they do, I will probably buy two pair!
Thank you so much for your honesty… You wrote what I have been struggling to find words for You are an inspiration!
I thought I didn’t buy in multiples, but now reading your post I most definitely do! I don’t have anything exactly the same – a “back up” of something I love, but for basics i will buy multiple colors. I did a little inventory and – surprise! – have 5 JP casual tees in differmt colors, and 5 JCrew vintage crew necks in differmt colors – all the usual suspects – grey, white, black, navy and olive. I don’t mind having the multiples at all because for me they are the best t shirts and I don’t really like any other styles I’ve tried.
Then I have 5 of the old Inhabit cotton cardis. I have to say I wear all almost equally, depending on my outfit and season. I don’t really have a favorite. – except I guess I really like the number 5!
The only other multiple I have is a dark grey Dries Van Noten sweatshirt that I impulsivley bought three years ago. I wore it so much that last year I also (impulsively) bought a duplicate in cream. Turns out I wear the dark grey only in the fall and winter and the cream in the spring., so I don’t regret either!
Thanks Grechen on your minimal closet series – I really enjoy your posts. All your posts, actually. Lots of stuff to think about.
The length might not work (though I had to have mine hemmed) but I love my Eileen Fisher slim black pant. I bought regular because the petite didn’t fit me as well in the thigh, then hemmed it (I’m 5’4″ so I usually end up buying regular and then hemming…)
Talbots also has quite a few pairs of slim ankle length pants. Those brands fit my body quite well (hourglass with small(er) waist and wider hips & thights) Loft & Ann Taylor sometimes have thighs that are too skinny for me, but not always. JCrew thighs are ALWAYS too skinny for me.
Kelly, thanks so much for the suggestions! I can’t usually wear Talbot’s pants, but I’ll take a look at the Eileen Fisher style you mentioned. I tend to think of EF as only shapeless, drapey, linen pieces, but obviously that isn’t all she does. With Nordstrom’s free shipping, it will be easy to try them. (Of course, that free shipping may be one reason I have closet issues to begin with…) Thanks again!
Gretchen– I stumbled on your blog and absolutely love it. It really speaks to issues I have been struggling with. I thought I was pairing down and putting together a minimal wardrobe but I’ve realized that shopping fills a void for me and it is hard to be minimal. You have helped me get in touch with the issues around shopping and I really appreciate you posting your struggles and your triumphs. I read an older post of yours today and am very excited to answer the question: What is my wardrobe reality? this weekend. Thanks again, Beth
Hi Texas Aggie Mom! I found some at Loft this fall that came very close but I didn’t like their slant pockets. I keep trying though and I’m betting Loft will come through for me eventually. I love that they have different “fits” but the one that worked best for me, Zoe, is getting phased out. Good luck in your search and I hope I can post some good news soon about mine!
I also have high hopes for LOFT, but the last pair I tried (and foolishly had altered so that they couldn’t be returned) were odd-fitting, at best. I’m a Julie in their tailored pants and wear their curvy jeans with great success. I think the trick will be to buy them when they first stock the perfect style, instead of waiting for a coupon, sale, etc. When my size is gone, I am bad about trying to make something else work, especially if it’s on sale (one of many bad shopping habits Grechen’s posts are helping me cure.) Thanks for your input, and let us know if you find the perfect pair!
I guess buying multiples really hasn’t been much of an issue for me.
OK, now that I said that, the little devil on my shoulder nudged me and said, “So I guess we’re not counting all of those multiple versions of striped tees?”
“Oh, shut up! They’re all different colors, and they’re not all the same brand or anything.”
“And the countless pairs of ballet flats? You’re not counting those as multiples?!?”
“But, some fit better than others, so I had to get new ones….Plus, the different colors go with different outfits….and they’re different brands. Go away! I’m trying to be sanctimonious.”
Sooo, nuff said.
Well, taking photos of what you wear weekly will cure that problem quickly! 😉
And what you said was SO good, Christina. Thank you!
I think the EF slim black pants are the same ones I have and I’ve worn them a LOT! Not perfect, but really good. I also like my NYDJ Black Alina leggings, which are a really dark black, so they look dressier.
Can you say, “Not your lips but better brownish/pink” in every damned brand out there?!? (I just sorted my makeup. What can you do with used makeup, other than throw it out? It’s expensive stuff, used maybe once or twice.)
I think you’re right, though it is OK to have double of an item if you know you love it and are going to wear it a ton. I’ve also done the same as you – stepped outside my comfort zone and injected some different colors into my wardrobe, but never wore them. I actually tried Grechen’s approach this week and forced myself to wear them…I actually liked the look! You should try it!!
Uh, uh confession time here as well. Camisoles. Lots & lots of shelf-bra camisoles. I had breast cancer a few years ago & between surgery/constant weight gain I ended up with a ton (because I had to dress in layers & couldn’t wear bras). This summer, I actually gave away 50 yes, 50 camis & still had something like 30 left over. I couldn’t get enough of them & had to have them in multiples of multiple colors. Talk about channeling my fear into my wardrobe. So giving them away was the bravest thing I could do. A funny thing, now they irritate my skin so I’m going to give all but 4 or 5 away. Think I’ll dig them out tonight.
So Grechen, you have struck a familiar chord & have given me a little more insight into myself. I will bookmark this post as well – yippee & thank you. I feel lighter already!
oh, thank you so much for sharing your story. i’m sure it was very hard for you to get rid of them – but don’t you love that “lighter” feeling?? it’s the best…
thanks for your comment beth! how did your weekend go?? 🙂
I buy multiples of white, black and gray tshirts and multiples of white blouses and jean shirts. I buy cheap ones to layer, or use stained ones to layer. The more expensive ones to wear alone. This way my nice clothes look nice and if my cheap stuff gets stains I don’t feel bad replacing them.
My dad was in the navy, and very praticle. He taught me to divide my clothes into three categories, at home wear, work or school wear, dress wear. When you don’t interchange them clothes remain appropriate for the occasion. Especially your dress wear. Too, many times I have crossed categories and my dress wear looks worn and not fresh.