How do you avoid wardrobe waste?

[foxgal]

Sometimes I look in my closet and get so upset with the waste. I don't mean waste in terms of too much stuff - I keep a very small minimal wardrobe - and I don't buy much. But I thought that if I followed some guidelines or rules about what to buy, I could avoid having things that don't end up working. For example: "Don't buy just because something is on sale unless it's something you'd be willing to buy at full price." or "Stick to basics that you can mix and match." or "Buy the highest quality you can afford."

But when I think about the things I wear and enjoy the most, they don't seem to follow any rules. Some things I've bought on impulse I end up loving and some I hate, while things I researched and pondered don't end up working anyway or they do. Some high quality things fall apart right away and some of the low-end stuff lasts forever. Some things I've bought online without trying fit great and others not, so I tell myself only buy things I can try on first. Then I find something that looks great in the store yet languishes in my closet! There seems to be no rhyme or reason to what works or not!?!

Does anyone have any tried and true guidelines they use to avoid making a purchase they regret?

 

[Love Of My Life]

I think one has to be objective & think in terms of what they actually need to fit into their
day to day life, be it casual or dressy. No fantasy lifestyle
Cost per wear is a determining factor for many be it a designer high quality item or not,
as basics do hold up in one's wardrobe.
Not following trends can be helpful as well.
I try not to duplicate items to the best of my ability but many of us fall into that pattern
if it looks good in black, then why not navy or taupe?
There are no rules.. only what makes you feel good in how you look & that your clothes should
fit well
I'm not a fan of on line shopping only because I like to feel the fabric so I prefer in store shopping
& prefer to deal with a SA who has a pretty good overall view of how I want to look & what already
exists in my closet, JMO
Think that many of us don't want to feel that their wardrobe has waste just would prefer to wear
what we have already purchased more frequently than perhaps we did in the past & perhaps
one of the reasons many of us are shopping in our own closets because of a multitude of factors
being price increases for many items that we already own

 

[Swanky]

If I don't LOVE it, it's not going home with me. If I go home and keep thinking about it, I'll go back and get it.

I make plenty of wasteful mistakes still, but not as many.

 

[foxgal]

If I don't LOVE it, it's not going home with me. If I go home and keep thinking about it, I'll go back and get it.

I make plenty of wasteful mistakes still, but not as many.

It's somewhat heartening to know that it still happens to the most discerning of us!

 

[Swanky]

Right? I feel so bad leaving my dressing room FULL of pieces I know I'll never wear. But I hate returning even more!

 

[880]

Sometimes I look in my closet and get so upset with the waste. I don't mean waste in terms of too much stuff - I keep a very small minimal wardrobe - and I don't buy much. But I thought that if I followed some guidelines or rules about what to buy, I could avoid having things that don't end up working. For example: "Don't buy just because something is on sale unless it's something you'd be willing to buy at full price." or "Stick to basics that you can mix and match." or "Buy the highest quality you can afford."

But when I think about the things I wear and enjoy the most, they don't seem to follow any rules. Some things I've bought on impulse I end up loving and some I hate, while things I researched and pondered don't end up working anyway or they do. Some high quality things fall apart right away and some of the low-end stuff lasts forever. Some things I've bought online without trying fit great and others not, so I tell myself only buy things I can try on first. Then I find something that looks great in the store yet languishes in my closet! There seems to be no rhyme or reason to what works or not!?!

Does anyone have any tried and true guidelines they use to avoid making a purchase they regret?

I think all of us have been in your shoes. I’m not a fan of fast fashion, yet I adore two cheap crinoline, mesh type skirts that I bought for about 20 USD that have transformed a bunch of dresses. And, some items that I’ve bought that are different variations of old (expensive ) favorites go unworn. You are not alone lol.

My only tip to add is spend the most on items that you will wear the most. And, if you do have a favorite, perhaps consider buying a back up in case it gets discontinued. (Not of course something like a leather jacket, but oddly my favorite underpinnings, socks, tank tops, etc. tend to disappear from production).

ETA: I’m taking a voluntary hiatus from premier luxury RTW and accessories. I am finding new appreciation for stuff that’s already in my closet and am surprised at all the other things one can think about (art, travel etc) when one is not hankering after the next new bag or some such. I think that when I return to shopping, I will have a better perspective on what I need and truly desire.

 

[2cello]

I have the dreaded apple shape so I have limited options as to what cuts work for me. V necks, wrap dresses, no cropped or boxy tops. Things get repetitive but then I don’t have to think too much about what to wear in the morning. Letting go of trends helps streamline things a lot.

 

[lill_canele]

I still make mistakes here and there but I try to be as conscious as possible of my decision making, buying habits, and aware of what I tend to gravitate towards in my wardrobe.

Here are some things I learned about myself:

1) If it doesn't fit just right, I will never wear it. I generally dislike trying to make things work.
2) If the material is uncomfortable, I will never wear it. (shoes are an exception, I have a high pain tolerance and will wear uncomfortable shoes for the look)
3) If it tends to wrinkle and crease easily, I will not wear it. And will never pack it for a trip. (I am not a linen person lol)
4) If it is handwash only, I probably won't buy it unless my dry cleaning service can do the hand washing for me.
5) Always compare my real self with my fantasy self and bring myself back to reality.
6) Always consider cost per wear. Even for special statement pieces.
7) RTW I have to fall head over heels for.

 

[foxgal]

I still make mistakes here and there but I try to be as conscious as possible of my decision making, buying habits, and aware of what I tend to gravitate towards in my wardrobe.

Here are some things I learned about myself:

1) If it doesn't fit just right, I will never wear it. I generally dislike trying to make things work.
2) If the material is uncomfortable, I will never wear it. (shoes are an exception, I have a high pain tolerance and will wear uncomfortable shoes for the look)
3) If it tends to wrinkle and crease easily, I will not wear it. And will never pack it for a trip. (I am not a linen person lol)
4) If it is handwash only, I probably won't buy it unless my dry cleaning service can do the hand washing for me.
5) Always compare my real self with my fantasy self and bring myself back to reality.
6) Always consider cost per wear. Even for special statement pieces.
7) RTW I have to fall head over heels for.

THIS! Especially about the fit...when I think about it this is where I think I make most mistakes. Even when I try things on beforehand, sometimes the fit seems good in the fitting room but I made the mistake of not bending/spinning around to really get a feel. Or it's just a wee bit off somewhere and I figure "oh, that's no big deal"...but it does become a big deal and I don't enjoy wearing the item anymore. I have to be more totally ruthless in my assessments!

 

[foxgal]

Ok, case in point...what would you do with this? I just got this sheer lightweight sweater/shirt. I really love the style - it is very "me" - and think it is fairly timeless, decent quality for price. Doesn't duplicate anything I already have in my wardrobe, other than maybe a silk blouse I have that is of a similar "vibe" (minimalish, boxy, drapey, nice yet casual). However, it almost seems a teeny bit too "nice" to wear casually with jeans and I fear it will sit in my closet just like the silk blouse does because 98% of the time I am VERY casual. So....keep or return?

 

[Love Of My Life]

Ok, case in point...what would you do with this? I just got this sheer lightweight sweater/shirt. I really love the style - it is very "me" - and think it is fairly timeless, decent quality for price. Doesn't duplicate anything I already have in my wardrobe, other than maybe a silk blouse I have that is of a similar "vibe" (minimalish, boxy, drapey, nice yet casual). However, it almost seems a teeny bit too "nice" to wear casually with jeans and I fear it will sit in my closet just like the silk blouse does because 98% of the time I am VERY casual. So....keep or return?

View attachment 6168144View attachment 6168145

Like the casualness of this top, but since you seem on the fence about it & are comparing it to the
silk blouse that sits in your closet, perhaps opt for a top that is more suitable to your needs.
This top would work with a skirt (if you like skirts) & even a black pant..
Do you wear color or just prefer black & other neutral colors?

 

[limom]

Ok, case in point...what would you do with this? I just got this sheer lightweight sweater/shirt. I really love the style - it is very "me" - and think it is fairly timeless, decent quality for price. Doesn't duplicate anything I already have in my wardrobe, other than maybe a silk blouse I have that is of a similar "vibe" (minimalish, boxy, drapey, nice yet casual). However, it almost seems a teeny bit too "nice" to wear casually with jeans and I fear it will sit in my closet just like the silk blouse does because 98% of the time I am VERY casual. So....keep or return?

View attachment 6168144View attachment 6168145

It looks great on you. I especially like it with the jeans. It is super versatile.
And since you have an established style, you will be wearing it for a while. There is not such a thing as too nice, imo.
A while back, I have decided to dress however I felt no matter where I was going.
Am I overdressed at times? Sure. But I get tons of compliments and feel great rocking what I want, when I want, where I want.

 

[Swanky]

I like it. I'd half tuck it into jeans, jean shorts, dress shorts, blazer, etc...
I do lots of casual paired with dressier; pair with wedges, good to go!

 

[880]

Ok, case in point...what would you do with this? I just got this sheer lightweight sweater/shirt. I really love the style - it is very "me" - and think it is fairly timeless, decent quality for price. Doesn't duplicate anything I already have in my wardrobe, other than maybe a silk blouse I have that is of a similar "vibe" (minimalish, boxy, drapey, nice yet casual). However, it almost seems a teeny bit too "nice" to wear casually with jeans and I fear it will sit in my closet just like the silk blouse does because 98% of the time I am VERY casual. So....keep or return?

View attachment 6168144View attachment 6168145

I like it a lot. I think it could easily be worn either way jeans, shorts, skirts, or as a vest over button downs or tanks or a layer underneath (layered with a white tank top could easily dress it down. Whatever way appeals! You look great

 

[foxgal]

Thanks everyone! I slept on it and decided to keep. You are all right...it's not too "nice" for jeans, and the pics didn't really pick up how sheer it is so it will be really cool for the summer with some linen shorts.

Again, this is just an example of the kind of dilemna I have sometimes....I put something on and immediately like it, but then never wear it. Or I buy something fill a empty gap in my wardrobe, but don't get the right fit, or get something cheap to "make due", then feel really uncomfortable in it