How do you avoid wardrobe waste?

[foxgal]

Hello @cecchetti - you are the raw denim guru and I need your help! This is another great example of my wardrobe waste dilemma....last year I got a pair of Naked and Famous selvedge jeans (they are a Canadian brand). They were a lot more than I typically pay for denim but I figured a classic straight leg pair in dark selvedge would be a forever wardrobe staple. When I first tried them on, they seemed a bit baggy in the (ahem!) crotch area, but I figured they would better mold to my body as I broke them in and wore them. Sadly, the issue just got exacerbated, so now when I put them on and look in the mirror, I just don't like how they look. They are probably fine while I'm out and walking and no one probably notices, but I find I just don't reach for them because of this.

So do I just learn my lesson and let them go to consignment? Do I try to see if they can be altered, or is this just putting more money into something that doesn't work? Or just keep them in my wardrobe for the occasional wear and stop fretting about it?

 

[mellecyn]

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.

I agree!
1-Conscious choice : I keep a wishlist per season, and revisit it regularly (I ignore sales unless it matches wishlist)
2-Versatility : I tend to see an item and picture it worn many ways with many things I already own
3-Uniform : On the other hand sometimes an jumpsuit or a matching set/ co ord is just *chef kiss* and perfect for work.
4-Signature style : Maybe we freeze in time but I know what I like and it hasn´t changed much over the years while I make it work with the current trends.
5-Trendy by touch : yes yes sometimes I need that 1 or 2 crazy trendy things that will be the highlight of the season!
6-Invest in timeless classics : the joy of counting on certains brands for that classic white shirt, black trousers, cashmere jumper, leather loafers where quality really makes a difference. Wear year after year...I don´t always have the time to re-purchase, re-think and love to wear the same shoes or bags for years.
7-Inspiration : My pinterest is full, my phone has albums of screenshots lol I do that when i have time as a relaxing guilty pleasure. It helps me with staying focused. To have these images or vision board.
8- In reaction to shop for your real lifestyle...My imaginary "ideal" one is that rich b*tch elegance in one who is in marketing or finance in Monaco...my reality is corporate in middle-of-nowhere with engineers male geeks in jeans and sandals. I inject the ideal into my everyday in small touches but still practical (hello Prada suit jacket) and do more on the weekends.

 

[maxxout]

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?

The guidelines that I have established to avoid making purchase mistakes are

1 If I ask someone what they think, I don’t buy it. Anytime I have the slightest doubt about something I’ve just tried on, that’s my signal not to get it. When I put something on in a store and I light up inside and smile, I buy it. If I keep looking at it and turning this and that way, and trying to figure out how I might wear it and I can’t make up my mind… I don’t buy it.
My best purchases are instantaneous.

2. I don’t subscribe to the cost per wear strategy. I don’t think of my purchases all that rationally but rather go with how fabulous the piece is. It’s always in the context of my real life, however. I don’t buy fabulous fantasy pieces that I’ll never wear. An example… 20 years ago or maybe more I bought this great bubble jacket by Miyake. It’s not an everyday jacket, but I’ve pulled that out of my closet for a lot of occasions for dinners or openings and it’s always fun to wear.

3. I never ever buy for a specific occasion. Because of the above number 2, I’ll always have something interesting in my closet. It’s horrible to have to go shopping when you need to get something for an occasion because of course there won’t be anything interesting out there. You just have to snag things on your journey wherever you are and whenever you see them and know that they’ll work in the future.

4 I don’t buy for fashion, rather for style. I’m not interested in following trends, but I do like to buy things that have an interesting cut or texture or something. And so it’s never quite in style, but it’s never out of style. It fits my aesthetic and personality.

5 I don’t buy anything that I think I SHOULD buy.

 

[Minimalist_Chic]

I have a wish list for both luxury and non luxury items to keep me focused on things that I truly want, or what I need which helps to not buy anything outside of that list.

For clothing I mostly buy fast fashion, but try to stick to the list, what’s missing in my wardrobe, this can be simple like waiting a brown scarf to match my a couple winter outfits. Or needing a rain jacket, etc.
Every now and again I get distracted with an item not on the list, a cute dress or a trendy jacket and so on. For these kind of things I tend to sleep on it, come up with a mental list of at least a few outfits or events where I would wear that item so it’s not just a one time wear.

 

[cecchetti]

Hello @cecchetti - you are the raw denim guru and I need your help! This is another great example of my wardrobe waste dilemma....last year I got a pair of Naked and Famous selvedge jeans (they are a Canadian brand). They were a lot more than I typically pay for denim but I figured a classic straight leg pair in dark selvedge would be a forever wardrobe staple. When I first tried them on, they seemed a bit baggy in the (ahem!) crotch area, but I figured they would better mold to my body as I broke them in and wore them. Sadly, the issue just got exacerbated, so now when I put them on and look in the mirror, I just don't like how they look. They are probably fine while I'm out and walking and no one probably notices, but I find I just don't reach for them because of this.

So do I just learn my lesson and let them go to consignment? Do I try to see if they can be altered, or is this just putting more money into something that doesn't work? Or just keep them in my wardrobe for the occasional wear and stop fretting about it?

I’m sorry for the delay in replying-I had to look after after my sick Mum, who is receiving palliative care..

I do know Naked and Famous, and remember your jeans..

It’s a difficult one-I would say keep them, maybe try tailoring them, or wear them occasionally.

Or just leave them, and you may find that in a year you like them again and reach for them.

However, although they claim to use Japanese denim, I have had some myself and am not sure that they Are Japanese..
But they definitely are more expensive that high street denim.

Try not to fret or lose sleep over it-at the end of the day they are only a pair of jeans..if you’re not ready to let go, keep them, you may end up liking them again xx.

 

[foxgal]

The guidelines that I have established to avoid making purchase mistakes are

1 If I ask someone what they think, I don’t buy it. Anytime I have the slightest doubt about something I’ve just tried on, that’s my signal not to get it. When I put something on in a store and I light up inside and smile, I buy it. If I keep looking at it and turning this and that way, and trying to figure out how I might wear it and I can’t make up my mind… I don’t buy it.
My best purchases are instantaneous.

2. I don’t subscribe to the cost per wear strategy. I don’t think of my purchases all that rationally but rather go with how fabulous the piece is. It’s always in the context of my real life, however. I don’t buy fabulous fantasy pieces that I’ll never wear. An example… 20 years ago or maybe more I bought this great bubble jacket by Miyake. It’s not an everyday jacket, but I’ve pulled that out of my closet for a lot of occasions for dinners or openings and it’s always fun to wear.

3. I never ever buy for a specific occasion. Because of the above number 2, I’ll always have something interesting in my closet. It’s horrible to have to go shopping when you need to get something for an occasion because of course there won’t be anything interesting out there. You just have to snag things on your journey wherever you are and whenever you see them and know that they’ll work in the future.

4 I don’t buy for fashion, rather for style. I’m not interested in following trends, but I do like to buy things that have an interesting cut or texture or something. And so it’s never quite in style, but it’s never out of style. It fits my aesthetic and personality.

5 I don’t buy anything that I think I SHOULD buy.

#2 is a great way to look at purchases…it’s like I need to “flip” my thinking about certain pieces that I really like but don’t often have an opportunity to wear. Sometimes I think of them as “mistakes” because the cost-per-wear is so high, but really it’s about enjoying them when I do wear them. And over a lifetime it’s worth it!

 

[foxgal]

I’m sorry for the delay in replying-I had to look after after my sick Mum, who is receiving palliative care..

I do know Naked and Famous, and remember your jeans..

It’s a difficult one-I would say keep them, maybe try tailoring them, or wear them occasionally.

Or just leave them, and you may find that in a year you like them again and reach for them.

However, although they claim to use Japanese denim, I have had some myself and am not sure that they Are Japanese..
But they definitely are more expensive that high street denim.

Try not to fret or lose sleep over it-at the end of the day they are only a pair of jeans..if you’re not ready to let go, keep them, you may end up liking them again xx.

Thank you @cecchetti - I’m so sorry you are going through that difficult transition taking care of your mother.

I put the jeans on again yesterday, and though they definitely aren’t my most loved or most flattering pair, they are comfortable to just kick around home in. Guess my expectations were too high!

 

[cecchetti]

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.

Dear @880

You will be very surprised at how discerning you become when you resume shopping!

I haven’t bought RTW since December 2024- I intended to resume in April, and am ready to now, but having shopped my closet since then(which is far less extensive than yours), I’ve found outfits and bags for everyday, parties, a funeral etc etc

I did miss a McQueen tuxedo because I was thinking about my Mother rather than the jacket, but , other than that, I haven’t really felt deprived at all and will appreciate shopping all the more when I resume.

I am sure that you will experience similar.❤️

 

[880]

Dear @880

You will be very surprised at how discerning you become when you resume shopping!

I haven’t bought RTW since December 2024- I intended to resume in April, and am ready to now, but having shopped my closet since then(which is far less extensive than yours), I’ve found outfits and bags for everyday, parties, a funeral etc etc

I did miss a McQueen tuxedo because I was thinking about my Mother rather than the jacket, but , other than that, I haven’t really felt deprived at all and will appreciate shopping all the more when I resume.

I am sure that you will experience similar.❤️

Thank you @cecchetti ! My thoughts and best wishes to you, your mom, and your dad. Hugs

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

In order to reduce wardrobe waste I think it helps to understand what’s causing the waste. Looking at the unworn items in my closet, I can see that the waste is mainly caused by two things: items that don’t fit well and separates that don’t have items that coordinate well together. When I refer to separates I mean things like tops, skirts, and pants/jeans that are not part of a set.

There have been some good suggestions upthread about fit: I would second the suggestion that if there’s even a hint of doubt when trying it on in the fitting room, leave it behind.

Separates can be a little tricky for me: some that fall in the category of a simple formula, like jeans and sweaters (jumpers) are fairly straightforward. When I buy a sweater, I can usually be reasonably sure it will work with my jeans. But there are some oddball separates that seem great in the store but bring them home and you find they don’t pair well with the items you had in mind.

An example: I like pleated skirts and came across one in nordstrom that fit perfectly. It was a nice biscuit colored neutral. Well, I brought it home and when I paired it with a thin cream colored sweater, it didn’t go together at all. I tried it next with a patterned peplum top I had but that wasn’t great either. So now this cute skirt languishes in my closet until I can set aside an hour or so to find a good top to pair with it, either in my closet or in the store. This is just one example of a separate that didn’t work. It’s not the only one. I don’t run into this issue when I’m buying a dress - my recent purchase of 3-4 summer dresses was perfection in terms of fit and satisfaction.

To sum up, I guess my main points on reducing waste would be:
Pay attention to good fit. Also, if in doubt about any aspect of the clothing item, be it fit, color or something else, don’t buy. Sometimes if I am unsure I will put the item on hold till the end of the day. I have almost never gone back to get it which is telling.

Avoid buying separates unless it’s possible to visualize creating a few different outfits with things already in the closet. If these pairings don’t work out as anticipated, be prepared to let go of the item. Mix and match is harder than it seems and requires some time in front of the mirror trying different pairings.
I am interested to hear from those who mix and match frequently and successfully. Do you have any recommendations or short cuts? Perhaps that’s a topic for a whole new thread!

In addition to the above, I will add some things that have probably already been covered:
Avoid buying in haste just to knock an item off your list.
Don’t buy for fantasy lifestyle.
The purchases that have worked best for me are those that look good on me and feel comfortable.
Finding a style uniform also helps streamline purchases and reduce waste.

 

[880]

like pleated skirts and came across one in nordstrom that fit perfectly. It was a nice biscuit colored neutral.

Black sweater ? It sounds lovely

 

[cecchetti]

Black sweater ? It sounds lovely

That’s Exactly what I thought!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Black sweater ? It sounds lovely

Bingo! I tried it with a black sweater and it goes so much better with black. I don’t know why I was trying so hard to make it work with light colored tops (probably because I was thinking spring season and light colors).
However I will have to get a sleeveless or short sleeved black sweater because my long sleeved sweater is a bit oversized and this skirt needs a fitted top to look good.

 

[880]

Bingo! I tried it with a black sweater and it goes so much better with black. I don’t know why I was trying so hard to make it work with light colored tops (probably because I was thinking spring season and light colors).
However I will have to get a sleeveless or short sleeved black sweater because my long sleeved sweater is a bit oversized and this skirt needs a fitted top to look good.

So glad. If you have a navy one, that could work too.

Re light colors, I would try bright white to start even a slim tank top and a black fitted cardigan or silk shirt. Or charcoal gray. Hope it works for you

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

So glad. If you have a navy one, that could work too.

Re light colors, I would try bright white to start even a slim tank top and a black fitted cardigan or silk shirt. Or charcoal gray. Hope it works for you

I found a black ribbed tank in the recesses of my closet and paired it with the skirt and threw on a black fitted leather jacket (it’s cold here today!) and I’m good to go. Thanks for your help!

That’s the thing with separates - sometimes it takes time, a fresh pair of eyes and some trial and error to make it work but it’s great when it all comes together.