How many clothes do you own/need?

[didireallysaythat]

I've just started tidying up my wardrobe as I'm going to have to try and cram a desk into our bedroom to continue working from home. And now I'm seriously embarrassed by the number of clothes I wear, especially as for the last two months I've loved in leggings, and a fleecy top or jumper with different colour scarfs for variety.

So how many pairs of trousers, work dresses, top, jumpers do I really need? Should I just throw half of them away?

I got the same problem. About one third of my wardrobe I know I won't wear ever again hence flogging slowly on ebay.Or donating to charity shops once they re-open.

I've wondered this too. There is no point in suggesting Marie Kondo to me.

I think the answer depends on how much space you have and if you use the item.

If you haven't worn it in the past 12 months then get rid (ossaision wear excepted).

DH has more clothes than me!! I have very few, as I hate shopping, and keep clothes for years and years. I maybe buy four or five things a year. I am hopeless, but also I have never run out of clothes. The caveat is that I don't work, so all my clothes are casual, which last a good few wears before washing.

Occasion wear, obvs!

I don't need dressing up clothes and I can't seem returning to the office full time this year so maybe I should just ditch stuff. I'm also thinking that I should stop saving things "for best'. I've been trying to work through a stash of hand creams in the same way. I guess I've also put on weight and need to just get rid of things that I will only fit if I lose it all again ...

I work from home but I have loads of clothes. I do wear them as I love clothes and see it as a sort of hobby. I have a few different looks, depending on my mood. Nearly every single item is second hand, though (it's part of the fun, hunting down designer clothes and paying Primark prices) and if I find I am not wearing something, either one of my teenage daughters takes it or it goes to ebay or charity. I do try to be an environmentally conscious clothes horse!

Actually, thinking about it, I love my clothes more now that I don't work in an office. I had a lot of stuff that I wasn't great on but I wore because I felt it was suitable for work. It all went to charity as soon as I started working from home! Now I love my wardrobe, it feels like a dressing up box. I get to choose bright colours, silk, velvet, silk jersey and chuck on whatever jewellery I want. I still have clothes that I can adapt for the odd meeting but I am a creative now, so people do not expect me to be in a suit.

Have been thinking about this myself during lockdown. I have tons. But they are all beautiful, perfectly fitting and - pre-lockdown - I wore them all at one stage or other during the year.

Gradually selling things I love the least on ebay though: god only knows what the coming recession will bring for me and my job (I have no particular reason to be insecure but you never know) so trying to ensure I maximise my nest egg. And decluttering is pretty good too.

I also think you need to think about how much you like novelty value in wearing different things. I dress according to my mood each day: do I want to feel powerful (vintage 50s skirt suit, nipped in waist, cape coat) or cosseted (cashmere wrap dress, 30s silk slip) or no-nonsense (cropped tailored trousers, high neck silk blouse, masculine blazer, brogues)? How much can I be bothered to showcase a gorgeous piece of jewellery or scarf?

Thinking about how I feel and dressing in a way which makes me feel good adds joy to my day and has continued to do so during lockdown. But I feel slightly different every day. So I need a variety of different clothes.

And therein lies my justification for continuing to hold onto so many items.

It depends on how much your weight fluctuates, on how many different types of clothes you need based on your job and hobbies, and so on.

I have:

2x jeans, 2x chinos 2x linen trousers, 2x joggers, 4x smart work trousers
2 actualfax suits
2 warm jumpers
3 light summer dresses, 4 evening dresses, 4 work dresses
5 skirts, thick and thin
5 boring work shirts
5 frighteningly smart tops
7x pyjamas
about 5 t-shirt-like tops
about 20 vest tops
An UNTOLD LEGION of jackets, coats, blazers - an endless uncountable army of them
1 swimming costume

My mother always says when tempted to buy new clothes remember you only have one body.

If you haven't worn it in the past 12 months then get rid (ossaision wear excepted)
I find this wasteful.
I have loads of stuff that I hadnt worn for 7 years plus but I've started wearing again and really enjoying.
Last time round I got bored of wearing them. I feel like I've got a brand new wardrobe.
I still wear the trousers and jacket I wore for my wedfing 23years ago- not at the same time though! I rested that outfit for about 6 years The trousers look great with high black heels and a silk drop shoulder t shirt. I love it!

@lojoko

I think I want a frighteningly smart top!

I do think men have it easier with smart work clothes....

I think I will do a first pass and get rid of clingy work dresses - I have never had the figure and I certainly don't have it now I'm getting old and podgy. I also think that I might be past sleeveless tops!

My wardrobe shrunk to an absolute minimum this time last year. Including coats, shoes and clothes, it fitted in one 30kg suitcase and a tesco bag for life. I have bought about 4 extra jumpers since then, and replaced worn out trousers and tops. The smaller the wardrobe, the more frequently it wears out!
My kids total wardrobe fitted, between the two of them, in one 25kg suitcase. We got rid of all school uniform before we moved, so new school uniform and newxwintr coats were bought. Otherwise stuff has pretty much been replaced on a like for like basis as they grew. We also needed several extra pairs of shoes, as not used to leaving trainers at school!

Yes, get one. Feel fierce as fuck and swish about. Why not!

I can't wear any of them now anyway because they ALL need dry cleaning.

I have far far to many, I’m not going to buy any cloths this year and I could do another couple of years with out buying any.

I’m fact sometimes I find something!! And I cant even remember buying it!!

Luckily I have a wall of fitted wardrobes so a place for everything and everything in its place,.