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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2019 7:52:26 GMT -5
Yesterday I listened to a BBC podcast on "the high cost of fast fashion". It confirmed my thinking on buying clothes but also brought up some new points. Generally, I stay the same size, buy classic styles that are well-made and natural fabrics (if they're not too high-maintenance) and wear them till they fall apart. Fast fashion is the opposite: as soon as new styles are rolled out by the designers, knockoffs are made with the cheapest possible methods and materials and gotten into the stores quickly for fashionistas on a budget.
That's meant bringing some manufacturing back to the UK- the items get in the store faster- but they're being made under sweatshop conditions and the workers, mostly poor immigrants, are paid less than minimum wage. The use of plastic-based synthetic fabrics means the items aren't bio-degradable (and make terrible dust cloths or cleaning rags because they're not absorbent). They can't be donated to thrift shops because they're so flimsy that cleaning and pressing them doesn't bring them back to "mint condition" so they can't be re-sold.
Anyway- the presenter said that her decision point in buying a new item for her wardrobe is, "Can I commit to wearing this item at least 30 times?" If not, she doesn't buy it. She did mention renting special-occasion clothes.
So... how many items of clothing have you worn at least 30 times? I'd say that applies to 90% of my wardrobe.
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hoops902
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Post by hoops902 on Jul 11, 2019 8:03:31 GMT -5
30 times? Most of it, probably close to 90% I'd guess. The things I haven't worn 30 times are some suits and some long-sleeve dress shirts and heavier dress shirts. I have some of the long-sleeve/heavier shirts around so that I can wear them on the few days a year when it's just too cold for me to wear something short-sleeved to work, but in general I much prefer short-sleeves (when you're tall with long arms it's just a lot easier to find things that fit correctly in short sleeves).
I'd guess that at least 50% of my clothing I've worn 100 times or more (or will before I'm done with them).
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jul 11, 2019 8:07:01 GMT -5
I have no idea, but that's an interesting yardstick. I'll try to keep that in mind, but I don't think that it can apply to dressy dress clothes. If I were to where the dress I bought fory neices wedding 30 times, I don't think it would look nice enough to wear for the occasion it is designed for, if YKWIM.
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Malarky
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Post by Malarky on Jul 11, 2019 9:02:29 GMT -5
As long as it's the correct size, I tend to wear my clothes completely out.
Casual wear becomes work wear becomes hanging around the house or working in the yard wear until it becomes fodder for the fabric recycling bag.
I'm not a fan of buying on trend and tend to buy classic pieces on sale, at which point I buy multiples because I'm short and things rarely fit well. I take advantage when they do.
I have a few dressy outfits that haven't hit the 30 wear mark, but being classic, someday they will.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2019 9:04:32 GMT -5
I have no idea, but that's an interesting yardstick. I'll try to keep that in mind, but I don't think that it can apply to dressy dress clothes. I agree that most of the items in my wardrobe that I haven't worn 30 times are dressy ones; a few more WERE mistakes that probably would have failed the "would you wear this 30 times" test. I bought a dress just last year that I've worn to two weddings. It's long-sleeved, which also limits how often I can wear it. One of my business suits and a tailor-made skirt fail the test, but I retired 4 years earlier than planned (and don't regret it a bit). I may yet wear the suit 30 times. Good for weddings and funerals and other occasions where some women might wear a dress.
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billisonboard
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Post by billisonboard on Jul 11, 2019 9:36:34 GMT -5
The 30 times is a good way to think about it but it ignores price and what you do to get your money. When considering spending money on things I don't have to have, I convert the price to length of time I have to work to earn the money to buy it. Then it is a tradeoff, my labor for the item. It has stopped me from purchases more than a few times. It is also why I do most of my clothes shopping at thrift stores or clearance racks. I would have next to nothing to wear otherwise.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jul 11, 2019 10:06:30 GMT -5
Except for my concert blacks, two dressier dresses (one for weddings and one for church), and some of my maternity pieces, my entire wardrobe. I did buy two shirts last summer that didn't keep their form very well. I don't think they were meant to, because they were "boyfriend" t-shirts. And, I'm still wearing a couple of dresses that I wore when I was pregnant with Miss M.
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Jul 11, 2019 10:48:15 GMT -5
My family, (Mother, Daughter, Husband etc.), pretty much feels that if an dress worn to a wedding was posted on Facebook, you should not wear it to a second wedding. (Family pictures were taken, and everyone will remember). The last two dresses I bought for weddings were about $38-45 purchased on sale. I don't wear dresses a lot. Usually one to my Christmas party and if I attend a wedding, I will wear a dress. Otherwise, I will not put a dress on.
I tend to buy from Eddie Bauer and White House Black market. Most everything I have I wear frequently, easily 12-15 times in a season. If I wear it two years, yes, I could get nearly 30 wears out of it. I have my closet to the point, I can wear pretty much everything that is in it. I am trying to adopt Chloe's thing of wearing something only once a month or so. I have my favorites, but my wardrobe is pretty large, so I am trying to rotate my clothing more. I actually have quite a few items that are 5 or more years old, that I can still wear.
I just ordered some shorts, but I hate wearing shorts too. I wore a pair on the 4th of July b/c I was going to be outside, and it was in the 90's. First time this year. I have 4 pairs of shorts one is definitely too big - unless I take them in. If I wear them for 4 years, I might hit 30 times. 3 of the 4 pairs I have I have had around for 3-4 years. Two of them were on final clearance, and the other two I got a fairly good deal on too. I am going to think real hard if I am going to keep them when they come, but just because I won't wear them 20-30 times, I don't think I want to not have them in my wardrobe. It has not been very hot this year, if I had not had shorts in the closet, it would not have been an option for me.
I have a swimming suit that I have owned for probably 10 years and I have not worn it 10 times. I hate swimming too, but I would not want to not own one. At the same time, I don't think I will look for a new one, unless what I have does not fit.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Jul 11, 2019 11:17:28 GMT -5
I'm off to develope an app designed for people to track how many times they wear something! I'm gonna be wealthy.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Jul 11, 2019 11:17:35 GMT -5
As long as it's the correct size, I tend to wear my clothes completely out. the problem I've been having at the moment is that I'm awkwardly in between sizes. I can't break the plateau to get comfortably into the next size down (they fit, but not to wear in public) and the size up is just ridiculously too big. I just "retired" a pair of denim capris to the patch supply pile, and I'm basically just wearing a lot of dresses. add leggings for cold weather. like Malarky, if I find something that works, I buy it in a few colors. last year, I discovered that a specific cut of dress from Old Navy works extremely well for me, and will follow me farther than number-sized clothing as I continue to get smaller. luckily it's also Old Navy, so it's not pricey at all. I have the same dress in short sleeve, long sleeve, sleeveless, and across a rainbow of colors and patterns. today, I happen to be wearing a short sleeved solid black one. this might be the only dress to meet the 30-wear requirement so far, but the rest will get there.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jul 11, 2019 11:48:25 GMT -5
I really feel that this is something you really cannot determine like this. For most of my career, I churned work clothes like crazy. My job was such that I ruined a LOT of things, plus they wore out faster than normal because I did not wear anything more than once (even if it was not stained/dirty) without washing. I had some clothes that I ruined the first day I wore it into work. So I bought things that were mid priced, or expensive stuff that was highly discounted. I had separate clothes for professional work, that did not get worn into the lab and I doubt that they got worn 30 times, only because they were worn for meetings. One year's meeting clothes (MN in March) might be totally inappropriate for the following year's meeting (FL in March). Then the following year, the meeting might be in Washington DC where I might be able to use either.....or none......of the clothes I had.
I do 'buy in bulk' when I find something that fits well, in multiple colors (or in duplicates if neutral). The vast majority of the clothes that I wear these days are from either Eddie Bauer or Talbots (bought on sale). I did buy a new skirt yesterday from REI (of all places!) where I paid full price (which I very rarely do) only because I really liked it and it fit well. I probably would have bought a second skirt in another pattern if they had one in my size.
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Jul 11, 2019 12:32:18 GMT -5
I think the "30 times" is somewhat arbitrary... but it does make you think. If you purchase a blouse for $30.00 and only wear it three times - You spent $10 per wear. For work clothes - since there are 4 seasons (more or less) and since I kind of do a "uniform" which rotates thru the seasons - I try to wear each "uniform" tops atleast thru 2 cycles (or two years) - which means I get about 10 to 12 wears each year - or 20 to 24 wears over 2 seasons. Sometimes something will go a 3rd rotation. I generally replace some pieces after a 2nd rotation. For not work clothes it's kind of the same "uniform" but it might be 3 or 4 rotations before something gets replaced (because I haven't worn it all that much). I know this sounds dreadful because people see me wearing the exact same "casual" thing a couple of times over time. But, I just don't care. This is why the "uniform" look for work is so useful. It's stress free, somewhat lower in cost, and I always look presentable/have something to wear. Special one time occasions are a totally different story - and should have a different rule. (on a funny note: a million years ago my sisters-in-laws and I passed around a dress over the course of 2 years. It was an amazing dress in it was flattering and "magically" seemed to fit each of us. We still laugh about it - because the dress makes an appearance in many family photos - but is on a different woman each time.  
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Jul 11, 2019 14:02:26 GMT -5
I think the "30 times" is somewhat arbitrary... but it does make you think. If you purchase a blouse for $30.00 and only wear it three times - You spent $10 per wear. For work clothes - since there are 4 seasons (more or less) and since I kind of do a "uniform" which rotates thru the seasons - I try to wear each "uniform" tops atleast thru 2 cycles (or two years) - which means I get about 10 to 12 wears each year - or 20 to 24 wears over 2 seasons. Sometimes something will go a 3rd rotation. I generally replace some pieces after a 2nd rotation. For not work clothes it's kind of the same "uniform" but it might be 3 or 4 rotations before something gets replaced (because I haven't worn it all that much). I know this sounds dreadful because people see me wearing the exact same "casual" thing a couple of times over time. But, I just don't care. This is why the "uniform" look for work is so useful. It's stress free, somewhat lower in cost, and I always look presentable/have something to wear. Special one time occasions are a totally different story - and should have a different rule. (on a funny note: a million years ago my sisters-in-laws and I passed around a dress over the course of 2 years. It was an amazing dress in it was flattering and "magically" seemed to fit each of us. We still laugh about it - because the dress makes an appearance in many family photos - but is on a different woman each time. You reminded me that my wedding dress is “featured” in three weddings The other two are still married and the dress finally made it to a resale shop. Wonder if it’s been worn 30 times?? It was more classic than I realized
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 11, 2019 16:46:20 GMT -5
My family, (Mother, Daughter, Husband etc.), pretty much feels that if an dress worn to a wedding was posted on Facebook, you should not wear it to a second wedding.Wow, Bean, I think that is a crazy demand. Are these people going to actually look back on your FB to see if the dress was worn again?! Also, you can always accessorize it differently if that is important to them/you. I can MAYBE see it if you are in the wedding party. I fully expect to buy a new dress for each of my kids' weddings (if they all marry one day), even if I LOVE the dress I bought for DS1's wedding and would LOVE to wear it again. But I also plan to wear that dress again at other occasions. At least you don't spend much each time. I'm betting your DH or your DS or ANY man could wear the same suit at EVERY wedding. They might change their shirt and/or tie, but they might not. And NOBODY would notice!!!
That "decision" about me "needing" to buy a new dress just because it was posted on FB once would SERIOUSLY piss me off.
I can't afford couture. Most of us can't. Most of us wear SOME variation of "fast fashion". Since I can't afford couture, my contribution to both the planet AND my wallet is to buy as little as I can. Because even the cheaper items ... ESPECIALLY the cheaper items ... probably involve child labor.
I'd MUCH rather wear something twice or three times, even for a wedding.
Most of my regular clothes EASILY pass the "30 times" test. But some don't. And some don't even come close, like the hiking pants/shorts I keep bought for our (rare but treasured) hiking vacations.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Jul 11, 2019 16:58:07 GMT -5
I have so many clothes I doubt in my lifetime I could wear each piece 30 times, LOL!
I went downstairs today to get some sleeveless tops and pulled out 3 that still had price tags on them. And hubs wonders why I haven't sewn much. I guess I need to make some items so he will not feel all the work he did on my sewing room was for naught.
I have been remaking items for DD and mending things of his. I will make some shorts and tops to make him feel good.
I too like classics, I'm not much on these funny looking to me. new styles. Poor quality, cheap looking, they said clothing price hikes have contributed to the 3% increase in cost of living.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2019 18:11:12 GMT -5
You reminded me that my wedding dress is “featured” in three weddings The other two are still married and the dress finally made it to a resale shop. Wonder if it’s been worn 30 times?? It was more classic than I realized. When my brother was getting married, my sister offered her wedding dress to his fiancee. She accepted. Shortly after the ceremony, my BIL (sister's husband) said to my sister, "Is that your dress?" Like, he was exchanging vows with her just the year before while she wore it and it looked only vaguely familiar! Both couples are still happily married, 40+ years later. If you purchase a blouse for $30.00 and only wear it three times - You spent $10 per wear. I tend to think that way as well- which means my dress winter coat, which cost $450 in 1983 and still looks beautiful, and the cashmere sweaters I bought in the early 1990s, were bargains. I'm gonna cry when the sweaters get worn out and I have to replace them. The coat may outlast me.
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Jul 11, 2019 18:17:46 GMT -5
My family, (Mother, Daughter, Husband etc.), pretty much feels that if an dress worn to a wedding was posted on Facebook, you should not wear it to a second wedding.Wow, Bean, I think that is a crazy demand. Are these people going to actually look back on your FB to see if the dress was worn again?! Also, you can always accessorize it differently if that is important to them/you. I can MAYBE see it if you are in the wedding party. I fully expect to buy a new dress for each of my kids' weddings (if they all marry one day), even if I LOVE the dress I bought for DS1's wedding and would LOVE to wear it again. But I also plan to wear that dress again at other occasions. At least you don't spend much each time. I'm betting your DH or your DS or ANY man could wear the same suit at EVERY wedding. They might change their shirt and/or tie, but they might not. And NOBODY would notice!!!
That "decision" about me "needing" to buy a new dress just because it was posted on FB once would SERIOUSLY piss me off.
I can't afford couture. Most of us can't. Most of us wear SOME variation of "fast fashion". Since I can't afford couture, my contribution to both the planet AND my wallet is to buy as little as I can. Because even the cheaper items ... ESPECIALLY the cheaper items ... probably involve child labor.
I'd MUCH rather wear something twice or three times, even for a wedding.
Most of my regular clothes EASILY pass the "30 times" test. But some don't. And some don't even come close, like the hiking pants/shorts I keep bought for our (rare but treasured) hiking vacations.
I actually wore the dress I bought last year to two weddings, one on each side of the family. We did a family picture at one wedding, but it is on DH's Aunt's phone and she apparently does not know how to send it to us.
So, DH's goal was to get a "Family" picture from this wedding that we can put on the wall - hence the desire for us all to wear different clothing. We took a "family" picture, I went to the ladies' room, and realized I was wearing my sunglasses in the picture. I 'fessed up to the family, and DH managed to get the photographers to do another one. They said that we will be able to print them at will, apparently the bride and groom "bought the rights". This was not as much a concern about Facebook, as it was about the wedding pictures themselves - because they will be out or chosen as someone's profile pic etc. Aslo they get reposted on the anniversary. My niece that got married last year was like July 1, and this year's wedding was June 29, and yes, pictures from last year's wedding were re-posted on profiles.
We bought a new suit for FIL. We managed to get the suit, shirt, tie and new shoes at Kohl's for $130. We went back same day and bought a suit for DS b/c he is a Powerlifter and had been "bulking up". Luckily it fit. DS has had 3 suits so far, One was a Boston Store Capacity Day's buy for $100. The next was purchased on a Kohl's clearance rack for maybe $46-76. Last year DS went and bought a different pair of dress pants b/c the first pair was too small. Probably not the waist, but the Thighs. DH has 2 or 3 suits, but he said his pants might not fit right. So we bought him one too. DH took the two suits (his and DS's) to a client and had the sleeve length adjusted and the pants shortened at bit. I think the alterations were $56-76. I could have done the pants, but I really don't have a machine to do the hem correctly. DH wears a suit a lot more than I wear a dress, he sometimes wears them to company meetings, and for presentations.
My big thing on the dress was I wanted it to look good. $$ was almost secondary. I wanted to spend under $100. I was coming in at $65-75 until I online ordered one just before the wedding. it arrived on Wed, and we decided it was the best of the lot and the bonus, was it was purchased on a semi-annual sale so it was only $38. For that kind of cost, I don't really care if I only wear it once. Last year's dress was purchased on same type of deal for about the same $$.
Meh, I told MIL the same thing. I bought her a new dress, then went and bought a second one, b/c I was afraid she would be too hot. All the dresses she pulled out of her closet were worn to a family wedding ie. one of her kids, and I remembered every one of them (I always buy her dresses).
I bought new shoes to go with the dress too. I hope to wear them again, but we will see. I ended up taking them off at the wedding b/c my feet hurt.
I have quite a few pairs of shoes. My shoes usually "match" my outfit, and I have dumped a lot that are not comfortable anymore. I have more flats and tennis shoes now, along with dress booties and shoes that have lower heels.
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MN-Investor
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Post by MN-Investor on Jul 11, 2019 18:28:28 GMT -5
Right now I'm wearing a casual summer top which I remember wearing in Norway - in 1994. I gained weight after that and this top, along with some other favorite clothes, were put in a box in the back of my closet for that day when I would lose weight and be able to wear it again. And I did!!! So I am.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Jul 11, 2019 18:34:09 GMT -5
This reminds me of the t.v. host (male) who wore the exact same suit for a year straight, and no one noticed, while his female cohost was constantly criticized for what she wore. mashable.com/2014/11/16/karl-stefanovic-suit/I definitely get a lot of mileage out of my clothes. Except for special occasion dresses & outfits. That's the only category I don't wear much. (Think company Christmas party-type of clothes.)
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Jul 11, 2019 18:50:28 GMT -5
I’m wearing a Las Vegas County Jail Inmate # 0240201 tee shirt. I was issued this shirt in 2007! Sentimental value counts for something
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Jul 11, 2019 18:51:36 GMT -5
I hate shopping, so outside of fancy clothes (which I dread ever having to wear), everything I own should be worn at least 30 times. I also use the same method as billisonboard for many purchases and determine my desire to own said item based on how many hours I'll have to work to own it (and then, how many hours will I have to work to maintain it, etc). Many of my favorites are second hand. I'm realizing now, that for me, not caring about fashion (and many other "visible" things) is freeing. I simply don't care, so I don't waste any time or energy on it. I watch people who do, and it looks like so much work. I mean, do your thing, but me... I could not care less if I showed up in photos wearing the same thing, no matter who saw them, or how often. In fact, a class photo from elementary school was posted on FB recently. The dress I am wearing was my oldest sister's (12 years older). Somewhere there is a school photo with her wearing it. Then my other sister (5 years older) wore it, but I don't know if there is any photo proof. Then I wore it. This was in the late 80s, and the dress was so out of fashion, but five kids and hand-me-downs. Not only am I wearing it in the photo that was posted, I wore it in the next year's school photo too! (the person who posted it was in a different class the next year, or they would have been posted one right on top of the other). Even back when I was a somewhat self-conscious kid, I didn't care and thought it was funny. There are some shirts I just love, and would wear them every other day if they were guaranteed to never wear out on me. When I could wear regular t-shirts to work, there were three (Goonies, M*A*S*H, Oregon Ducks) that I wore every week, and the fourth shirt (4 day week) would vary. The guys noticed, but no one cared. The guys at the local restaurant supply store started remembering who I was after just a few visits, not because I was in there a lot in a short amount of time, but because every time I was in there I was wearing some form of "nerd shirt". You have someone coming in wearing a Christmas themed Donkey Kong shirt (old atari version, so a screenshot of the game, but there were snowflakes and Christmas outfits), then five months later you see someone wear a Weird Al shirt, then seven month later a Space Invaders shirt, you start to notice it's the same person... I do want to be comfortable, but not look super frumpy. I'll probably be like my gramma, but instead of wearing polyester shirts from the 50s and 60s until the day I die (early 00's), I'll be wearing my 90s hoodies/flannels/chunky shoes, nerd shirts, and concert tees. I'm fine with embarrassing my son.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Jul 11, 2019 18:59:45 GMT -5
I hate shopping, so outside of fancy clothes (which I dread ever having to wear), everything I own should be worn at least 30 times. I also use the same method as billisonboard for many purchases and determine my desire to own said item based on how many hours I'll have to work to own it (and then, how many hours will I have to work to maintain it, etc). Many of my favorites are second hand. I'm realizing now, that for me, not caring about fashion (and many other "visible" things) is freeing. I simply don't care, so I don't waste any time or energy on it. I watch people who do, and it looks like so much work. I mean, do your thing, but me... I could not care less if I showed up in photos wearing the same thing, no matter who saw them, or how often. In fact, a class photo from elementary school was posted on FB recently. The dress I am wearing was my oldest sister's (12 years older). Somewhere there is a school photo with her wearing it. Then my other sister (5 years older) wore it, but I don't know if there is any photo proof. Then I wore it. This was in the late 80s, and the dress was so out of fashion, but five kids and hand-me-downs. Not only am I wearing it in the photo that was posted, I wore it in the next year's school photo too! (the person who posted it was in a different class the next year, or they would have been posted one right on top of the other). Even back when I was a somewhat self-conscious kid, I didn't care and thought it was funny. There are some shirts I just love, and would wear them every other day if they were guaranteed to never wear out on me. When I could wear regular t-shirts to work, there were three (Goonies, M*A*S*H, Oregon Ducks) that I wore every week, and the fourth shirt (4 day week) would vary. The guys noticed, but no one cared. The guys at the local restaurant supply store started remembering who I was after just a few visits, not because I was in there a lot in a short amount of time, but because every time I was in there I was wearing some form of "nerd shirt". You have someone coming in wearing a Christmas themed Donkey Kong shirt (old atari version, so a screenshot of the game, but there were snowflakes and Christmas outfits), then five months later you see someone wear a Weird Al shirt, then seven month later a Space Invaders shirt, you start to notice it's the same person... I do want to be comfortable, but not look super frumpy. I'll probably be like my gramma, but instead of wearing polyester shirts from the 50s and 60s until the day I die (early 00's), I'll be wearing my 90s hoodies/flannels/chunky shoes, nerd shirts, and concert tees. I'm fine with embarrassing my son. Nothing wrong with wearing concert tees. My son “matured” and gave me his concert t shirts to add to my collection. I’ll be buried in my Pink Floyd tee and my Raider’s cap.
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jelloshots4all
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Post by jelloshots4all on Jul 11, 2019 22:21:45 GMT -5
I decided a couple years ago while cleaning out my closet, I was also going to pair it down to the "non" colors I like wearing. So my wardrobe consists of black (LOTS of BLACK), gray, tan, white and denim. When I traveled a lot these were my go to travel colors. You can always add color with accessories with jewelry, scarves, shoes, etc.
I buy most of my clothes at Marshalls as most dept stores are gone. Last weekend I picked up 6 different black tops/sweaters for summer. Some have stripes, different styles, etc. And most I spend less than $20 on, even for brand names such as Michael Kors.
I buy very few "classics" as I like to be trendy. But I probably do get 30 wears out of each style. But these are casual, as I can dress casual for work. I think I only own button down shirts that I have worn for interviews, and not even this last go around.
But I can dress them up as well. I REFUSE to Iron!! My linen shirts are steamed in the bathroom while taking a shower. Also, my "dress pants" are machine washable.
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lund
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Post by lund on Jul 12, 2019 2:27:07 GMT -5
I wear out most of what I buy..... though it may sometimes take some years, especially with winter clothing.
I often put what is not in size (my size fluctuates a lot) in a tote marked with the size. When I change sizes, I shift boxes.
I usually wear jeans to work, so little work clothes needed.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jul 12, 2019 9:10:52 GMT -5
Since I retired, I live in t-shirts and either shorts or jeans. If not those, pajamas. They definitely get worn 30 times.
I have a few dress up clothes for funerals and weddings. They will never be worn 30 times, but I didn't buy them for daily wear. If I was still working, I could have worn these to work.
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Jul 12, 2019 9:50:49 GMT -5
I wear out most of what I buy..... though it may sometimes take some years, especially with winter clothing. I often put what is not in size (my size fluctuates a lot) in a tote marked with the size. When I change sizes, I shift boxes. I usually wear jeans to work, so little work clothes needed. If my clothing doesn't fit, I have been known to get out my sewing machine and take stuff in. If I gain weight I also have been known to get out a seam ripper and give myself a little more room.
I am not always a consistent size, even from the same store. I have a small waist and big hips, sometimes I need a "curvy fit" lately I don't, but my favorite jeans are "curvy fit slim jeans". I purchased other curvy fit pants and jeans from the same store, and they are too big for me.
Most of the stuff I culled from my closet this year was too big. I altered many of the items that were too big. I gave away stuff that I thought was too worn, or too trendy to come back in style.
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geenamercile
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Post by geenamercile on Jul 12, 2019 10:05:55 GMT -5
Most of my clothes could be worn for work or out. But last year I had enough school shirts to wear a pride shirt each day. I think I had 7 so I just did that. It was a cool goal to have, not sure if I will do it again this year or not. But by guess I get more a lot more then 30 days out of each piece, not counting my fancy clothes. With those I have 3 or 4 dress that I wear to things.
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hopetoberich
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Post by hopetoberich on Jul 12, 2019 21:17:36 GMT -5
I think I have worn 60% of my clothes over 30 times. Much more than 30 for t shirts that fit well. I recently cut off capris into shorts around the knee. If I want then shorter, I fold over a few times. Good enough for walking and going to the park. I don't enjoy clothes shopping unless I am getting a huge bargain usually from the thrift store.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Jul 13, 2019 8:53:32 GMT -5
Most of my everyday clothes will get at least 30 wearing while my dressy clothes won’t since I’m now retired. I live in jeans and T-shirts. I do have some dressy trousers and more dressy shirts/blouses for church or other semi-dressy occasions and a couple of dresses and suits from when I was working. I’ll keep those but still need do go through and donate the rest of the clothes I no longer need.
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Deleted
Joined: Apr 20, 2024 7:21:21 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2019 10:35:51 GMT -5
I remember when Christmas sweaters came in style. A lot of people considered it the epitome of waste to have a piece of clothing that you could only wear for a few weeks out of the year. Just buy a red sweater that can be worn whenever. Clothes cost more back then, though, compared to what people earned.
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