It takes two: When it makes sense to buy multiples of the same clothing item
A reader wants to know:
When should I buy multiples of the same thing in the same or different colors, and when should I pass?
This is a pretty common question, and a good one.
When it makes sense to double up on clothes
- When it’s a wardrobe staple. Some wardrobe staples, like T-shirts, are worth getting in more than one color. And if you know you’ll wear the heck out of it, you could even get multiples of the same hue.
- When it fits like a dream. Did you discover that elusive creature, the pair of jeans that truly fit you? Get two, in different washes if you can. Labels constantly retire styles, so if you love it now, get it now; it’s not going to be cheaper if you can only find it next year in the wilds of eBay. Or maybe you finally found shoes that are both comfortable and stylish: get two, in different colors if you want, or of the same one so you can have a backup when the first pair falls apart. (I wish I’d bought two of my favorite pair of Puma flats at the time; if only I’d known!)
- When it’s one of a kind. OK, it’s not really “one of a kind” if there’s more than one of it, but if an item you fall in love with is so unusual you know you’ll never see it again, pick up its twin. Keep that one on reserve for the day when the original is finally worn to bits.
If you’re still not sure, the final tipping point can be price. If you know you’ll wear both and the second one is at a discount—or better yet, BOGO—take advantage of your good timing. And if you’re shopping online, remember to start at eBates first. (Just deposited another Big Fat Check today myself!)
The key overall is balance. If your closet is filled with nothing but multiples of a just a few things, you’re likely to get bored and feel like your style is in a rut. But if you know what your “me uniform” looks like, it makes sense to have more than one of those pieces on hand.
Or combine the two, like Steve Jobs, who famously had a wardrobe of nothing but the same black turtleneck, jeans and white tennis shoes. Now that’s style precision!
Learn more about how to dress for your figure, clean out your closet and create outfits that are fab, not drab, in No More Yoga Pants: How to Dress Better, Shop Smarter and Reclaim Your Style, the Frantic But Fabulous style workshop. This easy-to-follow system includes how-to guides, worksheets and a checklist of wardrobe essentials. Get started today!
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