Long before being an outfit repeater was considered a good thing, back when I was still teaching, I always planned in advance what I’d wear each week. I tried not to repeat outfits over the course of the week. Individual pieces, maybe, but not whole outfits. On Sunday, I’d think my way through my upcoming week. And then, on Sunday night, I’d iron a pile of things, so I didn’t have to worry about ironing when I was in a hurry in the mornings.
Most of the time this worked well. Except when we had a big change in the weather, or I woke up in a persnickety mood and only one outfit would do.
“I know, I know,” I’d say to myself, “I should wear those brown pants because I don’t wear them enough. But I really, really want to wear that tweed suit… or that pink sweater… or that black and white circle skirt.” Back in the early aughts I owned a much-loved, black and white glen-plaid, flippy, knee-length circle skirt. I’d wear it with black tights, a pair of low, black pumps with pointy-toes, and a slim, grass-green, light wool, crew-neck sweater from Theory. I’d wear a black Bakelite brooch on the sweater, and a cream trench coat over everything.
This simple skirt and sweater outfit always made me feel awesome. I usually wanted to wear it more often than I did. I mean I could have worn it every day. In fact, I’d wear that outfit today and feel awesome. If I still had those pieces. And if they still fit me. Which they wouldn’t. Which is why I don’t have them anymore.
Back then there were always a few pieces in my growing closet that I didn’t love. And they became “duty” pieces. I had to make myself wear them so I could justify having bought them. Other pieces, or combination of pieces, like the green sweater and the black and white skirt, made me feel like a million bucks. Wearing those favourite outfits usually meant I had a good day. Or a much better chance of having a good day.
Every once in a while I’d have what Hubby called my “fashion show.” This always occurred on a night when Hubby was coaching or playing hockey and wouldn’t be home until late. I loved doing this. I’d get home in good time from school, eschewing the gym or my run. I’d make a pot of tea and unload my closet onto the spare room bed. Then I’d sip my tea and for the next two hours I’d set about coming up with new outfit ideas. That’s how I ended up pairing the green sweater with the black and white plaid skirt. That those two pieces would look so great together had not occurred to me. Until I tried them one afternoon during a “fashion show.” Or what I call a closet rummage now.
In the nineties during my “indulgent years”, which you can read about here, I could afford to shop and buy what I wanted. And I did. Trust me.
I began to use my “fashion shows” as a means of determining what I’d wear again each season, and what I didn’t want to wear anymore. I jettisoned pieces despite the guilt I felt for not having worn them enough. I’d let go of things that, sadly, no longer fit. And I tucked away a few special pieces I still loved, which still fit, but were no longer current. Like the Max Mara jackets I could not bear to sell or give away. I had no choice. It was either cull or stop shopping. I had to keep my wardrobe pared down because we lived in a small house and my closet was tiny.
Sometimes I still can’t believe that I was so prescient as to store those much-loved pieces. They took up space I could ill-afford to give up. But prescient, sentimental, or just plain lucky, the result is the same. Old jackets and suits that I never stopped loving and which I eventually happily cycled back into my wardrobe after years and years.
This was ages before closet edits and curated wardrobes became a thing. Years and years before the term slow fashion was bandied about. And long before “Rule of Five” became my mantra.
Now I’m an outfit repeater. And proud of it. Being an outfit repeater is seen in the slow fashion world as an identity to which we should all aspire. Being an outfit repeater is a sign of having a manageable, well-curated, well-loved wardrobe. Of course, not working helps me keep my wardrobe small. I need fewer clothes. And I definitely need fewer outfits each week.
Wearing an outfit I love, one which makes me feel like me, can still make or break my day. It’s just that, unlike when I was teaching, I don’t see the same people day after day. Well, except Hubby. And no one will notice if I’ve worn an outfit to run errands one day and the same outfit to meet a friend for coffee the next.
The black “wind proof stand collar blouson” jacket I bought a few weeks ago at Uniqlo has been on heavy rotation since the weather warmed up a bit. I wear it with my black Everlane cashmere crew neck sweater, my white Levi’s 501 jeans, and my old black Cole Haan Chelsea boots. Or on days when it’s cooler with my black cashmere turtleneck sweater from Aritzia, and my split-hem jeans from Zara. I don’t usually shop at Zara, but back in the winter of 2023 I was desperate. And the jeans are pretty well made, I must say.
You can read all about how I came to buy those Zara jeans in this post, if you’re interested. I should warn you the post is not primarily a fashion post. It’s mostly about language and how weird it can be, and the various language rabbit holes that I fell into that week.
On Friday I went for lunch with my two walking buddies. We had a great time. Lots of catching up, and laughs, and great food. I wore my current favourite outfit, with the Aritzia turtleneck and the Zara jeans.
One of the wait-staff at the restaurant had on jeans and a gorgeous bright green sweater. It was loose, and cropped, and just lovely, and she looked lovely in it. Today, thinking about that girl in her bright sweater makes me long for spring even more. And for a new spring sweater.
Of course the current compulsive longing I am feeling for spring and spring sweaters can have nothing to do with the change in the weather. Or the six inches of snow we had last night. See the tragic photo above. Sigh.
You know, outfit repeating, like not shopping, is good for the environment. Over consumption is a big problem. We all need to do our bit. But, my goodness, my friends, today I am so longing to go spring clothes shopping.
This is year two of my Rule of Five pledge. And I’m doing okay. I’ve bought that black Uniqlo jacket and nothing else. And I have four more new pieces left. I can still shop if I want. I have to keep reminding myself that.
I’d love to have a new sweater for spring in a bright colour. Or maybe in cream. And I’ve been shopping around. Just looking, mind you.
A couple of weeks ago, at the Uniqlo store I looked for their merino sweaters. Maybe they had them in spring colours. I love my burgundy one, seen here, which I bought a couple of years ago. But apparently the Uniqlo merino sweaters are not currently in stores. They can, however, be found on-line here. I was thinking of the cream. It would be great with my black jacket. Or with my navy blazers.
And I’ve been eyeing this green cashmere crew-neck at Aritzia with interest. But it might be too heavy for what I want. This fine-wool, soft blue, long-sleeved sweater at Theory is so like the green one I had years ago. This bright pink one with the short sleeves would be even better. Or perhaps this bright red, short-sleeved knitted tee shirt from COS.
But I’m only looking for now. I’ll try my favourite consignment and vintage stores first. And I need to remember my “green coat rule” and buy something only if I truly love it. Like my green Max Mara coat. Something which will make me feel amazing. And which can facilitate much outfit repeating in the coming months.
Now it’s your turn my friends. Are you an outfit repeater? Do you have a few favourite combinations that are in heavy rotation? What’s on your list for spring?
P.S. I’m off to New Brunswick this upcoming week. There will not be a post next weekend as my sister Carolyn and I are hoping to be in Nova Scotia visiting our sister Connie. Let’s hope that we don’t get a big snowstorm like we did last spring, or Covid like we did last fall, and have to cancel our visit AGAIN. I arrive home the following Saturday, April 12. I’ll do my best to get a post out that weekend, but it may be a day late.
P.P.S. The clothing links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link, I will earn a commission which helps to pay for the blog. And if you’d rather shop second-hand or vintage, and want to support my blog, you can always buy me a coffee. 🙂
By the way, I apologize for your not receiving my email last Sunday as scheduled. There was a glitch at Mail Chimp and my post sat in the queue for a whole day. Hopefully this one goes out as scheduled.
19 thoughts on “Being An Outfit Repeater”
I think perhaps I overdo the favourite combinations & forget what else is hiding away . I had a trying on session this weekend as we are going off for a few days this week to Stamford in Lincolnshire, a lovely old Georgian town which has starred in quite a few films . It’s very Jane Austeny . I wanted to perk up my outfits without shopping but the problem is our weather . A little heat wave was forecast so out came the soft trousers , blouses & a light jacket then yesterday the wind got up & the temperature dropped . So then I was pulling out light jumpers , jeans & a warmer jacket . I started off carefully curating my packing but I’m getting worn out now & feel like throwing anything in . It’s usually this way . I hope you enjoy your trip east with your sisters & that your packing goes better than mine .
I’m going to look that town up, Wendy. I do love an Austeny town. 🙂 Sounds like you need to pack for two seasons. If you’re driving that would be easy. Otherwise maybe you can steal some room in Max’s suitcase??
I am definitely an outfit repeater.
I need to cull my wardrobe when I swap over to spring/summer, as I’m holding onto things that I just don’t wear. Guilt is a big part of it, as we’ve got a more limited budget now we’re retired, but I don’t need most of the dressier outfits I still have…
I’m also losing weight (deliberately!) which also impacts things – and also why I’m repeating!!
I’m not sure I could ever attempt rule of 5 though! That’s tough! Well done you!!
I have a feeling that it’s easier to do the Rule of Five if you’ve recently stocked up on basics, like I did during the pandemic. Don’t get rid of your dressier outfits too quickly. A dressy jacket can make a casual outfit smart and ready for most any occasion.
Oh, your glen plaid/green combo sounds so fab! No pictures extant? A shame if so, but beautiful in my mind’s eye.
Like Fiona, I’m deliberately losing weight, so for the moment keeping to 5 things is easy. I am repeating a lot, and now that Spring has finally arrived (🙏), I do need to do a rummage and see what works for the moment. Yesterday I started my flip – moving the sweaters to the deep of the drawers and the lighter weight stuff up top. Definitely looking forward to some variety! Planned an outfit that I haven’t worn in forever for a lunch tomorrow, and looking forward to rediscovering more.
That outfit only exists in my mind’s eye now. When I come home from New Brunswick I will do the big turn-around, and wash and pack away heavy sweaters. But not until then… we’re supposed to get snow when I’m in Fredericton. 🙁
I used to call it a “fashion show” when I received my online purchases, modeling them for my husband who really wasn’t much of an audience. That was before the Rule of Five! I have not bought anything yet this year, except for new bras and workout wear which were desperately needed, and I don’t believe count? I still have far too much in my closet and am in serious need of a closet purge! Items I like, but just don’t wear. It’s been less than a year since I retired, but I worked from home for four years before that so… They need to go! Yesterday I pulled three large, heavy leather bags from my closet. I can’t imagine wanting to carry one of those anymore. I could consign them, but does anyone carry them? Should I wait until fall? Such decisions keep me from making a dent. Ugh! Maybe a fashion show try-on session would help!
Underwear and work-out gear don’t count in your five purchases. 🙂 I’m the same with big heavy bags I used to love. I’ve given a few away. If you plan to consign them I’d wait for late summer when the second-hand stores are looking for fall merchandise.
I’ve had a Glen plaid (we call it Prince de Gales- I’ve just googled if it was the same thing) pencil skirt suit and ,as I rarely wear green( don’t know why, I like the colour),it was paired with white or black or red or yellow or royal blue. Glorious days when weather was predictable and I could plan a week with one suit and different sweaters or blouses ahead ( and wearing an uniform during work hours,all things were like n̈ew for ages)
So,yes, I’m an outfit repeater and hate when we have huge weather changes,up and down and up- I’m prepared for spring but my outfits are not,I’m still in love with my grey/black combo
Enjoy your trip
Dottoressa
I am longing for spring so I can wear blazers and light jackets without having layer up. We had snow, then an ice storm, then rain over the weekend. Today the temperatures are in double digits. Hard to plan for that. Ha.
I just wrapped up teaching a four session History of Textile course for the community where we live. I had great attendance and they were wildly in love with three articles of clothing I wore. One was my husband’s batik dinner jacket from when we lived in Bangkok 50 years ago. I took possession of it about 25 years ago. I roll up the sleeves to show the spectacular lining and wear it wi th h black jeans. Everyone wanted it. The next item was a McLeod yellow and black tartan that I made into a jacket 30 years ago. I kept it because I had matched the plaid perfectly. The last was one of my 5 purchases from last year that I purchased for 70% off the regular price. It is a navy and pale blue jacquard jacket that goes with light blue jeans perfectly. I ended the last session with a discussion of landfills, only buying five., and keeping what you love, even if you don’t wear it as often as you think you will. You have been my inspiration.
Unique pieces always get attention, don’t they? I’d have loved to attend that course. And how wonderful that you ended your session with sustainability talk. 🙂
I’m definitely a wardrobe repeater these days. Tends to be shorts or pedal pushers and a tee in summer and jeans and a woollen jumper in the winter. A far cry from my working days when I tended to wear suits with a blouse or fine merino jumper.
Each time I do a seasonal clothing swap over I try to cull a few garments but I am not good at it. For some reason I can’t part with clothing that is in good condition even if I don’t wear it due to incorrect size or fashion trend. I tell myself I will lose a few kilograms or that the fashion will reappear again. If only …
I’ve sworn off the shorts except for sitting on our deck. But jeans are my go to year round. Then again we don’t get the amount of heat that you do.
It’s fascinating to me to read of the beautiful outfits you planned and wore in your professional life. I spent a good portion of my working years in elementary schools, and my wardrobe was much more casual — partly, I suppose, because part of my day might be spent sitting on the floor with young students, but I wonder if it also reflects the difference between a city high school and a rural elementary school. Over the years, my “casual” outfits (and those of my peers) began to look quite dressy compared to the very relaxed clothing of many young teachers entering the system — maybe not quite athleisure, but close.
You must have had many students who enjoyed your sense of fashion and who looked forward to seeing what you would wear each day!
I think that elementary is quite different from high school. Although things had changed a lot by the time I retired. In the eighties high school teachers always dressed in “business wear.” Now it’s more likely jeans and a tee shirt. I think that young teachers need to try to build a little space between themselves and their students. And dressing like an adult can help with this. I always dressed for myself. And that involved making an effort. But that didn’t mean I had to be ultra serious. I could still be jokey and wave my hands around in a skirt and heels. 🙂
I am an outfit repeater. There is nothing more exciting for me than finding a few “uniforms” for each season and going with it. I remember a time when wearing the same thing was frowned upon. Now I am just glad to be dressed. I don’t do the three word style thing put I do have a mission. To look as put together as possible with the least amount of effort. Thanks again for a thought provoking blog post.
I like having a few uniform choices. It’s easy to make up my mind what to wear, and they will look good because they’re tried and true. But then I have to change them up because I get bored.
Refreshing honesty! Repeating outfits is both practical and stylish.
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