Minimalist wardrobe, what's in yours?

[windawake]

I've really been trying to cut down while also being more creative with my clothing. I've always had fewer clothes on average than friends, but recently sold and donated 3 big bags worth (although many of these were not in rotation at the time, as they were awaiting 'someday' in the storage unit). It makes me much happier to see all that open space in drawes and closets. I think I could even pare down more. So I'm curious, is anyone else in pursuit of a more minimalist wardrobe?

Because I clearly have too much time on my hands, below is the current makeup of my wardrobe. Disclaimer: Since I live in MN, I have one box of summer clothes out of rotation in the storage unit.  I also am only including things that make up my work or casual wardrobe, I left out pajama and exercise shirts, underthings, and winter gear (boots, gloves, and the like).

Tops: 2 sweatshirts, 4 cardigans, 2 pull over sweaters, 2 blazers, 2 button up shirts, 2 blouses, 5 tshirts, 1 tunic.

Pants: 2 jeans, 1 pair cords, 1 pair slacks, 3 skirts, 2 pairs leggings, 2 pairs tights

Dresses: 2 wrap dresses, 3 short sleeve dresses, and a sweater dress.

Accessories: 4 scarves. 2 pairs earrings. 2 necklaces.

Shoes: 1 pair of boots. (I have another pair of hardcore winter boots I wear for dog walking, I do own cooler weather shoes, a pair of canvas walking shoes and one pair of flats, but they are out of rotation currently)

[Nords]

I own the "minimalist surfer retiree" wardrobe:
~50 t-shirts & tank tops  (freebies or Aloha Stadium Swap Meet specials)
7 aloha shirts (Goodwill's finest)
~15 pairs of surf shorts (Goodwill)
3 pairs of jeans (worn once or twice per month)
4 pairs of slacks (worn once or twice per month)
1 pair of loafers (worn only when required by restaurant dress code)
2 pairs of dress socks (worn maybe once per month)
3 pairs of rubber slippers (~$4 at Long's Drugs, a pair at each door in the house)
1 pair of yardwork sneakers (Goodwill) with socks (Wal-Mart)
1 pair of hiking socks & shoes (REI-- spent real money for these!)
1 windbreaker (back to Goodwill)

1 pair of knitted gloves & 1 wool cap from high school, both older than most of this forum's posters
1 ski jacket circa 1979 (remember the "Gerry" brand?)

I still have a few sets of submarine coveralls in the corner of the closet.  I've never owned a tuxedo (except for the Navy uniform versions), and I haven't owned a three-piece suit in decades.  I no longer own a suit, sportscoat, or neckties.

I still own a half-dozen wool sweaters that have been in storage bags since 1997.  I should probably get rid of those

[Richard3]

I own the semi-minimalist semi-retired all purpose outdoors bum wardrobe:

1 goretex hat
1 fleece hat

2 pairs glasses
1 pair sun glasses
2 pair ski goggles
1 pair swim goggles

1 Goretex jacket
1 PVC jacket
1 Knitted hoody
1 full zip polar fleece
2 flannel shirts
1 linen business casual shirt
2 cotton business shirts
8 cotton t-shirts
3 sports fabric t-shirts
1 sports fabric long sleeved t shirt
2 short sleeved rugby jersey
1 long sleeved rugby jersey
1 thermal t-shirt
1 icebreaker long sleeved hooded t-shirt

1 new goretex lined trousers
1 crappy goretex unlined trousers
1 dark blue jeans
1 black "khakis" (you know what I mean I hope)
1 3/4s shorts
1 knee length shorts
2 sports / swimming shorts
1 outdoors trousers (waxed cotton I think)

8 normal boxer briefs
2 fitted boxer briefs
1 sports underpants
1 quick dry boxers

5 pairs hiking socks
3 pairs black socks
3 pairs white sports socks

1 Pair hiking boots
1 pair brown leather shoes (I think, I don't remember throwing them out
1 pair jandals
1 pair five fingers
1 pair snowboard boots

That is it with about 95% certainty / accuracy. It was only semi-planned so I am sure I could be more efficient.

[Empire Business]

I still work, but I have a job where I can wear jeans and may have to crawl on the floor at any time.

I have cultivated my own uniform of sorts.  All clothes are in the same color family so I can throw any of them on together.  They are all dark colors so no bleach and no real worry of stains.  A little color fading over time is fine by me.

I don't count by number of items, I count by space they take up.  If I get something new and the drawer is full, something has to go.

1 drawer jeans
1 drawer turtleneck shirts (these and sweaters worn even in summer, ridiculous AC in work building)
1 drawer t-shirts
1 drawer pajama pants/sweatpants/shorts
1 drawer weird weather stuff like rain pants, polar fleece pants, swimsuits

Then there is the closet.  It is small by today's standards, if you showed it to anyone on HGTV they would probably have a shit fit.  In the 1940s when the house was built, I'm sure two people shared it and didn't complain.  It has all the sweaters and hoodies, as well as several skirts and a couple dresses that I don't get much chance to wear.

For shoes I have sandals, hiking boots, duck boots, rain boots, everyday sneakers, vans for around the house mostly, two pairs of dressier boots (one is furry on the inside so not year round) and one pair of dressier non-boot shoes.

[Nudelkopf]

Someone in another thread talked about keeping an inventory of all their clothes - I just updated mine, and I have precisely 100 items. I am so not minimalist in my wardrobe :(

8 Dresses
11 Skirts
7 Blouses
20 Tops
15 Shorts/pants
7 Sports clothes (includes togs/swimmers)
18 Shoes
8 Bras/PJs
6 Winter jeans/jackets

[kt]

i ought to inventory and overhaul my wardrobe. certainly shall do before i move this year.
when it's actually warm in summer i have a nice capsule wardrobe of 2 different coloured strap tops, 2 different coloured t-shirts, 1 long skirt, 1 short skirt and shorts. All these mix and match giving me a total of 12 different outfits. I love periods when I can use this and have been meaning to plan other capsules.

[frugalNYC]

Just ignore the numbering. I copied this from my neurotically-enumerated list of everything I own.

CLOTHES
44.   Pants, grey J. Crew
45.   Pants, black jeans

46.   Skirt, grey jersey
47.   Skirt, flowy lavender

48.   Dress, blue (thesis dress)
49.   Dress, black and white (wedding dress)
50.   Dress, flowery theory
51.   Dress, green-blue with keyholes
52.   Dress, blue from Lindsay
53.   Dress, black from Uniqlo

54.   Jacket, brown/grey suit
55.   Jacket, grey suede
56.   Jacket, grey Ralph Lauren

57.   T-shirt, blue ALC
58.   Blouse, taupe
59.   Button down, white and blue
60.   Button down, cream silk
61.   Button down, black
62.   Tank top, green
63.   Tank top, grey
64.   Tank top, blue

65.   Sports bra
66.   Shorts, blue aquatic
67.   Swim suit

68.   Blue wool socks
69.   Blue/taupe wool socks
70.   Grey wool socks
71.   Grey striped socks
72.   White ankle socks

73.   Grey underwear
74.   Black underwear 1
75.   Black underwear 2
76.   Nude underwear 1
77.   Light pink underwear
78.   Pink underwear
79.   Nude bra 1
80.   Nude bra 2

81.   Red monster scarf
82.   Donna Howel-Sickles cowgirl scarf
83.   Buffalo Bill scarf
84.   Purple and mustard horses scarf
86.   Red wool winter scarf

87.   Leather belt 1
88.   Leather belt 2
89.   Red belt

90.   White bike jacket
91.   Black fleece
92.   Long, grey, winter overcoat

93.   Cowboy hat
94.   ALC hat
95.   Gloves, winter

SHOES
96.   Running shoes
97.   Nude heels
98.   Brown heels
99.   Black pumps
100.   Red flats
101.   Hiking boots

[windawake]

Boots will last you much, much longer if you rotate them every other day so they can dry out and stay clean and sturdy.

Rotating boots requires owning two pairs of boots. Obviously they would last twice as long, but I like only having the one footwear choice in the morning. It's much simpler. Being as this is a salty, snowy, wet Minnesota winter, my boots usually only last one season anyways, even when I wasn't wearing them every day.

[smalllife]

Mine is in need of a swap/cull, but I have:

4 skirts
4 cardigan/jackets
1 rain coat
1 winter coat
2 long sleeve shirts
3 jeans
~8-10 short sleeve shirts
~8 dresses
2 pairs of boots
1 walking/all purpose black shoe
1 pair flats
3 heels
3 pairs sandals
2 pairs nice black pants
lots of scarves

It's starting to feel like too much and I have some items that either need tailoring or need to go.  I have a casual-dress job so I don't have a work wardrobe, but everything I own is work appropriate.  It's all in the same color family, minus a dress or two, so I can mix and match as desired.   Bring on the no new clothes in 2014 gauntlet!

[windawake]

It's all in the same color family, minus a dress or two, so I can mix and match as desired.   Bring on the no new clothes in 2014 gauntlet!

I agree! I like my wardrobe more as I own less. Instead of having 6 cardigans, 3 of which I wear only because I feel guilty I bought them, now I fully love the 3 I have. I don't want to buy new clothes in 2014 either, besides maybe some underwear.

All of my clothes go together too. All my pants/skirts/leggings/tights are black which simplifies everything tremendously for me. All the shoes I buy are black as well.

ETA: typos.

[Fireman]

Just ignore the numbering. I copied this from my neurotically-enumerated list of everything I own.

Curious here...what's the last number on the whole list?  I've always wanted to try this, more so for insurance purposes than anything else but it seems so daunting. 

[oldtoyota]

I own the "minimalist surfer retiree" wardrobe:
~50 t-shirts & tank tops  (freebies or Aloha Stadium Swap Meet specials)
7 aloha shirts (Goodwill's finest)
~15 pairs of surf shorts (Goodwill)
3 pairs of jeans (worn once or twice per month)
4 pairs of slacks (worn once or twice per month)
1 pair of loafers (worn only when required by restaurant dress code)
2 pairs of dress socks (worn maybe once per month)
3 pairs of rubber slippers (~$4 at Long's Drugs, a pair at each door in the house)
1 pair of yardwork sneakers (Goodwill) with socks (Wal-Mart)
1 pair of hiking socks & shoes (REI-- spent real money for these!)
1 windbreaker (back to Goodwill)

This makes me smile. So laid back. So Hawaii!

That movie with George Clooney got this part of Hawaii right, it seems. In one scene, everyone was wearing shorts, and the narrator makes sure the audience understand that people in shorts can be wealthy. LOL

[oldtoyota]

Just ignore the numbering. I copied this from my neurotically-enumerated list of everything I own.

I love you people. This is the kind of thing I would do, except I've been too busy making a spreadsheet of the lowest grocery prices. =-D

[Rural]

I own the "minimalist surfer retiree" wardrobe:
~50 t-shirts & tank tops  (freebies or Aloha Stadium Swap Meet specials)
7 aloha shirts (Goodwill's finest)
~15 pairs of surf shorts (Goodwill)
3 pairs of jeans (worn once or twice per month)
4 pairs of slacks (worn once or twice per month)
1 pair of loafers (worn only when required by restaurant dress code)
2 pairs of dress socks (worn maybe once per month)
3 pairs of rubber slippers (~$4 at Long's Drugs, a pair at each door in the house)
1 pair of yardwork sneakers (Goodwill) with socks (Wal-Mart)
1 pair of hiking socks & shoes (REI-- spent real money for these!)
1 windbreaker (back to Goodwill)

This makes me smile. So laid back. So Hawaii!

That movie with George Clooney got this part of Hawaii right, it seems. In one scene, everyone was wearing shorts, and the narrator makes sure the audience understand that people in shorts can be wealthy. LOL

 I confess I did wonder what Nords wears with his slacks. I finally decided it must be the aloha shirts. :-)

[frompa]

I've gotta say, the idea of counting all my clothes strikes me as really odd.  Admittedly, I have far too much, and every once in a while go wild tossing alot of it away.  But in general wardrobe seems so... transient, and not worth a whole lot of my attention. Maybe there's a connection between the sentiment of my first sentence and the sad fact of my second one, but I don't view myself too harshly on account of it.  So let's put me down as puzzled but slightly amused by this topic.   

[brand new stash]

3 work appropriate pants
7 long sleeve work appropriate tops
7 short sleeve work appropriate tops

2 pairs of jeans
4 weekend/casual long sleeve shirts
4 weekend/casual short sleeve shirts
1 casual sweater

1 pair of sweatpants
4 t shirts
1 sweatshirt

1 business suit
1 summer casual dress
1 summer dress appropriate for wedding or similar event
1 winter dress appropriate for wedding or similar event
1 funeral or wake appropriate outfit  (I wish I didn't need to have this in my wardrobe, but unfortunately I've found more use for it than I would like).

1 pair sneakers
1 pair of work appropriate flats
1 pair of boots for snow
2 pairs of pumps (black and navy)
1 pair of summer casual sandals
1 pair of flip flops

2 sets of pajamas
a bathing suit

[iwasjustwondering]

I have a lot of clothes, more now than ever because I lost 40 lbs last year and had to buy new things.  It's really, really fun to buy size 8 clothes, so I've been doing a bit more of it in the past year.

Coats -- four (one white wool, one short trench, one ski jacket, one short, light down)
Boots -- Two ankle boots (black and brown), one knee-length black suede, and one snow
Sneakers -- one, which I use for both the gym and yardwork
Shoes -- one pair silver flats, one pair black patent heels (I wear boots every day except in summer), one pair Nike flipflops inherited from my son, who grew out of them.
Dresses -- four (two wrap, one sleeveless black, one red knit)
Pants -- probably five, for work
Pantsuit -- one, gray pinstriped
Blazer/jackets -- probably eight, collected over the years
Skirts -- probably five
Jeans -- three
Blouses -- maybe three or four
Sweaters -- four
T-shirts -- a dozen, all free, mostly from charity events through work

Those are just the clothes in rotation.  I have more that are ridiculously large, damaged in some way, or that I have come to despise.  I need to get rid of them.  I am usually very good about donating my kids' old clothes, but need to do this more with my own.

[Cujo]

My proudest feature of my wardrobe is that for work, I own four pair of the exact same khakis. I found a style I like that fits well, and when they went on sale I bought 3 more. Similarly, I have half a dozen pair of the exact same brown dress socks. I don't even need to pair them since they're all the same.

These are accompanied by a dozen or so short-sleeved button-down shirts (my office is warm year-round), all from the thrift shop. Quality brands - REI, Gap, Eddie Bauer, etc., bought for $3-4 each.

[mrsggrowsveg]

Cool thread.  Last year I went through my closet and finally only kept the close that made me feel really good/pretty and fit well.  No more too small jeans that may never fit or pretty shirt that I don't feel confident in.  It feels amazing to have less clothes and know that everything I have works for me.  I haven't exactly counted my wardrobe, but this is my guess.

For work:

2 sweaters
1 cardigan
2 work pants
1 pair nice jeans (casual Friday)
2 skirts
2 nice t-shirts
2 button downs
1 dress

Home/farming/lounging

2 yoga pants
drawer of t-shirts
a few shorts
a few sweaters/sweatshirts
2 casual/work outside jeans
3 skirts
2 sundresses

A whole dresser of lingerie (don't want to run out of clean undergarments)

1 really fancy dress I wear on special dates/parties

Shoes:
cowboy boots
mud boots
tennis shoes
flip flops
flats
tall black boots

[rubybeth]

I'm also in MN! I want to pare down my wardrobe, so will stayed tuned to this thread. Have you read about Project 333? http://theproject333.com/getting-started/ I don't know if I could go that minimal because of the four distinct seasons--maybe a wardrobe of 33 items for fall/winter and 33 for spring/summer would work. :)

One thing I've found that helps me pare down is to have someone whose fashion sense I trust (my sister) help me to go through my entire closet and all drawers after a change of season. I can easily pick out things that I haven't worn at all, or duplicates of items. It also helps that she can tell me if something actually looks good on me or not (brutal honesty is important and I am never offended if she says it looks bad). She can also help notice if there are 'holes,' because she'll ask me questions about items I'm not sure about, like "What will you wear this with?" and then we figure out that I would wear things a lot more if I had, say, a matching cardigan to wear over them when it gets colder. It helps me avoid needless shopping and actually get items that I'll wear for years.

One of the biggest helps is that she holds up each item for me to see, so I don't actually touch it. I've read that there's some evidence that it's harder to get rid of things if we touch them ourselves, because it brings back memories and such, and so having someone else hold up an item for your unattached assessment is really helpful (or at least, I've found this to be true). It allows you to see the items as they were in the store (or online) when you originally purchased, and kind of realize what actually doesn't look that great.

[windawake]

I'm also in MN! I want to pare down my wardrobe, so will stayed tuned to this thread. Have you read about Project 333? http://theproject333.com/getting-started/ I don't know if I could go that minimal because of the four distinct seasons--maybe a wardrobe of 33 items for fall/winter and 33 for spring/summer would work. :)

I have heard of that project. At least what I've read it said that you just have 33 items in rotation at a time, so I think that would work to have seasonal items put away. I like putting things away because then it's like new clothes when you bring them out again. I actually have a bunch of jewelry put away right now with the idea that if I don't want any of it in the next 6 months, I'll get rid of it all. Right now I have just under 50 items including two winter coats (one for sub-25, one for 25-45ish), and winter boots.

[Nords]

This makes me smile. So laid back. So Hawaii!
That movie with George Clooney got this part of Hawaii right, it seems. In one scene, everyone was wearing shorts, and the narrator makes sure the audience understand that people in shorts can be wealthy. LOL

That movie was well done, although locals kept trying to relate it to the Damon or the Campbell or the (insert old family trust name here) estates...

I confess I did wonder what Nords wears with his slacks. I finally decided it must be the aloha shirts. :-)

There are a couple of places around here that have a dress code, and aloha shirts/slacks are good for weddings or funerals.  Of course if I was still working then I'd have 20 or 30 of them.  I've even seen them imprinted with the logos of the U.S. Naval Academy and West Point.

However I'd much rather be wearing t-shirt & shorts.

[Phoebe]

I just wrote a blog post about this!  I now have what I call a "uniform" that I wear most days (black yoga pants/capris and and an athletic top or hoodie).  I work from home or I'm with clients so I basically have 2 wardrobes and when I retire I plan on getting rid of 99% of the work one.

Work:
2 pairs pants
1 suit coat
3 sweaters
4 blouses
2 pairs shoes (one brown, one black)

Casual (Daily Uniform):
2 pairs black yoga pants
2 pairs of jeans (regular and fleece lined)
3 long sleeve athletic shirts
2 pairs silk long underwear pants and shirts
1 pair pajamas
3 hoodies
1 pair sweatpants
2 pairs workout clothes (t shirts and running pants)
1 pair athletic capris
2 black dresses
3 summer dresses
1 pair workout sneakers
1 pair casual sneakers
1 pair wedge heels
1 pair flip flops

Undergarments:
2 bras
large assortment of socks and underwear

I live in the Midwest so I probably have too many coats (1 bit parka I have been wearing daily, a long dress coat, a shorter dress coat, and then an assortment of lighter ones for fall and spring), and I have 1 pair of boots, 1 pair of galoshes, and an assortment of hats/mittens/gloves/scarfs.

It still sounds like a lot when I write it down, but my closet was literally bursting before I made this change, and I feel so much happier!

Phoebe

[Mannerheim]

Haha I love being a man, we have it so easy when it comes to clothes. A few t-shirts, jeans, button-downs, and hoodies and you're set for casual clothes. A few slacks, polos, and dress shirts in easy-to-match colors and you're set for work. 1 pair each of boots, sneakers, athletic shoes, dress shoes, and flip-flops and you're set for shoes. Throw in a parka for winter and a light jacket for spring/fall, a couple pairs of athletic shorts/pants for exercising and a suit or two for formal occasions, and you're covered for 99% of situations you're likely to encounter. I probably spend 25% as much on clothes as I did when I was in college, and dress better with less effort. 90% of looking good is about being trim and fit, well-groomed, and having clothes that are clean and appropriate for the situation. None of that requires spending a fortune or having a huge wardrobe.

[frugalNYC]

Just ignore the numbering. I copied this from my neurotically-enumerated list of everything I own.

Curious here...what's the last number on the whole list?  I've always wanted to try this, more so for insurance purposes than anything else but it seems so daunting.

Right now I'm at 138 since I just got rid of a bunch of books. However, I'm sure that I've forgotten a few things from Xmas so I'm probably closer to 150. I'm planning on going through everything on Sunday so maybe I'll post an update.

[Shor]

After reading this thread, I feel inspired to review my own closet and take a closer look at what I wear and what just sits there every day...

General:
25 t-shirts from high school days
3 khaki long pants
5-6 khaki shorts
6 gym shorts
6 hoodies (why do I need so many? Why?)
2 running shoes (1 pair is officially disapproved by SO... but they're still functional!)
4 pairs of flip flops (I think my family forgets what they got me for my birthday every year..)
I think I have like 30 pairs of white socks........... geee

Work
8 long sleeve shirt (grey, blue, black, white)
1 suit for formal wear.
1 leather jacket
8 slacks
10 ties of mediocre design (argh!)
5 pairs socks (black)
1 pair of work shoes (splitting in half)

Random other stuff I don't wear nowadays but clearly will wear again someday.....

[amyable]

For work:

1 dark grey sheath dress
1 black shirt dress
1 black jersey wrap dress

1 white cotton button down shirt
1 white silk button down shirt
1 black silk button down shirt
1 black and white check cotton button down shirt
1 grey stripe cotton button down shirt
1 burgundy short-sleeved blouse
1 pink short-sleeved blouse

1 grey skirt suit (mainly for interviews)

3 pairs of black pants
2 pairs of khaki chinos

3 cardigans (black, grey, and burgundy)
3 pullover sweaters (burgundy, grey, and black)

1 crappy parka for cold/rain (I need a grown up coat!)

Weekends (all pretty old, worn, and comfy)
2 pairs jeans
2 plaid shirts
A couple of v-neck t-shirts
A hoodie
2 pairs of shorts

Other: 1 floral skirt for weddings

Things I want:  1 black pencil skirt and 1 grey pencil skirt

I'm a totally boring dresser, but everyone at work thinks I look nice with totally minimal effort!

[windawake]

I wear mostly gray and black with some blue and coral accents. I like having a simple, signature color pallet.

[travelbug]

That's what I do.

I have a base colour of black and then accessorise with a pop of colour via shoes, necklaces, scarves, beanie.

My wardrobe consists of:

8 short sleeve t-shirts
8 long sleeved t-shirts
2 black skirts
1 denim skirt
2 jeans; one black, one blue
1 black dress for formal wear.
4 sweaters
1 merino wool vest
1 coat/parker
4 trackpants
1 silk blouse
2 short caftans for Summer over swimwear
swimwear- we live in a tropical area so it's warm-hot for 9 months of the year.


then lingerie, including merino wool long sleeved undergarments, underpants (approx 20), 2 camisoles and 4 bras.


shoes are my weakness but I have culled extensively and still have *too many*:

3 pairs converse
1 pair red leather boots
1 pair Sorel knee high winter boots that are waterproof
4 pair Birkenstock sandals
1 pair Merrell bare foot soles
1 pair vibram 5 finger barefoot shoes
(and just purchased...) 1 pair navy leather Saltwater sandals.


There are afew threads from another forum that are interesting reads:
http://forum.purseblog.com/the-wardrobe/the-one-ish-a-month-club-798405.html
http://forum.purseblog.com/the-wardrobe/anyone-think-doing-big-closet-cleansing-only-few-649193.html


They may have a leaning towards some designer wear, which is obviously not the MMM philosophy, but many replies are interesting.

TB

[windawake]

They will last way more than twice as long with a rotation. I clean, polish, or brush them religiously, weatherproof them as needed, and keep newspaper inside if they get wet. I have had a pair of boots last ten years with good care. It is also worth it to buy good quality if you are getting leather. An added benefit is that it is good for your feet, too. (Disclaimer: I am the 4th generation of military in my family... Dad had me polishing my boots since I was a kid.)

I would love to buy some good quality boots and keep them in good shape, but I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of boots those would be. I always wear the heel out of every pair of shoes I have before any other issues arise, so it's not a problem of leather upkeep. I'm sure there are some great boot brands out there, but I want something that's stylish and sturdy. It's been hard to find so far.

I've heard Frye boots are great, but I don't really like the style and just cannot fathom putting down $400 for a pair of boots, even if they'll last 10 years.

[Rural]

They will last way more than twice as long with a rotation. I clean, polish, or brush them religiously, weatherproof them as needed, and keep newspaper inside if they get wet. I have had a pair of boots last ten years with good care. It is also worth it to buy good quality if you are getting leather. An added benefit is that it is good for your feet, too. (Disclaimer: I am the 4th generation of military in my family... Dad had me polishing my boots since I was a kid.)

I would love to buy some good quality boots and keep them in good shape, but I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of boots those would be. I always wear the heel out of every pair of shoes I have before any other issues arise, so it's not a problem of leather upkeep.

Keep an eye on the heel cap, and when it's nearly worn down, take the boots to a shoe repair place and have a new one put on. It'll cost you $5-$10 and give you boots for another year-or however long it takes you to go through a heel. Don't let it get past the cap and into the structure of the heel; if they wear fast, a lot of repair places can put on something tougher than the original cap.

[Cujo]

Just a note, though this would be pointless if my wardrobe was as minimal as some of those described here...

When I put clothes back in my closet, I always put them on the left end of the rod. That way the stuff I don't wear filters down to the right end, where I can get rid of it. This helps to avoid the thing where you talk yourself into keeping the shirt (or whatever) that you swear you wear even though you can't remember having actually worn it in ages.

Similarly, periodically I pick a category (say, t-shirts) and put them aside as they come out of the laundry, until I've worn all of them. Or more typically, until I've worn all but the one or two that I really don't like, which I can then get rid of.

[Fireman]

Just ignore the numbering. I copied this from my neurotically-enumerated list of everything I own.

Curious here...what's the last number on the whole list?  I've always wanted to try this, more so for insurance purposes than anything else but it seems so daunting.

Right now I'm at 138 since I just got rid of a bunch of books. However, I'm sure that I've forgotten a few things from Xmas so I'm probably closer to 150. I'm planning on going through everything on Sunday so maybe I'll post an update.

You own only 150 things?!  That's impressive! 

[HappierAtHome]

Damn, I clearly need to go count all my clothes and post the outcome here.

I doubt it will be minimalist though.

[marblejane]

I would love to buy some good quality boots and keep them in good shape, but I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of boots those would be. I always wear the heel out of every pair of shoes I have before any other issues arise, so it's not a problem of leather upkeep. I'm sure there are some great boot brands out there, but I want something that's stylish and sturdy. It's been hard to find so far.

I've heard Frye boots are great, but I don't really like the style and just cannot fathom putting down $400 for a pair of boots, even if they'll last 10 years.

You might want to look into La Candienne boots. They are super warm, and mine have this rubber/plastic sole that seems indestructible (going on five winter seasons with no signs of wear). They're also office-appropriate.

[Hedge_87]

I am pretty lucky in this department. I am an electric lineman and the company I work for provides me with work jeans and shirts. I were them all the time since I don't have to worry about washing, mending, or replacing them. Saves a lot of laundry. I do end up being the butt of many jokes though. I guess I will be one the one laughing they day I get to turn them in though. Besides that I have 3 pairs of cargo shorts, one pair of slacks, and maybe two dozen shirts ranging from nice dress shirts to t-shirts.

[Thegoblinchief]

I probably have more than this, but I don't throw clothes away until they actually wear out or don't fit me. The last time I downsized the wardrobe drastically was when I looked silly belting size 46 dress pants when I was down below a 40.

What I actually wear:

(Biking/Winter)
Balaclava, goretex ski gloves, insulated boots, 4 pairs long underwear, 4 base layer tops, couple different weight fleeces, Marmot PreCip shell.

Casual
Couple pairs jeans, couple pairs shorts, some indeterminate number of underwear/socks, assorted flannels and long-sleeve shirts, about 8 "nerdy" graphic T-shirts for summer.

Work (cut down to weekends only)
2 pairs dress pants, 2 pairs dress shirts.

I own 4 pairs shoes: winter boots, steel toe boots from last job that are still (10+ years later) in great condition for yard work, plain athletic shoes for work (retail, but floors are concrete), sandals (any time it's above 40F).

[coconutpop]

I own

-One suit.
-2 pairs of jeans.
-no boxers, I don`t wear underwear.
-8 t shirt
-22 pairs of socks
-one belt
-3 surfer shorts.
-3 gym shorts.
-one winter coat.
-one leather jacket.
-1 pair of boots
-1 pair of running shoes
-1 pair of classic shoes

All bought at a goodwill store near a rich neighborhood. Except the socks and classic shoes. Everything is in mint condition. Total cost for all this = Not more than 250$. Classic shoes cost me 50$.

[Mortgage Free Mike]

My approach to wardrobe is to buy basics that you can wear with a lot of things. I buy quality clothing in solid colors. Few distracting patterns.
You don't want to be the person who wears a busy, memorable outfit too often.

[Fireman]

My approach to wardrobe is to buy basics that you can wear with a lot of things. I buy quality clothing in solid colors. Few distracting patterns.
You don't want to be the person who wears a busy, memorable outfit too often.

This reminds me of my high school computer science teacher.  He went to a tie store and told them to pick out the 5 ugliest ties for him.  They were worn proudly each day of the week!

[coconutpop]

Haha had a teacher that loved ugly ties too. The ugly ties days were the days that we would be aloud to talk at the end of the course for 20 minutes. He once bought the ugliest tie I ever saw for 100$ and brought us the bill to prove the fraudulent price.

[soccerluvof4]

4 pair of soccer sweat pants and 8-10 different soccer shirts. 5-6 flannel shirts 3 pairs of jeans.  1 suit, 2 dress shirts half dozen ties. shoes and the under-stuff. oh about 4 dressier/casual shirts and two pair of Dockers. Most of my soccer stuff i get for free from the club since i am on board. I literally don't spend money on clothes. Tons of t-shirts from again soccer tournaments etc,,that are given away.