On Buying Clothes and Shoes in Multiples (+ What I Own in Multiples)
I recently realized something about myself: I own a lot of the same clothing items and shoes in different colors and patterns. I honestly didn’t think of myself as much of a buyer of multiples until I looked through my Stylebook closet app and counted out all of the items I own in multiples. If I didn’t own so many multiples, my closet would be a heck of a lot smaller! It’s sort of overwhelming to think about. Do I even wear these multiples as much as I think I do? I figured it was time for a proper (highly scientific) analysis.
Do you buy multiples of your favorite clothes, shoes, and/or accessories? Below, I shared my thoughts on buying clothes and shoes in multiples plus a roundup of all the clothes and shoes I own in multiples. I also shared why I think I purchased those multiples in the first place and if it was actually worth it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on purchasing multiples in the comments. Let’s dive in!
On Buying Clothes and Shoes in Multiples
It can be really tempting to buy multiples when you find something you like. Hey—I’m the same way! (Just look at the giant list below. 🙈) Here are some things to keep in mind next time you’re tempted to purchase garments in multiples (this is a giant note to myself as well):
The more basic, the better
When it comes to buying multiples, it makes sense to do it when the items are basics. These are your everyday items that get a lot of wear and that are relatively seasonless. Think tees, tanks, jeans, simple jewelry, etc. I would recommend avoiding buying multiples of items that are more special or that have unique/interesting details. With those items, pick the color/pattern you gravitate towards the most!
You’ll almost always wear the color/pattern you liked first the most
Whatever color you gravitated towards first or whatever color you purchased first is likely the one you’ll wear the most, even if you do purchase multiples. When you remember that and consciously remind yourself of that, it might make it easier to avoid purchasing multiples (unless it’s of exactly the same style and color). I noticed this about my own multiples purchasing habits.
Wear and wash the first item before buying more
(I’m so guilty of not doing this!) If you’re trying to cut down on the number of multiples in your closet (and reduce your purchases in general), try not to buy all the multiples at once. Buy your favorite color/pattern first, wear it, and wash it before adding more to your wardrobe. You may find that you only need the one item (it sort of acts like putting the item in your online shopping cart and letting it sit for a while before hitting the purchase button). You may also find that it doesn’t wash as well as you had hoped, and you’ll be glad you don’t ruin multiple items.
If you have too many multiples, your closet may start to feel boring
It was like a lightbulb went off when I realized just how many multiples I own and how that likely correlates to my overall feelings about my wardrobe. If you have a closet full of multiples and it also happens to be bursting so that you can’t really add more items, it can start to feel boring! If you have space for 10 tank tops but they’re all different colors of 3 tank top styles, it can feel like you only have 3 options. (On the flip side, you may appreciate having a closet with lots of the same items in different colors because it can feel streamlined when you get ready in the morning or pack for a trip.)
There will always be more clothes and shoes
If you tend to panic buy multiples because you’re afraid that there will never be another [insert specific item here] ever again, I’m here to remind you that there will always be more clothes and shoes to buy. Just like there are always going to be more sales, there will always be new and different trends and new styles to love. Remind yourself to step away from the website and redirect your energy to something else when you feel the urge to add all the multiples.
Clothes and Shoes I Own in Multiples
Like I mentioned above, I’m absolutely shocked at just how many items I own that are multiples. This list was overwhelming to type out! I’ve arranged them loosely by category.
ABLE Anika Tank (2 colors)
Everlane Pima Micro-rib Tank (2 colors)
Grana Pima Modal Tank (3 colors)
Madewell Softfade Cotton Boxy-crop Tank (3 colors)
Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top (5 colors)
ABLE Mae Drapey Tee (3 colors)
Everlane Cotton Box-cut Tee (2 colors)
MATE the Label Organic Thermal Boxy Crop (3 colors)
J.Crew Fresco Top in Soft Gauze (2 colors)
Madewell Flannel Sunday Shirt (2 colors)
Aliya Wanek Ami Sweatshirt (2 colors)
Everlane Cashmere Crew (3 colors)
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan (2 colors)
Madewell Bradley Cardigan Sweater (2 colors)
Thread & Supply Wubby Pullover (2 colors)
Madewell Pull-on Shorts (2 colors)
Everlane Dream Pant (2 colors)
Madewell Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jeans (2 colors)
Everlane Day Crossover Sandal (5 colors)
J.Crew Cece Ballet Flat (2 colors)
J.Crew Sophie Open-front Sweater Blazer (3 colors)
Olivia Moon Knit Blazer (2 colors)
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Vest (2 colors)
Everlane Baseball Cap (2 colors)
Madewell Velvet Baseball Cap (2 colors)
J.Crew Ribbed Pom-pom Beanie (4 colors)
Target Mid-rise Knit Shorts (4 colors)
Vuori Performance Jogger (3 colors)
Zella Live In High Waist Pocket Bike Shorts (2 colors)
Zella Restore Soft Pocket Joggers (2 colors)
Le Specs Air Heart Sunglasses (4 colors)
If you’re keeping track, that’s 81 versions of 31 different items. WELL over double. WHEW.
I think the reason why I buy so many multiples is because once I find something I like, I want to make sure I have many different versions in case it’s ever discontinued. A LOT of the items I own in multiples aren’t sold anymore. I’m also scared of “running out”; it’s like I have a scarcity mindset with my clothes, and I’m not really sure why.
I need to learn how to enjoy what I have to the fullest and deal with replacements when the time comes.
As it stands now, I get tired of something before it ever wears out. In the case of some things—like jeans—it’s so hard to find ones I like that fit that once I do find a style that works for me, I go all in on it.
If I’m being honest, I don’t wear every multiple as much as I do the original. Like I mentioned above, you typically wear the color (or pattern) you were drawn to most when you first bought the item, and I totally notice that with my own wardrobe. For example, my Olivia Moon knit blazer in black has been worn 48 times, and the second blazer I purchased in grey has only been worn 6 times. Did I REALLY need that grey blazer? Probably not!
Some of these items I actually do wear regularly, but there are a good number of items that I probably didn’t need to buy multiples of. I tend to make bad purchasing decisions when there’s a sale, or a discount if you buy multiples, or if I think I’m going to wear something more often than I end up doing. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but I always think I’m going to wear tees more often than I actually do. Tanks on the other hand? Those get a ton of wear in the summer, and I’m happy to have multiples of those.
The interesting thing about me is that I don’t buy multiples of the exact same color. If I’m going to buy a second or third (or more) version of the same item, it’s going to be in a different color or pattern. The one exception is obviously for undies, socks, undershirts, etc. What about you? Do you buy multiples of the exact same colors?
Drop your thoughts about buying multiples in the comments below! Do you also own a lot of multiples like I do? Have you been able to combat the urge to buy multiples?