So Nice, You Bought It Twice (or More…!)

Thoughts on the magic of multiples, plus a spreadsheet of suggestions from the SMT community.

(Photos by Getty Images)

In a sign of how much real estate royal fashion takes up in my head, the minute I saw the Princess of Wales in a new green dress last week I thought: Wait, she has that same style in white! I had flashbacks to Wimbledon in 2019 when Catherine first sported the vintage-inspired Suzannah London midi dress. It was a memorable look and became a fast favorite, with Kate wearing the white version twice more in public appearances. 

On one hand, it’s not at all surprising the princess got the emerald version, too — she clearly likes it! On the other, of all the green dresses, why get the exact same style?

It’s a unique sartorial strategy for a public figure, one Kate has employed a few times in her royal tenure. There is an Emilia Wickstead coat dress that also leaps to mind, which she has in three shades: Deep green first seen in 2012, light blue dating back to 2017, and a saturated coral from 2022. 

(Photos by Getty Images)

Why would Kate do this? I’ve got thoughts! It’s an efficient way to streamline what has to be a laborious process of picking out clothes for the 100 or so engagements she carries out each year. If you know something fits, wears, and photographs well, it makes sense to get a second.

It’s also a very direct way to craft a consistent visual brand, giving her a familiar feel to royal watchers. Queen Elizabeth II had her own version of this, particularly later in life. But, because her wardrobe was made for her, it was impossible to call anything an exact duplicate. The benefits of bespoke!

Repeating a favorite style in a new color also stokes the fashion conversation in a clever way, giving the media an easy and fun narrative to cover what Kate is doing at present and look back on her previous royal work.

It’s also…dare I say…relatable? Only after taking a good hard look at my closet did I realize I do this, too. I have six (6!) of the same Uniqlo merino wool crewneck sweater. I haven’t bought one for years but I still reach for one regularly — it’s such a durable, classic, and versatile piece. I also have two colors of these Madewell mid-rise jeans and five of the brand’s V-neck tanks. Don’t even get me started on the number of Hill House Home ‘Ellie’ Nap Dresses in my closet (I think the tally is at seven and counting…).

My own analysis made me wonder what other shoppers deem worthy of buying in multiple. I posed this via a question box on Instagram and — WOW! — the response was incredible. I’ve never seen such passionate recommendations. Which makes sense. Is there any higher praise than loving a piece so much you bought it again?

Today I am so excited to share with you the ‘So Many Multiples!’ spreadsheet, filled with nearly 300 recommendations that I hope will be helpful as you shop. (Note: There are two pages, each with the same suggestions. One is sorted by STYLE and the other by BRAND.)

It’s interesting to see what categories people feel strongly about — lots of sweater and shoe suggestions here. The one retailer that seems to inspire the most multiple purchases among us? J.Crew! There are several new-to-me brands I am excited to check out, too, including Nobody’s Child and Universal Standard. But mostly: The range of it all delights me. We’ve got everything from Crocs to Chanel.

Missed the chance to send in your favorites? Not to worry! Fill out this Google Form and I’ll add them to the mix. Questions, comments, updates? Email me at Hello@SoManyThoughts.com.

Below are a dozen favorite styles, each of which was recommended separately by more than one person — multiples of multiples! Great minds think alike. Make sure you check out the accompanying thoughts on why the piece is worthy of buying more than once. I am here for this level of enthusiasm. 🙌

ICYMI: Here’s a look at what I wore in London.

So Many Multiples!

Note: These are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting SMT.

MIDI DRESS

Click to shop: Nobody’s Child ‘Alexa’ Dress

Ciara says: “A vintage inspired tea dress in a range of colours and sustainable fabrics. There’s something for everyone and the range includes plus sizes too. If I could only wear one style of dress forevermore, this would be it.”

Olivia says: “I love the simplicity and elegance of the dress — and it also is so comfortable. It is also so easy to elevate with jewelry or hair accessories or to keep it simple with just the basics. Wherever I go, the grocery store, the museum, work — I am always wearing this dress.”

EH note: Does this dress not look like the perfect dupe for Kate’s Suzannah London one? I can’t wait to try it!

MAXI DRESS

Click to shop: Anthropologie ‘Somerset’ Dress

Beth says: “Tons of colours / patterns; terrific length; flattering on basically everyone; and IT HAS POCKETS. I have it in white broderie anglaise, a bright green floral pattern, dark green velvet (ace for Christmas parties), and a pale blue & white stripe. Same same, but different. Not every colour/pattern is in every size range, but the dress comes in regular and plus.”

Chelsea says: “I looooove the Somerset maxi dress from Anthropologie. The linen one specifically. I have it in 4 colors, and am considering buying more. The only reason I haven’t is because it is fairly recognizable, and I start to feel a little silly obviously wearing the same dress all the time. It’s beyond comfortable, flattering, and has pockets. As a mom of little kids, that is EVERYTHING I need. It’s one of my favorite things to wear to kiddo birthday parties because I feel pretty and presentable in it, but again…pockets.”

EH note: I was delighted to find that the Somerset is an entire collection with a variety of lengths and fabrics, as well as a jumpsuit. So good!

NAP DRESS

Click to shop: Hill House Home ‘Ellie’ Nap Dress

Amelia says: “I think I’m up to close to 20 😬 with no sign of stopping! It’s the perfect uniform, especially for summer, in NYC. In the office, on the subway; dress it up or down. And a brand new Ellie with perfect ruffled shoulders. What’s better!”

Andrea says: “It fits no matter how my weight shifts (#thyroidproblems). It always looks dressy but not overly formal for everyday life. It washes up so nicely. It’s a great length for swishing around my legs and crouching down to deal with little kids. It comes in different fabrics for the seasons. And new ones have pockets! My favorites are the tartans in winter or the trellis print in cotton poplin.”

EH note: If you buy one of the sheer styles, I highly recommend the brand’s slip in the same size or a size up. Worth it!

PAJAMAS

Click to shop: Eberjey ‘Gisele’ Tencel PJ Set

Abby says: “In addition to buying multiple colors of the long PJ set, I also bought the short and long PJ sets in the same color (black) so that I can mix and match in between seasons.”

Julia says: “So comfy, although they don't hold up well if you machine dry. And I love that they come in all the styles — shorties, short sleeve + long pants, night shirt, classic long sleeve + pants, etc.”

EH note: Another collection I can’t wait to try! Smitten for the ciel shade — very HRH blue IMO.

LEGGINGS

Click to shop: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

Laura says: “The best leggings. Comfortable for pregnancy, PP and beyond. Perfect length for petite (25”).”

Hillary says: “Over the years I’ve bought MULTIPLE pairs of Lululemon Align 25” leggings. I have a dedicated hot yoga practice, (4x per week minimum) and I recently became a part-time yoga instructor. I will admit, I do wear these to work from home most of the time, too. I think I own 10+ pairs(!) Most worn are black and navy, but I wear the "fun" colors almost as much. I am very particular about fit and texture of my clothing. These are buttery soft, NOT restrictive, and move WITH you. They’re popular for a reason. The 25” inseam is perfect for me at 5’3”. **beware of ‘double lined’ colors. Some of the lighter colors are lined with an additional layer of fabric. Avoid these!”

EH note: Also my favorite! Check out the variety of lengths offered, I love a slightly cropped legging.

JOGGER

Click to shop: Vuori Performance Jogger

Emily says: “I buy Vuori performance joggers in every color. I have six pair and I canNOT afford $94 joggers. They are perfect. I'm only 5'1" so joggers are always too long on me but these are just right. They're thin but not cold (I wear them all winter AND all summer). They're the softest fabric that exists, I'm positive. They're cute, comfy, PERFECT. I never would have bought them because of the price tag but I got a pair in a stitch fix box a few years ago and now I can't look back. I literally wear them every day. If only I could wear them to work. Ha!”

Leslie says: “I fell victim during the pandemic and thought $94 for JOGGERS?! But once I got I kept ordering more. They are so soft and are my go to work at home and travel uniform. And my first pair, bought in the pandemic, just developed a hole and they’ve been easily worn well over 100x. I’m up to 5 colors!!”

EH note: Have these in navy heather and LOVE THEM. Don’t sleep on the matching crewneck top, either. The set makes for the perfect travel attire. Polished but so comfortable.

TANK TOP

Click to shop: Madewell Whisper Tank

Devon says: “These tanks have been my staple through European vacations, postpartum, playground dates and everything in between. I’m panicking this year because there are only 3 colors available and my navy tank is looking worse for the wear!”

Alexis says: “They are consistently soft, fit well, and so easy to wear. You can dress them up or down. I have them in most shades of the rainbow. 🌈”

EH note: I’ve got five of these and wear them all summer! I love that you can wear them with a regular bra.

SHIRT

Click to shop: AYR ‘The Deep End’ Shirt

Abby says: “This works everywhere, from work to toddler birthday parties to a night out.”

Emily says: “Lightweight, size down and it’s still roomy, the blue and yellow are great. Stains have washed right out for me.”

EH note: I am eyeing the blue-and-white striped one, for obvious reasons. But can we take a moment for the writer who penned the description? Because, chef’s kiss! “This shirt was a banker on Wall Street until she cashed out and started a new career as a florist on Nantucket. Spends her days lounging on weather-worn furniture, drinking expensive wine and smelling like fresh peonies.”

FLATS

Click to shop: Birdies Starling Loafer 

Bonnie says: “The perfect comfortable shoe! It’s the perfect mix of loafer and flats. Good cushion and heel support. I can wear these teaching all day and not have sore feet!”

Allison says: “I have multiples of the Birdies Starlings. But then discovered Goldfinch style this winter. I love them because they’re comfy and look polished with dresses or pants. I have them in black velvet, ecru leather, and champagne velvet. Debating a woven leather for summer. I also love the bow. Very feminine. I first tried the brand after Meghan wearing them on the Oceana tour!”

EH note: I am digging the summer textures, including all the raffia.

CREWNECK SWEATER

Click to shop: J.Crew Classic Cashmere Crewneck

Kendal says: “They are the perfect layering piece and I don’t feel guilty if they get damaged because they aren’t super duper expensive in terms of cashmere pricing. Also, they release the best colors and cuts every season. Even in TX I always have one with me because the air conditioning is so intense during summer. I keep one in the car at all times.”

Lauren says: “It’s comfortable, cozy, and always looks polished! It also doesn’t require a lot of upkeep (if I don’t spill). I LIVE in it when I’m on holiday in cold weather destinations but also wear it to work.”

EH note: I’ve got this in gray and wear it all the time (including in London!). The bright colors are such a pop.

SWEATER BLAZER 

Click to shop: J.Crew ‘Eloise’ Sweater Blazer

Jessica says: “Such a versatile piece. Love it for work or casual events. It looks polished and keeps you warm without the stiffness of an actual blazer.”

Caroline says: “And it’s on sale right now! I will say it runs large — I have them in small and I'm 5’8” and wear a DD bra. Could be for the oversized look that is trendy right now, but I got the small so it fits me really well for my office (a very traditional financial firm in the dress code). I have it in navy, black and camel. It's the perfect cardigan for the office where you will look dressy but don't have to wear a stiff blazer. I had a coworker say to me one day ‘Oh wow, why are you so dressed up? Do you have clients in?’ and I responded ‘Oh it's just a sweater but thank you!’ It's an easy way to look professional but so comfy. And the camel one is great to wear on a night out with jeans!”

EH note: Love how versatile this is! Styled with jeans or over a dress, such a practical layering piece.

TUNIC SWEATER 

Click to shop: Free People Ottoman Slouchy Tunic

Myranda says: “The BEST sweater, comfy, can dress up or down, works great pregnant or not currently own 6 different ones.”

Lindsey says: “Magic fabric that doesn’t pill. Looks great with sneakers and leggings or dressed up with jeans and boots/booties. Some people also wear as a dress but I cannot (!)”

EH note: Lindsey, I think you can!

Once more: Here is the ‘So Many Multiples!’ spreadsheet for you to browse, as well as the Google Form to share your faves.

Thank you to everyone who sent in their multiple recommendations! I think I got them all but if I missed yours, please resubmit and I’ll get them added. 💗