9 Signs It’s Time To Declutter Your Wardrobe
Is your wardrobe full of things you’ll never wear? How about those gifts that were never your style? The truth is, there are multiple reasons to get rid of clothes. A successful wardrobe should make it easy to put an outfit together. It should reflect who we are and how we want to look.
Rather than a major purge, ala Marie Kondo, I find it simpler to purge as you go. I ignore the rules about tossing things you haven’t worn in a year because we often have timeless pieces that don’t get worn every year… think black tie dress or beach caftan.
Here are nine reasons to get rid of clothes:
1 – It’s too trendy
Wearing a touch of trend keeps you looking current and visible but that doesn’t mean buying things that aren’t true to your style and flattering. It means adding things to your wardrobe that you’d wear long after the trend passes. If the garment screams 1980, you should probably donate it unless you put it in your costume box.
2 – It’s not flattering
Our eye color and complexion soften as we age which can make some colors and textures unflattering. Does the color look too harsh on you now? Can you make it work with makeup or accessories? Is your favorite bright sweater washing you out? Do you look better wearing dark brown or navy than black now?
Related –Is Navy The New Black?
3 – Your body has changed permanently
I’m looking at you high heels…They say shoes are the one thing that doesn’t change size when you gain weight. They’re wrong. My feet can go up and down as much as two sizes with my weight or salt intake. If the shoe or garment will never be comfortable again, it’s time to donate it. Keep in mind that turtlenecks and armholes can be as uncomfortable as tight shoes.
4 – It still has tags attached after a year
These are usually imposters. You bought them thinking they would work with what you already own, but they don’t. You shouldn’t have to fight to make a garment work. If it’s still wearing its tags after a year, you’re probably not going to wear it so it’s time to move it out.
5 – It’s uncomfortable
We’ve all bought something we thought would be fantastic only to find it’s scratchy or pinches. Life’s too short to have clothes that hurt, get rid of them. Your allergy to wool isn’t likely to change so you’re better off donating it. That shoulder bag that never stays put, will continue to fall off your shoulders so donate or sell it to a woman who will love it.
6 – It has bad memories
If a garment reminds you of something unpleasant, get rid of it, no matter what you paid for it. Clothes are supposed to make you happy and they won’t if they have bad memories attached to them. That ugly scarf your ex gave you belongs in the donation pile.
7 – It was a gift
There is no rule that says you have to keep a gift. No matter who gave it to you. You’re also not obligated to wear the item so the person who gave it to you, can see you wearing it. If it doesn’t ring your style bell, donate it to someone who will love it.
8 – You paid too much for it
Paying too much for a garment doesn’t justify it taking up space in your closet. It’s a shame and we’ve all been there. Cut your losses and donate or consign it and recoup some of your investment.
9 – It’s no longer your style
Does this garment still send the message you want your clothes to tell the world about you? Do you still want to be seen as playful, sexy, business-like…insert your old self-image here. If the answer is no, it’s time to get rid of that garment.
What are you holding on to in your wardrobe that needs to go?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to only wear what makes you feel confident.
I do several of these tips “ wrong”
I wear gifts I don’t like so that I don’t hurt someone’s feelings. Just as I try to be conscious of others feelings when commenting on the styles featured on this site.
I keep things with price tags on them, especially if they were expensive.
I keep outdated things.
And I commit a couple of other heinous wardrobe sins I suppose.
This post has tweaked my mind and I will have to think about why I do what I do in this area.
There may be good reasons and there may be useless ones.
Perhaps it’s to purge the latter.
Great guidelines. Happy New Year!
I don’t recommend my method, but my house burned down on Halloween (along with others in the wildfires.) I have been forced to start from scratch, and I am now thinking more carefully before I purchase anything. (Thank god for good insurance.) I get to implement all the suggestions I’ve been reading over the past few years here and on other blogs. Funny thing, but I have found myself perversely relieved that some of my former fashion mistakes are no longer a problem.
I’m so sorry Kay! That’s really tough. Starting over at this age must be hard.
Excellent advice Jennifer! I purge every Season (do the same for my husband), however do confess because most of my clothing is classic in styling there are items I may classify as ‘a keeper’ if one size up or down from what I am wearing, particularly if they are high-end ones and/or their style requires minimal tweaking to update them. Also admit, it is not unusual to find a price tag on a piece of clothing hanging in my closet if classified as ‘special occasion’ as seldom wear an article the same year to avoid seeing someone else in it. (Ever been at a function where three women are wearing the identical outfit? Trust me, it makes for an awkward situation as I’ve seen it occur … ☺ ) -Brenda-
P.S.: For those living in colder climates and/or those with four very distinct seasons; please consider donating your unwanted outerwear (particularly jackets/coats) as there is always someone in need of them. i.e.: Women’s shelters really appreciate them.
Very timely and excellent advice! Like others who have commented, this is a constant struggle for me. I have most of our closets filled with my clothes, but many of the outfits I can’t wear at the moment. How do you know when your body has “permanently” changed? My size goes up and down with the periodic weight gain and subsequent diet periods. Then there are the clothes that I hope “someday” I will finally fit into. There are also the ones that I can’t wear now but don’t want to part with because they don’t sell exactly the same thing now. Case in point: Chico’s elbow tees made in 100% cotton versus their current version of slub fabric (somewhat see-through). Any suggestions to help me grow beyond these 2 issues?
If the tees are in good shape and you wear them you should keep them. Most of us have fluctuating weight. Permanent changes would be, menopause has put weight around your middle and your waist will never be that tiny again. You have fallen arches and need supports in our shoes.
It sounds like your clothes are organized into outfits. It may help to break that apart so you can whittle down duplicates.
Love this topic. I purge seasonally but also as I find things I never choose to wear. I use a wonderful consignment shop to sell my things and get money to buy what I need. I still make mistakes but it has become rarer…I only have half of a six foot closet and 3 dresser drawers so I consciously edit all the time. Love your approach to fashion!
Thank you for this most helpful blog. I look forward to reading more on this subject as I too have a hard time getting rid of clothes because of “Just in case….”
I do this yearly. It feels good!
Now my husband has never done this , so next week I will start the task for him.
Please don’t put stained or worn out clothes in the trash OR give to goodwill. Many cities now have clothing and accessories recycling!
I get rid of stuff as I go. I am getting rid of zip up and button jeans this week because of a coordination problem due to an illness. Rats! Pull up styles such as high rise leggings and even pull on jeans are working. I give clothes away when they still have a little life in them (no rags). I worry about landfills which are full of cheap old clothes I hear.
What good advice! I really appreciate your blog Jennifer. I gone through a style transition as I have adjusted to my postmenopausal body. Between 60 and 64 my waist disappeared and I really went the tunic – legging route. I think I am finding my way back to a more classic style which is more true to myself. In this journey I have read much about the environmental impact of our over consumption. I am trying very hard to thrift or buy consignment whenever I can. I only buy new when I can’t find what I am looking for used. I just thought I would throw this idea out there as it was something I hardly considered a few years ago.
Yes indeed, it’s time to purge and declutter. Chuckling at The Imposters! I have a couple of those hanging out in my closet.