Wow, Claire, you are braver than me! I still have dresses in my closet that I feel meh about. I love to read your reasoning, and I will learn something from it, too! I agree with Suz on the striped dress. It's a pretty dress, but it doesn't quite read "Claire" to me.

You are a ruthless closet warrior Claire! You look so good in those dresses but your reasoning is impeccable. I think I will print out and keep next to me for my next purge.

Brilliant analysis. You have a much more discerning eye than me, as I think you look great in all of these, but I totally understand wanting to get rid of things that aren't absolutely perfect. You are a ruthless purger! I'd hate to see what you do to my closet. Or maybe that is just what I need, because I tend to acquire and hang on to way too much!

Oh, and I think Rae does have a asymmetrical striped dress exactly like that one from Anthro! I wonder if she still has it!

Claire, thanx for letting us know about the process- so we cannot fight against, or could we?:-) I beg for the stripe and safari dresses back (or finding some better replecement for them, asap as they are looking gorgeous on you!), but understand they have issues non visible and non tactile for others, picties unfortunatelly don't tell all...I know:-(. I trust your guts, so go Claire, Go!:-)

A great start of a purge here and it is super helpful to review (and for me to read) about why something doesn't work out. Reviewing these reasons helps me a lot with future purchases. I've learned for myself, I'm very picky about materials for my bottom half. As a pear shape I do not like thin materials that will show cellulite and panty lines. And many maxi skirts and dresses are made of this type of cling material. I have been able to pass up maxi items this season because I KNOW that material will not be flattering on my lower half. It's made shopping easier.

Wow, Claire, this is a significant percentage of your wardrobe, but so well thought out that I have no doubt you're doing the right thing. I like the stripe dress on you a lot, but YOU have to feel fab in it! And I just culled a dress pretty similar to your first one. It fits, it's conventionally flattering, but does absolutely nothing for me. I put it on and I feel instantly frumpy. Out it went.

I hear you on dress fit. Actually Calvin Klein cuts work very well on me through the body (short waisted, curvy), but I find them all a bit short these days too. I agree that most of the dresses out there seem to be made for a slightly shorter woman. I notice that some brands (at NAS, Vince and Ted Baker) have been making some nice midi lengths that work better for some of us slightly taller gals, but the price points are higher too. Crossing my fingers that the longer length trend trickles down the retail line.

I love your analysis and have to agree with each and every one of them - you seem to be making the right choices all around and it's so helpful to read your logic behind those choices. Bravo!

first off - hooray to ruthless culling! if you are not feeling it, then that's that - no need to second guess.

for my own learning, why is dress #1 dated? i think it looks great and would consider something like that if i ever saw it. just want to understand, not trying to talk you out of anything! i do get that if the structure of it has seen better days, it's time to go.

Love your analyses.
That safari dress looks good, but I get your point. Most dress waists are too short on me and skirts should be an inch or so longer--just that little bit.Without it, the dress does not achieve the "effortless" look (which to me is sort of the point of a dress) because it doesn't drape and flow correctly.

I hope that last dress you posted is intended as an example of a "keeper". It's stunning. So somehow the degree of contrast in the print is better and you can "take" the darker color because it reads more like a medium-toned solid, plus the cut and fit are great. I think it is that it does "get you".

You are braver than me too, but I aspire to go through my wardrobe with this level of attention!

Thanks all. I have the safari dress ironed and hanging in my closet. I will continue to wear it for this season unless I find a better replacement. I threw on the striped dress first thing this morning to run to the store and I really am sure I don't like it. The safari dress is so much better because it's at least close to an ideal I have in my head. The striped dress is just not me, period.

Natalie(GP), that's so funny. When I googled the brand of the striped dress, 'bordeaux' I found out it's sold at Anthro. I bet Rae and I have the exact same dress!

torontogirl, I didn't realize the first BR dress was dated when I bought it. It just looks pretty classic. But then little details like the shape of the collar (the points flared out ever so slightly) and the pocket size and placement were my clues. In addition I learned that i don't care for A-line dresses. I was always super conscious of my tummy in that dress. I think A-lines look so good on so many people, but since all the emphasis is on the waist, they're not the best cut for me.

Isn't it amazing the emotional attachment we make with our clothes? They become like our friends, allies, armour, and companions...through thick and thin. We put so many of our hopes and dreams into these inanimate fabric objects d' fashion that when they fail to deliver that promise of beauty and confidence, we sadly make the decision to cut the cord...

You are SO GOOD at assessing and I must take exception and say, *soft, whimpering voice* please keep the Calvin (color works IMHO). You look so perfect in all of these and I know you have an exacting and impeccable style requirements, which I love, but, oh my, some of these clothes love you back. But, you are Queen Refinement and I will bow to your personal assessment. Why? Because I know you've done your homework and internal review.