Items that are purchased but seldom worn are generally undesirable because they represent wasted time, money and closet space. Too many of them, and you’re left with a closet full of stuff and nothing to wear. 

But there are situations where seldom worn items are perfectly fine. I’ll use my own wardrobe to illustrate four of them.

1. Special Occasion Wear

You can’t expect all items to be wardrobe workhorses, especially with a moderate or large wardrobe. Special occasion wear is not intended for frequent use. You’ll wear these pieces a few times a year, or even skip a year from time to time, and that’s fine. I have fancy dresses, skirts, a jumpsuit, high-heeled sitting shoes, and a very impractical small clutch that fit into this category. 

2. Extending Longevity

There are a few items that I don’t wear often because they would be hard to replace and I want to keep them for a very long time. Wearing and laundering them shortens their life, especially when the pieces are delicate. So I deliberately choose to limit their action so that they continue to look pristine. My Valentino and Chanel bags, and white Anne Fontaine shirt are in this orphan category. So is my cream Jil Sander skirt because it’s delicate. And an eight year old designer belted leather jacket that was my first ever NAS purchase. The cracked patent is peeling off the belt and this is irreparable, so I only wear it very occasionally to prevent further damage. 

3. Temporary Hibernation

These are the items that I used to wear frequently at one point, but haven’t worn in a while because I’m in the mood to wear something else on the current leg of my style journey. I continue to love the pieces — they still spark joy — so I am not passing them on just yet. I’m sure that they’ll come back into rotation after a period of hibernation. 

My Rudsack mixed media black coat and Alexander Wang clutch are hard-edged pieces that I have to be in the mood to wear with the right soft support act. (I favour my soft and pretty colourful, ink and cream coats and clutches a LOT more than the same item in black). I had a huge run with Sporty Luxe a few seasons ago so I’m giving that vibe a bit of a break, hence the colour blocked jacket isn’t currently in rotation. I haven’t been in the mood for cobalt or masculine tuxedo shirts, so those pieces are resting too. My flared Kate Spade skirt took a back seat after I got my striped midi. Both pairs of shoes are too high-contrast on my feet for my current style preferences. And the faded blue boyfriend jeans feel too Tomboy this year. I’m only wearing streamlined white boyfriend jeans because they’re prettier and less tough.

4. Capsule Work in Progress 

You may have purchased an item with the intention of purchasing other items to accompany it in future. So although it’s currently orphaned, your plan is that the item will get a lot more wear when you have the right support act. When I first got my black silk harem pants six years ago, I only had one dressy way to wear them. But over the years I’ve managed to wear them with all sorts of tops and toppers and footwear, right up to the point that they’ve become a versatile piece. The collection below shows the harem pants together with all the items I now pair with them.

The last category is tricky because you have to be committed to finding the pieces to complete the capsule. There is little sense in holding on to an orphaned piece for years in the hope that you might find something to wear with it. 

Most of the items in your wardrobe should be ones that you wear quite regularly. From time to time you should review the seldom worn items and analyse why you aren’t wearing them. If there are only a few of them, and if they fall into one of the four categories above, you’re probably fine. If not, consider popping them into a holding zone or passing them on. 

Macy’s is coming to New York Fashion Week, Aldo is teaming up with Target, People StyleWatch magazine gets a makeover, and other style stories from around the world this week.

• Macy’s is planning to take on New York Fashion Week with a runway show of its own on September 17.
• Reformation is bringing out the second instalment of its “I’m Up Here” collection, a clothing line designed for women with a C-DD cup.
• Aldo Group has created a budget-friendly shoe and accessory line for Target called A+.
• Brooks Brothers is discontinuing its Black Fleece line.
• With its redesigned September issue, People StyleWatch magazine is relaunching with a focus on affordable fashion and beauty shopping.
• Have a look at the Adam Lippes for Target collection.
• Kari Sigerson, the former Sigerson Morrison founder, has teamed up with Eliza Axelson-Chidsey to create a new women’s shoe brand: Alumnae.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that during the Second World War, French couturier Lucien Lelong, who was also president of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, persuaded the Germans to allow French couture houses to remain in Paris instead of being moved to Vienna or Berlin. Thanks to his efforts, over ninety fashion houses were kept running throughout the occupation of Paris from 1940 to 1944.

I haven’t seen these styles in person so I can’t vouch for their comfort, but they do look interesting and well made. All styles are on sale, and some will take you through to Fall. And do browse the rest of the shoe sale in case something else tickles your fancy. 

• Rupas Wedge Sandals: Chie Mihara generally makes very comfortable shoes. These are refined in a slightly chunky way.
• Hologram Oxfords: Hologram Fabness. They seem to look lilac most of the time.
• Cambelle Flat Sandals: Great to wear with casual Summer dresses on a hot, hot day.
• Nalia Sandals: A boho inspired sandal in a pretty shade of cognac. Wear them with cropped, kick flared jeans.
• Couper Sandals: A metallic wedge is very versatile, especially with an ankle strap. Wear it with cropped pants, skirts and dresses.
• Rare Floral Combat Boots: A floral ankle boot with a high shaft is right on trend. Great with cropped pants.
• Cindy Perforated Wedge Sneakers: Wedged sneakers are a trendy option for Fall. This shade of toffee is unusual. Crisp and fashionable.
• Tramp Studded Booties: A studded moto bootie has become a hard-edged classic. The style has a high longevity factor.
• Cutout Buckle Booties: Refined Hard Edge in silver with a pointy toe. Perfect with white cropped pants.

Burgundy with shades of light pink is a gorgeous combination for Autumn and Winter, but why wait till then? Sport it in Summer just like Bally showed in their 2015 Ready-to-Wear Spring collection. There are many ways to combine burgundy and blush in an outfit. I’ll start the ball rolling with three renditions. 

Jeans, White Top, Burgundy Bag & Blush Accent 

Combine a pair of jeans with a white top. Add the blush in a topper, OR leave off the topper and add a summery blush scarf if it’s too hot for layers. If it’s cool, sport the blush topper and the scarf. Finish off the outfit with a burgundy bag and cognac, tan or metallic shoes. 

Blush Top & Burgundy Bottoms

Combine a burgundy skirt, or a pair of trousers, shorts or jeans with a blush top. The top can be solid or printed. Finish off the look with burgundy pumps, cognac footwear, or metallic shoes. Choose a metallic, burgundy or cognac handbag. 

Burgundy Top & Blush Bottoms

Combine a blush skirt, pair of jeans or trousers with a burgundy top. Again, the top can be printed or solid. Finish off the look with metallic or cognac footwear, and a metallic or burgundy bag. A blush or burgundy topper is a good addition on a cooler day. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. 

You could also combine a burgundy topper with a blush top and pair of blue or white jeans. Or combine a burgundy dress with a blush scarf and metallic pair of shoes. I love the look of these colours together but don’t wear solid burgundy, so I will enjoy this combination on you.