https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:53:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2183075 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 06:58:22 +0000 Bijou 2183075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jackets and coats are my weakness. I love them and because they tend not to wear out, are classic in styling and are the most expensive items in my wardrobe, it is so hard to whittle them down. I also have a hard time letting go of boots and bags. If I wear out shoes, it is usually my sandals, sneakers and pumps, my leather boots seem to keep on going regardless of wear.</p> <p>I may need to adopt a one in two out approach. I find one in one out hard, so that would really make me think twice before buying anything new in my categories that are overloaded. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2183071 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 05:16:03 +0000 Jaime 2183071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anything vintage, shoes that are comfortable, designer finds (the less I paid the more precious they are) ... I could go on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182916 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 15:51:44 +0000 Echo 2182916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree about having a try-on session. I've recently purged most of what I had, and I found that sometimes the sentiment I thought was there really wasn't once I put something on.</p> <p>I also got strict about fit because it makes me happy to have things that fit properly. For years I kidded myself about a jacket not closing still being wearable, but I also recognize that my situation doesn't apply to everyone. You look worlds better in the jackets you don't close. </p> <p>But try them on; work outfits around them. You may well realize that despite how you thought you felt, you will realistically never wear the item again. If you will wear it, no matter how infrequently, keep. It may not happen until far in the future, but you may kick yourself later for getting rid of what would have been the perfect piece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182908 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 15:23:59 +0000 notsaf 2182908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm forgetting how you organize your closet, Janet, but I find the happiness quotient is really increased on rarely-worn items when they're hung with like items, by color and style, within my main closet. That way I see them and see them with their "friends" even if I'm not actively wearing them, and they still bring me pleasure! Just a thought.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182872 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 13:34:34 +0000 Janet 2182872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great collection of responses! Thanks, everyone. There are no right or wrong answers, you know? I feel like my collection might be a little overwhelming but I really like the individual pieces. Some beloved pieces would be impossible to duplicate and are not unwearable, just on the snug side, and my size is definitely subject to change. Some of them are not super versatile but complete certain outfits so perfectly that I enjoy them even in limited outings. </p> <p>I think I’m going to try the little exercise of sorting through them, first putting the slam dunk current workhorses back in the closet, and then working my way into the lesser-worn pieces, doing some try-on sessions with actual outfits. I need to make sure I still have the components for outfits that make these jackets necessary! And if there is one I continually reach for over another, I need to be realistic about why. </p> <p>I have storage space so it’s not an issue of that. But the jacket rail is full. I’ve been practicing one-in, one-out but perhaps I need to try a one-in, two-out approach for a while. </p> <p>Thanks for the ideas and commiseration! I knew I wasn’t alone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182851 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 11:06:27 +0000 N 2182851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The one thing I admire and makes me jealous of is the number of jackets and coats my husband has. I feel like outerwear really makes an outfit. He always looks amazing in his and a lot of them are investment jackets (Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Paul smith, Moncler etc). I doubt he'd ever throw any away. I don't think you should if you love all your jackets. I wish I had that many to wear honestly as I love jackets too but I doubt I ever will as I am a vegan, got long arms and wide shoulders so even finding one that fits and is in a satisfactory material is hard enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182792 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 03:16:40 +0000 notsaf 2182792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're tried of something, pass it on! Life's too short. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182770 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 01:42:44 +0000 nemosmom 2182770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jackets and jeans are the things I struggle to part with. </p> <p>Jackets - because I don’t really wear print or pattern tops, so jackets are a way to add “some” interest and personality to an otherwise ordinary (ok, boring) outfit. </p> <p>Jeans - because they can be (have been) pricey, I *always* have to have them tailored... I just can’t convince myself to part with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182764 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 01:21:41 +0000 Jules 2182764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m reminded of the character Kalinda from the TV show the Good Wife, with her endless collection of stunning edgy leather jackets! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182762 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 01:14:36 +0000 CocoLion 2182762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Rachylou, what don't I get rid of? &nbsp;I have trouble parting with EVERYTHING. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182734 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 23:39:53 +0000 kkards 2182734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shoes. I mean really how many shoes do I need, but I’m always looking at them thinking about the cost to replace and what if I find want need X. So I get the trouble your having with jackets. I’d start with fit and go from there </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182730 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 23:30:28 +0000 Vildy 2182730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple years ago, pre lockdown, of course, a neighbor teen came up to me and confided she and her mom loved to see what I was wearing. They called me The Jacket Lady.&nbsp; I felt too "seen", if you know what I mean.&nbsp; It's a personal triumph whenever I manage to purge some. </p> <p>ETA: don't know if this would work for you but I can tell when to purge anything because when I am testing for that and I take the item off, the outfit improves immediately. :D</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182700 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 21:48:48 +0000 Brooklyn 2182700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have exactly the same problem with jackets. Love them!!! But I have too many of them. Not enough opportunities to wear.</p> <p>I’m doing a strict 1 in 2 out policy. That’s going to be my way of gradually reducing my holdings until I get to a number that feels more reasonable for my lifestyle. (Unless of course I have some lifestyle change that enables me to wear jackets more frequently.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item/page/2#post-2182694 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 21:14:59 +0000 slim cat 2182694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Too many graphic tees- have trouble letting it go. Jackets is a less problem for me - let go of some became too tight for a full movement range or possibility I just like roomier fit now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182685 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 20:57:06 +0000 Irina 2182685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie,&nbsp;</b>you description is exactly me and my fit challenges in blazers. Only I’m also short But I still like jackets that can be closed. Hence, I only have two blazers and both were extensively altered. Some of my jackets are a bit too big in the shoulders. I think it’s more of a traditional approach to jackets. I can always spot a jacket with buttons or a zipper that is only intend to be worn open by an owner and it reads too small to my eye. I don’t keep a jacket if it become too tight across the bust.<br />But it is personal choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182674 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 20:25:09 +0000 Angie 2182674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's first choice to have your jackets altered that way as <b>LisaP</b> describes. I'm sure the tailor created an excellent fit! </p> <p>That said, when you dress women with a larger bust, narrower shoulder line and defined waist&nbsp; - (or with an apple shaped mid-section) - it becomes very hard to find a <i>tailored</i> jacket that comfortably closes in front straight off the rack. It's almost always a challenge - especially with fitted blazers. And in my experience, most people do not want to go to that type of expense to alter. If the jacket almost closes, I think it's fine when the jacket is worn open, and it looks great everywhere else.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182668 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 20:09:24 +0000 Roxanna 2182668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No wisdom to offer, but here to commiserate. I too LOVE jackets and have a TON because they are relatively easy to fit, I run cold, and I find them the perfect interesting outfit completer. I likely need to edit too... So I'll be watching your threads keenly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182663 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 20:00:09 +0000 Cardiff girl 2182663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to hang onto every thing!I have found that selling the item and putting the money towards a new item that I would like helps to lessen the pain.Also having a record of how often l have worn it or not, helps to justify getting rid. &nbsp;I use the number if wears on style app.l recently parted with a beautiful jacket that I had never worn but had hung in my wardrobe for.......10 years,gulp!!!<div>I suspect that as a fellow creative you have a hard time letting go of things from an aesthetic point of view.It is our gift but also our burden!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182660 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:50:12 +0000 Anonymous 2182660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think those jackets can have moments anytime regardless of what others wear, with dyot. The ones you love, you should keep. If you truly question any, maybe they can go.<br /> That said, they’re a weakness of mine too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182654 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:28:50 +0000 Murph11 2182654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking forward to your try-on, styling session post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182653 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:26:14 +0000 Janet 2182653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can not comfortably zip up my cobalt blue leather IRO moto jacket, but you’re gonna have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. I just fill in the open front with a patterned scarf. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182651 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:24:02 +0000 Anonymous 2182651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I respectfully disagree with Angie , and agree with those who say that a jacket that doesn’t close in front doesn’t fit . I fell into this trap for years and years , well forever really , until I finally faced reality . I never button jackets up either , and always bought them to wear that way, which meant they fit in the shoulders and arms , but not so well across the bust . No big deal if worn open . But I finally had a tailor show me the difference when I tried on a larger size that allowed me to button up the blazer . He then adjusted the shoulders , and took in the side seams and it just looked so much better . I don’t know how willing I am to have to tailor everything , which could be why I’m not wearing fitted jackets as much anymore . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182643 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:05:43 +0000 Anonymous 2182643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I moved, I downsized everything. The hardest was jewelry. I purchased a smaller jewelry box and only brought what I could fit inside. I went from a free standing jewelry armoire to a dresser top jewelry organizer. Utilize the forum to guide you and we will support you in your closet editing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182624 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 18:04:27 +0000 Jonesy 2182624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I'm no help because I'd say if you have the space and they fit and you love them, why let them go? Moto jackets have a lot of staying power, ditto bomber jackets, IMHO (e.g., a moto and bomber from a couple of Dries van Noten's recent collections). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182612 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:43:56 +0000 unfrumped 2182612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I could have written that!<br /> Too many jackets but they’re all different, truly. I am not good at having the one jacket that goes with everything.<br /> And now being retired, I don’t have near as many days on which I would wear a tailored jacket, even washable utility types, because I may just garden all day and have jackets for THAT.<br /> But as viva describes above, I tried to get ruthless about fit- showers, bust- so culled a few.<br /> Now having a few shoulder joint issues that make if more, um, involved to shrug in and out of some blazers, but am not prepared to admit permanent defeat there. Once I move away from the snugger fit in armholes, which I always want to do for general comfort anyway, I look too frumpy, and don’t do well in bombers either.<br /> Barely wore my 2 wool flannel type blazers this past winter.<br /> Worse, I still want to buy them! Have ordered &amp; returned a couple of plaid blazers because neither were close to what I think would be versatile for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182600 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:29:15 +0000 Isabel 2182600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, THAT is also my achilles heel.&nbsp; My husband's entire home office closet are my jackets and coats. ( don't pity him ! ). I think that this year it's particularly evident because I have gone nowhere and have had no reason to wear them.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I have come to two conclusions :&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>1. Blazers don't fit my lifestyle anymore. So I don't need as many as I have.</p> <p>2. The stumbling block for me is that I don't have a wardrobe that takes advantage what I love : jackets.&nbsp; So I want to make my wardrobe more compatible with what I love to wear and I need to break out of the same formula. For example : more t shirts and straight pants and using some jackets as shirts...etc.&nbsp; Using my lightweight "coats" as a blazer.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good Luck !&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182595 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:19:46 +0000 Angie 2182595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few thoughts: </p> <ul> <li>You ARE Queen Jacket, <b>Janet</b>!&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>You have a large collection, so make sure you love what you have, even if the item is infrequently worn. It doesn't matter if you have the space, and the item sparks joy.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>A coat or outerwear type of jacket MUST close, but other types of jackets do not need to close if they fit well everywhere else. Like the military jacket you wore yesterday,</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Motos and bombers are iconic classics. They are always "in".&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>I have a love for toppers too. I have many and wear them all the time! I live in the PNW and run cold&nbsp; :)&nbsp; But like <b>Lisa P</b>, I have storage challenges in our loft. I can only purchase and keep so much. For that reason, after many, many years of not wearing them and no longer feeling them - I passed on my Theory blazer,&nbsp; Smythe blazers, and black moto. No regrets.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182593 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:18:17 +0000 Barbara Diane 2182593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why are you thinking of purging jackets? If it isn’t reasons like space but arbitrary thoughts that purging is good, I’d ignore that voice. If there are items you know you won’t wear again, or shouldn’t because they are too worn out, that’s different. Anything so beautiful you want to see it perhaps could be displayed.</p> <p>OTOH, if something will get very little wear and you want to pass it along to someone who will wear it more often....</p> <p>I keep rarely worn items I really like (usually dressier) for years even if they aren’t worn often because I am happy when I wear them.</p> <p>I have a hard time purging my more expensive items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182592 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:13:38 +0000 SarahD8 2182592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I am this way about cardigans (easy to buy/fit; fit through weight fluctuations esp bc I rarely wear them closed; more personality than my pants/tops; a signature part of my style). On a certain level, I have adopted the "wardrobe pet" attitude and have come to accept that I will have more of this type of item than I strictly "need." I think this works as long as you don't take this attitude with *every* wardrobe category, you have the storage space, and the items make you happy.</p> <p>That doesn't mean there's not room for editing though. </p> <p>For me what works is weeding out things with duplicate function, which often means a combination of length and color (again, for me -- you might be different). I have one long, black cardi. I don't need another one.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, trying to let go of things that I like but that don't really suit me (and that therefore I wouldn't chose over other similar options). So I got rid of the black-on-gray fair isle cardi that was somehow too high-contrast for me. (It was also not really warm enough for the season in which I wanted to wear it.) But I'm keeping the black-on-gray floral cardi because the organic shapes make the color scheme work, and I adore it.</p> <p>I don't think you have to get rid of items just because they aren't terribly versatile -- especially in this sort of signature category. You can pry my vintage cashmere rainbow-colored fair isle from my cold dead hands, thanks!</p> <p>But I agree on keeping jackets that are unlikely to date, even if they're a bit out of favor for you at the moment. I'm not wearing my shawl collar jacket-y cardigans much right now, I seem to be interested in a more homespun, casual vibe -- but I'm sure I'll turn back to them at some point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-%e2%80%94-how-to-let-go-of-your-favorite-type-of-item#post-2182587 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:04:24 +0000 LaPed 2182587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, my first thought was the same as Runcarla's. If it doesn't close, it doesn't fit, and out it goes! I am admittedly not much of a topper person, though, and tend to expect them all to perform as true protect-from-the-elements outerwear... Your case is different, because they're an integral style component.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd probably start by making a list of types: moto, utility, bomber, blazer, etc. Figure out how many in each category are absolute must-haves and then evaluate the maybe's.&nbsp;</p> <p>You know, I really can't say I have a favorite category, or a type of item I'm most likely to hold onto. Winter hats? They're all quite sentimental to me (lots of handmade gifts), and I've never willingly let go of one, though I've lost a few good ones over the years... </p>