YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Closet editing

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Closet editing https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:39:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Glory on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206591 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 14:26:48 +0000 Glory 2206591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m very late to this post and I see you’ve been very successful. So many great ideas and encouraging words. Janet on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206572 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:58:58 +0000 Janet 2206572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SF, yes, absolutely. I have had the same experience — I clear out some things and then feel more energy to clear some more. I gave the plaid skirt away. I still have one other item I’m keeping that mom bought me. Coincidentally, it’s also a skirt — it fits and is wearable but a bit boho for my current style. However, I can envision wearing it again and it’s the kind of piece that has somehow fit me at every size I’ve ever been. I do have a strong sentimental streak, as did my mom. She was a collector and very reluctant to let go of things. I don’t want to leave anyone with the massive job of clearing mountains of stuff someday when I depart this world (hopefully many decades from now!), so I figure it’s best to get a handle on how I manage our belongings now. My husband is just the opposite and will throw everything away only to realize that sometimes you need those receipts or that broken copper windchime that your wife planned on repairing. ;-P Staysfit on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206564 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:25:49 +0000 Staysfit 2206564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, it sounds like you made some great decisions,  I wondered if you might want to make the plaid skirt you purchased while shopping with your mother into a pillow?  (Maybe the color and pattern is all wrong for your decor).  <div> </div><div>The positive energy I felt after our garage sale and reading your post has caused further editing in my closet and around the house.  Keeping things I am not using, or that I might use someday (but have not used yet) does not appeal to me anymore. Items that have developed sentimental value are the hardest to cull, but they did not have that value when I purchased them, (or even when they were gifted), it’s the person giving the gift and the experiences associated with the items that I value more than the item itself.  Keeping this in mind has helped me edit some things that I had not previously been able to cull.  </div> Janet on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206437 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 19:03:40 +0000 Janet 2206437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aw, Laurie, I get it! But I'm glad this topic spurred you to action.  I like the idea of reusing/reworking existing pieces if it's not too tough, and if it's a slam dunk that the item will be usable afterward. Heck, I just ripped the collar off of an old Madewell vest because it finally occured to me that I hate having that extra fabric on my neck in summer, when that vest is actually in season. Without the collar, it has a bit of RATE integrity, worn over my barest sleeveless dresses to make them a little more interesting and provide a slight bit of coverage.  But sometimes the item just isn't easily altered. The more I think about the items I've now let go in this recent edit, the more at peace I am. I have plenty of other things to wear, and the edits did not create any wardrobe holes! Laurie on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206433 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 18:53:40 +0000 Laurie 2206433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was interested in your idea to cut to a top, but see all of "nays" on that. I have 2 BR bodycon sheath knit dresses - 1 style duplicated in tomato red, and black - that i love. Tried one on to wear to that wedding a few weeks ago and it is simply half a size too tight across my rear. Heartbroken! I love these dresses. (Also my Sloan polka dot dress that I wore to Ben's high school grad 5 yrs ago, mentioned in another thread about size/weight) Hard to get rid of these. Suz on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206332 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:06:35 +0000 Suz 2206332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the idea of making a cushion cover with the dress fabric. Or even coasters.  It's not your current style. Glad you're letting it go.  I'm not much help because I'm quite intuitive and emotional about my editing. I just look at stuff and say to myself -- do I really want to wear this? If the answer is no -- it's gone!  Firecracker (Sharan) on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206281 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 23:57:58 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2206281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Well done, Janet! I've enjoyed reading about your dilemma, your thought process, and all the advice others have given. I am a super reluctant closet editor. I really identify with your discovery that you had imagined the dress culling to be a bigger project than it turned out to be. I imagine any kind of closet edit to be a gargantuan task. Lately I've been pulling a few items here and there, and putting them in a donate pile. At least it gets me to clear some items without having to commit to that Impossibly Huge Wardrobe Edit--haha!</div><div>I think the question, "in case of what?" is a good one for me to ask myself, because the things I have a hard time letting go of are those </div><div>that I think I might want for some unknown situation. </div> Marlene on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206274 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 22:49:06 +0000 Marlene 2206274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I vote for free the dress! It’s pretty but seems to fall in that middle zone of too dressy for every day and too casual for events. I’m also in the same boat: what do I do with this middle zone stuff??? I’ve decided on letting all this type of stuff go (after much mental gymnastics about keeping vs letting go). It feels very freeing to finally acknowledge this is now a mix of imaginary life and memories of a past life. No longer need anything for this type of outfit! I suspect that you have several other outfit options in your closet that would function like this dress if you got into an outfit pinch! PS - your hair looks great!! Janet on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206259 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 22:05:41 +0000 Janet 2206259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Karie, yes, that sounds like a great edit! I think I’ve finally figured out that I don’t want to keep many pieces that only serve a very limited purpose in my wardrobe unless I absolutely love them and they are unique. Which kind of means stuff that only serves for dressy occasions and doesn’t translate to more casual ones unless they are specifically event wear. I will always keep things like a versatile black skirt, black trousers, a couple of dressier blouses, etc. And I love blazers so keep them to wear with graphic tees and jeans. Karie on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206253 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 21:41:01 +0000 Karie 2206253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been feeling a style shift too. I think it's due to the shutdown. I no longer have any tolerance for anything fussy or even slightly ill-fitting, or anything that fits into the category of "I think I can make this work...."   I just did a huge closet edit last week and got rid of everything that didn't fit perfectly or that I didn't think I'd have a need to wear. I also got rid of all the items in my holding zone, which was getting bigger than my actual closet! And those "just in case" items? Gone. I can be a ruthless purger when I set my mind to it. I kept some straight skirts that I only ever wear to work, but I hope to retire at the end of the next school year so they'll be getting purged after that.I also kept my favorite dresses (two fit & flare, 3 sheaths), an assortment of pants, jeans, and tops that fit well, and almost all of my blazers. bj1111 on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206192 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 18:05:10 +0000 bj1111 2206192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hooray! Janet on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206100 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:37:37 +0000 Janet 2206100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I originally hesitated to post because I feel like editing has been discussed to death and would probably bore you all. But I’m glad I did. Your comments helped unstick my brain in old habits of keeping things just in case, when I truly am done with them. Donation boxes are already out for pick up. And a few things have been added to the “to sell” box. I may take them to the consignment store, but I’ll also check out The Real Real. Poshmark might come through for a couple of pieces too. Deborah on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206078 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:37:52 +0000 Deborah 2206078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet I hear you on a style shitft.  There is a part of me that wants to wear voluminous and colourful dresses everyday!  So far I have restrained myself lol. I am a pretty brutal wardrobe editor and I am doing to say let the dress go.  It's beautiful but I feel it's no longer particularly current looking.  Thank it for its service to you and pass it on Jenni NZ on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206075 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:25:28 +0000 Jenni NZ 2206075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hadn’t commented… but everything seems like good decisions. I am sentimental too as you probably know. But I couldn’t keep every single thing I have enjoyed wearing. Photos do it for me now. chewyspaghetti on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2206012 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 00:12:03 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2206012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm very emotional in my closet editing. I usually know immediately when something no longer aligns with my wardrobe goals. Iget an icky feeling just seeing it hanging in my closet. I think you're ready to pass it on to someone else who will get more use from it. I like Marie Kondo's idea of thanking it for its usefullness before letting it go. Sal on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205995 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 23:02:27 +0000 Sal 2205995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The closet looks fabulous...and you are prompting me to go through my sentimental section of my closet.  I have a bridesmaid dress, two old ball dresses that I will keep (these will never fit me again)  but I also have about five occasion wear dresses from 1999-2010, two of which I don't think fit me, and about three that fit but I might not wear again.   I also find tops requiring a cami a little fussy and have tried to move away from them..... (I have one I am persevering with). Now all we need is an occasion or two!! Janet on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205983 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 22:25:38 +0000 Janet 2205983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for all the virtual kicks in the seat/cheerleading/encouragement!  BJ1111, they are those "huggable hangers" that I bought at TJMaxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, etc. They have them on Amazon too. I like them because they are thin but substantial enough, and they are coated with that slightly fuzzy surface that keeps shoulders from slipping off.  I do highly recommend getting the ones that have the pants bar at the bottom, not the ones that are open -- the open ones are too flimsy. Occasionally I have broken one by dropping it or hanging something too heavy on it -- they're not good for coats. But I always keep a few extras. Since I bought them over the course of a few years, I ended up with a few different colors, and I started using white for dresses, green for woven tops, and black for knits. Vests and pants go on the brown ones. :-)  Stagiaire Fash on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205947 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 20:00:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2205947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m known not to edit much, but part of that is because I still have big questions about where life will take me. You seem much more settled and more in control of your future, so you have good perspective on whether things are likely to be useful or not. Because you can have much more certainty about whether you will ever want /need it or not, editing the dresses in your closet makes complete sense to me. Minaminu on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205894 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:39:04 +0000 Minaminu 2205894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is a lovely dress but I don't think it reflects your current style. I think it's a fab idea to use the fabric for the outdoor pillows and you'll enjoy it in a different way! You have.a fab range of dresses and outwear, love the variety! Anonymous on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205891 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:35:30 +0000 Anonymous 2205891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agreeing the dress doesn't really seem like Janet Now, but could make a good top! I generally don't cull for one up or down size, since shape is so changable, more often for style/color that doesn't feel right anymore. kkards on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205881 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:19:30 +0000 kkards 2205881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I struggle the same as you…this year though there were things that i looked at and it just clicked that when “normal” returns, this isn’t what I’m going to reach for…generally i found if my list of what i want to change about the item outweighs the what i like about it, that’s a pretty good sign its time to let it go bj1111 on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205878 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:15:46 +0000 bj1111 2205878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What kind of hangers are those? I like the thickness LaPed on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205873 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 16:58:01 +0000 LaPed 2205873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s a lovely dress, but it feels like it belongs down a different path than the one you’re taking. The ornate pattern, body-con cut, and classic vibe aren’t what I associate with your current style. And it sounds like most of the items you’re on the fence about would be easy to sell or consign, or would be appreciated by Dress for Success or a similar organization. I don’t think of myself as a ruthless editor, but I cull roughly three dozen items each year (I don’t set a quota, but that seems to be my typical in/out number), mostly due to wear and tear but sometimes because my tastes have moved on. Something going unworn for more than a year is a good sign I ought to re-home it, unless it has a very specific purpose (like a pair of black oxfords for job interviews and funerals). Once I start asking if a piece ought to go, it usually means the answer is yes. I can think of a few things I wish I’d held onto; I culled a lot more when I was younger, moving frequently, and had little storage space. But in the end, it’s not the end of the world and better to feel I have “enough” than “too much”. I don’t want to collect clothing; I just want to enjoy wearing it. Kyle on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1/page/2#post-2205857 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:49:18 +0000 Kyle 2205857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have so many fab outfits and clothes, and this dress doesn’t quite measure up to the very high bar you’ve set, IMO. RobinF on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1#post-2205830 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:19:45 +0000 RobinF 2205830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very satisfying! I really hang onto things too long and need to do some culling myself, especially of dresses that rarely get worn. When an occasion comes up I usually want to have something new anyway. I do find that my tolerance for anything fitted has gone way down. With menopausal body changes (my weight hasn't changed much but my body definitely has) I just don't like to accentuate certain body parts and can't stand anything constraining. I need to get rid of anything that I wouldn't wear now for the right occasion. Janet on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1#post-2205810 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:23:37 +0000 Janet 2205810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A peek at the results in my holding zone, which now hardly has anything besides occasion wear and out of season things, plus a couple of sentimental items.  1) occasion wear and two sentimental items (an authentic kimono that someone brought home for my mom after WWII, and an amazing top that  I wore for my 40th birthday that my boobs laugh at now) 2) out of season - winter wool coats and jackets 3) out of season - long jackets, a couple of pairs of dressy trousers, and a couple of non-summer dresses, plus a couple of occasionwear pieces (sequin top, sequin blazer, silk satin blouse)  4) out of season - a couple of winter jackets. The other stuff in there is my husband's  5) empty hangers (not to be refilled!), and two vests that remain in the holding zone. I'm weirdly attached to the faux fur vest, even though I haven't worn it in years. I feel like there's going to be a glam moment at some point that I'll want to wear it again, and it was an unusual cut for the style, super flattering. The other one is really unique, but was always challenging to style (it has a sort of drapey scarf thing attached to a traditional menswear style vest, which I've thought of removing). I'll consider those another day.  Janet on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1#post-2205808 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:03:21 +0000 Janet 2205808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for all the great comments, everyone!  I took a little time yesterday to drag out every dress in the house and try it on. It actually didn't take as long or seem as overwhelming as I expected, because I'd already done some editing. Sometimes we get something blown up in our minds larger than the issue really is. And I have only 2-3 dresses that are not summer dresses, so that part of it took no time at all! :-D  I'm letting go of the dress in the photos. I will first put it in my fabric bin because it may indeed make a good throw pillow -- a friend is making new outdoor cushions for me later this summer (waiting for fabrics to come back in stock), and I'm sure she could do a quick throw pillow cover for me too! I'm also letting go of another scuba fabric dress -- the black background floral one that I wore for my stepson's wedding, and countless other occasions. It still fits, but more snugly than I like, but more importantly, I just feel like I've had enough photographs taken of me in this dress and I'm ready to move on. I have another occasion-appropriate dress that fits and photographs well and is in shades of blue.  Also, I finally culled a lovely floral number from White House/Black Market that I originally bought for my niece's wedding, and then found another dress I liked better. It still has tags on, and is a bit snug. I'm not going to hold onto it for the possibility of another occasion plus losing weight in all the right places, so out it goes! At least I got it on an excellent sale. I also am letting go of a beautiful dress with a very fitted bodice that has never quite fit my bust right (it smashes me down in a way I just can't accept), so after wearing it a couple of times years ago with a denim jacket over it, I'm letting that go too. I just don't like keeping things that I *have* to cover up.  The DVF dress is also going to be sold. It's lovely, but it's a size too small, and even if I lose the weight, I think it's a tad short for my preferences now. Someone will be thrilled to get it secondhand.  I also put the two Equipment shirts in the "to sell" box. If they weren't so sheer, I'd keep them, but I don't care for the look of sheer layered over tank tops for myself so much anymore -- it feels a little fussy and clearly they're not useful for me. So I also got out the two coordinating tank tops and put them in the donate box as well.  A slightly painful one: I'm donating a lovely plaid skirt that my mom bought me probably 25 years ago. I had it taken in when I lost weight for my wedding, and it's quite a bit snug now. Plus I never wore it even the last time I was a size smaller. I've really been keeping it for sentimental reasons, but frankly, I don't need the skirt to remind me of the fun my mom and I had shopping. And I do have one other piece that I'm keeping from that category.   Result: a bunch of empty hangers and a sense of relief. Thank you for letting me work through this with you all!  Staysfit on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1#post-2205806 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:34:11 +0000 Staysfit 2205806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, you must be reading my mind!  I put on some weight and my body has changed a bit, probably due to a combination of menopause, COVID quarantine, and weight lifting. Some of my clothes, mostly tops but some dresses, do not fit as nicely or feel quite as fab as in the past.  I hope I will lose some of the weight, but am not counting on fitting into the items again because I think my torso is broader from the weights.... I tried on everything in my closet, and culled anything white (since I do not wear it) except base layer tanks and tees, anything that felt snug, baggy, or that no longer felt fab for whatever reason. I also culled jewelry, shoes, bags dresses, etc.  I saved a few pair of higher waisted jeans in a holding zone because they are only a little snug and should fit again if I lose 4-5 pounds.  I sold most everything I culled at a recent garage sale, after allowing my friends and family to pick what they wanted. I have never held a garage sale before.  However, my neighborhood has two scheduled sales every summer, so I took advantage.  I admit to selling expensive designer items more cheaply than they would be on any of the resale websites. I was not trying to recover money as much as make sure they went to someone who would enjoy them.  There were a couple of women who saw my clothes and their eyes bugged out, they were so excited to be able to purchase them.  They were happy, and I was also happy to give them a great deal and see them go to good homes.  Win-win.   <div> </div><div>(My sale offerings included a DVF wrap dress, a Rebecca Taylor leather jacket, a Rick Owens dress, a Narcisco Rodriguez dress, Stuart W. Heels, Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack (white leather), etc.) I’m donating the proceeds from our sale to the local food bank.   </div><div>Bottom line: Donate or sell the dress and move on.</div> Brooklyn on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1#post-2205795 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:09:04 +0000 Brooklyn 2205795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would donate the dress. Sometimes with this style you can make it a midi skirt by inserting an elastic at bust height and pushing the whole thing down. But it looks like the material is not stretchy enough to do that. I’ve been shopping at (charity run) thrift stores over the last couple of years and it makes me feel a lot better about donating my unwanted good quality items to them. Every time I find something I like that someone else has discarded I feel like I’m paying it forward by donating some of my nicer things so that someone else can have the same pleasure in finding them. Plus benefiting a charity of course. Bijou on "Closet editing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-editing-1#post-2205787 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 09:46:32 +0000 Bijou 2205787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't see this as your current style and think it is a great piece to give to someone else. I could see this being snapped up by someone who is shopping for a nice dress to wear to a wedding in a second hand shop - they would be thrilled to discover this. Wear and enjoy the great items you have currently in your wardrobe. I need to do a post like this on some items I am finding hard to let go of too. Editing out items that are still good and were former favourites can be hard. For me, editing out coats is tricky because my season of wearing them is limited and they tend to be classic in design.