YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Closet Edits

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Closet Edits https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:39:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Lisa on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815919 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 14:35:46 +0000 Lisa 1815919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have always struggled with editing my closet and the more I try to edit at one time, the more I dig my heels in and simply can't let go.  I do think it's ok to hold onto a handful of pieces for sentimental reasons, or when it's pricey, was a workhorse in the past, but for whatever reason is taking a season "off." Of course, there is a fine line here, hold on to too many things and you end up with a closet of nothing to wear for "right now."   Angie on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815907 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 14:02:52 +0000 Angie 1815907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the pics. I get your dilemma. My dear, Sterling. Just keep these items as sentimental pieces. We ALL need them to complete our style stories.  catseye on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815906 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 14:01:07 +0000 catseye 1815906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know that Coach bag. As a matter of fact, I wore one to interview for my first job out of graduate school in 1999. It was borrowed from my office mate, she told me everyone will be impressed by my briefcase.  The necklace is a no brainier. I would keep it. Find a way to get rid of the briefcase, you will never use it again. Too impractical.  Anonymous on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815881 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 12:11:18 +0000 Anonymous 1815881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I am going to put together a keepsake box.  Style Fan on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815866 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 10:45:50 +0000 Style Fan 1815866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling those items are beautiful and hold wonderful memories for you.  I have some jewellery that I never wear that I bought when I accomplished something (got into graduate school, graduated from graduate school, etc.)  I keep them in a special place. Anonymous on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815859 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 09:40:17 +0000 Anonymous 1815859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie -- You are right.  Despite my earlier denial, I realize this morning that ALL of the items I am struggling have immense emotional ties.  I think a lot of them were purchased at around the time of some major life change or transition.  They marked a major goal or achievement.   WOW.  This puts everything into a whole new light.   I might be able to remove them from my wardrobe, but keep them in a keepsake box.   Anonymous on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815857 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 09:20:38 +0000 Anonymous 1815857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie => This Coach briefcase was the item that was foremost on my mind when I originally drafted this post.   I bought this in ~2000.  I think I bought into Brand Marketing because I was convinced I had to have it.  It is heavy leather.  I use it about once a year (to justify keeping it).  It is not designed for laptops and multiple reports.  Oh, and the weight is then doubled.  The whole thing is just poorly, poorly designed.   As I mentioned above, I had to have this bag.  It marked a major career transition for me (Smittie's reference to emotional past).  Those emotions are one reason I can't just donate it.  I have to somehow know it is landing in a good home.   Another item is this necklace.  I loved it in my 20's, but at some point, I lost interest in this style of jewelry.  The picture does not do it justice.  It really is a gorgeous piece of jewelry.  People comment on it whenever I wear it, I just find I prefer pearls or no necklace at all.  At least, the necklace does not take up much room.   Your thoughts are welcome, Angie.  I especially would like to know who would best benefit.   Gigi on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815848 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 05:20:43 +0000 Gigi 1815848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, your solution of consignment and the women's shelter sounds like a winner! I usually take my nicer pieces to consignment too.  I operate similarly to texstyle: If I have something that is decent quality and fits well but I'm just not loving it, I store it for a year or two (I live in a four-season climate). I have surprised myself at what I have gone back to as my style shifts. I have also pulled pieces out of storage because they go well with a new item that lacks a lot of companion pieces. If after a couple of years the item is still not making me happy, off to consignment it goes. If items are rejected for consignment or if they don't sell, I may keep them around if I think they might come in handy for a costume party. I attend a few of these a year, and sometimes it's nice to have a stash of old clothes to start the costume creation process. I do try to get money for them first, though. One thing I should mention: Every time I give away stuff during a closet edit, I remind myself that I'm doing the best I can and that it might indeed happen that I have regrets about giving away a certain piece later on. But I remind myself that I can't know the future, so it's OK if I mess up and give away something that I wish I hadn't given away. Giving myself permission to make a mistake helps me move ahead with getting rid of items. Sal on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815821 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 01:12:23 +0000 Sal 1815821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am an okay closet editor, I do two big ones a year and occasional other ones as the mood takes me.  I like to think of others using my clothes who will enjoy and appreciate them.  So I either donate or sell early on if they are clearly a mistake OR keep and wear until they are basically no good to hand on.  Occasionally I may hand on if I am tired of an item after a couple of years but I feel if I am over a fashion trend, others likely are as well. It is also okay to keep some pieces that you are unsure about if you have the mental and physical space to do so. Angie on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815810 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 00:35:36 +0000 Angie 1815810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The reason I want to see the items is so that I can convince you of why they need to be passed on, and to who.  unfrumped on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815808 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 00:14:23 +0000 unfrumped 1815808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have slowly gotten over sunk costs after wasting so much time with consignment appointments and Resale Rejection. That is especially if it doesn't fit/ isn't flattering. I have a harder time with things I have too many of but they all fit and go with outfits but I'm not wearing them all. I am so finicky about proportions that I like gray top A with these pants and gray top B with those pants , or this jacket length not that one, and so on, or neutral pieces, maybe " Essentials" that still fit great. So it's really hard for me give those up even though I have tried, pick the top 8 of 10 or whatever. I have to really hammer myself to do one in/ out or replace one item with another. I tried to do my " if in doubt, edit it out" but I'm not good; I DO ascribe to, if in doubt, wear it out ( out of the house) as that sometimes really clarifies a flaw in fit or feel. Lyn D. on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1/page/2#post-1815801 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 22:05:51 +0000 Lyn D. 1815801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love these posts! I think the key phrase here is 'sunk costs' because that money is spent as soon as you purchase the item. This helps me to let go more easily. Selling the more expensive pieces can ease any feelings of guilt too! Liz on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815796 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 21:32:35 +0000 Liz 1815796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, don't forget that you can also use Style Exchange here to sell or give away your items. JAileen on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815794 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 21:22:03 +0000 JAileen 1815794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz mentioning sunk costs - that's a big concept in cost accounting. She's absolutely right. And in business I was that way. But I'm not that way with my own closet. Anonymous on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815789 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 20:27:45 +0000 Anonymous 1815789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sigh.  I have re-read everyone's comment with careful consideration.  I am not a sentimental person.  In fact, it frightens my BF just how unsentimental I am.  So that is not the problem.   Comments about sunk costs resonate the most to me.  It is coming to grips with sunk costs that is my obvious next step in my fashion journey.   Jenni NZ on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815786 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:48:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 1815786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Sterling! I will be able to think and write more at the weekend. Going to work this morning. I finally joined YLF for this type of post ( Rachy's one on her sweaters was the clincher!) Smittie has it bang on in my case. Total "storyteller". I now have 36 years of clothes stories since age 20 and still keep and have worn my mother's 1964 vintage coat which I first stole from her when I was 21. Culling is very hard for me. I do do it, but stuff with more good memories that is not worn is more difficult. Anonymous on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815782 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:28:38 +0000 Anonymous 1815782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was an incredibly HELPFUL thread.  I forgot something very important.  I don't have to donate everything to the Good Will. I can donate to Women's shelters.  There is literally a shelter on the way home from work.  Thanks, Style Fan, for the reminder.  Such an obvious solution and one I just completely missed.   And Smittie, I am going to suck it up this weekend.  All my really nice stuff is going into a pile.  I will take it to a consignment shop first.  Whatever doesn't sell will be dropped off at the Women's Shelter with my blessing.   And Janet.  I once considered getting rid of all my button down shirts.  I just haven't be able to do that.  I am still not ready to do that. Suz -- Sunk costs are the exact issue with some of my more emotionally and financially expensive items (e.g., Coach Briefcase that I just had to have in ~2000).  I found it was too heavy to carry.  I also found that it wasn't of much use when carrying reports/laptops/etc.  It was a complete waste of money.  Yet ..... sunk costs.   Wow.  This post was more emotionally than I thought it would be when I originally wrote it.  Thank you everyone that posted your thoughts.   Christina F. on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815780 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:24:26 +0000 Christina F. 1815780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, boy are you right about sunk costs. I definitely keep clothes for that reason, even though I can usually dismiss it in my personal life as a reason for doing stuff. How funny. One way I get around holding on to too many special occasion clothes is to use Rent the Runway. (Don't know if other countries have it or an an equivalent; I know Canada has a company but apparently the dresses aren't too nice?) I have a fancy event I attend each year, so it's a constant need of mine. This solution won't work for everyone, but it helps me keep that capsule to a minimum - I do have a couple of backups and one pair of silver heels that's comfortable and goes with EVERYTHING. Suz on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815776 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:07:29 +0000 Suz 1815776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a pretty ruthless closet editor because the guilt of not wearing/ enjoying clothing that I can see every time I open my closet tears at my heart more than my guilt about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/how-the-sunk-cost-fallacy-makes-you-act-stupid.html">sunk costs. </a> In general, I feel a sense of relief when I get rid of expensive mistakes. Out of sight, out of mind...and meanwhile, I can also indulge in Murph11's clever visualization. Imagine how great this item is going to make someone else feel!  But Smittie might be onto something; this may have to do with temperament.  And there are a few items that I have a harder time getting rid of, no matter what. Most of them fall into the "special occasion wear" category. As others have said, this is a particularly difficult category to feel any sureness about. You never know what special occasion is going to arise and I know for a fact that there are few things that bother me more than not having an option or two at the ready for a fancy event. I used to find myself in that position quite often and it bothered me much more than it bothers me to have a few extra possibly extraneous items hanging in the closet. That, again, might relate to temperament and circumstances. If I felt confident that I'd be able to go out shopping at a moment's notice and find a great new outfit should a special occasion arise, I might not need to do this.  Laura makes a good point. If you have a fair idea of how many tops you need, then keeping too many over that number is just a mistake. In cases like that, I try on in different outfits and see why I am tempted to keep them...perhaps one works especially well with that jacket or this skirt, for example, while another works really well with jeans, in which case maybe it makes sense to keep both if I do wear them.  Elizabeth P alludes to this when she talks about organizing her jeans by cut. I do that also. I will only wear one or two favourites of any particular style (e.g. slim straight, BF, culotte) and it makes no sense to keep extras on hand.  Having said that, "need" is elastic. How many spring weight silk blouses do I "need" when I only wear them about five times a season? Possibly none. Or maybe 2, one light and one dark or one patterned and one plain. Or maybe five, for variety? Hmmm. It's tricky. But if I consistently pass something by in favour of other items and never really enjoy wearing it, well...that's a signal.  I also think trying outfits on helps you determine if something actually meshes with your current style direction.  Style Fan on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815775 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:05:38 +0000 Style Fan 1815775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a box of holding items.  It is getting smaller.  Very slowly.  The good news is that I rarely add items to it since I joined YLF.  But it is painful to donate those items.  I gave up on consignment stores. I shudder to think of the cost but I look at the items and realize now I will never wear them. I try to donate to organize like women's shelters or hospital emergency rooms. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815773 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 18:45:48 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1815773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess that's the value of a number based goal - if you decide you'll only keep x woven tops, then it's easier to get rid of the x+1th one, even if it is perfectly lovely and fits. I mean, you can think of it as making it easier, more joyful and less stressful to get dressed, because you're not overwhelmed with 'almosts ' anymore. LaPed on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815769 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 18:29:42 +0000 LaPed 1815769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My worst habit, closet-wise, is thinking that something that doesn't fit me well will fit better if I gain/lose weight. Most of the time, when something doesn't fit, the issues are proportional -- waist too big/legs too skinny, torso too big/shoulders too narrow, etc. -- and I tend to gain/lose weight pretty proportionally, which means that even if I go up or down a size, those things I'm hanging onto in the back of the closet still won't actually fit because they're just the wrong shape. I've gotten a lot better about saying no to things with fit issues, and identifying specific features that just never work for me (looking at you, low-rise pants!). Pants are still hard, though, because if I only keep the perfect ones, I don't have enough. I wage a constant battle with my placeholder-pants... JuniperGreen on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815766 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 17:59:12 +0000 JuniperGreen 1815766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Sterling, I'm glad to have found a kindred spirit.  I could describe my closet the same way: "severely bloated ... with no rhyme or reason" and definitely the product of lots of "sales shopping and impulse buying."  Hearing your story is motivating, thank you! I only joined the YLF community this spring and it has DRASTICALLY changed the way I shop in a few short months.  I am noticing this as I put together outfits.  I regularly weed out items but need to do a large re-assessment soon.  Two things are happening that are motivating forces for my eventual Big Closet Edit: - I'm tired of sifting through lots of less-than-stellar options. - The "good" stuff is getting lost amid the rest. Elizabeth P on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815755 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 17:10:25 +0000 Elizabeth P 1815755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "Sometimes, when I reevaluate items, I find that they look really good on me, and yet I STILL don't reach for them. But then every time I evaluate, they look so good that I keep them. This is one of my big obstacles to editing. Anyone else experience this?" OMG, YES!  I'll start on a pile of things I haven't worn for a year, or two, or three... and start styling them and it becomes "oh, this is nice, I should be wearing it", and put it back.... I was able to do a jeans purge this spring by consciously saying "yes these are nice, but I like those other ones better, and they are the same cut, so out goes the ones that I'm not reaching for".  And out they went, the next day.  Otherwise they'd be rehung by now!.  With jeans it's not always fit, it can be fabric, or how they feel once they've been on for hours.  There are a gazillion more categories that need to be tackled though.  So hard...  (well, for some of us) Love these type of threads, thanks for starting, I hope  can get motivated by it. Janet on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815752 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 16:54:05 +0000 Janet 1815752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "Sometimes, when I reevaluate items, I find that they look really good on me, and yet I STILL don't reach for them. But then every time I evaluate, they look so good that I keep them. This is one of my big obstacles to editing. Anyone else experience this?" YES! I have been doing this for years with a couple of nice, classic button-front shirts. Well, this spring I finally took them out, tried them on and said, yes, they fit and look *nice*... BUT they didn't fit my current style and when I tried to come up with an outfit using those shirts that I actually wanted to wear out of the house, I came up empty. Those shirts are now in the donation bag, and I have a twinge of anxiety about letting go of them, but I literally have not worn them in over three years. It's time to move on.  Christina F. on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815749 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 16:45:55 +0000 Christina F. 1815749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm one of those who keeps things in holding for a year or more. Some are gear like hiking pants that don't fit right now and were expensive and infrequently used. Others are things I love that I hope to fit into again, but I try to keep this category very small. Mind you, I do regularly donate clothes - we even have a box in my building's basement for the purpose. I've updated my wardrobe so much this year that I have no choice but to have a one-in-one-out policy. Sometimes, when I reevaluate items, I find that they look really good on me, and yet I STILL don't reach for them. But then every time I evaluate, they look so good that I keep them. This is one of my big obstacles to editing. Anyone else experience this? I guess these clothes may look good but aren't what Tim Gunn would call "soul stirring" for one reason or another. I also think Janet's solution might work well for me for these items - maybe there is a reason I don't reach for them. texstyle on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815739 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 15:46:38 +0000 texstyle 1815739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh yes, I agree with Janet too to purposely wear some of them and see if there is some other issue - like pulling or wrinkling or whatever. Aziraphale on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815734 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 15:31:32 +0000 Aziraphale 1815734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think Janet's solution is on the money. Purposely wear your unworn items, and it might become clear why you aren't wearing them regularly. Maybe those pants are a tad tight and uncomfortable. Maybe that pretty blouse has bra exposure issues. Maybe you don't have one single top in your closet that works with that orphaned skirt. One caveat: formal wear and very fancy shoes don't necessarily fall into this category. You can have those things in your closet for "just in case". Just make sure you pull them out from time to time and make sure they still fit! Anonymous on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815733 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 15:29:58 +0000 Anonymous 1815733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am not overly sentimental about most of my wardrobe pieces if I am not feeling the love anymore. If it's something I truly believe I will wear again, that's different. I see it as - the longer I wait to donate/rehome items, the less they are potentially useful to others. Part of the reason I donate so freely is because I believe others can make good use of the items. Sisi on "Closet Edits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edits-1#post-1815728 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 15:15:34 +0000 Sisi 1815728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling I commiserate because I am exactly like you. Of course I know I am of no help saying this. I will follow this thread with interest. Smittie I think you are right: I am in fact a person attached to the past.