https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 04:56:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1437741 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:26:09 +0000 chadya 1437741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to help, working hard to stop my wardrobe getting out of control again. <br />Got back from TJMAxx and didn't buy a thing, saving money for Dallas trip if you saw my post.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1437724 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:01:55 +0000 rachylou 1437724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you wear sweaters? I'm looking at my own pile. I have too many... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1437666 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:25:30 +0000 trekkiegirl 1437666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chadya - those are very helpful to keep in mind, thank you. </p> <p>Unfrumped - yes my weekly routine is already very packed! But I have decided that each day, I can take just one minute to find ONE more item to get rid of. I have done this the past few days and have gotten rid of one or two additional items each day </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1437637 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:18:43 +0000 unfrumped 1437637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on " things I have to do/ keep doing" before organizing. </p> <p>Lots of daily things keep going on and don't make it easy to do longer- term projects or infrastructure things. </p> <p>I found it helpful to face that up front and intentionally simplify some daily/ weekly routines to carve out time and energy. This may not help if someone is already using bare- bones routines , but usually I find certain amounts of higher expectations or unnecessary( even if fun or useful) elements are there that I could cut out for a few weeks. Simplify grocery shopping, meals and cleanup; simplify clothing especially after work, to minimize laundry; avoid getting sucked into other new projects. </p> <p>This is all nothing new , is basic stuff for prioritizing to do something I want or need to do, but I'm always surprised at how I can sabotage myself if I didn't make a plan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1437631 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:07:11 +0000 chadya 1437631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are some guidelines I found somewhere on the internetz</p> <p>1. Does the item fit?</p> <p>2. Do I like the way I look in<br /> it?</p> <p>3. Do I like the way I FEEL in<br /> it?</p> <p>4. Have I worn it at any time<br /> in the last couple of years (or longer)?</p> <p>5. Does the item look dated?</p> <p>6. Is this item simply taking<br /> up space in the closet?</p> <p>7. What are the chances of me<br /> wearing this again?</p> <p>8. Would I buy this piece again<br /> if I had the opportunity?</p> <p>as for things like tshirts and loungepants to hang around the house in, I decided the last time I did this. I need 14 of each for winter/fall and spring/summer,&nbsp; The rest I donated or tossed depending on condtion.&nbsp; Too many to store othewise, that leaves 2 weeks worth of wash to contend with.</p> <p>Shoes:The shape of heels and toes change style over the years, no matter how good condition your shoes are they may look dated and need to be culled. That part hurts.<br />Hope this helps.<br />The last time I did a big clean out, I put everything out in one place and went through it.&nbsp; This let me see it all at once, luckily&nbsp; I have the space to do so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436494 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:55:33 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First steps: I threw out 2 pairs of shoes - The brown/orange wrestling shoes, and a pair of beat-to-death black flats I had for 6 years (and wore at least 2-3 days of every week during that time period!!)</p> <p>I am itching to do more, but I really need to focus on my house first. Tonight the last of the Christmas decor will go away, and I have 3 loads of clean laundry to take care of. Maybe there will be something in there to get rid of hehe!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436379 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:04:03 +0000 Dimity 1436379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo wrote a post once where she&nbsp;figured that with x number of days in a season&nbsp;and with wanting to wear items x times in that season, then you'd need y number of items. Basically, you need twelve things per category. Here's the post:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-is-enough-playing-with-numbers">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....th-numbers</a><br />Then she talked about the 'rule of three' here:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://moderatewardrobe.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/avoiding-oversaturation/">https://moderatewardrobe.wordp.....aturation/</a><br />These help if you want a numerical framework around which to develop your wardrobe.<br />Best wishes for the clean out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436305 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 05:10:05 +0000 Gaylene 1436305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As Suz said, going through an entire wardrobe can be daunting, especially if you go item by item. When I did my big edit, I didn't have the luxury of time, which, in retrospect, was a huge help. </p> <p>My strategy was to think of my clothes as categories, much as you have done, and then rationally decide what would be a reasonable number in each category. For example, in my denim category, I decided I needed a minimum of 6 pairs--2 skinnies, 2 straights, and two bootcuts. I also roughly decided on the number of bottoms, tops, and third-pieces (jackets, vests, cardigans, etc) I'd need. Armed with those numbers, I started pulling out the best stuff from my closet and put it on the bed in my pre-determined categories. I tried to vary within the set numbers as much as possible to make sure I didn't end up with six pairs of jeans all in the same wash. </p> <p>I fudged a bit, but having the pre-determined numbers forced me to make decisions and helped me weed out the A-team stuff from the B and C lineup. Once I had my choices in all the categories, I put everything else into holding boxes. I think the concept of a "holding" place is critical because it is easier to put something aside if you know you can get it out again if you miss it. A few items did make it back from the holding area, but, after a couple of months, I couldn't even remember what was in those boxes, and it was a relief to just get rid of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436267 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 03:06:52 +0000 Caro in Oz 1436267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found this really book helpful:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/garden/home-organization-advice-from-marie-kondo.html?action=click&amp;pgtype=Homepage&amp;version=Moth-Visible&amp;module=inside-nyt-region&amp;region=inside-nyt-region&amp;WT.nav=inside-nyt-region&amp;_r=0"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10</a>.....tion=click</a></p> <p>See forum discussion here:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/organizing-book">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....izing-book</a></p> <p>&amp; find the book here:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&amp;page=1&amp;rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AMarie%20Kondo">http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF.....ie%20Kondo</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436248 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 02:28:37 +0000 Sveta 1436248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a start! As Suz said - don't try to do it all at once, it may be quite overwhelming.<br />Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436245 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 02:15:55 +0000 Anonymous 1436245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's the way I look at it. Clothes need to work for me. They need to be comfortable, stylish and flattering. When deciding what to keep and what to purge, I keep these three things in mind. Also, my clothing needs to be in good shape. If something can't be repaired or is stained and can't be cleaned, out it goes. There's nothing to be gained by allowing clothes that are never or rarely worn to occupy valuable space in my closet. What's the point of that? My closet is there to house the clothes and accessories that I actually wear, at least once in a while. Oh, and don't forget to purge the closet orphans--those pieces that may be in great shape but don't get worn for whatever reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436225 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 01:56:43 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent point vildy, thank you for pointing that out.</p> <p>And Suz, GREAT tip, that is most likely exactly what I'll do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436209 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 01:37:09 +0000 Suz 1436209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're doing some great thinking here. If it feels overwhelming, take it one category at a time. For instance, look at all the button downs one day, and the knit tops the next. Once you get started, it probably won't be that difficult. I always focus on all the space I am making for great new items and the fantastic outfits I'll create from those. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436190 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 01:09:32 +0000 Vildy 1436190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job planning your purge!&nbsp; As a thrift shopper, I would ask you to reconsider donating items that are "really really worn out."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436128 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:11:55 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot an entire category of clothing:<br /> Knit tops and other miscellaneous non-button down tops. I have a ton!! At least half of them are outdated, don't fit, or are worn out. </p> <p>I'm actually getting kind of excited at the prospect of having a more streamlined, efficient, and *specific* wardrobe... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436113 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:39:54 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a great tip for the tops, thank you! (Tip top top tips HAHA)</p> <p>I was always hesitant to get rid of shoes too, but now many of the ones I have are very worn out. I think it's time for those to go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436103 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:31:39 +0000 unfrumped 1436103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The new year is the perfect time! Congratulations!</p> <p>For items in multiples, like shirts, I found I could identify the way I wanted to look in a few shirts and use that as the "bar" for deciding which shirt made the grade. Same for knit tops in certain styles--I'm usually going for a certain something and over time, some are getting it right and some are not.<br />Fit was very important, but I allowed for a slight range of tailored to fluid (oversized is in another category of specifically trendy) --see Angie's post today--but only if the color and fabric were great, like a silk shirt in a great berry color or a great neutral. Even if I were not wearing them much, I was willing to store a few out of circulation and re-visit, or try to develop outfits. I did not keep ones with collars that looked dated (though that will change) or that had any fit issues whatsoever. I had kept some for layering only but after awhile realized I could narrow down to ones that multi-tasked and would never miss them.</p> <p>Shoes are hard for me to give up if they fit and are comfortable and maybe had been hard to come by for certain special occasions. Since in fact, special occasion shoes for me are NOT that comfortable, feeling okay at first but usually starting to go foot-killer after&nbsp; a couple of hours, I am able to toss some here or there if I get something I think can take the place of 2 others, for example or if I resolve to only get dressy items that go with the remaining ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purge-planning-yikes-verrrry-long#post-1436067 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:23:48 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The time has come for me to do a closet purge. For too long, I've held on to items that were either very worn out, or I simply didn't LOVE, because of a fear of having "not enough clothing." However, I've been able to purchase quite a few things over the past couple years, and I now feel that I have more than what I need, and then some. I can already visualize at least 2 items that will go, one of which being a bridesmaid's dress I never wore myself, but someone gave to me because she knew I have a knack for sewing and thought I might be able to make something of it...</p> <p>I've read several of Angie's posts as well as many of yours, so I feel somewhat prepared. The ones I found most helpful were the <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/08/06/the-six-piles-of-closet-editing/" rel="nofollow">Six Piles of Closet Editing</a> and <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/08/29/revisiting-your-personal-wardrobe-essentials/" rel="nofollow">Revisiting Your Personal Wardobe Essentials</a>. I know that the biggest barrier for me to overcome will be the emotional one - the "oh no, but what if I don't have any clothes left??" which is ridiculous, and is why I'm attempting to plan this out in advance, with clear concise parameters. Plus, it soothes my inner psycho to have very defined boundaries. No joke. </p> <p>Starting with bottoms, here's what I have and what I plan to get rid of:<br />Jeans: I have 2 dark skinnies - one is darker and in very good condition so I use those almost exclusively for work, and one is a bit worn so those are for weekends. I have 3 good bootcuts - 1 pair is a recent purchase in light wash which I will keep for the upcoming 70s flare trend, and then I have 2 pairs of Joe's. I've been meaning to let the hem out of one to make them longer. I hate to part with them because they fit perfectly when I'm at my higher weight (for example, where I'm at right now), and are (to me) very expensive. They also were gifted to me from my in-laws so there's a bit of emotional attachment there. Lastly, I have about 5-6 that could fit into the&nbsp; category of "play" jeans for gardening, hiking etc.so those will be the first to be edited out. I really only need one! I also have one gray pair of straight leg jeans I would like to replace. Undecided if I should pitch the pair I have yet... I've repaired the inner thigh area by sewing a patch into the inside to stop the fraying from where my thighs rub together. </p> <p>Leggings: While I do have quite a few, they are mostly lower quality and so I don't plan to get rid of any unless they have a wear issue, which none do yet. They don't take up much space either, and I wear at least one each weekend plus often during the week after work as loungewear. </p> <p>Colored skinny pants: I have one each of black and red denim, coral khaki material, olive cords, brown with a metallic bronze cast really not sure what material, grey trouser material, and cream stretch. Not getting rid of any of those. I will however, put on my list for "replace with quality" the olive pair, as those have some wear issues. Additionally, I would like a second, better quality pair of black skinnies, the ones I have are going to get worn to death pretty quickly.</p> <p>Work trousers: I don't even know how many I have. At least 4 black, dark green, gray, and tan pinstripe. These could be edited down, the black pairs if nothing else.</p> <p>Pencil skirts: I have at least 5 maybe 6 black ones, and I know at least 2 of them don't fit and/or are ripping in certain areas, so those can be edited. I also have a few colored pencil skirts, I think I need to get rid of at least 2 for wear reasons.</p> <p>Dresses: almost all my dresses have been purchased in the last year, and each is still in very good condition and/or unique, so I won't be getting rid of any of those. As part of my new style and wardrobe planning strategy I wear a dress every Monday, and I just went through all of them after having been at my new job for almost 3 months. Oh, well, there is that bridesmaids dress. I haven't done any actual sewing projects other than to mend a hem in almost a year, and we are running out of basement storage. I think it's time to let go of that one, I've had it for at least 2-3 years now.</p> <p>And then the tops.... hoo boy! I have so many it's difficult to even know where to start!</p> <p>Button downs: I have at least 20. Most are long sleeved, but a couple short sleeved... all different colors except for multiples of black which I need to evaluate. I haven't worn each of them yet, so I want to give each one at least two wears before deciding. Most of them were thrifted at 3/$1, so I'll not be wasting much money if I get rid of a few! Fit and quality should be my deciding factors here. There might be one I would get rid of for style reasons, it is a dark burgundy with a wrap front and I think it's too big, but I haven't worn it yet. </p> <p>Tank tops/camisoles: Again, far too many, and several I haven't worn in years, some with holes or seams coming apart etc. Out they go, at least half of them if not more. If I need better ones once summer rolls around, I can get a couple for $5-6 at Target. Done. I mostly wear t-shirts in the summer anyway.</p> <p>Sweaters/cardigans: I don't have any duplicates here, but I do have a couple that are not worth keeping - a very ratty grey one, and a dingy tan/greige monstrosity.&nbsp; I should evaluate for wear, I know all of them fit. </p> <p>Loungewear: excluding the aforementioned leggings, this is an area I could definitely edit down. I have 4 pairs of loose, pajama style pants. Two are actually from my father in law, and are far too big. I have 2 complete sets of pajama tops/bottoms now, (one is fuzzy and cozy, the other is a Star Trek set) so I think I can finally let go of those. The only thing that REALLY irritates me, is the newer ones don't have pockets at all!!! But, I only wear them at home, and really - if anyone needs me and I don't happen to have my phone, it would most likely just be my husband and he can yell through the house Haha! I also have far too many tshirts in this category. They were put there because of wear issues, but considering I have about 50 band tshirts (at least) I can certainly get rid of the ones that are stained or have holes in them!</p> <p>Shoes: this is going to absolutely be the hardest. Having worked at 3 different shoe stores in my 20s, I used to have an impressive collection of shoes. Most of them wore out eventually and were thrown away. I now have a decent collection, with the essentials covered. For my sanity, and to help me really see what I have vs what I don't need, I'm going to list them. <br />KEEP:<br />Black high shaft combat boots<br />Brown riding boots<br />Black suede stiletto booties<br />Black zip up block heel ankle boots<br />Black flats with gold stud detail<br />Cognac oxford detail flats<br />Leopard flats <br />Black peep-toe lace up oxfords platform heels<br />Brown round toe pumps with bow detail (I just polished them up, they look so much better now)<br />Two-tone mule heel sandal - I attached a picture of something very similar because I'm really not sure how to describe them<br />Silver strappy sandals, in very good condition. Perfect for special occasions, and basically the only super "fancy" shoe I have<br />Purple satin flip flops<br />Lilac converse style tennies<br />Lilac slip on canvas deck shoes<br />Black with white polka dot slip canvas flats<br />Tan moccasins <br />Black tennies still in decent condition - for weekends or workouts<br />Purple Saucony tennies - almost exclusively for workout, and therefore in near mint condition haha<br />ONE pair of "play" shoes for the garden<br />REPLACE:<br />Black pointy toe slingback heels (need to replace these with a standard black pump)<br />Tan lattice pointy toe heels (getting slightly worn, would like to replace with tan or nude pumps)<br />White strappy wedge sandals, very stained and worn (would like to replace with an espadrille type heel)<br />Metallic studded heels, very worn at the back of the heel (I think I just need something of interest here to replace it with, wouldn't necessarily have to be the exact same shoe)<br />DONATE:<br />Silver thong kitten heel, also very good condition but haven't been worn a single time. mostly because I hate the feeling of a thong with a heel.<br />Hideous brown and orange wrestling shoes - they are really really comfy, but really really ugly... and also really really worn out. <br />White fringe western boots - in all honesty, these are just too gaudy for me. And they don't fit either, they are about a size too small. My attachment is simply they were a gift from my mother in law, who I adore!</p> <p>I think that about covers it all. PHEW!! If you read all of that, I applaud your patience and perseverance, and covet your feedback! Did I miss any key wardrobe items to evaluate? How do I best start on this journey of purging? I don't have a lot of free time, so it may have to be done in chunks over a few months. I still have a few Christmas decorations I haven't put away yet, if that tells you anything ;)</p>