YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Closet Purging

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Closet Purging https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:24:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1/page/2#post-2310031 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 03:29:27 +0000 Sal 2310031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that things that you wear (even if you don't love them) are mostly worth keeping. For example - my second pair of cycle shorts - I don't love them but on rare occasions when I cycle two days in a row I appreciate the spare pair. Or the gardening shorts or the basic navy sweater that makes three pairs of pants work. Janet on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1/page/2#post-2309283 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:55:34 +0000 Janet 2309283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JK, I just watched an Alison Bornstein video and now I want to try that! I’m always so divided between keeping things I may want to wear again and tossing them. Thinking of them as “HOW?” may be more helpful. Rejoiceandbe on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1/page/2#post-2309278 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:26:59 +0000 Rejoiceandbe 2309278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have found one way of doing this and having some fun into the bargain- recruit a friend who's sense of style you trust (and who you feel comfortable enougth with that you are willing to allow her/him in your skivies). Set aside a period of time and go through your wardrobe, trying everything on. An objective observer can see more clearly than you sometimes can if something fits, flatters or is worn-out. The process is more fun if you can arrange child care and a glass or two of wine is involved in the process...... Anonymous on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1/page/2#post-2309262 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:22:05 +0000 Anonymous 2309262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome to the forum! How about making a challenge to yourself to wear all of the pieces? If something feels not right on the day you wear it, it'll be a candidate to pass. Alternately, you could track what you wear, and pass the things you don't reach for. Jessikams on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1/page/2#post-2309261 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:16:54 +0000 Jessikams 2309261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve enjoyed the videos made by stylist Alison Bornstein on this topic. She has an unusual system for culling. First step is to make a pile of everything you regularly wear, no matter whether you love it, are proud of it or embarrassed, all of it. Even your sweatpants etc that you wear every morning to walk the dog…all of it. Those all stay (although if you have time, you might see if any of it needs replacing or repair). Next, a pile of all the things you NEVER wear. Then later you break this down: things you don’t wear because they don’t fit (discard) or you don’t like it anymore (discard). Then things you like but don’t know HOW to wear. Then you work on figuring that out. Interesting, right? It seems very practical, instead of trying to figure out how you FEEL about each piece. Jenni NZ on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309245 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:56:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2309245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Claire I’m back home since yesterday morning, all unpacked and have caught up on various household tasks! Thinking about how I reduced from about 200 items of clothing and shoes to just under 150 of same over about 5 years while still trying to be sustainable… it was slow. I still bought clothes and shoes in those years: 18 in 2017, 30 in 2018, 32 in 2019, 12 in 2020, 15 in 2021 and 17 in 2022. In the 5 years 2018-2022 inclusive I bought 101 items and edited out 127 items. Hmm, the maths doesn’t quite work…maybe I also moved a few items to my “dress-up storage”- I do enjoy 1920s and 1930s dress-ups and have a small capsule for that which I keep separate. Any 1920s-hinting items which can still be worn in modern ways stay in my current wardrobe. Unlike some on the forum who very much insist they won’t wear something any more if they don’t like it or don’t know why they bought it, for me personally I am not happy with that, and have been practising #30 wears for over 5 years. In other words I very much try not to buy something if I can’t see myself wearing it at least 30 times. It doesn’t always work but has saved me from making many unnecessary purchases. I have clothing lists which help me to realise, by tracking wears, areas that I have tended to overbuy- eg dresses, skirts, “going out tops”. Shoes are my weakness and I am attracted to so many- love your yellow ones BTW! I have realised I don’t like them looking worn so have been able to either donate ( if not too worn) or trash the scuffed-looking ones. And learning not to keep “in case I need it” has helped, if I already had something else similar in the category. Not sure if any of that helps you! Janet on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309120 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:26:01 +0000 Janet 2309120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Clare, thanks to your post, I’ve been thinking a bit more about doing some cleanout. I also make the mistake of too-quickly duplicating favorites. I find pants that work and then semi-panic and buy them in other colors. My mom had a bit of hoarding/acting on scarcity tendency so I fear I learned that from her. Hard habit to shake! Yesterday morning was a nice quiet oasis around here — no workers (we have a huge renovation project going on) and hubs was off coaching baseball. So I did a little mini edit, looking mostly at jeans and workout wear. I pulled out the three pairs of AG Harper jeans I HAD to have before the pandemic started, because at that time I was wearing my blue ones the most of any jeans I had. I got them in grey and in black (fortunately on a really good discount via Amazon). And then…Covid 19. I think I’ve worn the black ones twice in three years. I’ve worn the grey a few times. But even the blue ones have fallen way out of my rotation because I am preferring looser, easier fits in denim these days, frequently wearing my boyfriend jeans, bootcuts and wide legs. So I put the blue and grey pairs in the consignment pile and kept the black ones, which I forgot actually fit a bit looser as I sized up in those. It reminded me of how important it is to try everything on when I edit my wardrobe! I put the black ones at the top of my jeans pile to challenge myself to wear them in the next week. If I keep passing them over, they should go away too. I also did a thorough review of my workout wear, and got rid of some really old and tired tops and running leggings. On inspection, I realized that one pair was from twelve years ago! They had a hole in the knee from when I took a spill during a 5k through a local park and tripped on a tree root. So I ended up getting rid of four bottoms and at least six tops. I now know that I don’t need any more long-sleeve workout tops (mainly for hiking which I do a lot), but my summer workout tops are looking a little meager. Sorry for the long treatise but I just thought I’d share in case it is at all helpful or encouraging! Sometimes tackling a little bit at a time is less overwhelming than a full-closet edit. Claire C on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309112 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:37:14 +0000 Claire C 2309112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jessikams - I feel this lots in my current wardrobe. My issue is often once I find something that is perfect I need it in EVERY color or version. Which is not a good look. Jaime - I think I need to think about this more. I live in Chicago so lots of distinct weather, but more and more it all seems to mix up more than it used to (just yesterday I wore a sleeveless top with a wool blazer coat - in February!). As a result I've been striving to keep everything in there all at once to avoid buying perfect shorts when I already own their twin. I think I shall work on the digital wardrobe as many have mentioned and then maybe truly rotate out by season. One or two large bins should help with that and would also force a very intense seasonal edit which I used to do in prior homes and that worked effectively. My parents are watching our young kids this coming Saturday so I think I'll make a nice pot of tea and set aside some time in the evening to go through with these new ideas "would I buy it today?" The emphatic keep might be dangerous for me as most of what I have I love, but there are some I know that will help with. Olive Green on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309110 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:15:04 +0000 Olive Green 2309110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome! Sounds like your time to change things up a bit.  I do the three pile method. Enthusiastic KEEP pile, the maybe pile, and the pile that will be donated or given to friends.  If my keep pile contains a full wardrobe (keeping in mind that I am a laundering fanatic and try to avoid bottlenecks there, so need a bit more than would seem obvious) then my maybe pile gets a ruthless purge.  I have started to duplicate shoes and sandals as they get so much wear. Simply stock up on winners as they go on sale, if possible.  Then I check my Pinterest board for accessories and current ways to fill a wardrobe hole. That way my fantasy life gets a look in.  My tastes changed with my health lately, and your bright shoes are calling me! Stagiaire Fash on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309095 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 05:04:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2309095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jessikams, so interesting about the move! Some people say the way to prep is to purge ruthlessly. You know that could never be me, and I’m happy to hear I have a compatriot. Going to a new place, you want things that suit yourself and the environment. It just makes sense to me to start off with stuff that I know fits the “me” half of the equation while I sort out the “place”’part of it. I might decide some of my pieces don’t feel so good there, and that’s fine. At least I’m not entirely unmoored when I arrive. jussie on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309094 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 04:41:28 +0000 jussie 2309094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome! Well it’s tricky isn’t it? I have a small wardrobe size, so I have to keep a strict one-in-one-out rule. Also I love clothing and variety so I would quickly build up too much if I didn’t edit regularly. Not great for the environment though, I admit. To be honest, if I haven’t worn something for two years…. It’s probably time for it to go. I usually try the item again in a few different ways first, just to see if I can reinvigorate it… but if not, then I try to let it go. I am thinking especially of quite a few Liberty print items I had… I love them, but feel they are not really the look I am going for now, and frankly I never actually wore them very much, even though I theoretically like them. So I’ve passed on a few of them, only two left now. And the jury is out on those…. Best of luck with your edit. Jaime on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309079 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 03:14:53 +0000 Jaime 2309079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome to posting! I think there are two attitudes toward purging - one suits someone with limited storage space and a preference for a tightly edited closet. The second is more for someone with the storage space to rotate things in and out of use. I am definitely the latter. I keep most things that fit (or have fit in recent years), that are in good condition, and that I still like BUT I don't keep them all in my active closet, which I try to limit to things I would wear tomorrow. Right now my active closet contains thrifted pants and jeans that are originally from decades ago, that were in storage for the last few years, and that I am delighted to rediscover now that the high waisted hegemony is receding . Jessikams on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309077 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 02:24:27 +0000 Jessikams 2309077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m pondering this lately too. I have a few items of clothing, acquired recently, that are just sooooo right, I want to wear them every day. And they seem to work no matter what I combine them with. These items are making me give the rest of my wardrobe the side-eye….. like, why would I want to keep the pants that only work with a certain top? Or the skirt with the really cheap looking elastic waist? Etc. What if my closet was just a few, really perfect items? I’m tempted by this idea but also don’t want to purge too much right now because I’m about to move to a new climate/lifestyle. Following with interest! Claire C on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309071 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 00:27:31 +0000 Claire C 2309071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all - such great advice! Thanks especially to Suz for the links, they led to more links and now I have lots to ponder. Just this morning I saw lots in my closet I think I might be ready to let go of again so looking forward to further editing and considering. Angie on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2309009 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 16:46:04 +0000 Angie 2309009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of good guidance here, Claire C! And an official welcome from me too Carla on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308989 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 13:46:03 +0000 Carla 2308989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve only performed a closet ‘purge’ once - and it was done in two stages, six months apart.  I had relocated to a new geographic locale and then 4 years later retired from the workforce.  A portion of my wardrobe just didn’t suit my new climate and newly retired persons lifestyle.  No matter how clever I tried to be with repurposing - it was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.   <div> </div><div>I used the opportunity to jettison items that ‘didn’t work’, but I also eliminated some items that had ‘bad feels’.  Things that had acquired negative associations, for whatever reason.  I was feeling ebullient and joyful, and I wanted my closet to reflect that going forward.  New items have been acquired slowly and judiciously and with my style goals in mind. These days I edit as I go for worn items, and do an annual review once a year in the fall (after summer and before cold weather) - but nothing as dramatic as what occurred in 2018.  It was emotional work that called for sanguine reflection and evaluation - cathartic once completed.   </div><div> </div> Dee on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308983 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 12:53:21 +0000 Dee 2308983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too struggle to figure out when its time to let go of something even though it still fits and I think I still like it. One question you might ask during a purge would be whether you'd still buy this item again? Its helped me recognize that maybe its time to let some of these items go. Anonymous on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308980 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 12:34:43 +0000 Anonymous 2308980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve never had a large wardrobe so things go out piecemeal and not in huge bunches. And it’s really when the mood strikes me that things get edited out. Mostly I will see something in my closet and just realize that I haven’t worn it ever or in awhile and, frankly, never will again. It’s difficult and I do deal with guilt over things because I feel at this point in my life I should not be making shopping mistakes. But such is life. I don’t follow trends so for me the decision to edit out is based on whether I still like wearing it or not… simple as that.<div> </div><div>The recent forum post on shoe collections prompted me to count my pairs of shoes and, to my great surprise, I have almost 20 pairs which seems like a very large collection for me. And I also realized that there are a significant number that have hardly ever been worn or are just not for me any more (I’m looking at you 3 inch stiletto heels). So on my “to do” list this weekend is a shoe edit!</div> Jenni NZ on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308969 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 09:31:44 +0000 Jenni NZ 2308969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Claire and welcome! Have only just seen your post because am on the homeward leg of a 2-week holiday in Thailand. Suz gives me a shoutout above for whittling down my wardrobe over several years. I will think about it on the next (long) flight- am at Changi airport in Singapore right now- and hopefully respond tomorrow. I’m not particularly trend driven so keep things a long time but not as long as Stagiaire Fash above! Jenava on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308966 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 06:22:00 +0000 Jenava 2308966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to go read Angie's amazing posts next, but I'll chime in with my approach. If I can use the item in an outfit that I like enough to repeat, I keep it. I do purge when things start to get ratty or damaged. And my taste and shape shifts over time. So something I loved wearing may eventually fall into the not loved category. If I'm hesitant I use a holding zone. rachylou on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308963 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 05:01:55 +0000 rachylou 2308963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m not even a big jeans wearer and yet had a lot. I set myself a number to get down to based on how often I really wear them and purged. I’ve added some wide legs so my collection has grown again… Sal on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308961 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 04:31:44 +0000 Sal 2308961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome to the forum! I edit regularly - but typically at the end of the season I will assess things I have not worn and this can be a prompt to let something go - for example at the end of winter I would look at coats boots sweaters and jeans or winter pants .  There can be good reasons why something has had little wear one year and you want to keep it (weather variations and new babies can have a big impact for example) .  For me (I am in NZ) if I have not worn a summer dress by now then it gives me pause as to why - we have had a terrible summer in terms of weather but I have still had a few occasions .  I have a couple of blouses that I might edit out - I just am not choosing them any more . In terms of wear - I think this is a personal thing that some require a more pristine wardrobe and others are fine with some wear and tear . For me stemming the flow in is the key - if I have plenty of denim for example I will stop myself buying more - I do find a DO NOT BUY list helpful - we all have things we are attracted to (for me this is party dresses) I think being realistic about your life is important too - if you hate ironing then don't keep tops that need frequent ironing - or if you don't like heels then you might only keep a pair or two.  If you hate wearing hosiery then winter dresses won't get much wear. Cee on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308958 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 04:16:13 +0000 Cee 2308958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've never tried to eat a closet, so I don't what it's like to need to purge on*...Ohhhhhhhhh !! Barbara Diane on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308954 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 03:46:56 +0000 Barbara Diane 2308954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you want to thin your jeans collection I’d suggest starting with picking your most favorite, then the next, etc until you have the number you want. Or, similar process but by type, purpose, occasion or whatever categories make sense for you. Good luck! cat2 on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308787 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 18:27:39 +0000 cat2 2308787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find that just when I think a cut or color or print could never be in style again, it comes back, but paired in a different combination than before. And my weight fluctuates. So I keep a lot of what I am not currently wearing but I have it tucked out the way in some garment boxes under the bed. My closet for each season just has what currently fits and feels either current or key to my style. I don’t keep anything worn out, and would retire your old yellow shoes and look for new. I would keep the non current jeans under the bed until you see what trends next after the loose and oversized looks. It feels like we are at maximum slouch and volume and will move on soon. kkards on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308781 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 18:06:08 +0000 kkards 2308781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome… I have no idea…as long as I still like something I keep it…which is why I’m paying a professional organizer to set up a closet system for me…and she has insured me that we will be editing.   <div> <div>On my own, my 1st pass is anything that can not be saved with a polish ,good cleaning, or a small alternation (often this will require a professional).  2nd i pass on anything  i no longer like.  But if you’ve already done that, my final pass is for of items were the quality is below what I am actively wearing, or where I think it quality is such that I don’t think it will be in good shape if it sits for 2 years. </div></div> BlueJay on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308779 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:45:15 +0000 BlueJay 2308779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome Claire C! Very cute shoes! I'd like them in navy or white!  I don't know how to purge either. I would keep the things you LOVE regardless of trends. I've let go of some sweaters that I loved and I regret it as I would have enjoyed wearing them again, not just at home, but out in the world. Conversely, I let go of things that are worn, misshapen, etc. and if I really like them, then I try to find/buy something similar. Lots of great advice already said and posts from Angie. Agreeing with Suz, it is a process!  Suz on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308765 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:56:47 +0000 Suz 2308765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome!  Angie has <a rel="nofollow" href="http://">a whole series of posts on closet editing</a>, some of which you might find useful! This <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2022/08/03/how-to-manage-an-overly-large-wardrob">recent post </a>in particular with its embedded links might be helpful.  Several forum members have whittled their wardrobes down from what was (for them) an overly large size. (Waving at Jenni, in particular). I think she'd say it is a process. There are emotional attachments to specific items. There is the fear of waste. There is the guilt if you feel you spent too much -- many emotions swirl around when doing a large edit.  Once you get your wardrobe to a more manageable size, editing becomes easier. I do it seasonally, with my seasonal clothing switch out -- as well as at points between where I make decisions on items that bother me in the wearing or simply don't feel right any more.  Our needs really do change when our lives change. Different jobs, different leisure activities, different climate, kids growing up, having kids -- all of this affects the size of wardrobe that will work best for us.  Cardiff girl on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308764 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:56:22 +0000 Cardiff girl 2308764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good question,let me know when you find out!Seriously though l am not an expert however l follow all the usual rules but much ,much more slowly than most other people!I have found that recently l have suddenly decided to let a lot of things go ,why now?Lots of life stuff probably. Iam selling the better stuff and will use the Money to buy things that l know l will wear more now.ldont get rid of things that l still like and that fit well even if l am not wearing them.Things go around in fashion and will always come back and l don’t want to have to buy the same things over again especially when l don’t think that the quality of clothing is necessarily as good as it used to be.Having a less trend led wardrobe helps because some things never go out of fashion. Star (Lise) on "Closet Purging" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-purging-1#post-2308761 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:34:31 +0000 Star (Lise) 2308761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a very slow purger and therefore have a very large closet which I am in the process of whittling down.  I am practising '1 in, 2 out' and so far so good.  I don't get rid of pieces I love or if they are the wrong size because my weight does fluctuate from time to time.  I purge things when I no longer like them which usually relates to style (hello, low rise jeans).  I do track wears and can see what I am not wearing at all and for how long and that helps in making decisions.  I do tend to put items in a holding zone first, and things may come in and out of there although most usually do end up going.  As for shoes those I find quite simple to make decisions on.  If they are a bit beat up they must go.  Worn out or scruffy shoes can totally destroy an outfit.