https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:03:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging/page/2#post-2156135 Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:59:23 +0000 Barbara Diane 2156135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get rid of items if they don’t feel like me anymore or if they look tired or something is wrong with them-condition, fit, etc.<br /> I keep smaller clothes when I gain weight, but I get rid of larger pants. I often can have skirts and tops taken in. I try to discourage weight gain by not having larger clothing but I and am happy to see “old friends” when I lose weight.</p> <p>I am hard to fit and quite picky, so having clothes to wear without shopping is a plus, especially during Covid. Also, often the quality of the older items is often superior.</p> <p>My sentimental items that I don’t expect wear are in one spot. Holding zone items are separated into weight loss needed, alterations needed, and thinking about.</p> <p>I often pull items out of thinking about. I even had a dress that didn’t sell at consignment turn out to be perfect for a wedding guest outfit-after spending a lot of time shopping for the right outfit.</p> <p>I also don’t purge items if I still like them as I want to use up my clothes instead of shopping for new.</p> <p>Have you played in your closet with the items you are considering purging. I often find new combinations I really like.</p> <p>I would keep a few of each type of item or at least think through all the occasions that could happen in the next few years. A wedding guest outfit, a funeral outfit, etc,</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging/page/2#post-2155905 Tue, 24 Nov 2020 12:42:31 +0000 Astrid 2155905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have recently got rid of a lot of things I was still holding onto from my student days. That was a relatively clear cut too, and it wasn’t always easy, but it felt freeing. I kept a lot of things over the years because of the need for frugality and because with weight gains and losses I never knew whether I wouldn’t be able to use them again. Now that I have a real job I have a lot more disposable income and quite a bit of it went into my wardrobe in the last three years. Not necessarily buying lots of things, but buying the more expensive fair fashion I’ve always wanted to buy in the past.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>My life in the pandemic hasn’t changed as much as other people’s, I still go to work as I did before, so my dressing hasn’t really changed to reflect that. I guess I have even more need of comfort now when I dress. Plus I love my woollen stuff now more than ever because of the drafts at work. But other than that, not really.</p> <p>I think I would maybe do a clear cut and box the clothes you don’t need anymore (but don’t donate them yet). If you feel you want to wear one of those boxed items it goes back into the wardrobe. And then have a look what is still in those boxes a year from now. At least that’s what I would do. But no matter what, give yourself time. There’s no rush.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging/page/2#post-2155901 Tue, 24 Nov 2020 12:35:44 +0000 Jessikams 2155901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting to hear everybody’s thoughts on identity and change, and how they relate to fashion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging/page/2#post-2155805 Tue, 24 Nov 2020 02:46:24 +0000 suzieq 2155805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have purged my closet &amp; my house in general because (1) I’m retired &amp; don’t need so many business clothes &amp; (2) we’re moving to Mexico in 2 years, where the weather is considerably warmer (beach). That said, I have shopped for nice-looking casual pieces for the tropics because I don’t like wearing strictly casual clothes like regular t-shirts, for example. There are nicer-looking alternatives that are still very cool<br /> &amp; comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging/page/2#post-2155766 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 22:05:49 +0000 rachylou 2155766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tough one. I’m not travelling light when it comes to clothes. The whole back of my closet is office wear and Christmas dresses with no real reason to see the light of day. But I’m not doing any big purging this year because with covid I just don’t know what’s up and shopping my overstuffed closet let’s me scratch the itch to shop when covid has everything closed. It may not be the wisest choice, but I’m wearing cashmere today in the bakery... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging/page/2#post-2155756 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:17:36 +0000 nemosmom 2155756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@jessikams</b> my holding zone is two drawers in a dresser. One holds jeans that don't fit and out of season (high season) pieces. I evaluate fit when I change out winter/summer, but that drawer doesn't turn over as much as the other.&nbsp; The other drawer holds items I am on the fence about, but <i>not quite</i> ready to part with yet. I revisit the "over it" drawer when I feel the urge to aimlessly shop&nbsp; :D</p> <p>My special occasion pieces hang with DH's suits on his side of the closet. Those are pieces that truly can't be dressed down, or that require specific other pieces in order to make an outfit. I don't wear them, but I would miss/want them in the event of an event ;)&nbsp; In reality, I would be better off to let go of those kinds of pieces, but I haven't talked myself into letting them go yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging/page/2#post-2155747 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 19:15:27 +0000 Sal 2155747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessikams and all - My holding zone consists of&nbsp;three small suitcases in a high cupboard.&nbsp; One mostly consists of very wintery gear that I don't use except for outdoor winter trips, one is out of season storage and one is anything I am holding on to and unsure about.&nbsp; The last two in reality get a bit mixed up.</p> <p>I also have about eight sentimental dresses hanging over two wardrobes that I am keeping for different reasons - a ball dress, a bridesmaid dress, a dress of my Mum's, and a few occasion dresses.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am unlikely to get rid of these.&nbsp; The holding zone gets reviewed every six months or less and currently has three or four pieces in it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155725 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 17:22:00 +0000 Suz 2155725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, it sounds like your in the midst of a challenging period of change.&nbsp;</p> <p>If there is one thing the pandemic has taught us, perhaps, it is that we can't always predict what might happen tomorrow, or in two months, or in five.&nbsp;</p> <p>It can be difficult to balance a need to dress for a new identity and set of roles -- and a desire not to add to waste. It's also tough to find new habits to replace the old habits. But maybe taking it in stages will help. That is...</p> <ul> <li>donate the clothes that no longer fit/ that you don't like/ that you cannot in any new world imagine wearing</li> </ul> <ul> <li>put into storage some smart casual clothes that you still like and can imagine re-mixing -- jackets, maybe, dressier tops, etc.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>pick a new hobby instead of browsing stores...what did you like about it? (Visual stimulation, gentle movement, new ideas, images, fit easily into daily schedule? -- so find something that provides some of these).&nbsp;</li> </ul> And give yourself time to grieve the losses and unwanted changes. Aging is tough to face and so much harder when we are in a period where it is difficult to find things to look forward to. But that will change with the vaccine, at least for many people.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155715 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 17:08:29 +0000 nemosmom 2155715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oooh, <b>@Liz</b>, that is goooooood!!! *scribbles away in notebook*</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155710 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:48:56 +0000 Liz 2155710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>It sounds like you've had a lot of life change, that will have lasting effects going forward. I sympathize -- changes that leave us asking identity questions are usually pretty big, and it always takes me time to work through them.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've seen a couple ways that plays out in wardrobe: sometimes we resolve some of the grief over the loss and the change of identity, and we make closet changes to reflect that—we've let go enough inside that we can let go of the externals.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>At other times, we're not quite there yet inside, but we go ahead and change the externals anyway, as a conscious action that we're choosing to move forward into a new thing in our lives, and we're using this outward change to shake us loose and prompt more inward change. &nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can see a purge for you coming from either of those places. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>However, if you're still in a place of real grieving over the losses and the changes, and doing something with the clothing is only going to be more loss that you aren't ready for yet, then I'd recommend just packing it up whatever isn't getting worn right now and putting it into the self-storage unit until you're more ready to make decisions about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>@Jessikams: my holding zone is a large shopping bag, not separated by different reasons. When I get ready to do a donation, I go through it and take out the stuff that I'm getting rid of for style/fit/annoyance reasons. Right now, I'm leaving the stuff that's in there for weight reasons. I've learned to trust that if I was annoyed or bored enough with something for it to go in the holding zone, it's rarely going to work to try to pull it back out. There is a reason it went in the bag.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155696 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:07:59 +0000 Carla 2155696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just popping back to add - there’s a difference between a seasonal edit &nbsp; &nbsp; or periodic cul vs a purge compelled by a lifestyle change. &nbsp;Sounds to me like you are in purge territory, and there’s nothing wrong with that. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155693 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:06:57 +0000 Christina F. 2155693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I purged some things because I am moving, and it was a good time to do it. I will continue to purge anything that falls apart or stops fitting. Otherwise, I am waiting to see what my professional life is like post-pandemic. I will have more space once I move, and I would rather keep things than rush to re-buy once my office opens again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since you might not need smart casual clothes again, you may want to cull more. See if some of it can be dressed down a bit, though. I suspect thrift stores are pretty full right now, so that may be one reason to take your time (since the emotional part of it IS hard).<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155690 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:03:34 +0000 nemosmom 2155690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>It is hard NOT to mourn your former self, regardless of whether you chose the change or not. You are right to feel like you are struggling - I hope you are being kind to yourself!</div><div><br /></div><div>Covid is raging here; our county is one tier above stay-home order again. Schools, gyms, restaurants, etc. closed. Service businesses (restaurants, salons) is outdoor only, at 25% max capacity. So, we are staying home as much as we can.</p> <p>I have been going through my holding zone more carefully, but also adding more to it. I don't want to get rid of things only to find that I want them when this is all over. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155672 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:00:30 +0000 Angie 2155672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Laura</b>, you might find these posts useful:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2020/08/25/beware-the-pandemic-wardrobe-edit/">https://youlookfab.com/2020/08.....robe-edit/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2020/05/18/how-the-pandemic-is-affecting-my-style/">https://youlookfab.com/2020/05.....-my-style/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2020/09/09/individual-style-after-the-pandemic/">https://youlookfab.com/2020/09.....-pandemic/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155665 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 14:33:56 +0000 Janet 2155665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lucy, I suspect that for a lot of people COVID has sparked an earlier retirement than many people anticipated, or a drastic change in work circumstances. Some of the latter may be quicker to return to “normal” depending on what field one works in, and some may never be the same. I’m thinking for example of all the retailers and restaurants in my closest cities that are now shut for good. </p> <p>But I’m in the States, where abysmal leadership has resulted in large numbers of infection and businesses and individuals have suffered. Other countries have had a much better time of it. Walking around the two sizable cities near me, it feels very much like a ghost town, and it’s sad. The people who are out and about are dressed like “normal” but that represents a small portion of the population. Meanwhile most people are wearing gear and sweats and staying home (or they should be), where we can’t see what they’re wearing.</p> <p>To Laura’s original post, I am taking a harder, more realistic view of what’s sitting in my holding zone. Jessikams, I have two hanging garment bags in our basement closet for my holding zone. They function as out-of-season storage, occasion wear storage, and holding zone. I hang up items in there grouped loosely: seasonal items, fit issues (slightly too small but within a 10 lb reach), styling issues (usually classic things that are a bit too dressy for current life, or slightly off trend but not wildly so), and a few sentimental items that will likely never be worn (a skirt of my mom’s, a top my husband bought me for a milestone birthday, etc). It’s easy enough to see what’s in there because the fronts of the bags are clear. So I can do quick reviews even without opening them. </p> <p>I have a hard time culling things that are really nice and classic (or timeless to my particular style like leather jackets). A slightly snug DVF dress has been languishing in that zone for several years now. Do I give up and sell it? Sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155643 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 11:33:38 +0000 Lucy 2155643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. In my city in Australia, we have had very limited transmission of the virus, and nothing for a few months (though of course we are still quite wary, and other states have shown it can surge at the drop of a hat!). But in general, life is going on as usual, but with social distancing and less crowds.&nbsp;<br />This has meant that in my city, almost everyone is back at work in the office.&nbsp;<br />Weirdly, I have noticed almost no difference at all between how people dressed before lockdown and how they dress now. For all the talk of track pants and elastic waists, people are still in their professional attire. People wear what they wore before the lockdown. And there is something rather exciting about being able to buy new clothes for a normal life - I bought nothing for months but have recently bought a few things to freshen up.&nbsp;<br />So I guess what I would say is that, once we have a vaccine, things may return to normal more than we can imagine right now, and so a radical purge might not be for the best. It might be that people work more at home, and some may never return to the office. But my sense is that for those who do, what we wear won't be all that different than pre Covid.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155636 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 09:39:37 +0000 Jessikams 2155636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m curious, general question for all: as you purge and put items in holding zone, do you make separate bags or piles? As in “items that are too big,” “too small,” items that are “too dressy for current needs” or maybe “style feels outdated” etc? Because I can imagine needing/wanting to rescue things from a too big/too small pile (my hips change dramatically in size from week to week), but maybe would feel more confident donating items that had stylistic problems. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155602 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 03:43:19 +0000 Janet 2155602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread has been on my mind a bit. Combined with our return home after 7 weeks away, it’s helped inspire me to clean out and reorganize a bit of my wardrobe. I took a quick look through the holding zone and a few things went into the “sell” pile (nice items that will probably return a little cash), a few more went into the donation bags. Scarves and hats got a review and mild edit. A couple of sweaters and tops, and several pairs of jeans (skinnies in particular). I’m side-eyeing some shoes that have gone mostly or totally unworn for the last couple of years too. </p> <p>It is not always easy for me to evaluate whether I am well and truly over an item — sometimes I go back months later and wonder whether I still have an item I donated, but regrets are very rare. </p> <p>I don’t have a lot that can’t be somehow adapted and worn for a fairly casual lifestyle, although I have quite a bit of smart casual that can be dressed up or down. That’s ok. I am not quite sure what our lives will look like post-COVID, but I don’t want to adopt a wardrobe of just sweatshirts and joggers or exercise gear — the last eight months have proven that gets old for me pretty quickly. </p> <p>I like taking an approach to downsizing that is incremental — today two plastic trash bags are filled with wardrobe items to donate. That’s a good afternoon’s work for me. It doesn’t put a huge visible dent in my wardrobe but it helps give a little breathing room, and I feel like I have a better idea of what I have again. </p> <p>How are you feeling now about a big edit, Laura? It sounded like you were considering something pretty intensive. I find big changes rather challenging to do abruptly. Just curious to know if you’ve had more thoughts. Wishing you well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155568 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 00:41:08 +0000 Jenni NZ 2155568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Purging takes me a very long time and I did a lot of it during 2018 while we were building our new home. I didn’t want to fill the new house with stuff I wasn’t using, apart from some sentimental stuff that belonged to my parents. I did manage to even reduce some of that since my second parent had died 8 years earlier. It meant I was more able to let go of what I associated with them since a number of years had put a distance between me and them.<br /> My identity has changed over time as well, but some styles of older clothing I still like.<br /> I worry about purged items ending up in landfill so I have really slowed down my buying, 8 items so far in 2020, racking up wears on pre-2020 clothing.<br /> Dealing with the wardrobe still takes a fair chunk of the brain when trying to track wears and carefully plan any purchases. Wardrobe holes are small and when confirmed as a hole over weeks or months can start a careful search. My most recent purchase, bought a matter of a week or so ago, was such a case and has already had 3 wears! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155533 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 20:36:01 +0000 Anonymous 2155533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not doing any purge this year,<br /> but planning on it next year. Even though 2020 is an abnormal year, I don't see returning to my BC19 life/priorities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155531 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 20:30:18 +0000 Anonymous 2155531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like some pretty significant life changes. I can see why it would feel like a big deal and I think you're right about the emotional part being in the way. Most of the time I have no problem giving things away but in some situations they seem to absolutely hum with meaning.</p> <p>Who knows? Maybe they really do.</p> <p>You might give yourself time to really be in your current life as much as you were in your past so that you really know what you like to wear now. If you work in the items from before, great, if not, also totally fine. If you're feeling like letting go of these things now will free your mind to focus on your new life I have done that many times and it always worked out just fine.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155511 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 19:18:34 +0000 Sal 2155511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I can understand why downsizing is attractive right now and I probably agree with you. If you have a need for these types of pieces in three years would you want them or not.</p> <p>I would keep things I really loved though even if you can’t see a current requirement. </p> <p>I guess it is being really thorough with the edit - try items on - does it suit you, is it good quality, do you adore it, how often have you worn it, does it suit your climate?</p> <p>In terms of the hobby aspect I do find mini challenges can be fun (10x10 etc). At the moment I am trying to wear all my spring and summer skirts and dresses. </p> <p>Oh goodness I hope 2021 is a better year for many people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155486 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 16:58:21 +0000 Jane 2155486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am trying hard to remember to take things slowly in terms of purging. I have made my holding zone very much bigger than it ever has been and am taking care to make sure that if I am purging, then try to do it in a level mood!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155484 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 16:45:41 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2155484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Space is a concern for me; I do have a self storage unit for out of season items, but no real room for a holding zone on site.</p> <p>LisaPs note about buying habits is one I’ve been thinking about too. I used to enjoy browsing stores (in person or online) and mentally putting together outfits and keeping up with trends. I’m not sure what to replace it with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155344 Sat, 21 Nov 2020 16:59:03 +0000 JAileen 2155344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This year has definitely been different. &nbsp;Okay, definitely bad. &nbsp;Really, the worst ever. &nbsp;But I think we’ll be back to our old normal in 2022, maybe even sooner, sometime in late 2021. &nbsp;I’m very casual anyway, so I’m not really changing anything. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155311 Sat, 21 Nov 2020 14:17:51 +0000 Janet 2155311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also like Cat2’s suggestions to rethink and rework “smart casual” pieces. After all, one would imagine someone like me in my life situation would have no use for a blazer, but I love wearing one casually with a graphic tee and jeans, for example. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155309 Sat, 21 Nov 2020 14:15:32 +0000 Janet 2155309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards echoed my feeling exactly. I’m not sure how long things will feel “abnormal” or what a new normal will entail. I’m not being quick to get rid of anything that I truly like that may serve me well in the future, however impractical it is at the moment. As long as it fits and is comfortable. But I understand if you’re feeling like an era of your life is over and it’s time to move on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155308 Sat, 21 Nov 2020 14:05:39 +0000 always trying 2155308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My big purging was footwear done about 3 years ago.&nbsp; So happy&nbsp; i did that.&nbsp; Now I buy footwear very carefully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155305 Sat, 21 Nov 2020 13:48:36 +0000 kkards 2155305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, I’m being very selective with what i get rid of this year, because honesty this year seems, well, un real, and so I’m not sure i want to get to far ahead of myself. But we each need to approach this differently. If you feel better and more in control letting stuff go, then I’m all in on letting it go.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conscious-purging#post-2155278 Sat, 21 Nov 2020 08:34:50 +0000 Lynne 2155278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of a holding zone, and of remixing pieces to dress them down. Changes in identity are HUGE, never underestimate the emotional impact of transitioning to a new version of yourself :)! Having said that, I still hold onto a few emotional pieces: a cotton crop top I wore to uni, a pink, polka dot sweetheart dress I made, my wedding dress, some of my late husbands work shirts. Only you can decide, x. </p>