https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:00:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381402 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 02:45:41 +0000 Windchime 1381402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm reading this thread with interest as I've purchased many, many items over the last year. I expect to keep many of them for three to five years, perhaps longer.</p> <p>I have a beloved red coat which is going on fifteen years old. I only wear it once or twice a year but can't bear to part with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381326 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:36:30 +0000 Janet 1381326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am capable of keeping favorites a long time, but if the fit is off, it starts looking worn, or I lose interest, it's on the way out. My wardrobe is big enough that I don't have room for too much sentimental stuff unless it is useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381238 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:16:02 +0000 Caro in Oz 1381238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Until they look sad or dated or I move on from them. I have bags, coats &amp; jackets that are 15+ years old &amp; still going strong. I also have knee-high, almond toe,&nbsp;flat riding boots that I hadn't worn for a few years that were worn a lot this (very cold) winter.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381211 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 23:37:12 +0000 Style Fan 1381211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep my favourites for a long time.&nbsp; I have blazers for 10 years that I still wear.&nbsp; One was a Hugo Boss that I bought in England and it still looks like new.&nbsp; I have worn it a lot.&nbsp; My Burberry Trench coat is almost 10 years old and I have no intentions of getting rid of it.&nbsp; My Frye boots are 9 years old.&nbsp; If I love something I will wear it and not concern myself with trends.</p> <p>The oldest favourite in my closet is from 1969.&nbsp; It is a brown suede fringe jacket.&nbsp; I bought it when I started high school.&nbsp; I loved it then and I love it now.&nbsp; It is staying with me forever.&nbsp; We are old friends.&nbsp; Had some good times together.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381199 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 23:07:39 +0000 Deborah 1381199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can develop quite an emotional attachment to my favourite garments, so I 'release' them when I am emotionally ready to do so.&nbsp; This will generally be some time after I have stopped wearing it.&nbsp; &nbsp;Currently I have a few pairs of really fab vintage shoes that I no longer wear, as my style have truly moved on from there, but instead of donating/selling etc,&nbsp;I have displayed them on the top shelf of my walk in closet so I can see and enjoy them.&nbsp; I have the room and they are not taking up space I need for anything else (My top shelf is high and a little useless for daily access).&nbsp; I have also done this with a stunning handbag that is rarely used. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381150 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 21:44:34 +0000 ironkurtin 1381150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a depiller than works well on anything with pills.&nbsp; It's supposed to be either battery- or cord-powered, but the battery part doesn't work.&nbsp; So I depill near an outlet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381114 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:14:22 +0000 rabbit 1381114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't get rid of favorites until they stop fitting, are damaged in an uncool way, lol&nbsp;(faded graphic tees, distressed jeans can be cool, pilling is never cool, or flaking of fauxleather), or are really really dated looking. &nbsp;Even the later I usually hold onto for another 5 years if it's in great condition and can be worn as lounge wear. &nbsp; &nbsp;I usually also try to revive them a bit along the way, shaving pills on sweaters, washing canvas sneakers, etc.</p> <p>If they are far&nbsp;too damaged to send to thrift they get cut up for rags. &nbsp; Luckily I haven't had much dressy wear that wasn't okay to pass on, mostly jeans and t shirts that are past the 'painting gear' stage.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381071 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:09:13 +0000 DonnaF 1381071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm looking at the orange linen J. Crew shirt I'm wearing now because it's the World Series.&nbsp; It's a couple of years old and so soft and comfy.&nbsp; But it's faded.&nbsp; I thought I would keep it as a RATE look, but now I'm thinking it just looks so sad and worn out.&nbsp; This will be the last wear.</p> <p>Other stuff I will keep as long as a decade or at least what FEELS as long as a decade.&nbsp; My black Dansko Pros are my best shoes for long hard walking, and they are in pathetic shape after maybe seven years.&nbsp; I've bought Dansko Primas, a slightly different style and not in black.&nbsp; I don't feel that I can let go of the black Pros until I'm convinced that 1) the Prima style will work for my fussy feet as well as the Pros; and 2) I don't *need* a black clog or if I do, black tooled Primas (not yet purchased) will fill that need.&nbsp; </p> <p>I am one who holds onto stuff nearly forever.&nbsp; I have items that fall into and out of favor; I'm not sure why but I've seen it in my wear patterns.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381048 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:34:34 +0000 thimblelina 1381048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you about pilling! It is the bane of my wardrobe; once I see something has pilled I can't unsee it! I'm having a better time since I gave up loft &amp; banana republic tees cold turkey, and am bagging and hand washing my uniqlo and madewell tees individually. I tend to hang on to a) cashmere, until it develops actual holes and b) frye boots, because they wear so hard &amp; the leather ages so beautifully and c) dressy luxury items that get only gently worn &amp; has a good chance of cycling back... Right now this box has a pair of Bettye muller winkle picker sling backs, a silk corsage 50's style cardigan, and some bronze flatforms sandals I bought in Italy 15 years ago. </p> <p>Tees last 4-8 seasons on average with me; then they go to on that lounge/gardening/fence painting trajectory that leads to soft little computer screen cleaning squares ...<br /> -sniff-<br /> Angie &amp; IK are fitter than me: I wear my jeans out the unglamorous way by having two bald patches emerge where my thighs rub together! Usually about 3 years of good wear. I never have more than 6-8 pairs &amp; I wear them to work so they are in heavy rotation.<br /> I rarely wear out jackets or dresses but find I often suddenly hate them with great vitriol after several years. That's a sign I need to choose pieces more carefully, right? Maybe better quality, too?<br /> I walk a lot so regular quality shoes last 3-5 years.<br /> Same with woven blouses &amp; shirts.<br /> Maybe 4-6 years for skirts. I wear them less. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381032 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:11:46 +0000 Anonymous 1381032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep favorites much longer than non-favorites&nbsp;and wear them to death. One day I look at a favorite&nbsp;and it either suddenly appears dated to me, or I finally notice how worn and shabby it looks. These things cannot even be consigned, because they've been loved so much, so then it's time for them to move on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381026 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:05:44 +0000 Angie 1381026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds like a sound&nbsp;strategy, IK. My zippered skinnies are seven years old and I still wear them quite bit. Like yesterday.&nbsp;</p> <p>High five, Gryffin. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381020 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:59:14 +0000 Elly 1381020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Usually when they look too "homeless" to make the transition from around the house with the SO to the grocery store, even with nicer shoes or a jacket tossed over them. Fading and distressing works in my sub-casual capsule.&nbsp;When things stretch or pill or get holes I don't feel fab any more and they are no longer favorites.&nbsp;I will keep long sleeve t-shirts past the point I'd wear them in public because they are usually stretched and faded, not pilled or torn and I will sleep in them during the cold season.&nbsp;Because I mostly wear jeans at home (rarely skirts, only in summer) that means that means that my dressier clothes have no where to be demoted to and when they start looking worn down rather than worn in they are kept until I find a replacement garment (in case of emergency funeral, etc.).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1381002 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:16:37 +0000 Sal 1381002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Occasionally a very long time....I have a few things I wear that are 14to 15 years old. That is great cost per wear.</p> <p>If I love it I do try and reassess regularly to check it is not awfully dated. I have had a couple of reminders from DH that he really is over something, but I have also reminded him of the same thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380994 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:02:10 +0000 gryffin 1380994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Angie said. I have some "good" blazers. I will reline them as needed until the fabric shows wear or starts to pill or they look dated. Often I will still keep them for years as possible templates for custom or in a very small sentimental area. Because jackets are my statement pieces they are usually the ones that get kept. Jeans as long as they fit are intact and I love them. Boots until they fall apart or I fall out of love (okay so that's rare). Non- favorites - well I'm trying not to buy them but if something fills a niche as soon as I can replace it it's out, otherwise goodbye! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380990 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:52:42 +0000 Anonymous 1380990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About 8-12 years for durable clothes, if they are favorites. That does imply I keep them longer than they are fashionable ...<br />If they are not favorites, 2-3 years I would say. I give them a chance!<br />Shoes I wear fairly regularly generally last around 5 years, on average. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380985 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:46:24 +0000 Alassë 1380985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As long as they're working for me (and in decent condition), I keep them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380975 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:38:08 +0000 ironkurtin 1380975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - My favorites tend to be certain pairs of jeans, which worked great for another body shape but which may not be a standby now that I actually have a butt. &nbsp;I guess I've have to see if I reach for them this season, and if not, off they go. &nbsp;As far as shoes, I am pretty ruthless because I have so many pairs; if&nbsp;one falls out of favor I chuck them to have more room. &nbsp;As far as shirts and sweaters,&nbsp;if something is pilling, ripping, or pitty, out it goes. </p> <p>I think the only exception is my&nbsp;my gardening/painting clothing, which includes an old zip sweatie from my dad. &nbsp;That thing is about dead, but I love it anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380907 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:38:03 +0000 Angie 1380907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question. Usually till they fall apart, or seem dated for my style. I DO <br />NOT get rid of comfy shoes until they literally fall apart. My feet are too fussy to be fussy.&nbsp;</p> <p>5 years usually. But sometimes the quality does not hold up on the cheaper stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>Do your favourites wear out faster because mine seem to. I wear them more frequently I suppose.&nbsp;</p> <p>How about you, IK? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380904 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:33:32 +0000 Meow 1380904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep favorites WAY WAY too long. I just stop seeing their flaws. Those comfy shoes that are scuffed and out of style I see as "classic" with a beatiful aged patina! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380893 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:18:17 +0000 Dee 1380893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Linda. Favorites get kept as long as possible, while non-favorites get replaced much earlier (possibly in the search for "the one"). When I purge favorites that aren't in perfect condition, it's either because I've found the perfect replacement or gone on a purging/minimalist spree and decide I should focus more on a smaller, newer set of items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380892 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:15:49 +0000 Diana 1380892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will often demote old favorites to loungewear and then wear them until they literally fall to tatters. Hey, they're comfy! </p> <p>The exception is shoes. I have learned the hard way that there's a point beyond which I just cannot continue to wear old shoes without causing pain or damage to my feet. Basically, if the structure of the sole is worn down to a certain point, it's not fixable by a cobbler and I have to ditch them. I actually wear down the soles at the ball of the foot from the INSIDE which is basically not fixable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380889 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:12:00 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1380889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I've had something for over 5 years and still love wearing it, I try to give a good look and make sure it's still current looking and not showing wear.&nbsp; I don't have a problem with hanging on to things after they've passed these tests, even if they are older than 5 years. Things that are less loved, maybe 1 to&nbsp;3 years.&nbsp; Depends on if they are easily replaced or upgraded.&nbsp;Maybe the things are less loved BECAUSE they are easily replaced or upgraded? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-long-do-you-keep-old-favorites-before-you-ditch-them#post-1380878 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 14:46:51 +0000 ironkurtin 1380878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do the same rules apply as for non-favorites? </p>