https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:18:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2383728 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 16:17:14 +0000 Lisa 2383728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for a successful tailoring session! It's amazing that difference a few inches can make with clothing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2383718 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 13:46:37 +0000 Janet 2383718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A little update. After a week in Colorado visiting friends and exploring, we arrived back home to 80 degree temps — but dipping back down this coming week! Ah, fickle spring! </p> <p>I picked up my tailored items from the cleaners and tried each one on, and I’m so pleased! I think the simple hack of having each one shortened will make them so much easier to wear this summer! </p> <p>Below are a few of the tops I had altered. The striped tee I actually had the sleeves cut off and hemmed to a short sleeve length because the sleeves were never long enough on me and got on my nerves. Now I’m excited to wear it! </p> <p>In some cases, it was just a matter of 2-3 inches, but it made a big difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2383057 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:45:21 +0000 Janet 2383057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped, I have items like that too. My holding zone has several trousers and skirts that require a 10 lb size change to fit again. I feel like that is in the realm of possibility, and the items are nice (and were not inexpensive), so I hang onto them. I do look at them to make sure they are styles I would still want to wear at this stage of my life, if I do lose the weight. And I keep hanging onto an old BCBG Max Azria tunic length top that has a bird print I absolutely adore. It's just a slight bit snug across the bust now, and I was thinking of having it cut to hip length because I don't wear tunics. But it went back to the holding zone in case I lose some weight and can reassess.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2383054 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:11:20 +0000 unfrumped 2383054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! Love closet clean out stories. </p> <p>I recently managed to part with a dozen or so items that included several I used to think, “ oh, I can’t give THAT away”.<br /> I particularly have trouble if the item has features like a good fabric , good tailoring. One was a WHBM short jacket that at the time I was sure was “me” . But it turned out to seem too sharp, too detailed in some way and therefore almost a statement ( despite being a great gray), so that it didn’t mesh with outfits. Another was lovely tropical wool pleated wide cropped trousers, needing the dreaded few # weight loss to fit again so I had saved them , BUT ( hiding from Angie) I also realized I do not like wide crops on ME! These had worked with a dressier shoe but never transitioned to sneakers or such. I have not bought ANY other wide crops despite their now being ubiquitous. So, now multiple reasons to let go and poof, gone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2383032 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 01:54:03 +0000 Sal 2383032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great work Janet.&nbsp; Sounds very productive and also powerful.</p> <p>I am in that awkward stage of being still wearing summery clothes but getting some autumnal things out.&nbsp; And have been away so it's a bit chaotic.</p> <p>I did do a winter try on of some older pieces to see how I felt - and have added a couple of new things.&nbsp; I am now on a shopping pause. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2383005 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:52:21 +0000 Janet 2383005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dropped off 8 tops at the tailor today! A couple I had set aside I think I may actually donate instead. One I’m going to put away for the season and reevaluate in the fall since it’s more of a winter top. A couple I’ve put back in the holding zone because my weight is up at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2383003 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:23:18 +0000 Suz 2383003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a satisfying edit, Janet, and hurray to Sharan for putting the bee in your bonnet about shirt lengths! I look forward to seeing some alterations!</p> <p>I've been on a shopping hiatus for the past 3 months -- have bought (and needed) nothing. It has been unseasonably cold here so I haven't yet switched the closet out. But in a few weeks, I'll be doing that. I know I want more white denim for spring/ summer and possibly will need a few tops, but other than that, I think I am set for this year! Unless I can find a few casual skirts.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382997 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:33:04 +0000 Ket 2382997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like it’s been a very successful edit!! That’s always satisfying in my experience. </p> <p>I haven’t edited winter items yet. Might do that in the fall? Still in a quandary about what to keep/remove due to recent weight shifts. There are a few each of bottoms and blouses I didn’t wear at all because I didn’t feel my best in them for various reasons. Those items will at least go in a holding bag under the bed until I can revisit them later this year.</p> <p>I feel I’ve done summer shopping and acquiring more than anything! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382994 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:22:11 +0000 Janet 2382994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, all! I’ve done a little more work since then. I find that if I try to do too much at once I get decision fatigue. </p> <p>I’ve added two pairs of skinny jeans to the giveaway pile. I hung onto them in case I had any desire to wear them in the winter, with tall boots, but I never had the slightest desire to put them on again. </p> <p>For those who are interested not not sewists, I had two throws made from old sentimental t-shirts from this company:</p> <p><a href="https://www.projectrepat.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.projectrepat.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382905 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 01:05:30 +0000 Jaime 2382905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent job with the closet cleaning. I love the idea of making a blanket out of your graphic tees! <br />I have been unusually busy lately but have started on the great shoe rotation and a new shoe setup. Gotta start somewhere fun . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382869 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:40:51 +0000 bella 2382869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds great! Weatherwise, I am ready to put away the coats and heavy sweaters&nbsp; but I don't have the energy to wash/clean them yet! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382859 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 18:12:56 +0000 Jenny H 2382859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you are making great progress! My favorite part of your story is that going through your items is helping you not to shop! That sounds like it was such a great feeling.</p> <p>I haven't started a wardrobe declutter yet this year but i did do this in 2024. I still think I have too many items in my small closet and dresser, so it is something I hope to do again soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382856 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 18:06:14 +0000 Evie 2382856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had to address my closet(s) in a serious way this month, as we will be moving into a smaller home than we are currently in. There is substantially less closet space in our new home than what we are used to. I have had to go through ALL of my clothing, footwear and accessories and be more ruthless than I have ever needed to be. I admit that it’s been tough. I’ve always had the luxury of multiple storage spaces throughout our larger home. I have tried on every item and consigned/donated quite a bit. I’ll give it a bit of time and give it a second go-through just before moving. It’ll probably feel good once everything is said and gone, but at the moment my heart is grieving having to let go of so much of my wardrobe at once. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382844 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 10:41:43 +0000 AndiB 2382844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep me too! Scheduled a donation pickup a month ago and had 4 bags ready yesterday. Feels good to free up space. I use 3 closets for my clothes. Old house, small closets… and I want to get down to 2, with the third for out of season (Michigan!) coats, currently in the basement. I could do another round, and probably will over the next month. Feels freeing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382816 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 23:01:16 +0000 JAileen 2382816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last week I started a plastic trash bag for donations. &nbsp;So far, I’ve looked at vests. &nbsp;I have a lot, and so put a few that I haven’t worn this past winter in the bag. &nbsp;The non-profit I belong to is changing over the thrift store from winter clothes to spring/summer clothes, but they have a big storage space for off season clothes, so they won’t mind getting these good quality things. &nbsp;I dread going through my shoes. &nbsp;Since my metatarsal problem, lots of my shoes will have to go. &nbsp;I just can’t face it yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382814 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 22:37:05 +0000 LJP 2382814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started a season-end clean up 2 weekends ago and packed up some winter accessories that went &nbsp;unworn &nbsp;(bigger blanket-type scarves among them - why do I have these?? &nbsp;) along with assorted pieces I am giving up on . &nbsp;I admit to jumping on the barrel jean bandwagon last fall and decided I just do not care for the look on me. &nbsp;They did me ZERO favours flattery-wise, and looking hip and trendy was not important enough to push through and keep trying . Ended up donating 2 pair of those - yikes. &nbsp;I love a good closet clean-out and look foward to continuing maybe next weekend if it ever warms up again . &nbsp;I'm continually amazed at how few items of clothes and accessories I really need/wear! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382799 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:02:12 +0000 Carla 2382799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! &nbsp;Feels like coming out of hibernation. &nbsp;I’ve been on a shopping pause this first quarter of the year. &nbsp;Haven’t been tempted to shop. &nbsp;Now that the weather has turned nice, I want to check out the local second hand places first. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382794 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:52:51 +0000 Dee 2382794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh it does sound very satisfying. I wish I could do as well.</p> <p>I did manage to donate a few items back in February but honestly, I don't think I'm being tough enough when it comes to editing. I just went to my closet now, and I kind of feel overwhelmed. I have to get real with what I actually need and want to wear but I always feel a bit of guilt and angst whenever I do this. I also have a big holding zone and can easily convince myself to hang onto clothes that I haven't worn in years. I just need to be a bit more disciplined because I think it will be worth the effort in the end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382793 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:42:59 +0000 Lisa 2382793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started the long process of trying everything I own ON to prep for the season. I make a list of wardrobe holes as I go which really helps with shopping so my list isn’t just filled with “fun to have” items but also “fill a need” items. I usually come up with a few go to outfit combinations as well during this process too.</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>So far I’ve gone through sandals, sneakers, graphic tees, shorts, pants, and shirts. I still need to go through joggers, layering tees, and tanks.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I also need to reevaluate my winter clothes and see if anything in that capsule is ready to be edited.</p> <p> </div><div>I have a small dress capsule that is only business and cruise/ vacation dresses. I just edited that down to half its size. I’m not a dress gal and many weren’t sparking any joy so off they went. I’ve noticed I prefer rompers and jumpsuits when I need to dress up lately.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>For spring shopping I added 6 blue and tan items earlier in the season (see finds) and that was just enough. For summer I also added a pair of shorts, a light weight jacket, and a shirt while thrifting recently (<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-went-thrifting-today-and-it-was-a-success">in this post</a>).</p> <p>My summer shopping list right now is:</p> <ul> <li>green pants</li> <li>light blue or light purple pants</li> <li>white pants</li> <li>denim shorts</li> <li>light blue shorts</li> <li>coral or other orangey color shorts</li> <li>track pants (not sure on the color yet)</li> <li>white crossbody bag</li> </ul> <p> </div><div>I’ve got no tops on my shopping list right now. I added quite a few graphic tees and non graphic tops at the end of the season last year when items were on sale so I’m good for those categories for now. I also &nbsp;have no footwear either.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382789 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:05:00 +0000 Star (Lise) 2382789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sunday I will be taking out the heavy duty knits for laundering before packing them away until next winter.&nbsp; I will bring some lighter weight items into rotation. YAY!&nbsp; Seriously hoping for double digit day time temps and no zero/close to zero night time temps from then onward.&nbsp; We had a vicious "winter's revenge" early in the week in the form of an unexpected blizzard after highs of 25 C two days before.&nbsp; Hopefully that is it for this winter! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382785 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:10:14 +0000 cat2 2382785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haven’t gotten the itch yet; it’s still too cold to swap out much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382779 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:22:47 +0000 Bonnie 2382779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job! Your mention of shoes reminded me of my need to cull that area. I have a hard time getting rid of unworn shoes thinking they will work with something in the future.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382777 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:07:01 +0000 judy 2382777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, the bug has hit me too.&nbsp; I did a minor closet edit a few weeks ago and agree that it's something about the light changing, the longer days, the birdsong that makes "spring cleaning" feel like a good idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I purged some t shirts and Breton striped shirts that were too tight...still fit me, but I just don't like the feel any more of them being so fitted, so I end up not wearing them.&nbsp; I had already bought better looser versions.&nbsp; Also several sweaters that were either too bulky or just not quite right any more.&nbsp;</p> <p>It can be very satisfying to take everything out for a good inventory (and joy assessment ! ) and then put it back afresh, even in different order or locations in the closet to kind of see it all anew.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382770 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:56:17 +0000 Angie 2382770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wooohooo!!! I love a good closet edit and review! Well done,<b> Janet</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>Very satisfying, and a productive way to spend some free time. </p> <p>It’s sooo important to know what you have before you add to - and subtract from - your wardrobe. Regular edits and reviews do just that. So does a digital representation of your wardrobe, but it must be accurate and updated. </p> <p>I also passed on two pairs of very old shoes that were no longer comfy. Hi- tops and caged sandals. Feels good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382767 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:00:40 +0000 Sisi 2382767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done Janet! I had a sort of Spring cleaning bug last weekend (it helped that it was sunny and the sky was clear - the weather impacts dramatically on my mood and energy) but I did not declutter or reorganize. I simply cleaned the inside of the closet and of the chest of drawers, did a big laundry and returned everything to the closet and drawers. I keep all my winter wardrobe at hand until June. Spring is too dangerous here, if you understand what I mean! I am very interested in your project of making a blanket out of old tees.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382764 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:53:36 +0000 RobinF 2382764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a very satisfying activity! I think I will try to do some this weekend. My closet has been bothering me for a while - too full of too many things that don't get worn at all. Time for some soul searching.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-closet-cleaning#post-2382761 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:43:44 +0000 Janet 2382761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Th e changing seasons always prompt me to do a little closet evaluation. The other day I spent some time with a few areas: 1) footwear, 2) graphic tees, 3) scarves, and 4) tops.</p> <p>1) Half a dozen pairs of shoes and boots went into the giveaway pile. Oddly enough, in a time when I’ve been craving burgundy in my wardrobe, my burgundy footwear went unworn this winter. Two pairs were no longer comfortable, one slides off my heels unless I wear a very specific kind of sock and I’m kind of over the style anyway, and one pair just felt too heavy and stiff for my current preferences. All had been in my closet for at least 5 years, so I feel like I got my use out of them, but they are still in good enough condition for someone else to enjoy them. </p> <p>As a result, even though I have purchased a couple of new pairs of shoes for spring/summer, I have more room in my closet now. I do not really want to add more. Nothing I see at retail beyond what I just purchased is really wowing me, so for now I plan on enjoying what I have.</p> <p>2) Graphic tees: yeah, I have so many this is a category on its own. Concert tees, etc. I let go of about 8 of them, and I put another 6 in a sentimental pile (I may have a blanket made from them as I have done in the past). Many remaining ones got a hack treatment — most tees are too long on me, so I simply cut several inches off the bottoms of a bunch of them to make them easier to wear. They’re now reorganized and not so crammed into their bins.</p> <p>3) I also have a ridiculous number of scarves. I am letting go of a half dozen and could part with more. I think before the giveaway bag goes, another 3-4 will join it. Again, the scarves are now more neatly organized and I can better see what I have. Nothing new is tempting me. </p> <p>4) Tops. I pulled my summer tops out of the holding zone and reviewed them, along with my winter tops. Oh my, I have a lot! Some I am excited to wear. Others are useful/serviceable. I got real about keeping some that I just don’t seem to bother with, and about ten went into the giveaway pile. I made another pile that I would more likely wear if they were altered — all by shortening them. I’m so tired of all tops having these very long hems that either need to be tucked or tied. Before I go to the tailor, I’m going to really look at those pieces to decide whether I will wear them once they are altered. I tried on a very cute cropped simple white button-front shirt the other day and realized I can achieve the same look by altering the one I already own. </p> <p>I’m so glad I reviewed the tops in my wardrobe before setting foot in a store to be tempted by new merchandise. I tried on a really cute white shirt sleeve Johnny collar top with black piping, but then thought that the white and black stripe one I already own has the same vibe. Purchase averted. </p> <p>I freed up at least a dozen hangers (that I will not be filling back up), and now have most of my tops spanning all seasons hanging on one rack in my closet. (The exception is special occasion and heavy winter tops).</p> <p>Whew! </p> <p>Have you got the spring cleaning bug?? </p>