YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Great Closet Clean-out ...

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Great Closet Clean-out ... https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:53:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Style Fan on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/3#post-2328366 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:15:47 +0000 Style Fan 2328366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow!  I have been travelling without my laptop and only briefly checked in to YLF on my phone.  A lot has happened here.     unfrumped on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/3#post-2328201 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:55:41 +0000 unfrumped 2328201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it can be. I do believe it would be realistic to expect to need maintenance, and even planning for occasional “ corrections”. I think there are parallels with other “ programs” ( quitting , starting) for health, self- improvement, various new habit directions. I think there’s a difference between “expecting to fail” vs being quicker or more self- aware and confident to catch ourselves getting off track and yes, maybe needing re-set but more minor, hence more in category of maintenance, meaning any thing worthwhile takes some continued attention. But, the difference between “ perfect “ vs “ a whole hecka lot better”. Because part of the idea is to have it be just one aspect of life and not an obsession. Like there have been discussions here about the big focus & even fads of capsule wardrobes, mostly thinking of “ influencers” and especially when they have access to sponsors & promotional items ( as opposed to being a tool ) abd just the overweening mahvelousness of all their perfect wardrobe items, that creates impossible expectations ( rolling rack of 15 perfect neutral pieces that can be combined 150 ways, I’m lookin’ at you). Anyways, that may not be your issue, it is more me projecting how I’m trying to approach various issues at my current stage of life, personal health, relationships, growth, wardrobe , whatever. LJP on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328197 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:08:44 +0000 LJP 2328197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I still am in shock . I hope this feeling of finally having turned that corner is real . Cee on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328173 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:54:04 +0000 Cee 2328173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I needed a lie down just reading how much work you done ! nancylee on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328172 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:51:00 +0000 nancylee 2328172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice work...and very inspiring! Isn't it a great feeling? Angie on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328162 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:19:06 +0000 Angie 2328162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LJP, I'm even more glad that you switched off IG!  I edit and review closets with clients. It's not trivial! I make clients try on items too - otherwise we can't make good decisions. It can take anything from 2 to 10 hours. It's very active, and can be exhausting.  You cannot successfully go forward with your style before you've cleaned up and know what you have, and how you feel about it. You have completed a very important big step!!!  ENJOY THE CLARITY!  Jenn on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328154 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:00:22 +0000 Jenn 2328154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't been participating much recently, but I've been reading, and I just wanted to chime in to say, "Go you!" Seriously well done, and I hope you're enjoying your newfound breathing room. Carla on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328104 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 04:29:31 +0000 Carla 2328104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m shocked!  Not only did you ac omplosh the edit - you have a written plan for going forward.  Applause for taking a media break.   bj1111 on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328095 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 03:29:59 +0000 bj1111 2328095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW tam on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328094 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 03:00:51 +0000 tam 2328094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats! Wonderful follow up and sounds like you are well on your way to the reset you are seeking.  For the record, I love your outfits and always think you look fab!  Please know your posts help many of us who aren't confident enough to fully participate on the forum but learn so much from your willingness to share.  Thank you Lisa and best wishes for moving forward with your changes.   Jaime on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328086 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:41:40 +0000 Jaime 2328086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well I am impressed! Mission determined and accomplished in just a couple of days. Modern, pretty, minimal sound like a good jumping off point for you. Does modern cover sophisticated? Modern always seems like a moving target to me. Just musing - feel free to ignore. And congratulations! Chiara on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328085 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:32:15 +0000 Chiara 2328085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LJP, I think that’s such an interesting comment about addiction- once it kicks off, there is always that tendency to look for another high (whether via clothes or whatever)… and then it gets messy and overwhelming, not fun anymore. There’s pleasure in not getting to that messy point, but it’s not a ‘high’, and certainly not what advertising wants to encourage! Sloper on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328083 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:53:24 +0000 Sloper 2328083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your color palette, and I'm looking forward to some show-and-tell outfits. LJP on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328082 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:53:15 +0000 LJP 2328082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't express properly how wonderful it felt to be able to put away my shoes today and actually have a space for them on the shoe rack in my closet instead of being carelessly piled in a cartoon-like jumble on the floor of my closet (except that was reality, not a cartoon) .  I think those of us who have too much of anything , be it food, clothes, alcohol, whatever it is, punish ourselves by letting it get out of hand and having too much of it around us. I may be generalizing too broadly , and please forgive me if I am, as maybe i'm not articulating that thought well. But what I mean is , I let it all fester until I can't take it anymore, which is where I was at by the end of last week.  I deserve to have a functioning, beautiful wardrobe and damn it, I'm going to have one   I'm still not sure how I'm going to get there, what with my limited patience for scrolling through clothing websites, so I have to be prepared to settle again for what I do find without a ton of time spent.  I don't know about all of you, but I can scan a store's offering and hone in on what I want to look at  a lot faster than I can online. Things also catch my eye in a way they don't online .  But - I can keep throwing up roadblocks , or get over myself and move on.   Joyce on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328059 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:56:48 +0000 Joyce 2328059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, you did all the work and I feel exhausted! Well done, the first step to being happy with your closet and you, accomplished. The work in progress will be easier as you move through the seasons and are able to better define who you are and what doesn't support this. Lisa, your style journey has a cleared path, enjoy the journey. Olive Green on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328057 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:50:36 +0000 Olive Green 2328057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your summer palate cleanse sounds wonderful. Just a few simple things and no stress.  Jenava on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328048 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:19:17 +0000 Jenava 2328048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was also inspired by your post! I find it so refreshing to clear out stuff that doesn't inspire me any more. You should absolutely be pleased with your work, and I don't think you should be so hard on yourself about not meeting your list exactly. I think we all need an element of light-hearted delight and playfulness in our approach to our clothes. whidbeygirl on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328045 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:33:24 +0000 whidbeygirl 2328045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your success. While I don't have an extensive clothes collection it could certainly use some serious rethinking and the determination to make the hard choices.  Thanks for the motivation. rachylou on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328043 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:28:49 +0000 rachylou 2328043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dang. I’m impressed. I guess I should get a move on… I dragged half my closet out and… the dog has had nowhere to walk for a couple weeks, lol Anonymous on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328040 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:31:45 +0000 Anonymous 2328040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Useful revised closet space and environment! Did I tell you that my apartment building is getting a new roof notsaf on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328038 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:20:45 +0000 notsaf 2328038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations, Lisa! I'm also working on a mostly no-buy through September, with an exception for replacements. That's helping me focus on wearing what I love, culling what I no longer do as I go, and giving me the opportunity to level-up quality when I can. For example: I just replaced a stack of older panties with ten spanking new ones in a cut and material that works better for me now and I over the moon. Total cost: $30 at T J Maxx. Sometimes it's those little things! Cheering you on in solidarity. LJP on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328037 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:59:50 +0000 LJP 2328037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well thanks , all :). I was pretty pleased with myself , I will admit . There are up-sides to not having storage and basements or garages to hide things: those 5 bags had nowhere else to go but straight out the door . I’d share pictures but honestly my closet is very uninteresting . It’s a builder -double mirrored sliding door closetwith one rail . I had to add a drop bar on my side to give me more short hanging space . Angie , I love your enthusiasm but I don’t own a rolling rack anymore , won’t be buying another one , and do not have the room to have one out in my bedroom . My closet is now empty enough that I can see everything easily . And …..honestly ? I don’t wear anything other than my work clothes most of the week . It’s shorts and a top for around the house and I no longer fuss over what that looks like . So - no spending until September , and I’m signing out of IG until then too . Should be a quieter - literally and figuratively - summer Murph11 on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328035 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:01:55 +0000 Murph11 2328035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Impressive! Wow... just wow! Roxanna on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328034 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:53:08 +0000 Roxanna 2328034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is huge! Not only did you talk about it, but you DID it and drove it all to the donation centre, natch! (that last one is where I often fall down, and things languish in the basement.) I TOTALLY see how things add up - I am always adding random pieces from thrifting and then forgetting I have them. It seems like you are developing a clearer idea of what you want to look like - and what you DON'T want to look like. You are inspiring me to do this myself! Great job! Bonnie on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328028 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:27:12 +0000 Bonnie 2328028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! I am so impressed. I didn't really realize the state your wardrobe was in. I thought it was full of gorgeous new clothing because you always look so great. Good job getting rid of the 100 unworn, unloved items. ZoeyGirl on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328027 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:59:00 +0000 ZoeyGirl 2328027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, I am so happy for you! Congratulations on this major clean out! Count me in as someone who is inspired by your reflections and actions. Thank you! Roberta on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328025 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:48:13 +0000 Roberta 2328025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is impressive and awesome and a little scary!! I don't think I could have done it. The emotional and literal breathing room must feel so refreshing. Like breathing mountain air after city smog. Now you have room to work in your closet, and can lay out capsules, outfits, whatever you choose. Thank you for taking us with you on this amazing journey! ChristelJ on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328012 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:11:31 +0000 ChristelJ 2328012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Thanks for writing about your process. I think most of us can relate. I have not had anything useful to add because I have certainly not figured it all out for myself, but I do realize that there are cycles and phases that are important for each of us, and it's all part of the journey. </div><div>Right now I am having vicarious satisfaction from your purge! Also your tidy and appealing summer capsule. Hope you enjoy your renewed closet as it reveals itself. It all sounds wonderful! </div> RobinF on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328009 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:44:05 +0000 RobinF 2328009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice job! I can tell from the tone that you feel better already! I am not good at editing but sometimes once I get going then it becomes easier. You could do the "turn the hanger backwards to see what doesn't get worn" trick if you can't do the rolling rack. unfrumped on "The Great Closet Clean-out ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-great-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-2328008 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:41:20 +0000 unfrumped 2328008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Amazing job! I’m rooting for you on this leg of style journey. Hoping you are making fun outfits with your smaller, more focused wardrobe. Glad you made your deep culling, but didn’t get too worried about maybe still having some things to sort through. I have found it’s important to listen to my decision- fatigue, time limits, plain ole fatigue, during my usual biggest seasonally- driven edits. Even in retirement I still may run out of time - maybe a trip or family visit occurring when I could use “ just one more morning, or hit a wall on something or other. And want to take some time to wear the items/ outfits that made the cut, and see what’s up. Then over another few weeks, or even the season, I’ll have some “ aha” moments about random items and weed them out, and it feels good and not rushed. Because I also don’t always have the heck yes or joy- sparking just by holding something up , or maybe forgot something is a subtle outfit- maker. I’ll be interested in how you work through adding new items again, because that’s an issue I have. My local retail options will still be limited. I actually do put up with credit card churn, but am somewhat surprised that that still doesn’t pull in the “ keepers” I’m looking for. Perhaps because there are many vendors I’m not even trying because they’re unfamiliar for sizing, quality shipping & return costs. Too many choices.