https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 25 May 2026 03:04:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854908 Sun, 22 Oct 2017 17:17:47 +0000 delurked 1854908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny - I like your comment a lot. I also default to new things, and unfortunately I don't think I'd ever reach a point of being "done" because variety and newness are important to me. What I can do is be judicious and mindful of what is really working in my life, and not add things that I can't afford or that add too much clutter or are for my imaginary life. But mostly I wanted to feel in control of what was in my closet because there was too much there, and not all of them were 10s. It was making me unsettled, and I'm very happy with what I've pared down to. It's definitely still not minimal, but a minimalist I am not. This size feels about right, so going forward it may be a matter of one in, one out, although in some categories I can still afford to lose more than I add. I'm working on creating this balance through my entire house. I have more room than some in my house, but less than many, and I don't like to feel overwhelmed with stuff around me. I can say I like everything in my closet, but I'm not at a point of saying I love everything there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854906 Sun, 22 Oct 2017 16:59:40 +0000 shiny 1854906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gained weight during our move and endless renovation. I put the smaller clothes in a holding zone. Hubby then made a deal with me that if they don't fit by this November (two year anniversary of our move), I have to part with them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Well, once we had a working kitchen (this past January), I did lose weight! Though not quite back down to my previous "ideal" weight. So I got out all the clothes and many fit again, and made it back into my closet. Of the items that didn't fit, I was able to easily declutter about 90%. I held on to just a few cherished items that were still in good condition, and if for no other reason than to be able to test my weight loss progress.&nbsp;</p> <p>Everything in my holding zone, which is dramatically reduced in size, is now one size smaller (probably would require a 7-10 lb weight loss). I highly doubt I'm ever going to see that size ever again, and I'm okay with that. And if I did see that size again, you can bet I would indulge in a complete wardrobe overhaul and buy all new stuff to reward myself...&nbsp;</p> <p>But I digress. Back to the items that made it back into my closet: </p> <p>Thing is, after a few months I realized I wasn't wearing ANY of the items that made it back into my closet!! The reality is that I will nearly always default to something newer, if I have a newer alternative. I just like new things, I guess. And also, my tastes / tolerances and lifestyle have changed. I want comfortable, forgiving and breathable fabrics. And shoes I can walk in. My lifestyle is veering more casual these days too. My color preferences are also changing, as I gravitate more and more to neutrals and subtle/murky colors rather than attention-grabbing ones.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I put a bag in my closet and for past few months every few days I would put an item or bunch of items in the bag, whenever the fancy hit, and not just while dressing. In the middle of a conference call it would come bubbling up into my mind, "you know you are never ever going to wear that sweater again, the one that's itchy and the color was never quite right?" and once the call was over I'd go grab the offending sweater and toss it in the bag. </p> <p>I wound up filling three very large bags. Pretty much ALL of the items that had come back out of the holding zone! It was quite the eye opener. And this included a ton of shoes that fit once again, I just don't like them!! I am preparing myself mentally to next massively cull down my handbag collection. In the back of my mind I've been mulling over which ones it's time to part with.&nbsp;</p> <p>After I got rid of these three donation bags I then sat down and did a version of the Project 333 challenge. I divided my closet into "spring/summer" and "fall winter" and allotted myself only so many hangers for each (more than 33 -- but what would comfortably fit in a section). I organized my clothes within each section according to color as well. This method can help you decide what to cull and what to keep. This allowed me to see "gaps" and gave me some permission to do a little more shopping to fill them in, while also restraining me from adding yet another blue top.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love everything in my closet at the moment, and it's all getting worn (weather depending -- it hasn't been cold enough for sweaters yet).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854780 Sat, 21 Oct 2017 21:29:43 +0000 Jenni NZ 1854780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Things that I've grown out of ( aka gained too much weight for) : I have a small "museum" of these pieces in the spare bedroom. These go back decades and include the 2 dresses I graduated in for my two graduations, the Thai silk outfit I bought in Singapore, etc. They are items I really adored. My wedding dress is there too. I have seen older women lose a substantial amount of weight with illness amongst my patients at times. And while I have room to store these items, you just never know if that could happen and I might wear them in my 70s. Not the wedding dress! All other too-tight items go as after 10 years nearly of this higher weight I feel this is my new set point. Even now a kilo or two can change and I need to clear away say a skirt that is too tight around the waist. I will do that pretty happily. What I find difficult is the stuff that was the most beloved. If not beloved, like you I feel there will be more things to be found. Because my tastes are eclectic I am pretty good at finding sales, outlet stores etc where I can up the numbers at a reasonable cost. I'm not after the very latest tailored blazer. As far as you and Unfrumped go with things you are not wearing even though you feel you like them, that's where I use my lists and tracking to sometimes "make" myself wear them a bit. Then they may come back into rotation or else be found to be wanting in some way. In which case I may manage to get rid of it, often with the help of the forum! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854757 Sat, 21 Oct 2017 20:04:44 +0000 unfrumped 1854757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I agree!<br /> I’m trying to prioritize re: whats the worst that can happen if I toss a “ perplexing” item. Because I do ascribe to the theory that removal makes room for dinthing better at least as often as causing any regrets. </p> <p>So casual items are easiest. I have a Loft T that I loved but keep trying on and never wearing. Technically it fits in a good casual capsule, but apparently, not so much! I can never toss it right after I’m actually trying it on so will have to just do it some day soon. Surely it is replaceable.<br /> Work things are harder, as I will say, oh, NOW this is the perfect length, or color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854753 Sat, 21 Oct 2017 19:47:25 +0000 delurked 1854753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped - the first category is a puzzler, isn't it? I've done the same. I think wearing and analyzing is key. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854727 Sat, 21 Oct 2017 17:58:57 +0000 unfrumped 1854727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in with more encouragement.&nbsp;<br />I have cut down my holding zone but still have one. I improved my criteria to include: <br />--a few things that fit perfectly but I'm perplexed about why I'm not wearing--save for awhile, and meanwhile I'm trying to wear some of them and sort it out.<br />--things that are a TAD too small but I love--just a few items that are in fabrics that are hard to replace and "got small" during the year after I had some injury issues and I'm now exercising more. But after awhile if not fitting,poof, begone.&nbsp;<br />--A couple of items, mostly pants, that are maybe a half size or size too BIG but would be fall-back comfort security items. Classic style/color only. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854699 Sat, 21 Oct 2017 15:37:57 +0000 delurked 1854699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was so busy trying to put house things back from the painting that I didn't get a chance to get back to clothes or the closet. A good night sleep last night and I should actually be able to finish up today. I will be considering what will be useful and may fit over the next several months, where I may be needing different clothes than what I've been wearing the last few years. If it's not something that gives me confidence or something that doesn't make me feel good when I have it on, it's going. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854532 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 17:51:42 +0000 Laura G 1854532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG <b>texstyle</b> -- you just made me realize that since my daughter went away to school *I* have an extra closet! This could be bad. Very bad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854512 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 16:30:39 +0000 Gail 1854512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I find myself having a problem wth rationalizing what to do with the items.<br />I feel guilty in so much as &nbsp;I "may" just need that item and I'm being wasteful. Most of the items are in great shape and for the most part unworn. I tried to contact a local dress for success via email but never heard back, and I haven't had much luck with consignment. I've sold a few items on eBay but not much.&nbsp;<br />Note to self : stop buying items that you don't love ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854502 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 15:42:40 +0000 Anonymous 1854502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There comes a time when you body will not return to a former shape no matter what you do. Just saying. You can lose weight but may find that you are an apple or rectangle instead of an hourglass or pear. Then you know it is time to pass some old favorites on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854495 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 15:27:37 +0000 texstyle 1854495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have extra closets so I use a fairly large holding zone and "shop" from it often. Just yesterday I brought back into the main closet a ten year old charcoal jcrew blazer and did a few try ons with some basic tees and realized I could dress it down with a couple of graphic tees and one dressier tee (all shades of charcoal for a tone on tone look) - perfect for my needs. It is lined so will serve as a jacket for me on chilly days. I'm glad I bought things just a little bit big back then as otherwise they may not fit me today. Now they are fitting probably as they should.</p> <p>I am a finicky dresser - moody to a fault - so it's important for me to hold quality items for quite some time - esp. if they are classic in style, since I almost always end up enjoying them again, often several years later.</p> <p>I did decide to move my old black London Fog trench out of the closet and into the donate pile. It's been way to many years and I have other non-black options that fill that need at this point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854493 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 15:18:39 +0000 JuniperGreen 1854493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like a holding zone.&nbsp; I got a standing rack to help me out with this - for me it's easier to assess stuff when it's out of the closet since my closet closet door is narrow but the length is wide (love a wacky old house...).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I tend to use the standing rack to hold my active-outfit ingredients, and thus when I do peek into my closet I more easily see what hasn't budged for a while, and I do occasional light culling.&nbsp; </p> <p>In the process I identify gaps (guess I need a new white blouse, or full length dark trousers etc).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It's been really effective for the last 6 months or so.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854473 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 13:39:22 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1854473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It doesn't sound like the holding zone is much of a body-reshaping motivator for you. In that case, I think you're right to dump everything but the faves, like the snug blazers and jeans you have tucked away. If your body is changing a lot, even some of that may fizzle when you get back into it, so be cautious of relying on it without checking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854469 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 13:32:27 +0000 delurked 1854469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Regarding a holding zone - I've had some of the same things in and out of a holding zone for the last couple years without them ever getting worn. I'm not getting rid of anything I can't bear to part with. I'm reassessing how things feel, what I don't want to fuss with when I have it on and the like. I might lose weight, and I do have some things folded up in that event (snug jeans, a couple Blazers that almost work, etc). However, my distribution of weight at this time of my life is different than it's ever been, and acknowledging that means dressing for the body I have going forward. And it also had me asking if I would choose the item in question over what I already put back to keep in my closet. The no votes went away. </p> <p>Joy and Rachy - I did get up early, but so as not to cause a mutiny and wake up the rest of the family (extra stuff is in DDs closet right now) I am still waiting on the finalizing. </p> <p>When I said I can find something in the future, I really mean I don't want to take a scarcity approach. There's always the next thing I like, and I can tide myself over with what I have until I find any needed items, because my needs are so much fewer than my wants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854458 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 12:50:27 +0000 viva 1854458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabid purger weighing in here. BE CAREFUL. Purging feels great, but it's easy to get carried away. I agree with Angie about not taking the "one year" rule too firmly. Personally, I would think more about fit, fabrication, and deep love. Because if you love something, chances are there will be an opportunity to wear it again.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a perfect recent experience to share. Six or seven years I bought tall boots when in NYC on a girls weekend. I loved those boots. But for the last 2-3 years it's been all about the booties for me and I have not worn them even once. So when I moved in August and did another purge, I let them go. Even though they fit and I love them. Guess what I really need right now? Tall boots. UGH. So, be careful. That's all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854433 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 09:39:52 +0000 Anonymous 1854433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great post. &nbsp;The comments are helpful. &nbsp;I especially love "your notes to self." &nbsp;Great analysis. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons/page/2#post-1854430 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 09:28:55 +0000 Bijou 1854430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Team holding zone too! Put the items into bags and then in 3 months time, if you haven't missed them, say goodbye. It makes the decision so easy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854425 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 09:07:58 +0000 Staysfit 1854425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like a holding zone too. I tucked some items into a holding zone in an out of the way place and found them yesterday when I was hunting for some seasonal items for my house. I had almost forgotten them! When I opened the storage bag, I pulled out some now relevant pieces and tucked the rest back in for the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854422 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 08:12:17 +0000 Barbara Diane 1854422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm the exception in the group. But I may have the most variation in my weight. I am good at removing from my closet the items that are worn out, too big, or that I know I will never wear again. However, I keep in a holding zone clothing I like that is smaller than my present size. Even for years. It is wonderful to see my old friends again, and a relief to not have to shop for a new wardrobe. It may not be as necessary for others, but I have such a hard time finding what I want. I carefully ordered a pair of shoes and 5 items of clothing from Nordstrom and nothing really worked, although out of frustration I am thinking of keeping one item. And today at Nordstrom Rack I tried on @30 items with no keepers.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854418 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 06:40:04 +0000 rachylou 1854418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, Joy! I know. Delurked is taking such a calm, reasonable approach, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854408 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 04:39:18 +0000 Anonymous 1854408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What?! You are not going to keep plugging along through the night for closet peace? If you are lying awake in the wee hours, you know what to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854406 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 04:04:36 +0000 Tina 1854406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I put everything you are purging into boxes -- and put them someplace else, especially stuff from this season and next. If you don't go looking for them, give them away! I really hate it when I give something away and then wonder where it is 3 months later. (Personally, I store if for a year. If I get it out next time it's in season and still won't/can't wear it, it goes.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854405 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 03:55:37 +0000 Deborah 1854405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go you!&nbsp; Bet you are feeling lighter and better about your wardrobe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854389 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 01:44:29 +0000 delurked 1854389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've gone through a lot. Got rid of several things of all seasons, plus 6 pairs of shoes that no longer make the comfort cut. I keep all my clothes in my closet all year round. I didn't get through all the pants, plus a few other things to try on. Those are in another closet and will only make it back in if they're deemed worthy. </p> <p>Angie - I'll create a small holding zone. It's just that I've had most of these things in the holding zone before, and they haven't been worn since the last time I went through things. </p> <p>Joy - too tired to do more tonight. Will press on to the conclusion tomorrow. </p> <p>LP - good idea about the trail runners. I have something I think might fit the bill. At what point do I get rid of what I love that doesn't fit? I'm about at that point. To keep just feels mean to myself. </p> <p>Deborah - I've noticed the same. I accomplished a lot today. </p> <p>Thanks for cheering me along. The timing is good as I have a charity picking up stuff tomorrow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854375 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 23:56:09 +0000 Deborah 1854375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it sounds like you know what you need to do:)&nbsp; I would agree there is no time like the present.&nbsp; If items have gone unworn for a long-ish period of time I would be inclined to move them on.&nbsp; If it's just 12 months I might keep them.&nbsp; I have just brought a pair of pants back into circulation that I wore heaps in 2015, hardly at all in 2016 and I am all over them again now.&nbsp; &nbsp; I have also found that when I lost weight, some of the items I couldn't wait to get back into, didn't look as I expected and they ended up going out anyway. Good luck and have fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854373 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 23:52:01 +0000 LaPed 1854373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would keep the things that you love (or that "spark joy" as Mari Kondo says) even if they don't fit right now. Like Angie says, holding zone. Anything that isn't love, though, should go.</p> <p>Depending on the kind of hiking you do, you might want to consider trail runners over hiking boots. Much more comfortable in a hot climate, and there are some very supportive ones out there with great traction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854370 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 23:32:58 +0000 Anonymous 1854370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do it!&nbsp; Quick quick before the mood passes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854357 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 21:56:14 +0000 Angie 1854357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I DON'T think you should get rid of items that have gone unworn for a year. Items fall back into favour.&nbsp;</p> <p>I DO think you need a closet full of items that fit the body you have right now. So if you like items that don't fit - pop them into a holding zone.&nbsp; </p> <p>EDIT that closet.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854353 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 21:20:52 +0000 delurked 1854353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some notes to self -</p> <p>I have a lot of dark clothes and don't need any more gray, navy, or black tops. I like color and will seek it out when shopping in the future. </p> <p>I have a mini sports capsule that I like occasionally for games, and although I don't enjoy wearing them outside of that, I like to have them for these specific times. </p> <p>I wore sandals less this year, opting for closed toed shoes. I'm not sure if that is a trend for me, or just what felt comfortable this year. Before buying more sandals, I need to determine how frequently I am wearing them. </p> <p>I definitely trended to casual pants and away from jeans this summer. Of course it makes sense as it's less hot. Also trending away from skinny jeans to something with a straighter leg. Skinny jeans are ok if they have more stretch though, as they go well with boots. </p> <p>Speaking of boots, I love them. I always have, but I don't need any more of them. Except...</p> <p>The hiking boots I have aren't as comfortable as they should be. I will consider looking for new ones if it's ever cool enough to spend more time outside. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-a-major-closet-purge-right-now-proscons#post-1854348 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 20:39:28 +0000 delurked 1854348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen - funny about the closet. In my first place I accidentally chose a pink shade in one room that I dubbed "pepto pink". It stayed for a time, since I didn't want to repaint. </p> <p>Sterling - I put 5 pair of shoes in my donate pile. I used to wear more Borns, but I'm gravitating away from that brand due to needing more arch support. </p> <p>Emily - I know what you mean about not quite right. Even without weight fluctuations, shifts in body distribution or style mean a slightly different proportion is more flattering. </p> <p>Cindy - try like 5 times. Things have been in and out of holding zones around here. I'm kinda over it. </p> <p>LisaP - I like the idea of a smaller wardrobe. </p>