https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:47:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259970 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:45:54 +0000 Helena 2259970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cjh it's full on snowing here right now!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259969 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:29:30 +0000 cjh 2259969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, so so so so so true about April. This is NOT spring even thought the grass is green and the magnolias are blooming.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259935 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 18:48:49 +0000 Helena 2259935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oof I'm feeling this, as well as Gryffin's comment about wanting to chuck it all just for the feeling of space and organization!</p> <p>I think you've got wise advice here - proceed, but slowly. It IS hard to know if we're in the new normal, the not normal, or the never again will it be normal! I'm at a loss frankly, and in more ways than just about clothing! Am I an anti-social hermit because of the pandemic, or because that's who I am now. Who can tell?!?!?!? :D</p> <p>I can't add much in the way of practical advice, except to say that Angie is probably dead right as usual, and this might be the perfect scenario to put your holding zone to good use if you need to create a little space (mentally and physically).</p> <p>And finally, never underestimate the absolute ridiculousness that is April weather, because it is NOT helpful from a wardrobe analysis standpoint when you're sweating one day and shoveling snow the next *rolls eyes to heavens*&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259910 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:31:36 +0000 Kathie 2259910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading today's blog post reminded me of another reason I'm not editing much right now. Many of the current trends- puffed sleeves, tiered skirts, ruffles- aren't part of my current style, and some never were. I think I'm not tempted to edit, because there's very little that I would add as replacements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259903 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:18:54 +0000 nemosmom 2259903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thank you all so much for your replies!&nbsp; I am glad I am not alone in the struggle!&nbsp; I feel like I stay on top of editing out things for condition issues, but when nothing is being worn it's difficult to wear it out!&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>gryffin&nbsp; </b>- yes to fighting the urge to chuck it all in hopes of achieving peace and calm! That is exactly it.&nbsp; My wardrobe is usually my serene place and lately it's a source of anxiety. I need to find out why.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love the suggestions of the try-ons - I think a good<br /> few days of playing dress up and some weeks of challenges will help. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259882 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:07:59 +0000 gryffin 2259882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nemosmom - I so hear you on this.&nbsp; Perilous times navigating the zombie apocalypse.&nbsp; My life changes less than others because as a physician I continued going into the office through the entire pandemic but my social life/shopping/outside events totally shut down.&nbsp; But I think the pandemic, for me was a reset, a chance to decide "does this action" "does this clothing" "does this activity serve me"&nbsp; To that end, health, happiness, connection, wellness, calm, exercise became priorities and any behavior, activity or item that did not enhance my life is being reconsidered.&nbsp; So hair dye gone, take out/eating out gone, and "good enough" and "place holder" clothing trying to be gone.&nbsp; I just replaced a beautiful but "wrong" leather jacket with the right leather jacket - so it and another is gone.&nbsp; But I hope to do the more kondo thing of do I love it, because if nothing else these times make me focus on quality of life/experience etc.&nbsp; Why wear stuff that doesn't make me happy.&nbsp; I'm formal so the blazers and dressy stuff I love stay.&nbsp; The new exercise gear fab, the heel gone, the mistakes I hope are all going.&nbsp; Do you ever get in that mood where you want to literally throw everything out (not everything, I know you get it, but you want space, clarity and calm?)&nbsp; So like casual friends, I only want to keep my best friends.&nbsp; I have not weeded to that level but that's my goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259880 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 12:52:12 +0000 unfrumped 2259880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that I dress for myself mostly, but still to some extent for others- or perhaps for my environmental norm, or friend-circle. At least tweak- wise, a bit more of this or less of that. And this would be outfits I don’t wear at home, meaning complete head to toe, topper, accessories.<br /> So while I’d like to be “ honing my style “ now, I think it is likely that in the not-too- distant future I will have times when I put something together, head out, and experience a “ what was I thinking?!” moment, either truly inauthentic, or maybe just more of, too dressed up for this, or “ wow I could have gone more all- out” for that- I’ll do that next time.<br /> Some of these times may be just needing to reconfigure good items, but others might be, ok, good to know, I am NOT going to ever wear THIS ( top, bottom, whatever) again!</p> <p>I just don’t think I know yet what some of these items or direction will be, even though have tried to try- on and review. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259840 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 05:11:22 +0000 Barbara Diane 2259840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m really sick of some of my particularly useful items but I am keeping them. I think that once my life becomes more varied and I wear a larger portion of my wardrobe II will enjoy them again. And I don’t want to need to look for replacements for both financial and time reasons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259809 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:45:08 +0000 Sal 2259809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About four weeks ago when I did my swap of summer for autumn I edited a few pieces out. I tried them on and asked a friend for her opinion. I do keep things that I love even if I am not wearing them - but pieces that not suiting me I pass on. Every now and then I just edit something out spontaneously - last week some leggings that just were very faded and looking poor were immediately cut up into the rag drawer.</p> <p>I think some of the dissatisfaction is just this endless pandemic which is so fatiguing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259719 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 01:44:55 +0000 Jaime 2259719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with Angie - editing out things I don't love, keeping things I do, and not assuming the current status quo will last. It never does really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259686 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 21:40:12 +0000 always trying 2259686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always start with footwear editing.&nbsp; A couple of pairs of pointy tow as I just don't like pointy toes anymore.&nbsp; Also out went a couple of bell sleeve tops-Never liked this style anyhow.&nbsp; Also replacing longer and tunic tops with shorter ones.&nbsp; Two longer very nice tops sold really fast at my recent garage sale.&nbsp; Hanging on to block heels and a few dressier things although I don' think I will be wearing them anytime soon.&nbsp; As Angie said keep what you love if it still fits, etrc.&nbsp; I did let go of a cowl neck sequin top from my special attire collection that I may regret sometime. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259676 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 20:07:08 +0000 kellygirl 2259676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in a similar boat and feeling the need to get rid of the things I haven't worn in two years - like the skinnies worn with boots. I don't know that I'll ever go back to wearing them especially with retirement on the horizon. What I have been doing is wearing some of the things I still love to see if they're relevant for my current style--that's helping me weed things out. Plus I set aside a bunch of stuff for my retirement capsule that is now in a closet in Arizona.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259648 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 18:47:11 +0000 Cardiff girl 2259648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally hear you.l have suddenly been affected by an urge to do a big decluttering but am feeling really lost too.l had a lot of extremely helpful advice from the forum but it’s still difficult isn’t it as life isn’t back to the old normal and l don’t know where my post pandemic life will land yet.<br />l am torn between getting rid of a lot or hanging onto it all .l can’t tell what’s just fed up with the pandemic and what’s moving on positively just yet so l think the advice to go slow is probably the best advice anyone can give. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259636 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 18:01:01 +0000 unfrumped 2259636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to this- I agree with Angie’s advice, and in general not going overboard, but I have a bit of Brooklyn- like feeling of having added more casual weare ( retirement so no daily professional wear needed; more time to be outdoors), and don’t want to be overcrowded.<br /> Even though the pandemic hit just after I retired, adding more disequilibrium, after a few months I did cull most pencil skirts. Also items that I had a lot of just didn’t look as good as what I thought my “ bar” should be in view of not wearing work outfits day in and day out —- some blazers, cashmere sweaters. All uncomfortable shoes except a few that made the cut as several- hour shoes for dresser events. </p> <p>What I try to avoid is tossing items just because of being tired ( pandemic- tired) of their not being used, if they otherwise look good. It doesn’t always work as an excuse to get something better in some types of items that I have learned are harder to find again ( fits, fabrics) even for just updating. Even during pandemic, I’ve done “ retail research “ in various categories and not been as satisfied — lot of returns or leaving the dressing room— so could see I would just be churning rather than improving.<br /> But I echo trying on your stuff, but also wearing them somewhere, to grocery store— in this way I discovered more fit and comfort info— positive and negative. More realistic ideas of what I’d wear. </p> <p>Also, I’ve made some ( car) trips to see family, and it’s been helpful to see how travel capsules perform. Good feedback for what works, what to leave behind, what might be a wardrobe hole, what “ regular “ clothes can be grabbed for travel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259631 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 17:28:25 +0000 cat2 2259631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go through everything in daylight when I am putting away the laundry and cull anything too worn or that just had never fit quite right. I also culled heels that are too high, skirts that were a smidge too short or had weird slits. I have otherwise been applying a light hand and am glad I did as we start traveling a bit, and going out more. I have pulled tags off pieces and pulled out shoes that sat unworn for 2 years and was really glad to have everything. Plus we are in a period of inflation, so wearing pieces bought before the price hikes will save money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259617 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 16:32:19 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2259617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm at a loss...<br /> I've had several body changes through this pandemic, and it's changing again. My job, field, and work dresscode have completely changed as well....and we've moved into a larger place with less storage!<br /> At some point, I should do a ruthless cull...but I still have donation bags in my trunk that have been sitting for months... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259616 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 15:56:51 +0000 cjh 2259616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Editing is weird these days, that’s for sure. So if you feel that, I’m right with you. I just edited out about 8 favorite sweaters, which made me sad. Each was either worn down, saggy, pilled, stained, or no longer relevant. I also went through my jeans and purged the skinnies which were too tight and/or worn looking, since I’d acquired some wide leg styles, overalls, and a new pair of Kut girlfriend cropped jeans over the winter.<div><br /></div><div>Usually I edit at both ends of a season. At the beginning, I’ll do a big match up with tees, shirts and top layers (if applicable), assess needs and purge a few things which don’t fit into the plan, etc. Also, at the season’s end, I often try to wear “one more time” a piece that’s on the fence, to help me decide if it’s time to let go.</p> <p>For example, my mustard pullover. I wore it constantly the last two winters, and this, the third year, it was looking very pilled. Wore at home a lot because it’s the perfect weight and fit, but when I wore it “one more time” to grandkids’ basketball games, I felt scruffy. It went right in the laundry and then donation basket.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m getting out my short sleeved tees today, and notice that a couple are really bad (paint, holes) so I’m trying to switch around and delegate others to that wear function, and let those go. I try not to look like a rag bag when I paint with my art group, but might keep one for home.</p> <p>As to the myriad, very cool, artsy pieces I acquired in 2019 when I was starting to show my art often and participate in gallery receptions for friends, I will keep them all for now. Maybe this summer will be more social.</p> <p>Sorry for the saga. All the details aside, my strategies include:<br />1. Edit at both beginnings and ends of seasons to keep a cohesive assortment which fits my activity needs of the time.<br />2. Edit when a category receives several style-updated items.<br />3. Keep special occasion wear if I like it, and can see myself at the same type of event in the future. (Someone else said this, too.)<br />4. As soon as a piece feels wrong, I try to wear it once more, and put in donation basket if it’s still wrong.<br />5. Limit sentimental items that I won’t ever wear.<br />6. Keep at least one well-fitting, up to date, season-spanning possibility for a funeral. (Black or dark dress slacks, classic blouse, black or dark blazer or sweater, modestly styled and patterned dress, appropriate shoes.)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259605 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 15:29:45 +0000 Angie 2259605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going through this with my clients, right now.&nbsp;</p> <p>KEEP items that you aren't wearing, but love - or like a lot ......chances are high you will wear them at some point. TRY THEM ON AGAIN!!!! Don't just stare at the them, or guess how they fit and look ;)</p> <p>Section off your wardrobe so that the items you keep wearing are close on hand.&nbsp;</p> <p>Pass on items that no longer feel right for any occasion - like I did with my formal wear. And I am hence, refreshing my formal wear capsule!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259574 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 12:08:38 +0000 LaPed 2259574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the main shift in my thinking has been around comfort/function, and how much discomfort or inconvenience I'm willing to tolerate in a garment. My threshold has gotten very low; no need to wear something that annoys me, even if I like how it looks!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have also gotten rid of things that felt too "office-y". For instance, all my Boden trousers are now gone because they no longer felt authentic to me, and I culled a bunch of silk separates that seemed like good building blocks for dressier outfits, but somehow lacked verve. Most of my culls have occupied that "smart-casual" middle range. Pandemic lifestyle changes gave me permission to be real about how those sorts of pieces aren't really aligned with my lifestyle or my professional goals, such as they are...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259568 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 11:21:28 +0000 Anonymous 2259568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They made me go back to the office last year so the only "new normal" for me is my mood </p> <p>I'm only editing right now due to condition, or physical/mental discomfort. In the past I edited for size, but am not doing that anymore- as my body fluctutes so much. I'm also not editing for style, as my preferences change on the regular. Plus I'm not sure what I'll be doing when my work contract is up. I'm hoping to be part time for the next few years, with the goal of retirement by 50, but we'll see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259565 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 11:05:40 +0000 Kathie 2259565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did a big edit nearly four years ago when we moved, so my clothes fit comfortably in the space I have. For now, I’m lightly editing- only items that are worn, or have issues (wonky necklines, poorly cut armscye) that I didn’t notice when I first bought them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259555 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 04:30:40 +0000 ophelia 2259555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven’t gotten rid of anything other than 2 of my mom’s tee shirts. The future is always too unpredictable, I have to work, &amp; I don’t like churn for a variety of reasons.<br /> I have a pair of heels that I detest. I want to burn them. But they are the only shoes that work w/ my interview suit. I seem to have stuff like that-I don’t need it often, &amp; have to keep it in good condition. But ditching them only to have to re-buy some replacement is not something I want to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259553 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 04:29:06 +0000 Jenni NZ 2259553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I mainly go to work these days. At home since we now have the daughter, son-in-law and baby granddaughter next door I am spending more time at home and so all summer I mostly wore my 2 pair shorts when not working!<br /> I have been wearing and wearing a number of work tops and got a bit tired of some so edited them out, I don’t think I will miss them. Things I have adored in the past but got tired of lately I tend to keep, these tops were not in that category.<br /> What I am really missing is parties and the ballet and that sort of thing. I have kept the clothes for those things as I hope they will come back. Here in NZ there are a lot of lovely green shades in new clothes! Sitting on my hands! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259550 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 04:21:58 +0000 Brooklyn 2259550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve gone the other way, and been doing a deep edit this year. I haven’t worked in an office in over 3 years (and am not anticipating a return anytime soon), so I’ve had to face passing on a lot of clothes that scream “office” to me. Pencil skirts, some knee length dresses, some jackets, heels, satchel style bags. I was starting to feel overwhelmed because I have, in the last 3 years, added items that are much more appropriate to my current lifestyle. I wanted the new items to have room and breathing space. And I wanted someone else to be able to enjoy my office wear before it dates. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259536 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 03:18:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2259536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it’s too early to tell what “normal” is yet—pendulum will swing for a while. Shabby-looking things can go, but if you still like a garment and you still would like to be able to go to the things that garment is for, but they were all Covid-cancelled, why not hang onto it. Is closet space tight? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259524 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 02:34:49 +0000 rachylou 2259524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve also really held off editing. I don’t see a return in my personal life ever to anything truly fancy, but I don’t know where that leaves me. I still want to have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259518 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 01:49:01 +0000 Carla 2259518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been editing with a light hand so far this year. &nbsp;4 items that went in the trash rather than donation due to signs of extreme wear (holes!): black combat boots (3 yrs), blue flats (6yrs), 2 long sleeve t-shirts (6 yrs). &nbsp;</p> <p> <div>I may pass on a much loved black brocade trench that is looking fragile, a BR striped button down (same reason), and a silver foil t-shirt (I’ve lost a little weight and it doesn’t fit as well, and I’m not feeling ‘bling’), and a clutch style bag.- so all 4 yo or older and are looking tired. &nbsp;(See Finds). I may keep them through summer and edit in the fall/October per my usual habit. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>So far this year I’ve added pretty boring, but necessary essentials - but I’m feeling the lure of a colourful print, and might add one or two either as a shirt of summer dress. &nbsp;I’m liking the colourful trend, and there are some pretty awesome greens at retail that might pique your interest.</p> <p>New in 2022:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=10783">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....tion=10783</a></p> <p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-editing-in-the-%e2%80%9cnew-normal%e2%80%9d#post-2259513 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 00:56:07 +0000 nemosmom 2259513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi friends!</p> <p>It’s been a bit since I’ve posted, but I try to check in from time to time. </p> <p>The weather here is shifting a bit, and although it will be cool and rainy for a while, I know summer is around the corner. That means it’s time to switch out my jumpers for tees. </p> <p>I like to edit when I switch, but this year has me stumped. Nothing really sparks joy, and a variety of things are being worn. Still, I am struggling to decide what to edit out in these “new normal” times. My lifestyle hasn’t changed much, and I still don’t really GO anywhere. So, I thought I would ask the hive mind:</p> <p>How has your wardrobe editing strategy changed in these “new normal” times? </p>