https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:21:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye/page/2#post-1893037 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:08:35 +0000 The Cat 1893037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no rule for it. In some cases, I just suddenly discover that a certain item feels wrong, perhaps because of a bad fit, an unpleasant fabric or an unflattering shade of colour, or because I realize that this item doesn't harmoinize with my style. Then I let it go either immediately or after a few days.</p> <p>In other cases, when a beloved item starts showing (too much) wear or looking old, I may decide to keep it and wear it till the end of the season, after which I will let it go. However, within the same period, I will probably look for a replacement, or at least make a note to myself about the item that I will need for the next actual season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye/page/2#post-1892946 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:54:48 +0000 K.M. 1892946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've kept things hidden in the back of the closet for a while and sometimes I rediscover them and suddenly take a liking to them. It doesn't always happen but it keeps me from saying goodbye too soon just in case my tastes change... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892811 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:06:05 +0000 Cee 1892811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried cowl necks a while back before I realised they just weren't right.</p> <p>I tried to warn the forum but each time I seem to get hit on the back of the head with a frying pan and wind up bound and gagged in the cellar ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892788 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 06:40:03 +0000 Barbara Diane 1892788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes I know it's time, and an item goes. Sometimes I know I will wear something in certain situations, which don't occur often, so I keep it. I often go back to things after a break, so I don't have a time limit.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892782 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 05:38:06 +0000 Jessikams 1892782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting to hear all these different strategies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892781 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 05:20:21 +0000 Suzanimal 1892781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just did a major purge. If I don't love it, it goes. If it doesn't fit and I don't alter it in time to wear it that season, it goes. I'm cutting myself some slack on the alterations right now because my sewing machine is on the fritz but I'm taking it to the shop next week.</p> <p>I used to have a hard time letting go but I let my closet get out of hand and I was miserable. I feel much better now that I've gotten it under control. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892764 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 03:45:36 +0000 Dee 1892764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I wear an item, if I start consciously and continuously looking for flaws or issues with the cut/color/fit, whether or not I actually find any, it's usually time to move on. It's like I'm hoping to find something wrong so that I can justify letting it go without guilt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892752 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 03:18:47 +0000 Christina F. 1892752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As you can all see by my multiple posts, I take things I haven’t worn all season and try to evaluate why. I’m posting here about it this year to try to develop my critical faculties - so I can articulate why something might not work. Also, to get ideas about how I can style something better and use it more, if it doesn’t need to be passed on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892749 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 03:10:57 +0000 Teodora 1892749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really don't try number of times per se but if I look back and if I had not worn it the season that just passed, it is out. For example, now if I notice an item I had not worn once this past winter, it is out. I put it in a bag and in the summer/fall I take them to the consignment shop.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892745 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 03:03:03 +0000 Penny 1892745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, last year I bought something (non-returnable) from a consignment shop that I literally put in the Goodwill pile as soon as I walked in the door - I try to give myself permission to occasionally make mistakes, and better to let go and move on quickly to focus on what works and what I love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892702 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:39:27 +0000 Jenn 1892702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I track wears, so I have a very solid idea of what I wear and what I don't. One rule I have, though, is that I need to cull in-season for any particular item. I may very well look at short sleeve blouses in deep winter or hot summer and think, "I barely wear those. When do I ever need anything other than tanks or long sleeves?" but come spring, they're exactly what I need, and I wonder what I was thinking getting rid of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892651 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 22:42:59 +0000 Anonymous 1892651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I practice everything from &nbsp;" I hate this top I'm wearing today and the minute I get home it's going in the donate bag" to hanging on to the "better and more expensive" stuff longer in hope that &nbsp;a) I'll lose 20 lbs, or b) lose 25 lbs. Lol. &nbsp;I would hazard a guess that nothing in my closet is more than a few years old, with the oldest being an "investment" blazer that is probably about 6years old. &nbsp;<br />With each season , I vow to be even more ruthless with culling, and a lot more intelligent and less emotional with purchasing. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892618 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 19:36:38 +0000 Gigi 1892618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, I usually keep the item around for a year or two and see if I have worn it in that time. I sometimes go through style shifts, and things that I didn't want to wear one year might see heavy use the next. But after two years, if the item still isn't doing it for me, I will likely give it up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892572 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 16:28:37 +0000 Anonymous 1892572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't describe exactly why, it's more than just wastefulness, but the truly unworn really shamed me. It bothered me so much I started buying only things to wear almost immediately. </p> <p>I make a lot of returns, but the clothes I donate, even though they may be in excellent condition, were worn so often I just don't want to see them anymore. I might wear a shirt from last summer into the next summer, but I'll be looking to replace it.</p> <p>IF something does seem like it's not the right thing for me after all I donate it as fast as possible so that someone else can get maximum use.</p> <p>Honestly, it almost never happens but it makes me laugh if I have a moment of regret for something I donated.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892571 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 16:27:47 +0000 cindysmith 1892571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I generally go by how many times it gets ignored in favor of other garments. Like, if I haven't ever worn it, I don't much examine the reason beyond what first comes to mind when I pass the garment over: a cream colored vest that I pass over because it will get dirty, a top that I pass over because it's a bit tight h I constantly pull it down...<br /> If something gets ignored because it's "too nice" or "too special" or too formal, I find new ways to style it so that it doesn't get ignored. If it still gets ignored for some other reason, bye bye.</p> <p>So I guess one strike (that is unrelated to situational appropriateness) is too many with me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892561 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 16:07:36 +0000 Thistle 1892561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What JAileen said!</p> <p>I've been doing this more and more. If I take something off because it bothers me: too short, not flattering, too itchy whatever, I have been more and more apt to drop it in the donate bag than to rehang it.</p> <p>I also practice the: "If I haven;t worn it in a year, donate it" rule. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892560 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 16:04:03 +0000 JAileen 1892560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Often what happens to me is that I when wear something that so annoys me that when I take it off I immediately put it in the donate bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892503 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:21:03 +0000 Liz 1892503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oddly enough, adopting a one in/one out policy has been the biggest help here. This year, I got really serious, asking, "If I buy this, what is leaving my closet?" I didn't expect it, but this has given me the permission I need to get rid of those items that have been on the fence -- if something has to go, it's going to be that. It's often a relief to be "required" to let go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892496 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:59:22 +0000 always trying 1892496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It varies depending on the type of item.&nbsp; sometimes I hang on if it is something I may need for a special event, or until I can find a replacement. Sometimes if I think something is just dated I may put it aside for a while.&nbsp; Recently I have been recycling some old items and they make me happy as I am wearing them in new ways. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892494 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:53:57 +0000 Colette 1892494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Cardiff girl said exactly!!! LOL! But I don't recommend it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892488 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:42:41 +0000 Cardiff girl 1892488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh a long time.I ve got stuff in my wardrobe from 25years ago.It s kinda more like a museum than a closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892481 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:33:08 +0000 Suz 1892481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to let it go before the tags are off. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>But if I err (and I do!) I usually ask myself why I'm not wearing the item. &nbsp;If the piece is uncomfortable, out it goes. If it's just that I haven't had the right weather or occasion or I don't have the right support act, I'll give it a bit longer before deciding. Though sometimes you just have a visceral sense that the item no long represents your style, in which case, why hand onto it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892475 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:20:58 +0000 Sisi 1892475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try&nbsp;2-3 more times and then I give up.&nbsp;But since I keep clothes forever, occasionally I go pick out the wrong item for an emergency. Useless to say, I then feel unhappy all day. :)</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892461 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:18:56 +0000 Toban 1892461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once I figure out why it isn’t working I’ll move it on. I’ll keep it awhile if it’s simply that I don’t have the right pieces to go with it (eg right top for a skirt) or until I diagnose the problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892455 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:06:25 +0000 kerry 1892455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it depends on the type of item. If it’s something I should be wearing often - a type of piece (e.g., jeans) that would be a part of my uniform fall, winter, spring, pretty quickly. It’s the items I don’t wear often (e.g., shorter cardigans ) that I might pop on with a skirt (which I don’t wear often) that I have a harder time getting rid of. The items I wear frequently show their flaws quickly. If they don’t hold their own -out they go. On the other hand, I don’t want to spend a lot on something worn infrequently so I’m less likely to get rid of it or replace it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892454 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:02:32 +0000 Katerina 1892454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Generally, it takes me a long time to pass on items, unless it is a matter of fit. If an item does not fit any more, it goes. I buy a few investment statement pieces every year and often get attached to them for various reasons - usually wonderful quality and execution. I keep these pieces for many years. I have difficulties to part with them even if they get dated, the colour does not feel right or the style is off for me. Try to be better at editing my wardrobe, but it is hard. I try to make these pieces work many times. I have many accessories as well - mainly scarves and bags - they stay “forever”, there I am happy to keep them all :-)<br /> Sometimes, I buy very inexpensive items, just to try a style or have some fun. These I pass on pretty quickly if I am not happy with them. Example now: BF jeans for 10 Euro and a pair of faux leather trousers for 5 Euro on final sale. Have never owned any faux leather bottoms and want to see, if I find them comfortable and enjoy wearing them. They seem to be very popular. If I don’t, they will get donated rather fast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892444 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:51:18 +0000 Mainelady 1892444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In general, I am pretty good about passing things along after doing closet reviews. If I haven’t worn something at all during a season, I have to ask myself why. If the answer has anything to do with color, cut or comfort it goes in the donate pile. Some things I do hang onto, even if I haven’t worn them for a while, because I have a sense that I will circle back to them. If they haven’t been worn in two years, then out they go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892430 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:14:36 +0000 Jenni NZ 1892430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh a LONG time for me. Not quite so long as Rachylou! But yes, years. I don't like to admit I got it wrong and especially in the past 2 years when I've done so much reading and work on trying to choose well! The forum has helped me get rid of some dated or less flattering stuff by giving opinions, all done very kindly </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892424 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:01:37 +0000 Anonymous 1892424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sigh. &nbsp;I have a harder time admitting I made a mistake. &nbsp;I generally keep the item around for <i>at least a year </i>.... trying different combinations. &nbsp;This means that I am choosing to wear items I don't love when I could be wearing something I adore. &nbsp;</p> <p>My logic needs work and I am currently in the process of ruthlessly evaluating my wardrobe. &nbsp;I have spent February evaluating and ruthlessly culling. &nbsp;<u>So right now</u>, one wearing can be all it takes to be put in the donate pile. &nbsp;So far, I have not had any regrets. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-say-goodbye#post-1892423 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 08:43:12 +0000 rachylou 1892423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol. I’ve got this green boucle suit... five more years and maybe that will make 25 years of trying, at which time maybe I’ll give up... </p>