https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:11:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616997 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 01:30:33 +0000 cheryl 1616997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hang on to stuff way too long. You just never know when you might want to wear something again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616889 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 20:39:26 +0000 DonnaF 1616889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a hoarder.&nbsp; My mother was a hoarder, and getting rid of all those bags of decades old stuff was a real hassle.&nbsp; Some made its way into my house that I should really pass on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616705 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:00:18 +0000 Helena 1616705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny this thread came up as if I have time today I plan to pull a mini-capsule for the next few weeks as I am sick of looking at clothes that I can't wear in this crumby weather we're having!</p> <p>Definitely have a purge problem ... it extends to my home as well; my family and I joke that if it wasn't for them I'd probably live in an empty house. But if I wasn't me, my DH and son would be buried in piles of their own clutter, so it all balances out My daugher's pretty easy-come-easy-go with her stuff, but she's not inclined towards a more minimalist approach, which I think I was even as a kid.</p> <p>I do have a holding area now which helps a lot; so now when I decide "I only wear neutrals", I just pack up the colorful stuff rather than purge it right away, knowing that the urge will pass and soon &nbsp;enough "I need to wear more color!" will come along :D</p> <p>The only sentimental clothing item I have is my wedding dress; I plan to keep it until my daughter is tall enough to try it on for a photo; then it's going! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616700 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:43:17 +0000 April 1616700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I think it's less that I'm not sure the charity items found a good home than that I don't know what home they find. &nbsp;I'm more likely to think, "I want that denim skirt back!" if its destiny is mysterious. &nbsp;</p> <p>I gave my niece an almost-new BCBG leather jacket in a beautiful, unusual shade of leaf green because I had to face the fact that the shoulders were uncomfortably snug on me. &nbsp;I LOVED that jacket, but the next size up was too big and the one I got was just too tight in the shoulder area. &nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, I hemmed and hawed before passing it along to Dainty Shoulders Niece but finally did, and I have not regretted it for one second. &nbsp;She wears it constantly and the cut and color suit her exquisitely.</p> <p>If I had sent it to the donation pile, I would probably still be second-guessing that decision and wishing for it back, promising the wardrobe gods that I would wear it, really I would, I just would only wear it with a light tee beneath so it didn't feel SO DARN TIGHT... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616687 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:10:27 +0000 Suz 1616687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, what an interesting insight! So it's something about feeling the clothes might not have gone to a good home that leads to regret.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also donate my non natural fibre clothes to my stepdaughter. She is vegan and won't wear wool or silk or cashmeres or leather, so she does not get those.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mona is a forum mate who lives in my city and we wear the same shoe size at times (depending on the shoe) so I have offered a few unworn pairs to her.&nbsp;</p> <p>I always feel good if the clothes go to someone who admires and will wear them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616680 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 13:48:02 +0000 Anonymous 1616680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When it comes to getting rid of clutter in the house, I have absolutely no problems. But I definitely hold on to clothing much longer than I probably should. It took me 10 yrs to purge my closet of the dozen or so suits I wore when I had a career. It was probably the hardest and most emotional time I had ever experienced. </p> <p>It is still difficult to purge clothing. That is most likely the reason I did not buy much last year. I want to basically wear out what I have. It is easier to let go of things that are worn out than parting with pieces that are still in great condition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616668 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 11:43:52 +0000 April 1616668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz -- I love "quick editor" as a less icky expression than "fast purger"! &nbsp;Thank you for that.</p> <p>I realized in reading all these thoughtful responses that I have definite categories of where my edited items go:</p> <p>-- my sister gets any accessories (we have no sizes in common)</p> <p>-- I have a niece who is my size but with narrow shoulders. &nbsp;She gets everything that fits me great except is too tight in the shoulder area.</p> <p>-- A friend's daughter is building a professional wardrobe *and* wears my shoe size. &nbsp;She gets anything from those categories.</p> <p>-- Anything else goes to charity, unless it's too worn or damaged, and only then does it get tossed.</p> <p>I realized I've never regretted anything I gave away to someone I know. &nbsp;It's only the things I added too hastily to the charity pile that I have sometimes wished I had back.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616660 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 11:04:34 +0000 Summer 1616660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to purge far too quickly and ruthlessly, but I've adopted the holding zone approach over the past few years, following Angie's advice. &nbsp;So long as a piece is in good condition, not obviously dated, and I still like it, I keep it with the intention of remixing it at some stage. &nbsp;I've given several things a new lease of life this way.<br />I'll add that I work with a very small wardrobe, so I'm in no danger of developing the hoarding instinct. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616636 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 08:35:58 +0000 rachylou 1616636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, definitely failure to purge even tho I'm trying all the time now. I can't even part with old socks... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616618 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 06:26:18 +0000 Gigi 1616618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hold on to things too long. I have had a lot of weight fluctuations due to health concerns in the past couple of years, so I'm afraid to let stuff go in case my weight changes again. But I realize that if that happens, I &nbsp;will just have to buy new clothes...it's not like I will have to go around naked. But the bigger issue is that I have some nicer pieces that I would take to consignment, and that of course means washing and ironing and making an appointment, which is WORK. But I did get a lot of that kind of thing done this past weekend and will be making an appointment tomorrow, yay! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616584 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 04:07:27 +0000 Suz 1616584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question, April, because I think it's a distinction that can lead to insight.&nbsp;</p> <p>I used to hang on too long and think I had to keep my clothes forever.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then I swung the other way and became a quick editor. (I won't say "purger" because I like the connotations of editing so much better!)&nbsp;</p> <p>And also, because it's never been a problem for me. I have never really regretted getting rid of anything. There are items I wish I still had (vintage items of my mother's, say) but the truth is, they wouldn't have worked for me anyway!&nbsp;</p> <p>Bottom line is that I actually really enjoy my newest items the most...and a small capsule of brand new items to be mixed with a few classic high-quality standby items from previous seasons is all I really need. The real issue is identifying what those items will be each season (never easy or obvious to me, somehow) and seeing how to make outfits from them with what is already there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616581 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 03:54:57 +0000 Penny 1616581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely purging quickly, although I don't miss anything so far . . .&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616577 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 03:38:31 +0000 Jaime 1616577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Total hoarder and occasional manic purger.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616452 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:10:16 +0000 shaz 1616452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hold on to long mostly with shoes that I think will be more comfortable after I have broken them in but then never get round to breaking them in due to being uncomfortable. Jeans because they might be useful if I do a bit of decorating and also because it's so hard to get my length so they get kept for around the house I have one pair of jeans at the moment that are prefect on legs hips and waist but not great on the bottom but I might wear them with a longer length top for now or donate not fully decided yet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616449 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 20:59:52 +0000 Lyn D. 1616449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I purge quickly although I have found my 'holding bag' to be very useful for &nbsp; the occasional item I change my mind about.<br />I have a few regrets, but then again too few to mention </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616427 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 20:14:35 +0000 Anonymous 1616427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A little of both. &nbsp;It really depends on the item.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616415 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:57:06 +0000 MsMaven 1616415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've done both: held on too long especially to coats and evening wear. Even though some 80s and 90s stuff has come back around again, there was no way I could ever fit in to them, even if I managed to drop down to the weight I was then. About a year ago I donated some very nice things.</p> <p>Years back when visiting my parents I found a favorite college prom dress. On that occasion I could actually get it zipped up, so I brought it home. That was donated as well.</p> <p>Other times I fear I donated too quickly. I found a dress and I top I regretted in a donation bag still waiting in the garage. I pulled the items out and--after trying them on put them back in.</p> <p>Lately as I have more clothing items than ever I am more reluctant to purge them. Shoes are a problem, I'm always afraid I'll never find a comfortable pair again. Yet I do.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616406 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:39:08 +0000 unfrumped 1616406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hold on too long.<br />But, now it's less about being way out of date, it's more needing to decide either to not buy something new until I&nbsp;identify what has to go out; &nbsp;what&nbsp;is the new item intended to replace or upgrade. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616384 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:05:56 +0000 April 1616384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this thread got away from me while I was working, but so much insight here! </p> <p>This seems to be one of those issues that people really know about themselves: hoarder or over-purger, there's no need for lengthy introspection to answer that question. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616374 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:50:04 +0000 shoppingisfun 1616374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hold on way, way too long. Apparently I wait until clothes are unwearable (either ruined by stains, yellowing, holes, or just way too small) before I get rid of them (as I discovered while cleaning my closet today). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long/page/2#post-1616369 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:39:43 +0000 gradfashionista 1616369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hold onto things far too long, partly because I hope to sell them on eBay. When I moved last year, I used the opportunity to donate four large garbage bags of items. There were a few items in the bags that I regret donating, but not enough to try and find them again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616356 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:22:32 +0000 Muffin 1616356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always been a purger. In fact way back in high school I was getting rid of things left and right and my parents sat me down and had a depression/suicide talk with me (as get rid of things was a sign). I was taken back and did a lot of reassuring and now nearly 30 years later they just come to accept this is how I am! I have regretted some purges and believe it's not very helpful with my perfectionist tendencies. I do have wonderful things and a lot of dinner out/special occasion clothes but my everyday is sorely lacking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616347 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:00:29 +0000 rabbit 1616347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I've mostly been in the 'hold on too long' camp in the past. &nbsp;But in the last few that seems to be balancing out since I'm tracking wears, and therefore I really notice and highlight the things not getting worn. &nbsp;They kind of have to start getting incorporated, move to lounge wear (and bump out some worn out lounge wear in turn), or be special enough that only wearing them a few times a year is worth it for the wow factor. &nbsp;I think I need to holding zone a few 'maybes'.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Laura</b> I have a donation bag, and tend to purge mostly at the end of a season. &nbsp;Which means if the clothes are consign-able they usually sit there until their season buying comes around again several months later. &nbsp;I think I need to check right now for spring clothes to purge while the consignment stores are still likely to buy them hmm... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616333 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:43:42 +0000 Anonymous 1616333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Way to long except for basics that are outfit completers. Now I use a holding area and it has helped a lot with editing more regularly </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616327 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:31:54 +0000 kkards 1616327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>without a doubt, i hold on waaaaay to long! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616320 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:14:00 +0000 viva 1616320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a very quick purger. In fact, in most areas of my life, I act quickly. The idea of a holding zone makes me very anxious. In or out!!! I must decide!!! (It has, at times, been a problem. There are things I regret purging.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616319 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:08:40 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1616319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to be a holder on-er, and have probably swung too far in the other direction and need to find a happy middle ground. I do keep a donation bag in the bottom of my closet, so most things sit there for a while before they actually get taken away. If I really regret a decision I can change my mind.</p> <p>My most regretted culling has probably come at the end of a season when I'm putting things away. I'm tired of that stuff since I've been wearing it, so I'm more apt to get rid of more. I'm leaning to be a bit more conservative at that point, and do another cull if necessary when I get it back out of storage and am thinking a bit more strategically. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616316 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:49:53 +0000 chirico (Chiara) 1616316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really hold onto things for slightly too long. Then I notice they start looking tired, and I donate them. I actually like to be surrounded by " familiar" things, as opposed to "new" things, and have to make an effort to judge them unbiased when they are past their prime. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616303 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:17:33 +0000 Janet 1616303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually hold on too long, but occasionally regret a hasty purge. The holding zone definitely helps in that regard, but sometimes it takes a while for me to realize I wish I'd kept something. I still lament the purge maybe 3 years ago of a western-style silk shirt that was a bit roomy after I lost a little weight -- now the easy fit would suit me just fine! </p> <p>Recent example: I just looked all over the house for my old straw beach tote before our vacation in Mexico, but I think I must have purged it in a fit of optimism that I would find something better before I needed one again. I'm sure there is a good reason I let it go, but darn, I wanted that thing for that trip and didn't have time to shop for a new one. Fortunately, the resort where we stayed had totes in each room. But when I got home, I bookmarked a few possible replacements!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-wardrobe-failing-do-you-purge-too-quickly-or-hold-on-too-long#post-1616301 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:16:46 +0000 Anonymous 1616301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty quick to purge, and most of the time, it's not problematic. Only once in a very odd while do I wonder about something I've passed on. &nbsp; </p>