Closet Editing

Debbie

I purged my closet before I went shopping with Angie but since based on the knowledge I gained I'm going through it again.

When you go through your closet do you get rid of anything you haven't worn in say 6 months? Do you keep things because they might come back in sytle? Or you just hate to get rid of it for whatever reason.

As I go through I have to admit some of it I wonder why I ever bought it!

15 years ago

General

26 replies

Latest reply was from Jenava

Rosie

Veteran

This is a good question. I'm going through my closet as well. I, too, have things I wonder why I bought!

I do keep things I haven't worn in a while, some I shouldn't, but most others because they are for certain occasions or certain weathers. For example, I have heavy jackets and clothing I don't wear much here in CA, but my brother lives in Boston so I definitely need them. I also have suits I don't wear too much anymore due to a change in work, but keep them because I know I will need them, especially now. I think these kinds of things are exceptions to the "6 month rule" - anything weather related in particular.

I don't really keep too many things because they may come back in style. I think I usual buy pretty classic iterations of trends, perhaps. I think my biggest problems is weeding out shoes and purses. Over the years I have spent a lot of money on both and really have a hard time weeding them out.

The thing I have found, though, that when I weed out pretty ruthlessly, is that I love my wardrobe more. I find it easier to pull together outfits I love, etc. Oddly it makes me feel like I have more!

I'm sure after your shopping experience with Angie that what makes the cut has changed. Good for you! I can't wait to shop with her someday soon.

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I get rid of stuff that is worn out, tired looking, too big, or not flattering. I don't hold on to anything thinking it might come back in style because even if it does, the old version is still dated. At this point I'd say that 90% of my wardrobe is less than 3 years old. I am a ruthless purger in everything. I hate clutter.

15 years ago

Rosie

Veteran

Can you please come to my house and purge?

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

sure Rosie! but be warned... I'm ruthless.

15 years ago

Rosie

Veteran

ummm ok maybe not. J/K

Being ruthless is a good thing. I think it for many it is hard to get rid of things because we think we'll miss them...but rarely does that end up being the case!

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

For me the peace of a non-cluttered house far outweighs the chance that I might miss something or need something some day. I'd rather go spend the money on that rare occasion that I do need something than to keep closets full of stuff that drive me crazy.

15 years ago

Mellllls

Veteran

I can only purge if I have a second opinion or when my closet is full. So, every laundry a few things go because I only have so many hangers. But...they go into a shopping bag and sit around for awhile so I have the option of reviving them. I really do need someone to come, sit with me and tell me what to get rid of.

My fiance and I switched closets last fall and in doing so he made me throw up 13 pairs of shoes that were incredibly beat up but I couldn't bear to part with. He was totally right of course and I haven't missed them. I did refuse to throw out one pair of shoes but still 12 isn't bad!

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm in a constant state of editing right now- just due to weight loss. Save for a couple of things that have special meaning that I have held onto for years, everything that I currently own is less than a year old or so.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Kim, can I clone your closet purging persona?

Debbie, box sentimental pieces separately. Do not get rid of anything that you cannot replace yet. Get rid of stuff that you have not worn in over a year, accept formalwear.

Dress for the body you have now. Do not keep anything in your closet that does not fit. If your weight fluctuates - keep a few extra items in a box somewhere away from your closet.

15 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I used to hang onto things that weren't "quite right" in the pretense that either I or the clothes ( miraculously ) would change....

For the past few years I go by : if it is not beautiful, useful, or loved out it goes.

If I have no idea why I bought it or if I never felt comfortable in it, out it goes. It makes me happy that the Salvation Army will make some money on it and that it might make someone else happy.

My real problem is that sometimes I love something so much that I want to save it....that is a whole other story.

15 years ago

Kate

Veteran

I am amazed by you ladies who are able to constantly edit your wardrobe. Between moving across the country, being pickier about colors, and trying to be less casual I have had quite a bit of wardrobe turnover in the past year. But I still have plenty of clothes that are well over 5 years old, and some that are about 10 years old!

15 years ago

Boof

Active Member

Ooh, Queenie, I'm a ruthless purger too! I just cleaned out and reorganized my closet last week. Rosie, I totally agree that when you get rid of the clutter, you feel like you have "more." I just did my girls' closets and drawers, too. They get really excited about it, because they can actually see what they have!

15 years ago

taylor

Veteran

I purge and edit alot..I have a few things I hang on to because some is just too good to go on the curb, so I try to find someone who can wear it...my daughter usually gets first dibsies:)

15 years ago

rute

Veteran

Oh no! I'm by no means a keeper!
I give everything! To my sister, to the church (my church collects clothes for people who need).
If I don't wear the piece for a year or if it doesnt fit or If I don't like the style I give it away.
I know fashion keeps returning, but it also reinvents the looks so when a trend comes back the fit is never the same!

15 years ago

garmenta

Active Member

What does everyone do with pieces that fit and work in your wardrobe but that you just don't like anymore? I'm fickle, and something I liked a few months ago is often something that doesn't appeal to me anymore. Do you purge those, or hang onto them for a few more months to see if you change your mind again?

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I'm fickle too so if it's just I've gone off an item I store it in the spare bedroom and if I haven't thought about it or wanted to wear it for a couple of months then I know I can pass it on x

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

If it's a piece that works but I don't like anymore, I would most likely hang on to it. If I'm not liking it, I'm probably just not styling it right and need some coaching from all my personal stylists here!

15 years ago

marianna

Veteran

I've been brutal with my closet editing lately. If I don't LOVE it, or see a purpose/need for it in my closet, out it goes. Having too many mediocre items/items I don't wear just clutters the closet and leaves me confused each morning, honestly! Somehow having less in the closet makes it easier to get dressed.

15 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oof, I have to purge about once a month, just because I'm constantly shopping, and it makes me antsy to have too much stuff. I'm finally getting to the point, though, that I love most everything in my closet, so purging is tougher, and I have to slow down on the purchases. Basically, if I don't feel totally awesome in something when I wear it out, it gets donated or sold off. Kind of soothing, actually.

15 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

I'm getting much better, but I'm working out an odd attachment to junky clothes. I bought a nice pair of grey trouser jeans earlier this year and it was still hard for me to let go of my 8 year old Old Navy dress pants that were starting to shine and had no hem. I did it though. My husband practically threw my stained and ripped hoodie on the bonfire, so I finally replaced that too.

I think my closet is so small that I cling to what I have for fear that the replacement won't work out. I don't have such a problem letting go of things I don't wear, but it's the things I wear to death that become like my binky or something. Even if I get a newer nicer version, I find the old one more comforting.

Hhm, a little self discovery.

15 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I only toss the items which look worn now. I edited all of the too big clothes some months ago.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

If it doesn't make me feel fabulous when I put it on, it's gone. I don't even bother to think of it any other way because it ends up clouding my judgment. I do edits very frequently--usually once every two months or so, because it takes me that long to buy a substantial amount of new pieces. I haven't had any regrets so far.

15 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I worked on the closet again today and got rid on more stuff. We are redoing our bedroom so I'm going through everything.

I do know one thing I do not need a another black or balck and white top. Seriously I don't know what I was thinking.

15 years ago

Mac

Veteran

I have no tips whatsoever, since purging is tough for me, but I had to throw in a YAY, YOU for doing more closet cleaning. That must feel great and make you feel more streamlined and organized for spring. Go, Debbie, Go!

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

Kristine- that sounds just like my husband. He gets so attached to things it drives me crazy!!! I think in his mind if it was nice 10 years ago then it is still nice.

Debbie- yay for you!!!! you're doing a great job of purging

15 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I just purged my closet! Having been the same size now, essentially, for 5 years it's easy for me to have stuff sitting in there that fits and isn't worn, but I don't wear anymore. These are the purge "candidates" if you will. They are easy to spot, because they wind up at the far end of my rail! I go through them and decide why I don't wear them and either find a way to incorporate them or, if they don't fit with my style or are uncomfortable for some reason, I donate.

15 years ago

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