Closet editing — how to let go of your favorite type of item? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Closet editing — how to let go of your favorite type of item?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Lisa’s wonderful post inspired me to think about taking a turn through the largest stumbling block for me when I try to edit my closet: jackets.

Angie calls me Queen Jacket, and for good reason. They are my most loved type of item to shop for (other than jewelry or shoes). I am typically not a difficult fit in them, they often make my body look more balanced and provide structure, and can often add edge or a modern twist to an otherwise conventional outfit, since I don’t tend to do trendy denim or pants styles.

The problem is, I have more jackets than I can reasonably wear in a year. Our summers are hot — I may wear my utility jacket or a Jean jacket once in a while, but that knocks down the wearable weather by quite a bit for at least three months — and really more like five because May and September are still pretty warm here.

Why do I have a hard time letting go of jackets? For one, they tend to fit even during weight fluctuations — I don’t wear them closed a lot anyway. They also tend to be pieces that cost a bit more and feel more like investments (even though I know rationally that they’re not). And they tend to have more personality than my tops and pants/jeans.

I have some jackets I haven’t worn in a few years — maybe they’re just not feeling so fresh anymore even though they were formerly workhorses. Cream leather moto jacket is a good example. I’m loathe to let go because I feel like at some point in the not-distant future, moto jackets will have a bit of a revival. I have too many bombers too. But the ones I have are mostly unique and I like them, and I feel like they’ll have a day again. Or am I just having wishful thinking?

I probably need to do a try on and styling session with some of them to see if they really still feel relevant to me. I’m reluctant to purge items from my closet too quickly after a year of not having wearing occasions. Perhaps I should do a clear-out of the holding zone (which doesn’t really have too much left in it that’s not out of season or occasion wear) and then make it a jacket holding zone. And I need to get real about what looks current or what looks *me* at this point in my life, and let go of the rest.

What about you? Is there a category you tend to hang onto? How do you get past that?

General

43 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

AryLen12

I tend to hang on to jeans that I don't wear at all just because I feel like I will want to wear them someday but never end up wearing them. I just look at all my jeans (in your case jackets) and look at ones I wear a lot and put them back in my closet, then I take the rest and decide which ones would match with other outfits I own. So if there was just a plain black one, I would keep it because you could wear it with almost any outfit, but if it was green and yellow with purple trees and orange dogs, I would get rid of it because you would only have one outfit you would wear it with. Also if it's warm where you live look at the ones you can't wear much because of the weather and think about how much you would actually wear it. Keep ones that aren't to hot/cold so you could wear them at anytime. Keep ones that you feel good in and any that you are unsure of I wouldn't recommend keeping. Any left over that you wouldn't/couldn't wear, donate or sell them.

I hope this helped a little, if you need extra I'll try to think of something else you could do.

Synne

Veteran

You have so many fab jackets and if they are such a staple in your style and how you dress, I would honestly think twice about letting them go! A good jacket doesn't date, IMO.

cat2

Veteran

I don’t buy the notion that your closet should only contain a few pieces that you are currently wearing and that you should purge the rest. I think it leads to completely unnecessary consumption of new goods. I have room to keep more and I do. Just when I think a piece or a color will never be on trend again it comes back, but in a different styling combination than before. At that point I will be glad I have a few pieces I can pull out and wear while I assess the trend and decide whether to invest in it again or just wear out what I already have and move on. Just when I thought an old favorite blue plaid wool blazer would never be on point, Angie posted about blue wool for Fall and I was in business! Similarly, I kept a bomber from a prior trend and wore it out the most recent cycle. I think if you spent the time to buy pieces that fit and are of good quality that investment will pay off again later.

Helena

Veteran

I had the same thought as Synne, Janet ... jackets are such a big part of your style, that it makes sense for you to have plenty of options. And although you can't wear them all perhaps frequently, you are "team wear", so you probably get loads of wear out of them over their lifetime.

That said, if space is an issue or they are sort of holding you down energetically (not to be too 'woo', but if you know what I mean), then maybe starting with the ones that truly aren't your style anymore is the place to start (vs. thinking about whether you've worn them recently).

As you know, I have the opposite problem and am too edit-happy!

nuancedream

Veteran

Definitely jackets and tops. I can let go of tops without too much problem. I am less inclined to jettison my moto jackets unless they are far beyond repair or they no longet fit well. Moto jackets can add that wee bit of bad@$$ to my outfits that a structured blazer doesn't always do. Plus, they just feel more authentic to where I am currently my style journey.

rachylou

Veteran

What don’t I hang on to? But I’ve been hanging on to summer shoes - old sneakers and sandals. Shoes I do not wear and never will again ... I need to protect my feet and especially should not wear open toe shoes. I suppose part of the problem with the sandals at least, is they’re in an under bed box and will be a big hassle to get to.

... jackets, though... your jackets are so beautiful! They’re no sneaker which wears out in three months. Probably the best thing to do is try them all on - maybe a few will pop out as definitely not working and make choosing a little easier. If they all are good, maybe a moratorium on buying for awhile ... We are so close to things opening up again, I’m personally reluctant to make decisions right now...

suzieq

I have that same exact problem with jackets, & it’s decision time because we’re downsizing next year, to Mexico where the climate is warm. I honestly only need 1 jacket I guess for trips to the States. I have a few short-sleeved ones that I plan to take. They go great over many of my tops; hence the reason I bought them. It’s the only way to dress in 3 layers in the tropics. So it’s my winter jackets I must purge. It’s not easy!

Anonymous

I understand this . In my case it was an issue of storage and how much I really wanted to own , plus ....an issue of my lifestyle and where I see it heading . It had nothing to do with not liking those pieces . I suppose if I had unlimited storage space and massive closets I wouldn’t be as motivated to do what I did .

Sisi

Veteran

I tend to hang on to anything because I am terribly sentimental and have huge difficulties in letting things go. I have a lot of old clothes and shoes that engulf my house and garage. Once in a while I have an attack of exhasperation, I fill a bag and take it to the recycle bin, feeling like I am going to die ....
And when things are beautiful it is even more difficult .... and jackets are beautiful! Sorry, I am of no help.

viva

Veteran

Do they all fit? I tried on every jacket in my closet - not many, to be honest, but even still, I realized I had to get rid of most because they no longer fit my arms comfortably. If yours fit, I might keep, because they are such a defining item for your style.

Irina

Veteran

I tend to keep the items from more expensive brands longer, sometimes for a few years. Trends are not my concern but style is. Today I put in the donation bag 2 pair of jeans, one of them from a premium brand. I asked myself if I would want to see myself in the slim cut jeans ever again - put them on and no, never. But I’m still keeping a white pair of cigarette jeans from Rag & Bone. Have a crazy idea to alter them but more likely to let them go once I find a replacement.
I understand that the available space is not a big issue for you. Try your jackets and decide in which ones you see yourself in a year or two.

Runcarla

Veteran

The idea of not being able to button up a coat or jacket means it doesn’t fit (to me anyway) and that is where I would start. If you really, really, love them and can reasonably store them - keep them.

But practice a strict one-in/one-out going forward.

Anonymous

You have a great jacket collection! I wouldn't pass jackets on due to fit if you have fluctuations. Sorry no help there!
I only have a couple jackets cause I almost never use them, and they're harder to fit under coats. Since I go more of the year without needing toppers, they're kind of an afterthought.

Skirts otoh Looove my skirts! They're fun to wear and easier to fit than anything else. I feel like I can justify a lot, since I can usually wear them all but Jan and Feb. But they can be worn more between washing than other things- so excuses don't really fly!

LaPed

Veteran

Hah, my first thought was the same as Runcarla's. If it doesn't close, it doesn't fit, and out it goes! I am admittedly not much of a topper person, though, and tend to expect them all to perform as true protect-from-the-elements outerwear... Your case is different, because they're an integral style component.

I'd probably start by making a list of types: moto, utility, bomber, blazer, etc. Figure out how many in each category are absolute must-haves and then evaluate the maybe's.

You know, I really can't say I have a favorite category, or a type of item I'm most likely to hold onto. Winter hats? They're all quite sentimental to me (lots of handmade gifts), and I've never willingly let go of one, though I've lost a few good ones over the years...

SarahD8

Veteran

Oh, I am this way about cardigans (easy to buy/fit; fit through weight fluctuations esp bc I rarely wear them closed; more personality than my pants/tops; a signature part of my style). On a certain level, I have adopted the "wardrobe pet" attitude and have come to accept that I will have more of this type of item than I strictly "need." I think this works as long as you don't take this attitude with *every* wardrobe category, you have the storage space, and the items make you happy.

That doesn't mean there's not room for editing though.

For me what works is weeding out things with duplicate function, which often means a combination of length and color (again, for me -- you might be different). I have one long, black cardi. I don't need another one.

Also, trying to let go of things that I like but that don't really suit me (and that therefore I wouldn't chose over other similar options). So I got rid of the black-on-gray fair isle cardi that was somehow too high-contrast for me. (It was also not really warm enough for the season in which I wanted to wear it.) But I'm keeping the black-on-gray floral cardi because the organic shapes make the color scheme work, and I adore it.

I don't think you have to get rid of items just because they aren't terribly versatile -- especially in this sort of signature category. You can pry my vintage cashmere rainbow-colored fair isle from my cold dead hands, thanks!

But I agree on keeping jackets that are unlikely to date, even if they're a bit out of favor for you at the moment. I'm not wearing my shawl collar jacket-y cardigans much right now, I seem to be interested in a more homespun, casual vibe -- but I'm sure I'll turn back to them at some point.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Why are you thinking of purging jackets? If it isn’t reasons like space but arbitrary thoughts that purging is good, I’d ignore that voice. If there are items you know you won’t wear again, or shouldn’t because they are too worn out, that’s different. Anything so beautiful you want to see it perhaps could be displayed.

OTOH, if something will get very little wear and you want to pass it along to someone who will wear it more often....

I keep rarely worn items I really like (usually dressier) for years even if they aren’t worn often because I am happy when I wear them.

I have a hard time purging my more expensive items.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A few thoughts:

You ARE Queen Jacket, Janet!

You have a large collection, so make sure you love what you have, even if the item is infrequently worn. It doesn't matter if you have the space, and the item sparks joy.

A coat or outerwear type of jacket MUST close, but other types of jackets do not need to close if they fit well everywhere else. Like the military jacket you wore yesterday,

Motos and bombers are iconic classics. They are always "in".

I have a love for toppers too. I have many and wear them all the time! I live in the PNW and run cold But like Lisa P, I have storage challenges in our loft. I can only purchase and keep so much. For that reason, after many, many years of not wearing them and no longer feeling them - I passed on my Theory blazer, Smythe blazers, and black moto. No regrets.

Isabel

Veteran

Janet, THAT is also my achilles heel. My husband's entire home office closet are my jackets and coats. ( don't pity him ! ). I think that this year it's particularly evident because I have gone nowhere and have had no reason to wear them.

So I have come to two conclusions :

1. Blazers don't fit my lifestyle anymore. So I don't need as many as I have.

2. The stumbling block for me is that I don't have a wardrobe that takes advantage what I love : jackets. So I want to make my wardrobe more compatible with what I love to wear and I need to break out of the same formula. For example : more t shirts and straight pants and using some jackets as shirts...etc. Using my lightweight "coats" as a blazer.

Good Luck !

unfrumped

Veteran

Oh, I could have written that!
Too many jackets but they’re all different, truly. I am not good at having the one jacket that goes with everything.
And now being retired, I don’t have near as many days on which I would wear a tailored jacket, even washable utility types, because I may just garden all day and have jackets for THAT.
But as viva describes above, I tried to get ruthless about fit- showers, bust- so culled a few.
Now having a few shoulder joint issues that make if more, um, involved to shrug in and out of some blazers, but am not prepared to admit permanent defeat there. Once I move away from the snugger fit in armholes, which I always want to do for general comfort anyway, I look too frumpy, and don’t do well in bombers either.
Barely wore my 2 wool flannel type blazers this past winter.
Worse, I still want to buy them! Have ordered & returned a couple of plaid blazers because neither were close to what I think would be versatile for me.

Jonesy

Veteran

Hmm, I'm no help because I'd say if you have the space and they fit and you love them, why let them go? Moto jackets have a lot of staying power, ditto bomber jackets, IMHO (e.g., a moto and bomber from a couple of Dries van Noten's recent collections).

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Anonymous

When I moved, I downsized everything. The hardest was jewelry. I purchased a smaller jewelry box and only brought what I could fit inside. I went from a free standing jewelry armoire to a dresser top jewelry organizer. Utilize the forum to guide you and we will support you in your closet editing

Anonymous

I respectfully disagree with Angie , and agree with those who say that a jacket that doesn’t close in front doesn’t fit . I fell into this trap for years and years , well forever really , until I finally faced reality . I never button jackets up either , and always bought them to wear that way, which meant they fit in the shoulders and arms , but not so well across the bust . No big deal if worn open . But I finally had a tailor show me the difference when I tried on a larger size that allowed me to button up the blazer . He then adjusted the shoulders , and took in the side seams and it just looked so much better . I don’t know how willing I am to have to tailor everything , which could be why I’m not wearing fitted jackets as much anymore .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I can not comfortably zip up my cobalt blue leather IRO moto jacket, but you’re gonna have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. I just fill in the open front with a patterned scarf.

Murph11

Veteran

Looking forward to your try-on, styling session post.

Anonymous

I think those jackets can have moments anytime regardless of what others wear, with dyot. The ones you love, you should keep. If you truly question any, maybe they can go.
That said, they’re a weakness of mine too!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I tend to hang onto every thing!I have found that selling the item and putting the money towards a new item that I would like helps to lessen the pain.Also having a record of how often l have worn it or not, helps to justify getting rid. I use the number if wears on style app.l recently parted with a beautiful jacket that I had never worn but had hung in my wardrobe for.......10 years,gulp!!!

I suspect that as a fellow creative you have a hard time letting go of things from an aesthetic point of view.It is our gift but also our burden!

Roxanna

Veteran

No wisdom to offer, but here to commiserate. I too LOVE jackets and have a TON because they are relatively easy to fit, I run cold, and I find them the perfect interesting outfit completer. I likely need to edit too... So I'll be watching your threads keenly!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's first choice to have your jackets altered that way as LisaP describes. I'm sure the tailor created an excellent fit!

That said, when you dress women with a larger bust, narrower shoulder line and defined waist - (or with an apple shaped mid-section) - it becomes very hard to find a tailored jacket that comfortably closes in front straight off the rack. It's almost always a challenge - especially with fitted blazers. And in my experience, most people do not want to go to that type of expense to alter. If the jacket almost closes, I think it's fine when the jacket is worn open, and it looks great everywhere else.

Irina

Veteran

Angie, you description is exactly me and my fit challenges in blazers. Only I’m also short But I still like jackets that can be closed. Hence, I only have two blazers and both were extensively altered. Some of my jackets are a bit too big in the shoulders. I think it’s more of a traditional approach to jackets. I can always spot a jacket with buttons or a zipper that is only intend to be worn open by an owner and it reads too small to my eye. I don’t keep a jacket if it become too tight across the bust.
But it is personal choice.

12