You have so many fab outfits and clothes, and this dress doesn’t quite measure up to the very high bar you’ve set, IMO.

It’s a lovely dress, but it feels like it belongs down a different path than the one you’re taking. The ornate pattern, body-con cut, and classic vibe aren’t what I associate with your current style. And it sounds like most of the items you’re on the fence about would be easy to sell or consign, or would be appreciated by Dress for Success or a similar organization.

I don’t think of myself as a ruthless editor, but I cull roughly three dozen items each year (I don’t set a quota, but that seems to be my typical
in/out number), mostly due to wear and tear but sometimes because my tastes have moved on. Something going unworn for more than a year is a good sign I ought to re-home it, unless it has a very specific purpose (like a pair of black oxfords for job interviews and funerals).

Once I start asking if a piece ought to go, it usually means the answer is yes. I can think of a few things I wish I’d held onto; I culled a lot more when I was younger, moving frequently, and had little storage space. But in the end, it’s not the end of the world and better to feel I have “enough” than “too much”. I don’t want to collect clothing; I just want to enjoy wearing it.

What kind of hangers are those? I like the thickness

I struggle the same as you…this year though there were things that i looked at and it just clicked that when “normal” returns, this isn’t what I’m going to reach for…generally i found if my list of what i want to change about the item outweighs the what i like about it, that’s a pretty good sign its time to let it go

Agreeing the dress doesn't really seem like Janet Now, but could make a good top!
I generally don't cull for one up or down size, since shape is so changable, more often for style/color that doesn't feel right anymore.

It is a lovely dress but I don't think it reflects your current style. I think it's a fab idea to use the fabric for the outdoor pillows and you'll enjoy it in a different way!

You have.a fab range of dresses and outwear, love the variety!

I’m known not to edit much, but part of that is because I still have big questions about where life will take me. You seem much more settled and more in control of your future, so you have good perspective on whether things are likely to be useful or not. Because you can have much more certainty about whether you will ever want /need it or not, editing the dresses in your closet makes complete sense to me.

Thanks for all the virtual kicks in the seat/cheerleading/encouragement!

BJ1111, they are those "huggable hangers" that I bought at TJMaxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, etc. They have them on Amazon too. I like them because they are thin but substantial enough, and they are coated with that slightly fuzzy surface that keeps shoulders from slipping off.

I do highly recommend getting the ones that have the pants bar at the bottom, not the ones that are open -- the open ones are too flimsy. Occasionally I have broken one by dropping it or hanging something too heavy on it -- they're not good for coats. But I always keep a few extras. Since I bought them over the course of a few years, I ended up with a few different colors, and I started using white for dresses, green for woven tops, and black for knits. Vests and pants go on the brown ones.

The closet looks fabulous...and you are prompting me to go through my sentimental section of my closet. I have a bridesmaid dress, two old ball dresses that I will keep (these will never fit me again) but I also have about five occasion wear dresses from 1999-2010, two of which I don't think fit me, and about three that fit but I might not wear again.

I also find tops requiring a cami a little fussy and have tried to move away from them..... (I have one I am persevering with).

Now all we need is an occasion or two!!

I'm very emotional in my closet editing. I usually know immediately when something no longer aligns with my wardrobe goals. Iget an icky feeling just seeing it hanging in my closet.
I think you're ready to pass it on to someone else who will get more use from it. I like Marie Kondo's idea of thanking it for its usefullness before letting it go.

I hadn’t commented… but everything seems like good decisions. I am sentimental too as you probably know. But I couldn’t keep every single thing I have enjoyed wearing. Photos do it for me now.

Janet I hear you on a style shitft. There is a part of me that wants to wear voluminous and colourful dresses everyday! So far I have restrained myself lol.

I am a pretty brutal wardrobe editor and I am doing to say let the dress go. It's beautiful but I feel it's no longer particularly current looking. Thank it for its service to you and pass it on

I originally hesitated to post because I feel like editing has been discussed to death and would probably bore you all. But I’m glad I did. Your comments helped unstick my brain in old habits of keeping things just in case, when I truly am done with them.

Donation boxes are already out for pick up. And a few things have been added to the “to sell” box. I may take them to the consignment store, but I’ll also check out The Real Real. Poshmark might come through for a couple of pieces too.

Hooray!

I have been feeling a style shift too. I think it's due to the shutdown. I no longer have any tolerance for anything fussy or even slightly ill-fitting, or anything that fits into the category of "I think I can make this work...."
I just did a huge closet edit last week and got rid of everything that didn't fit perfectly or that I didn't think I'd have a need to wear. I also got rid of all the items in my holding zone, which was getting bigger than my actual closet! And those "just in case" items? Gone. I can be a ruthless purger when I set my mind to it.
I kept some straight skirts that I only ever wear to work, but I hope to retire at the end of the next school year so they'll be getting purged after that.I also kept my favorite dresses (two fit & flare, 3 sheaths), an assortment of pants, jeans, and tops that fit well, and almost all of my blazers.

Karie, yes, that sounds like a great edit! I think I’ve finally figured out that I don’t want to keep many pieces that only serve a very limited purpose in my wardrobe unless I absolutely love them and they are unique. Which kind of means stuff that only serves for dressy occasions and doesn’t translate to more casual ones unless they are specifically event wear.

I will always keep things like a versatile black skirt, black trousers, a couple of dressier blouses, etc. And I love blazers so keep them to wear with graphic tees and jeans.

I vote for free the dress!

It’s pretty but seems to fall in that middle zone of too dressy for every day and too casual for events. I’m also in the same boat: what do I do with this middle zone stuff??? I’ve decided on letting all this type of stuff go (after much mental gymnastics about keeping vs letting go). It feels very freeing to finally acknowledge this is now a mix of imaginary life and memories of a past life. No longer need anything for this type of outfit!

I suspect that you have several other outfit options in your closet that would function like this dress if you got into an outfit pinch!

PS - your hair looks great!!

I love the idea of making a cushion cover with the dress fabric. Or even coasters.

It's not your current style. Glad you're letting it go.

I'm not much help because I'm quite intuitive and emotional about my editing. I just look at stuff and say to myself -- do I really want to wear this? If the answer is no -- it's gone!

I was interested in your idea to cut to a top, but see all of "nays" on that. I have 2 BR bodycon sheath knit dresses - 1 style duplicated in tomato red, and black - that i love. Tried one on to wear to that wedding a few weeks ago and it is simply half a size too tight across my rear. Heartbroken! I love these dresses. 
(Also my Sloan polka dot dress that I wore to Ben's high school grad 5 yrs ago, mentioned in another thread about size/weight)
Hard to get rid of these.

Aw, Laurie, I get it! But I'm glad this topic spurred you to action.

I like the idea of reusing/reworking existing pieces if it's not too tough, and if it's a slam dunk that the item will be usable afterward. Heck, I just ripped the collar off of an old Madewell vest because it finally occured to me that I hate having that extra fabric on my neck in summer, when that vest is actually in season. Without the collar, it has a bit of RATE integrity, worn over my barest sleeveless dresses to make them a little more interesting and provide a slight bit of coverage.

But sometimes the item just isn't easily altered. The more I think about the items I've now let go in this recent edit, the more at peace I am. I have plenty of other things to wear, and the edits did not create any wardrobe holes!

Janet, it sounds like you made some great decisions, I wondered if you might want to make the plaid skirt you purchased while shopping with your mother into a pillow? (Maybe the color and pattern is all wrong for your decor).

SF, yes, absolutely. I have had the same experience — I clear out some things and then feel more energy to clear some more.

I gave the plaid skirt away. I still have one other item I’m keeping that mom bought me. Coincidentally, it’s also a skirt — it fits and is wearable but a bit boho for my current style. However, I can envision wearing it again and it’s the kind of piece that has somehow fit me at every size I’ve ever been.

I do have a strong sentimental streak, as did my mom. She was a collector and very reluctant to let go of things. I don’t want to leave anyone with the massive job of clearing mountains of stuff someday when I depart this world (hopefully many decades from now!), so I figure it’s best to get a handle on how I manage our belongings now. My husband is just the opposite and will throw everything away only to realize that sometimes you need those receipts or that broken copper windchime that your wife planned on repairing. ;-P

I’m very late to this post and I see you’ve been very successful. So many great ideas and encouraging words.