Closet evaluation - YouLookFab Forum

Hello, friends.

I have too much stuff in my house! I am not a big shopper but I find it tough to get rid of Anything, so belongings tend to accumulate over the years. Add to that the fact that my size fluctuates (as a result, I own items from size 8 - size 16)... I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Now I am trying to start a small purge and would love your help deciding what clothes, shoes etc. to keep vs. What to let go. Ideally, I’d toss or donate about 20-40% of my closet.

I have a really hard time evaluating my clothes on myself. Would you pls help me? I live alone with a small child so I rarely have anyone around to snap photos of me; I’ll probably post pictures here of myself in various items in a slow dribble. Would it make more sense to post them all in this one thread, over time? That way, I wouldn’t be cluttering the forum and we could see closet duplicates, etc. Or, should I start anew thread every time I manage to get some photos? I think there will be at least 100 items, but that it will take months to catalog.

Thank you so much for your collective help with this. Xox

7 years ago

Kathie

Veteran

I’d say to start a new post each time. Define some groups of items- perhaps by season, activity and/or type of apparel, and then post when you have a chance. I find it most helpful if you try some pairings- at least top/bottom/shoes, so that we have some sense of how the items in your closet work together. Even if you’re not sure if the pairings are quite right, it gives everyone a basis for recommendations. Good luck!!

kkards

what ever way works best for you, works best for us....
but maybe a couple of suggestions:
i'd start a new post each time, that way its easy for us to know what new. but you way want to create finds and then create collections of like items so that you, and us, can see what you've got.
good luck

rachylou

What Kathie said, new posts and for a few items at a time. How fun! No, really! It’s a very satisfying exercise

Barbara Diane

Do you have your current size only in your closet, or at least front and center? I find that helps.
And yes, posts by category, or part of category.

Suz

(website)

Category by category makes sense, and rule out anything that doesn't fit now?

Style Fan

Posting by category might be the most helpful. I also find it hard to take pictures of myself. I admire the fabbers that are so talented taking their own pics.

Janet

Absolutely agree with the others. I actually really enjoy this kind of post, both as inspiration for my own editing efforts, and to lend my eye if I can be helpful, so I’m rubbing my hands in anticipation!

Anonymous

Repeating exactly what Janet said.

kellygirl

What Janet said! Bring it on.

cindysmith

I have been doing mine in small groups that consist of related items. Sneakers in one post, jeggings in another, and so on. That's what really helped me see where I was duplicating in a not-good way, and the forum helped me decide what should stay and what needed to go.

I'm not sure you want me involved; I am ruthless. I hate clutter, and too much of anything, including clothes. But happy to help if you want

Sal

Don't be shy - I think we all like to help where we can. I mostly listen to the forum - but not always......there are times when my own preferences override consensus....

It sounds like it is time to clear some physical and mental space:)

Mainelady

You are already on your way! Yes, please post pics when you are ready. We are here to help. I do suggest eliminating items that no longer fit you. Others will be so happy you donated!

Jenni NZ

Look forward to it Mac. I will need to do the same. We are building a house and currently planning our first ever walk-in wardrobe. I promised my husband today that I will make my clothes fit on my side of it and not take over any of his side. My side is bigger and he has had to put up with a lot in our small space in the past 17 years in our current bedroom.
So I'll get good practice helping you!

Brooklyn

Let the posting and purging begin

bj1111

i enjoy death cage matches where two items face off and the winner lives to be compared with another piece for another day.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Darling Mac, pass on anything that is the wrong size right away. Then snap pics of the rest - and of course we will help you.

Vix

Hi Mac --

Rip off the bandaid and let the games begin!

Suggestions:

1) Force yourself to go through and try ev-er-y-thing on first. [Over a period of time.] I'm betting you'll have immediate donate / ready to textile recycling feelings for at least some.

2) Don't do "all one category" posts. Instead, make outfits you think might work and post those instead -- it gives a better idea of your personal style, and you can add your thoughts. [Or don't post them, but do the exercise.]

YLFers are sooooo good at seeing an outfit and then saying, "what if you blah blah" or "have you tried pairing X with Y?"

I admit when the quantity of each item is high, I get overwhelmed by the "here are all my pants / dresses / sweaters which should I keep" posts so my advice is a bit biased.

Good luck and cheering you on from the sidelines!

Joyce B

I empathize with you, I also have a hard time letting things go, particularly when they are in good condition. I agree with eliminating items that are the wrong size. Keeping good items in your current size and one above/one below may help. Any further sizing variation can very likely be donated.
I am looking forward to your posts when you are ready.

Mac

You are all so kind. Each one of you! Thank you.

Okay, I'll do separate posts that include a few items in the same category. Now, trying to get clear pictures will be the next challenge.

Let the games begin! xo

What Janet said. I recently went through some of this for a downsizing move. It helped me to put things like black pants together. If I had 6 pair, I was determined to eliminate at least 2 of them. I found that posting them in outfits and getting feedback often helped me to release even more than I had planned. I have not missed anything and wish I had eliminated even more than I did. Have fun with it. Remember that it will give you an excuse to shop if you find holes later.

Inge

Moderator

Always happy to help, Mac, and whatever works best for you and doesn't feel too overwhelming.

I will be watching this story unfold with great interest!!!