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Closet Purging

Claire C

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting. I've been a long time YLF reader, but never even joined the forums till this week.

I'm definitely a maximalist for closet and style so I don't mind a large closet. But as of late it has seemed towering. I have two kids and have been pregnant three times. About four months ago I went through and tried everything in my closet. I got rid of anything that didn't fit, seemed too duplicative, etc. Recently I've been buying some pieces to fit into new trends (big flares, white super loose jeans, some fun dresses for my first girls trip with all 5 of my best sorority sisters since 2016).

I just bought a pair of yellow bass mule loafers

Yellow shoes have been a favorite of mine. I have several in my closet most of which seem like they may not be even salvaged with cleaning. How do you decide when it is time to let go?

Similarly I have been the same size more or less my whole adult life. Which means I have TONS of jeans and most other items. In general they aren't out of style, but I don't need them all. How do I know what to keep or not?

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34 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

April

Veteran

Favorite topic, CC! And welcome.

I decide by weighing the following aspects of an item, not necessarily in this order:

1. Is it comfortable?
2. Do I know someone who would likely wear it way more than I do?
3. Does it need something (cleaning, tailoring, repair) and am I willing to do that something?

It sounds like your yellow shoes have done their service and may need to be dropped in a shoe recycling bin (they do exist!)

On the other hand, if you adore them, check out the shoe dye made by Tarrago. 170 colors. I find it covers a multitude of sins.

ETA: another factor I consider is "do I find myself fussing with this item all day?" If that's true, no matter how much I love it, I let it go. I don't want to spend my life clutching at a button gap or hiking a skirt around.

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Bonnie

Veteran

I have the same problem and will follow this thread for advice. One thing I'm trying this year is to put seasonal things that I'm not currently wearing away and revisit them next year to see if I want to wear them.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Welcome!

I have no idea how to purge. Today I’m wearing a pair of pants I got in high school or maybe early college. Used to wear them with yellow shoes but alas, I don’t have them any more. On top I’m wearing a sweater my son had to have several years ago that he later rejected. Teenagers!

While I don’t know how to purge, I have a few ideas on what to keep, (as long as you are not intent on always being abreast of trends and wearing the latest whatever):

Keep things you love, ideally things that make you smile when you put them on, but at very least things that feel like “home” (assuming home does not make you shudder or shriek).

Know your colors and keep to them even if someone else wears a really cool (on them) shade or stores are full of something that seems off when you put it on. If every item matches a central piece (=you), they will harmonize and you can mix them according to trending color schemes.

Go easy on all the trends. You can get a wildly swingy pair of pants, as long as they are the kind of icon you can pull out again down the road. If you get a whole closet full of them, then you’ll need a whole closet to store them in eventually. What works for me is to get quiet versions of trends I like, like my baby bootcut black jeans from the early 90s (like you, I’ve generally stayed the same size).

Shop your closet when you see trend reports. Figure out what the dominant feature or two are in a thing you like, then rummage through and see what you’ve got with those features, maybe in a different way than the thing on offer right now.

Take care of your stuff. If shoes can’t be salvaged, out they go. But have a good kit to take care of your stuff (I recently got good advice in a thread about a clothes care kit for my son. You can find members’ posts by clicking on the name).

Don’t worry about your style. If you keep everything in your comfort zone, it will eventually cohere.

Enjoy yourself, your family, your life. Don’t stress about your clothes: you can always change them.

ETA, dang, that’s good advice from April! Her 1 & eta are part of my initial K/R decision.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

First of all, those mules are adorable!

Secondly, I’ll be sitting here alongside you and absorbing the good advice. I was literally just looking in my closet for an empty hanger for a top, and feeling like it’s time for an edit.

However, I have a number of classic pieces that I’m just not wearing at the moment. For instance, a couple of leather moto jackets — one roomy black one that converts to a vest, and one more fitted grey one. I’m very reluctant to let go because they fit and are nice jackets. As soon as I get rid of them, you can be sure the next trend will be “leather motos with everything!” LOL.

I’m even reluctant to give away items that are a little too small at the moment, because I’ve been at my peak weight until recently, and am very slowly making a little progress on improving my eating habits. I have a goal of getting back down a size (maybe more), closer to where I was a decade ago when I was pre-menopausal and running a lot. It’s doable so I’ve only been getting rid of things that are clearly two sizes too small and too fitted for my evolving style.

Star

Veteran

I am a very slow purger and therefore have a very large closet which I am in the process of whittling down. I am practising '1 in, 2 out' and so far so good. I don't get rid of pieces I love or if they are the wrong size because my weight does fluctuate from time to time. I purge things when I no longer like them which usually relates to style (hello, low rise jeans). I do track wears and can see what I am not wearing at all and for how long and that helps in making decisions. I do tend to put items in a holding zone first, and things may come in and out of there although most usually do end up going. As for shoes those I find quite simple to make decisions on. If they are a bit beat up they must go. Worn out or scruffy shoes can totally destroy an outfit.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Good question,let me know when you find out!Seriously though l am not an expert however l follow all the usual rules but much ,much more slowly than most other people!I have found that recently l have suddenly decided to let a lot of things go ,why now?Lots of life stuff probably. Iam selling the better stuff and will use the Money to buy things that l know l will wear more now.ldont get rid of things that l still like and that fit well even if l am not wearing them.Things go around in fashion and will always come back and l don’t want to have to buy the same things over again especially when l don’t think that the quality of clothing is necessarily as good as it used to be.Having a less trend led wardrobe helps because some things never go out of fashion.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome!

Angie has a whole series of posts on closet editing, some of which you might find useful! This recent post in particular with its embedded links might be helpful.

Several forum members have whittled their wardrobes down from what was (for them) an overly large size. (Waving at Jenni, in particular). I think she'd say it is a process. There are emotional attachments to specific items. There is the fear of waste. There is the guilt if you feel you spent too much -- many emotions swirl around when doing a large edit.

Once you get your wardrobe to a more manageable size, editing becomes easier. I do it seasonally, with my seasonal clothing switch out -- as well as at points between where I make decisions on items that bother me in the wearing or simply don't feel right any more.

Our needs really do change when our lives change. Different jobs, different leisure activities, different climate, kids growing up, having kids -- all of this affects the size of wardrobe that will work best for us.

BlueJay

Veteran

Welcome Claire C!

Very cute shoes! I'd like them in navy or white!

I don't know how to purge either. I would keep the things you LOVE regardless of trends. I've let go of some sweaters that I loved and I regret it as I would have enjoyed wearing them again, not just at home, but out in the world.

Conversely, I let go of things that are worn, misshapen, etc. and if I really like them, then I try to find/buy something similar. Lots of great advice already said and posts from Angie. Agreeing with Suz, it is a process!

kkards

Veteran

Welcome…
I have no idea…as long as I still like something I keep it…which is why I’m paying a professional organizer to set up a closet system for me…and she has insured me that we will be editing.

On my own, my 1st pass is anything that can not be saved with a polish ,good cleaning, or a small alternation (often this will require a professional). 2nd i pass on anything i no longer like. But if you’ve already done that, my final pass is for of items were the quality is below what I am actively wearing, or where I think it quality is such that I don’t think it will be in good shape if it sits for 2 years.

cat2

Veteran

I find that just when I think a cut or color or print could never be in style again, it comes back, but paired in a different combination than before. And my weight fluctuates. So I keep a lot of what I am not currently wearing but I have it tucked out the way in some garment boxes under the bed. My closet for each season just has what currently fits and feels either current or key to my style. I don’t keep anything worn out, and would retire your old yellow shoes and look for new. I would keep the non current jeans under the bed until you see what trends next after the loose and oversized looks. It feels like we are at maximum slouch and volume and will move on soon.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

If you want to thin your jeans collection I’d suggest starting with picking your most favorite, then the next, etc until you have the number you want. Or, similar process but by type, purpose, occasion or whatever categories make sense for you. Good luck!

Cee

Veteran

I've never tried to eat a closet, so I don't what it's like to need to purge on*...Ohhhhhhhhh !!

Sal

Veteran

Welcome to the forum!

I edit regularly - but typically at the end of the season I will assess things I have not worn and this can be a prompt to let something go - for example at the end of winter I would look at coats boots sweaters and jeans or winter pants

. There can be good reasons why something has had little wear one year and you want to keep it (weather variations and new babies can have a big impact for example)

. For me (I am in NZ) if I have not worn a summer dress by now then it gives me pause as to why - we have had a terrible summer in terms of weather but I have still had a few occasions

. I have a couple of blouses that I might edit out - I just am not choosing them any more

.

In terms of wear - I think this is a personal thing that some require a more pristine wardrobe and others are fine with some wear and tear

.

For me stemming the flow in is the key - if I have plenty of denim for example I will stop myself buying more - I do find a DO NOT BUY list helpful - we all have things we are attracted to (for me this is party dresses)

I think being realistic about your life is important too - if you hate ironing then don't keep tops that need frequent ironing - or if you don't like heels then you might only keep a pair or two. If you hate wearing hosiery then winter dresses won't get much wear.

rachylou

Veteran

I’m not even a big jeans wearer and yet had a lot. I set myself a number to get down to based on how often I really wear them and purged. I’ve added some wide legs so my collection has grown again…

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I'm going to go read Angie's amazing posts next, but I'll chime in with my approach.

If I can use the item in an outfit that I like enough to repeat, I keep it. I do purge when things start to get ratty or damaged. And my taste and shape shifts over time. So something I loved wearing may eventually fall into the not loved category. If I'm hesitant I use a holding zone.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Claire and welcome! Have only just seen your post because am on the homeward leg of a 2-week holiday in Thailand. Suz gives me a shoutout above for whittling down my wardrobe over several years.
I will think about it on the next (long) flight- am at Changi airport in Singapore right now- and hopefully respond tomorrow. I’m not particularly trend driven so keep things a long time but not as long as Stagiaire Fash above!

Anonymous

I’ve never had a large wardrobe so things go out piecemeal and not in huge bunches. And it’s really when the mood strikes me that things get edited out. Mostly I will see something in my closet and just realize that I haven’t worn it ever or in awhile and, frankly, never will again. It’s difficult and I do deal with guilt over things because I feel at this point in my life I should not be making shopping mistakes. But such is life. I don’t follow trends so for me the decision to edit out is based on whether I still like wearing it or not… simple as that.

The recent forum post on shoe collections prompted me to count my pairs of shoes and, to my great surprise, I have almost 20 pairs which seems like a very large collection for me. And I also realized that there are a significant number that have hardly ever been worn or are just not for me any more (I’m looking at you 3 inch stiletto heels). So on my “to do” list this weekend is a shoe edit!

Dee

Veteran

I too struggle to figure out when its time to let go of something even though it still fits and I think I still like it.
One question you might ask during a purge would be whether you'd still buy this item again?
Its helped me recognize that maybe its time to let some of these items go.

Runcarla

Veteran

I’ve only performed a closet ‘purge’ once - and it was done in two stages, six months apart. I had relocated to a new geographic locale and then 4 years later retired from the workforce. A portion of my wardrobe just didn’t suit my new climate and newly retired persons lifestyle. No matter how clever I tried to be with repurposing - it was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

I used the opportunity to jettison items that ‘didn’t work’, but I also eliminated some items that had ‘bad feels’. Things that had acquired negative associations, for whatever reason. I was feeling ebullient and joyful, and I wanted my closet to reflect that going forward. New items have been acquired slowly and judiciously and with my style goals in mind.

These days I edit as I go for worn items, and do an annual review once a year in the fall (after summer and before cold weather) - but nothing as dramatic as what occurred in 2018. It was emotional work that called for sanguine reflection and evaluation - cathartic once completed.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lots of good guidance here, Claire C! And an official welcome from me too

Claire C

Thank you all - such great advice!

Thanks especially to Suz for the links, they led to more links and now I have lots to ponder.

Just this morning I saw lots in my closet I think I might be ready to let go of again so looking forward to further editing and considering.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I’m pondering this lately too.

I have a few items of clothing, acquired recently, that are just sooooo right, I want to wear them every day. And they seem to work no matter what I combine them with. These items are making me give the rest of my wardrobe the side-eye….. like, why would I want to keep the pants that only work with a certain top? Or the skirt with the really cheap looking elastic waist? Etc. What if my closet was just a few, really perfect items? I’m tempted by this idea but also don’t want to purge too much right now because I’m about to move to a new climate/lifestyle.

Following with interest!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Welcome to posting! I think there are two attitudes toward purging - one suits someone with limited storage space and a preference for a tightly edited closet. The second is more for someone with the storage space to rotate things in and out of use. I am definitely the latter. I keep most things that fit (or have fit in recent years), that are in good condition, and that I still like BUT I don't keep them all in my active closet, which I try to limit to things I would wear tomorrow. Right now my active closet contains thrifted pants and jeans that are originally from decades ago, that were in storage for the last few years, and that I am delighted to rediscover now that the high waisted hegemony is receding .

jussie

Veteran

Welcome! Well it’s tricky isn’t it? I have a small wardrobe size, so I have to keep a strict one-in-one-out rule.
Also I love clothing and variety so I would quickly build up too much if I didn’t edit regularly. Not great for the environment though, I admit.
To be honest, if I haven’t worn something for two years…. It’s probably time for it to go. I usually try the item again in a few different ways first, just to see if I can reinvigorate it… but if not, then I try to let it go.
I am thinking especially of quite a few Liberty print items I had… I love them, but feel they are not really the look I am going for now, and frankly I never actually wore them very much, even though I theoretically like them. So I’ve passed on a few of them, only two left now. And the jury is out on those….
Best of luck with your edit.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Jessikams, so interesting about the move! Some people say the way to prep is to purge ruthlessly. You know that could never be me, and I’m happy to hear I have a compatriot. Going to a new place, you want things that suit yourself and the environment. It just makes sense to me to start off with stuff that I know fits the “me” half of the equation while I sort out the “place”’part of it. I might decide some of my pieces don’t feel so good there, and that’s fine. At least I’m not entirely unmoored when I arrive.

Olive Green

Veteran

Welcome! Sounds like your time to change things up a bit.
I do the three pile method. Enthusiastic KEEP pile, the maybe pile, and the pile that will be donated or given to friends.
If my keep pile contains a full wardrobe (keeping in mind that I am a laundering fanatic and try to avoid bottlenecks there, so need a bit more than would seem obvious) then my maybe pile gets a ruthless purge.
I have started to duplicate shoes and sandals as they get so much wear. Simply stock up on winners as they go on sale, if possible.
Then I check my Pinterest board for accessories and current ways to fill a wardrobe hole. That way my fantasy life gets a look in.
My tastes changed with my health lately, and your bright shoes are calling me!

Claire C

Jessikams - I feel this lots in my current wardrobe. My issue is often once I find something that is perfect I need it in EVERY color or version. Which is not a good look.

Jaime - I think I need to think about this more. I live in Chicago so lots of distinct weather, but more and more it all seems to mix up more than it used to (just yesterday I wore a sleeveless top with a wool blazer coat - in February!). As a result I've been striving to keep everything in there all at once to avoid buying perfect shorts when I already own their twin. I think I shall work on the digital wardrobe as many have mentioned and then maybe truly rotate out by season. One or two large bins should help with that and would also force a very intense seasonal edit which I used to do in prior homes and that worked effectively.

My parents are watching our young kids this coming Saturday so I think I'll make a nice pot of tea and set aside some time in the evening to go through with these new ideas "would I buy it today?" The emphatic keep might be dangerous for me as most of what I have I love, but there are some I know that will help with.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Clare, thanks to your post, I’ve been thinking a bit more about doing some cleanout.

I also make the mistake of too-quickly duplicating favorites. I find pants that work and then semi-panic and buy them in other colors. My mom had a bit of hoarding/acting on scarcity tendency so I fear I learned that from her. Hard habit to shake!

Yesterday morning was a nice quiet oasis around here — no workers (we have a huge renovation project going on) and hubs was off coaching baseball. So I did a little mini edit, looking mostly at jeans and workout wear. I pulled out the three pairs of AG Harper jeans I HAD to have before the pandemic started, because at that time I was wearing my blue ones the most of any jeans I had. I got them in grey and in black (fortunately on a really good discount via Amazon). And then…Covid 19. I think I’ve worn the black ones twice in three years. I’ve worn the grey a few times. But even the blue ones have fallen way out of my rotation because I am preferring looser, easier fits in denim these days, frequently wearing my boyfriend jeans, bootcuts and wide legs.

So I put the blue and grey pairs in the consignment pile and kept the black ones, which I forgot actually fit a bit looser as I sized up in those. It reminded me of how important it is to try everything on when I edit my wardrobe! I put the black ones at the top of my jeans pile to challenge myself to wear them in the next week. If I keep passing them over, they should go away too.

I also did a thorough review of my workout wear, and got rid of some really old and tired tops and running leggings. On inspection, I realized that one pair was from twelve years ago! They had a hole in the knee from when I took a spill during a 5k through a local park and tripped on a tree root. So I ended up getting rid of four bottoms and at least six tops. I now know that I don’t need any more long-sleeve workout tops (mainly for hiking which I do a lot), but my summer workout tops are looking a little meager.

Sorry for the long treatise but I just thought I’d share in case it is at all helpful or encouraging! Sometimes tackling a little bit at a time is less overwhelming than a full-closet edit.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Claire I’m back home since yesterday morning, all unpacked and have caught up on various household tasks!
Thinking about how I reduced from about 200 items of clothing and shoes to just under 150 of same over about 5 years while still trying to be sustainable… it was slow. I still bought clothes and shoes in those years: 18 in 2017, 30 in 2018, 32 in 2019, 12 in 2020, 15 in 2021 and 17 in 2022.
In the 5 years 2018-2022 inclusive I bought 101 items and edited out 127 items. Hmm, the maths doesn’t quite work…maybe I also moved a few items to my “dress-up storage”- I do enjoy 1920s and 1930s dress-ups and have a small capsule for that which I keep separate. Any 1920s-hinting items which can still be worn in modern ways stay in my current wardrobe.
Unlike some on the forum who very much insist they won’t wear something any more if they don’t like it or don’t know why they bought it, for me personally I am not happy with that, and have been practising #30 wears for over 5 years. In other words I very much try not to buy something if I can’t see myself wearing it at least 30 times. It doesn’t always work but has saved me from making many unnecessary purchases. I have clothing lists which help me to realise, by tracking wears, areas that I have tended to overbuy- eg dresses, skirts, “going out tops”.
Shoes are my weakness and I am attracted to so many- love your yellow ones BTW! I have realised I don’t like them looking worn so have been able to either donate ( if not too worn) or trash the scuffed-looking ones. And learning not to keep “in case I need it” has helped, if I already had something else similar in the category.
Not sure if any of that helps you!

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