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Editing during a pandemic. Good idea or not ? eta: photos

Anonymous

I'm having a rare day off today, and because I have been unable to find my favourite black patent/subtle- sparkle Birkenstocks this summer, I've emptied out my closet - literally - and shoe storage bags in one last-ditch effort to find them.

I am simply HORRIFIED by the amount of summer footwear I own. My poor husband's jaw literally dropped when he inadvertently stepped into the bedroom to see what I was doing . Thankfully he said nothing ,but my shame is real. I knew I had a lot, but have no idea what to do about it.

This spring and summer, like most of us I suspect, I bet I've only worn a 10th of my shoes/sneakers/booties/sandals. There has been no place to to go and no reason to wear any of them other than the 3-4 pair I have in rotation right now. I have too many duplicates of sneakers and sandals that just create a splitting of wears.

Is editing and culling during a pandemic a bad idea? Part of me wants to be ruthless and practical and get rid of all of this , but the other part wonders if doing it this summer is not a good idea. (i.e. overreacting, bad time to judge what is going to get worn or not etc)

Here are my issues: lack of storage, and a lot of shame over owning these many shoes. Many of them are hardly worn (I don't hang on to worn out footwear or those that are dated) and were bought on deep discount, or on the spur of the moment . Several are not great colour choices for where I want my style to go (white , pale pink for example).

Advice or suggestions ?

p.s.this is not a quarterly meltdown. I'm in full control of my senses.

General

38 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

Becky

Veteran

I would edit cautiously. The ones you know won't work because they aren't good color choices or they don't fit well or they aren't comfortable: LET THEM GO. Then take stock and see where you are. For me, shoes that fit well and are comfortable can be elusive, so I would hate to get rid of them just because they aren't currently in circulation. If you're like me, you are hard on shoes and they don't last forever.

JAileen

Veteran

I try to keep my closet door closed so my husband won’t see the sandals and sneakers. I have a long hot summer so I don’t think I have too many pairs of sandals, I just don’t have enough closet space.

I don’t see what a pandemic has to do with it, other than you might have more time to make decisions. Or is it because you’re not wearing them? If that’s it, then forget it. This will pass, eventually. Hopefully.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I agree that it’s very difficult to judge what you would normally wear at the moment.l,for example,am only wearing slippers and one pair of outdoor flats as I m not going anywhere at the moment for obvious reasons.So it may not be the best time to cull.On the other hand if you have a lot of duplicates that you haven’t worn in years maybe now IS the time whilst you have more spare time on your hands to do a considered edit.
lf you get stuck post pictures and I am sure that you will get lots of good advice which may help in your decision making .

Bonnie

Veteran

You could pick your favorites and keep them in your closet and put the rest into a Holding Zone. Then when you discover a wardrobe hole, you could shop your HZ first. Waiting to purge them after he season is over would make a lot of sense.

nemosmom

Veteran

If you think you can edit, and NOT just turn around and replace it, I say go for it - especially true duplicate pieces. How much variety in shoes do you want, when you ARE able to go out again?

I would go slowly, and if possible, just put those pieces out of sight for now. I know you said storage was an issue, but lots and lots of pieces are going unworn right now, and who the heck knows if, when, or where those pieces will ever be worn again...

Anonymous

For perspective: I'm counting about 40 pairs of summer footwear . Not including my workout shoes, Birks old and new, or the 3-4 pair of black sneakers/footwear I wear to my part-time job (mandated). This includes 4 pair of metallic sneakers that are pretty much variations on the same theme.....as an example.

I know the word pandemic was not the right one. What I was trying to say was how this spring and summer (not being able to go out, work, socialize etc etc) meant that there was no need for most of what I own: clothing and shoes). In a "regular " world, there is lots of opportunity to socialize, go out for drinks and dinner, and be out calling on my clients....and more of a use for all of these shoes. Still too many though.

One thing I haven't remotely touched or even wanted to wear are my 2 pair of white shoes: white leather flat mules from Naturalizer (bought last year under the influence of YLF's obsessions with white last summer and hardly worn), and a pair of RM white western look "shooties". Worn maybe twice. I have no interest in them at all .

I don't do holding zones as I tend to lose things in them (forgetting they are there - out of sight, out of mind etc) , and I don't have the space (or want to make it) .

Vildy

Veteran

It's been a really peculiar year, yes? I think it's a good idea to ask for perspectives from other forum members. I'd say that it seems fine to let go of shoes no longer in your preferred direction, that were a mistake or are "over" in your affections. From reading the thread here about how to go about making a very high ticket purchase, I realized that while I enjoy my clothes and have an extensive wardrobe, I don't really care about clothes items in specific. Times move and there are always different items to encounter and evaluate. It's the streetcar analogy: another one will come right along in a minute.

When I moved into this house many decades ago I moved in boxes of old fashion magazines. And not the first time I had moved them. They were eventually the first thing I got rid of because I realized they seemed like some kind of preparation for catching up with the styles of years before that. Or, as my mother, who turned into a true minimalist ages before anyone dreamt of such a thing, said of some trend, "I already *had* that. I want something new."

nemosmom

Veteran

I say, if you haven't touched them, or even have desire to wear them, let them go. Shoes like the metallic where you have very similar ones, I would post here to see if you have true duplication before eliminating them. Have you seen Allison Bornstein's video on editing? I really like her approach and find it less overwhelming than other methods I've tried.

Roxanna

Veteran

From personal experience, I find that feeling shame and horrified are never a good reason to purge. For me, I tend to look at my closet, wonder at how I acquired so much stuff, get rid of half of it, feel great... and then go buy a ton of other stuff again. Not saying that the pandemic is not a good time to purge (especially if you are spendingLots of time at home ), but I personally have a very hard time knowing what I will wear and what I won’t until I have the occasion for it. With so much of my summer outings curtailed, I can’t tell what Will become workhorses and what will be busts. So I’m holding off purging for now.

anchie

Veteran

Well, I think you should edit everything that you are sure that you don’t want to wear any more, like those white shoes, if that is not your thing. But other shoes that are perfectly fine but you are not wearing just because you don’t have the opportunity, I would keep.
I am itching to edit out all my pums and heeled sandals because currently I am into comfort and wearing only sneakers and flat sandals. But I hope that day will come that I would like to wear them again.

Anonymous

I have been doing a massively overdue purge. In my case having nowhere to go has given me some insight into what pieces matter to me or interest me and which pieces I seem to have simply hung on to. I had a bunch of storage containers of perfectly good clothes I realized I can live without. Shoes also.
This year has given me some clarity on just how few things I actually need or can use, even in ‘normal’ circumstances.
I say go with your motivation.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Ahhhh... I'm a little on the fence about this. If these were ordinary times, when going shopping wasn't such a big deal, I would say, jump right in, and get rid of at least 20%.

But these are times in which it's difficult to feel quite 'right' about going into stores, or handling merchandise I don't intend to buy. To say nothing of whether retail stores will make it through to the other side of the pandemic, and what sort of offerings will be available.

That said... 40 is a lot, and if it's driving you nuts...

Right off the bat, I think you should 'audition' your shoes. Commit to wearing them for at least four hours.

If they start to hurt or feel uncomfortable, and padding them out isn't an option, get rid of them.

If you just feel like, 'meh' wearing them, or you just want them off your feet, because they just make you unhappy, get rid of them.

If you lovelovelove them, but don't really have a situation to wear them in, hang onto them.

I have shoes that I got out of their boxes in February, thinking I would wear them all spring and summer, and haven't even put them on my feet. But eventually I will, and I love 'em, so they're staying.

Anonymous

I'm with LBD- how about a 40 day summer shoe challenge?
Definitely wouldn't purge shoes just because you didn't wear them yet this year. If you would under normal circumstances, you probably will again.

Anonymous

Here are some photos of the shoes I'm waffling over, or have already put into the donate bag:

Pic 1: . nude leather Dolce Vita. 4 years old - probably worn 3x. VERY comfortable and luxurious, flattering on the foot. Just never reach for them or feel the need for that colour.
black leather Wishbone wedges (yes I noticed the black smudge on the side of the sole that needs attending to) - these annoy me. Wishbone is one of my fav shoe labels. They reminded me of my beloved wedges in photo 2 and seemed like an updated , more walkable alternative. Nope. They are not comfortable for standing for any length of time, and every time I look at them , I think how I never would have bought them if I saw them now. But they were $$. Grr.

Pic 2: my fav all-time summer shoes. Comfortable, but not for long days. Heel is a little high now, and maybe they've passed their due date. Maybe dated now too ?

Pic 3: Nine West silver sneakers. Super old - bought before the sneaker craze, as you can tell by the style. Not worn out at all. These feel dated and a little frumpy now.

pale pink soft nubuck Naturalizer "sneakers". Bought on sale, on a bad day when I felt my feet were destined to wear old lady shoes for ever. They are comfortable, but not a colour I need, want or wear, and feel very matronly on my foot. Ugh.

Pic 4 and 5. new Naots bought last summer and have worn them once. Purchased to wear to my gym job, but I was uncertain even in the shoe store . VERY comfortable,easy, well-made, and $$. But every time I put them on , I feel like they aren't true to my style. Maybe I just have to suck it up with these and wear them anyways.

Pic 6: grey semi-platform (doesn't show up against the white desk oops-) leather sneakers from Everlane. I love everything about these shoes except how they feel. If my feet are at all hot or swollen, they are too narrow and uncomfortable. I love how they look, but I have only one dress I wear them with , and even then it's not every time. The colour is also proving to be wrong in my wardrobe. I wear very little grey right now.

gold leather Nine West sandals. Old, maybe past their wear-by date? Comfortable, and reliable, but not getting worn because I have too many other newer and "better" pair.

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Anonymous

I like 4 on you but I’d let go of the lot. Particularly since you have a lot of other choices.
* Great toenail polish.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I echo Becky 100%.

Pass on anything uncomfortable
Pass on anything that is no longer your style direction
Return items you haven't worn and don't think will
Don't pass on shoes you haven't worn for a year that are comfy and still have your affection
Don't create a holding zone because that does not work for you. No space, and out of sight/out of mind
Do the 40 days of Summer challenge!

Anonymous

Ha. I've now put 15 pair in a donate bag. Everything except the Naots, which I'll make a concerted effort to wear to the gym this summer. Somehow, typing all of that out helped me make up my mind . I never recommend any else hang on to shoes that look worn or slightly dated, or that they don't like , so why wouldn't I take my own advice?

I know we've discussed the appeal (or not) of clothing and footwear that has a certain patina of wear, but with shoes, I don't feel that's relevant. I want my sandals (work wear and social activity use ) to look pristine and clean above all else, and after a few seasons, that isn't possible .

Thanks for commenting here, everyone.

Vildy - you are so right . Very insightful and i appreciate it.

Roxanna - I know too from experience that culling from embarrassment or shame isn't the answer....unless one is willing to change the over-buying behaviour. I am. I've gone down the edit out/buy again path too many times now, and with each year , I see less and less need/justification for all of the stuff I have.

SW Ann

Veteran

Here's my quickie way to deal with these--put all these pairs in a paper or cloth bag, and put them on top of shelf somewhere in your closet, out of the way. Put an alert on your phone 3 months from now....when it reminds you about this bag, if you never opened it again, just get rid of them. If you think about them off and on between now and the 3 month reminder--then get out the ones you think about and WEAR them. I do this kind of thing with clothes and shoes...most of the time, I forget and take them for re-sale, or donation at the 3 month (or the designated time you decide...) If I get them out and wear it--most of the time, before the day is through, I remember why the item was in the bag in the first place, and out it goes.

Good luck! And give up the shame--we all make mistakes! It is not worth shaming on yourself--but learn something for next time you are choosing shoes....

Anonymous

I like 4 the most too- but yep, could be the nailpolish
Color looks like a big deciding factor with your problematic shoes. You may want to list out colors you reach for most of the time and colors that harmonize with your wardrobe that you don't necessarily look for when shopping. Then, you can have intentional wild cards!

Anonymous

Angie - thank you as always for reading and commenting. Nothing here is new enough that it can be returned, and they've all been worn at least once.

What I will do is start creating outfits from the bottom up ,and make myself wear (or at least try to ) the shoes that are languishing. I have many many more that still "have my affection " ( I like that) and will get worn eventually. My 5 pair of Fly London's, and 5 pair of metallic/snakeskin etc sneakers among them. I'm not as worried about the sneakers as they are also wearable in fall , but I still have too many of them.

I'm not happy with having bought the baby blue Ecco 7's, as I haven't worn them since their first wear over a month ago. Also bought a pair of orange-y red Softino nubuck sneakers that are SO cute, but again have not worn them yet. I guess it's partly frustration over having so many nice things to wear and so few occasions to wear them . Casual sneakers like this I'm finding to be tricky. I never feel them sophisticated enough for what I want to achieve. They look great on everyone else, but I feel weird in them!

nemosmom

Veteran

Black Wishbone wedges that are too uncomfortable to stand or walk in (and not fancy enough to be "sitting shoes") = pass. Pic #3 anything that makes you feel frumpy or matronly = pass.

4/5 = super cute + comfy? I say suck it up and try them in a challenge or two.

Leather Everlane sneaks - you love everything except how they feel? Unless you're planning to make an art installation out of them, I say let them go (your feet have to love them, too! )

Gold sandals don't look worn out - I say challenge yourself to wear them.

There's my 2 cents LOL

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Your nail polish is brilliant!!

And I am all for getting rid of ALL of these and then enjoying a footwear challenge with what remains. You've given plenty of reasons why these don't make you happy. Begone, then!

I can seriously empathize with the "not wearing footwear" situation. Sigh. I love love love my summer shoes and sandals but I can literally count on one hand the shoes I am actually wearing this year. Compared to my usual, it's not fun. Here is what I wear...day in, day out. Oh, and I wear the Fitflops (which I consider non-fashion, but comfy for my plantar fasciitis) more often than anything else.

And several of mine are *not* pristine because of the conditions in which I tend to wear, with reduces my joy quotient further.

View Info

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SOREL Kinetic Sandal

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Top Pick

16

Ecco 'Soft 7' Cap Toe Sneaker

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Top Pick

30

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I say make the easy choices, stuff that's worn out and doesn't fit well. Put everything else that you're not wearing and loving right now into a bag or a box in the closet (not in deep storage!) and write a note on your calendar to look through them once lockdown is over.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are also back at work Lisa , which means uniform black sneakers, if I have that right? So on your off days, you want to wear your new and dressier espadrilles, slides, and sandals with casual shorts, dresses and pants. They make you feel more pulled together than say - a pretty light blue sneaker with the same look. (For me, the pretty light blue sneaker is a way to dress down my dressy look - and keep my walking lifestyle happy).

And of course, you can also only wear so much in a season that is short (not dominant) - especially when you have a work uniform to adhere to. So now you know, you can do with fewer pairs of Summer shoes if you want to wear them more often.

Makes sense when you start to break it down

SarahD8

Veteran

Late to this, but wanted to add a vote of confidence for your decision to get rid of all the pictured shoes except the Naots. And even them, I think if you give them another try/outfit creation session and just aren't feeling them and have other shoes to wear to your gym job -- pass them along. (This is 100% a First World problem, but I just hate wearing "serviceable" items out of obligation, it makes me feel so frumpadump. Avoid if you can -- pass those items along so they can be found by someone for whom they will be Just The Thing.)

notsaf

Veteran

Like you and Roxanna, I'm more of a maximalist shopper and like adding pieces to my wardrobe, but I'm also picky about what earns it's place long-term. I agree with Suz: say goodbye to most of these! It will mean enjoying what you keep even more.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Great job analyzing what needed to go and doing it. I have only worn slippers, non-stylish sneakers and non-stylish sandals this summer. OTOH I haven’t been anywhere except the doctor’s.

Style Fan

Veteran

I love your nail polish. Your critique of the shoes seemed to point in the direction of saying good-bye to all of them. I would give the Naot a chance.
I can only wear Birks and orthopedic type shoes so I am in awe of other people's footwear.

unfrumped

Veteran

Caution is the word regarding just numbers of footwear. I agree that if certain colors you are sure you don't want to wear, that's a good group to let go of. And, fit, fit, fit. Shoe fit is different from say pants where weight may fluctuate a bit. Shoes, well, my feet are not going to "lose weight" or anything. I tried on all my summer shoes and only got rid of ones that were seriously not comfortable--I've gone up a half size--and anything pointy except ankle-strap flats. I have some sneakers that I've not been wearing much but still like the colors and I can actually walk in them, would take them on casual vacation if ever that happens again, so I'm not letting them go even though they add to "the numbers".

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