Keep or toss: 3 sweaters and a dress

Hi! I need to renovate my spring wardrobe but before i buy i need to make some space for new clothes in my wardrobe. Here are four items that don't make me happy anymore, which should be reason enough to toss them, but just checking with you guys for a second opinion.

#1: Old, five years or more. Present from my mom, worn it to death for years, but this year didn't wear it as much, it's beginning to pill and I think it's lost some shape, so it doesn't look as flattering, but reasonably OK.

#2: That's a dress, also a present from Mom (came with the jumper). I think it wasn't this short when I first got it, but I wear it with thick tights and tall flat boots so not an issue. Again, pilling and I think it's lost its shape a bit.

#3 This one's newer and probably more on trend, but I hate the fit on me, so every time I wear it I feel a bit blah. I don't know, but this one's in good condition so I feel like maybe I should wear it a bit more?

#4 This one's the newest of the bunch, probably two or three years old max. Is this too long? I find it very unflattering on me.

Thanka in advance for your feedback!

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9 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Okay, I like #3! I don't think you look blah at all, but if it makes you feel that way... Not a fan of #4, but I think it's more the color than the length. I'd have to see you in the dress to be sure, but I give you a tentative vote to let it go. I like the first pullover, but I guess if it's too worn out...

CocoLion

(website)

The last two look the most on trend to me. My favorite is the fourth sweater. I just think you need to wear it with lighter bottoms (like light wash jeans if you wear those). So that the bottom of the sweater does not cut your body in half.

rachylou

I like 3 on you, especially the neckline. The preppy in me also likes 1. I'm not fond of the last because of the hem; I don't find it neat enough.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I like 3 as well, and that dropped shoulder is very in right now - you're broad-shouldered and slim enough that you can pull it off, and the length is just right. The others are just so-so in my opinion. The idea of 4 isn't bad, but I think it's too long proportion-wise - can you try it with wider/more structured trousers and the bottom band lifted up so it rests at the high hip?

harmonica

I say keep the white cable knit sweater if you know how to make it work. Otherwise, toss or donate. Let go of the rest if they don't make you smile. Or you could also make a waiting pile if you have room for it?

Anonymous

I'm preferring the larger versions of traditional woven designs these days so 1, while recognizably traditional still looks "out" to me.

Number 3 is my favorite because the multiple traditional details combined with the neutral colors make it both interesting and easy to wear.

Number 4 is pretty good, it won't be providing the excitement in an outfit but it might make good back drop material. I don't love it and even though it's the most recently purchased there's something kind of nineties about it.

Number 7 is like number 1, I feel like I have to admit that it's "timeless" but it's kind of very boring too.

Janet

I'm going by the way you describe each of these pieces -- you don't sound like you like wearing any of them. I think they can all go to make room for something that makes you feel fab.

Maneera

Hi Irene!

I do like #3 on you. The neckline and shape look good. Have you tried it with bootcut/flared jeans? It may also look really great with a short fitted black skirt and tights paired with tall boots. Worth a try, I think.

I also like #4. That outfit is great by itself, but a bright scarf will really liven things up....if you know what I mean. I like the longer length. Ever tried that sweater with fitted ponte pants?

ALeigh

Active Member

If I were you I'd get rid of 1. I definitely agree with Isabel - although there are some super-preppy people that do still wear them, and consider them a classic, to me they're super dated and not particularly flattering on anybody.

I adore #4 but it really needs to be balanced out somehow. Straight pants or skinnies alone will just bulk it up. Go jump on pinterest - a lot of girls wear these with oversized scarves, statement belts and long vests. Not to mention, stick to boots. They were an early 2010s teenager staple but there's so many more ways to wear these than you would think!

But, seriously, if you don't like and aren't wearing any of them - don't keep 'em! The best way to decide if you like something is to try it out, and I'd you've been there done that and still aren't in love, get rid of it.

Brin

It seems a bit like you feel a sense of responsibility for these pieces.

Would it make you feel freer if you didn't have to deal with them anymore? Or are you getting inspired by the fab ideas that are coming your way? I would listen to your instincts and make sure you're prepared to have fun with these garments again. If not, they could always be a fabulous thrift find for someone else.

I love what Brin said!

Life's too short to hold onto pieces that don't make us feel fab.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

I think you should purge all of it. If you really really love #1 and #2 - I mean, really LOVE them, take them to a dry-cleaner and see if they can do something about the pilling. I don't know if a dry-cleaner can reshape a sweater that's overstretched, but you might ask.
But only do this if you LOVE wearing those two sweaters. If you can't honestly say that, donate them. Someone would love to have them. You are not obligated to keep clothing that doesn't spark joy for you. Get yourself clothes you feel AMAZING in, and enjoy them to bits And if anyone implies you should keep them, hand them right over to that person, because your personal space isn't a museum for clothes you no longer want. Those clothes did their job in your life. Now pass them along to someone else who can enjoy them.

3 & 4, definitely purge those. You used the words "hate", "blah" and "unflattering". Get rid of them.

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