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Lessons learned and a major closet edit

Mainelady

Veteran

I have learned a lot about what styles work and don’t work on me. The WIW to Work photo challenge I did was a focus on color. I needed to see which colors still worked with my lighter hair. Studying the photos and learning from the responses of Angie and YLF forum members has really helped me learn a lot about myself and my style.

In preparation for spring (if it ever gets here) and an upcoming shopping trip with my sister, I have done a major closet review and edit.

What I learned: I had many clothing items that I was hanging onto, because they were in great condition, or JFE. I also had too many clothes, specifically pants. I had a few tops, blouses and skirts that I did not reach for once in the last year. Some were items that once served me well, but I haven’t worn them because I think my style has evolved and I am much more conscious of fit and silhouette. Any item that didn’t fit quite right (waist lower than I like, shoulders a little large, shirt hem a little too short) I put in the donate pile. None of them had sentimental value, so letting go was easy.

Great news! My closets have lots of new space! My basics and essentials are all in great shape and I do not need to replace any of those. I AM looking for a couple of new to me essentials (light colored footwear, creamy tops) I am not looking to replace everything I am donating. I am going to work with a smaller wardrobe and I am excited about that! I need / want some toppers, so I am primarily looking for completer and statement pieces, which should be a lot of fun!

I review and edit my closet 2x per year. I feel like this round was the most carefully thought out and the most skilled. Credit for my new skill set belongs to all of you on here. You are wise, intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate and supportive. I learn from you every time I visit the blog and forum.

So, today I am taking 4 bags of clothing to my colleagues. Anything they don’t choose for themselves gets donated. What a great way to start the week!

General

34 replies

Latest reply was from Mainelady

Anonymous

WOW. This is such an inspirational post. It strengthens and inspires me simultaneously. It is indeed a great way to start the week.

Bijou

Veteran

Congratulations. This weekend I edited my closet too and it is so nice to have that additional room and I can see what I have more easily. My issue was too many black jackets and black skirts. I have kept only the ones that I like best, because they are the ones that I reach for.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

This is impressive. I find this very difficult. Currently pondering if I am keeping my clothes too long, as per a forum discussion with Angie on the Help no more Friday ensembles thread. Well done you!
Do you keep some sentimental clothing? What about your wedding dress?

jussie

Veteran

That’s great! Nothing better than a good clean out!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Well done!

Ledonna N.

Veteran

This is very in-depth thank you for the view of how you process clothing. Was very challenging do you think about what ifs what if I got rid of this what if I needed that? Jenni asked a good question what do you do about sentimental? For me I take pictures remember the times and the joy. I think about asking one love I'll call and tell the people so they can enjoy it as well as I did

Katerina

Veteran

Great post Mainelady and well done! It inspires me to do an audit of my wardrobe too, but it is SO HARD to let go ....

RobinF

Veteran

Doesn't it feel great to look in a nice organized closet? I am not good about getting rid of things that no longer work for me but when I do it feels so good. I really need to do this also.

Anonymous

Wow Mainelady you have been hard at work- great job.

Now that the baby shower for my gf’s daughter is behind us I plan on implementing the suggestions everyone gave on my recent closet help needed thread. I hope I can be as thoughtful and as thorough as you.

I took pictures of wiw for shower . You are correct- what an eye opener seeing outfits, color, silhouette in pics. Since going gray I can no longer wear black......yikes!

Congratulations on misson accomplished.
Enjoy visit

Bijou

Veteran

At JenniNZ - you are not the only one who wonders if they keep things too long. I did read a good post about closet editing and one of the tips was to look at items that are similar and really think about whether you need duplicates because if you keep wearing the favourite item, then you probably can get rid of the not so good one with no regrets. Thinking that you are giving someone else the opportunity to wear and enjoy something, rather than being wasteful is also useful.

I struggle with this, especially if an item had been expensive and is still in good condition. Angie's response to you was useful to me as well.

Joy

Veteran

When we moved, I drastically reduced my closet size, especially culling duplicates; but there is much more work to be done for a roomy look in the closet. I also keep things too long. Right now I am wondering about some warm sweaters and wool bottoms that were not worn at all this winter. But this winter was unusually warm. Thinking next winter may be colder and I might need them keeps them around.
I am also guilty of hanging onto items that can add a bit of novelty when desired. Maybe it is time to let those pieces go. Thank you for this post and the inspiration to go for a smaller wardrobe.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Good job! I know I keep a lot of things too long. I have been doing mini edits pretty regularly, but I think I could stand another good thorough one, now that the winter wearing season is pretty much over here (I refuse to wear turtlenecks in April, even if it's chilly). I have quite a few things that have not been worn in a year or more, and I need to get real about why I keep them.

cindysmith

Veteran

I am avoiding the inevitable seasonal closet edit. I've become disgusted by the clothing storage situation I deal with in this RV, and I keep deluding myself into thinking that I'll do it when we move. You have inspired me to at least tackle some of my nightmare closet, and I thank you!

Anonymous

I love a good closet cleaning. Unfortunately , I'm getting rid of the bulk off my wardrobe because it no longer fits, but I like nothing better than getting rid of things that aren't getting worn. I almost die now thinking of those years when I had to do the seasonal closet change-overs and how it would take me a full day or two to bring everything up from storage, sort it out, and then carry the past season's stuff back down . What a huge job that was, and all for a bunch of clothes that might get worn just a few times, or not at all . I'm quite ruthless now I did get an admonishment from my husband over taking yet another 4 large green garbage bags full of stuff to the donate bin this past weekend , but when I finally explained - somewhat tearfully - that it was because none of it fit anymore- his face showed such sympathy and understanding . It was one of those moments in a marriage .....

Christina F.

Veteran

lisa p, I had a similar moment yesterday. My husband never admonishes me for shopping, but he does think I should rein it in a bit. My size hasn't changed in the past couple of years, but my body has changed a bit within this size, and I explained items that I bought and that looked good 1-2 years ago fit but no longer look the same. (I think my eye is more discerning now, thanks to posting on here.) He did understand that. Now, I don't necessarily need to replace all those items, as I had too many dresses and skirt for my lifestyle anyway... but that's another lesson I've learned here.

JAileen

Veteran

ML, congrats! When I went grey a lot of colors weren’t right anymore, especially tan and beige.

One time I got rid of seven trash bags of clothes. I was thrifting more then, and would buy things that were almosts. Almost a good fit, almost the right color, etc. I hope I’m more discerning now.

Lisa, Christina, my husband did the same this weekend. Too many jackets. I do have a lot, but I’m outside a lot, and am a very cold person.

Cee

Veteran

You did well, ML

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I m really really impressed that you did this,I find it so hard to let go of perfectly good clothing that I don’t wear.You are an inspiration to me !

krishnidoux

Veteran

Your analysis is quite interesting to read. How I envy you to be in the situation of a cleaned out reduced closet, ready to receive new things! I find myself in what you describe about hainging on to certain things for various reasons. I think the reason for too many bottoms could also be recent fashion changes in waist height, and the fact that it's hard to consider skinnies as your only pair of casual pants, because of shape fluctuation due to water retention and what not. One needs some BF jeans and other roomier options as well! I know a good pair of pants would not have one go through this trouble because it would be cut right, but I am finding those harder and harder to find.
You seem to be well prepared for your upcoming shopping trip, I think you will not come home empty handed, but with good essential basics to start you off on your new reduced wardrobe.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hurray for a good closet clean out! It's a great feeling to know you've got space and air and room for new essentials that will give your style cohesion with your new hair.

I do the semi-annual edits, too (with the big seasonal shift). Haven't done my spring one yet because it's still so cold but I plan to get onto it this weekend, whatever the weather.

Your point about getting rid of items whose waistlines are not where you want hit home for me -- I have several jeans and trousers in that category.

Jenni and all who are pondering Angie's words on closet longevity and turnover -- don't forget, as she also said, this is very individual. As a fashion professional, she has a special need to appear absolutely current, and her clothes also need to be pristine. Not that I expect any of us want to look like slobs! But her comments make even more sense when you consider her context.

Wardrobe size also plays a role. If you have a large wardrobe, you might be able to keep items longer because you may wear only them 3 or 4 times a year, so they don't wear out. Whereas those who have tiny closets might wear their things out in a year or two at most. Meanwhile, those with moderate sized closets can probably get 2-4 years from most items, 5+ years from some items, 10 years+ from the rare item, and 1 season from a few duds or utter workhorses.

Anonymous

Suz -- Thanks for the clarification and reminder. Some times I need the obvious pointed out to me. You are so good at that. Thank you.

Anonymous

Oh dear- I guess it’s time for me to let go of some of those 10 year old classic button downs.......white, pale blue. It’s the sweaters, knit jerseys and silks I find look shabby faster.
And Janet I swore I would stop wearing turtlenecks in April........ today is 4/9 and I have worn TNs 5 days already. The weather has to cooperate at some point.
In the mean time ML you are an inspiration to us all

Mainelady

Veteran

Sterling, it makes me happy to think I might be a source of inspiration and strength.

Bijou, I did the same think...really took a look at similar items. I had 5 pr of black slacks, but only ever reached for two. It was easy to say good bye to the others.

Jenni NZ, I do have a few pieces of sentimental clothing. I do still have my wedding dress. Worn once in 1984 when I weighed 98 lbs. Having it in my closet is a happiness factor, so it is worth the space.

Thank you Jussie, Brooklyn, Robin F and efbgen. It feels like a job well done!

Ledonna, last experience has taught me that when o kept items, “just in case”, I didn’t wear them and eventually passed them on. Knowing more about my style really helped be edit more easily. I only kept items I am sure I will wear.

Katerina, I get it. It can be hard. I think it was easier for me this time, because I am more confident in my style journey than I have ever been. AND nobody needs as many pants as I had.

Joy, if you normally would have worn the warmer clothes, if weather had dictated, maybe you should keep them for another season. The same might be true of novelty items. If you still love them, then maybe the earn a closet spot for a while longer. When you edit you want to be able to do it without regret.

Janet, once you determine why you have the extras, it might be easier to make your decision. Personally I had kept things too long for very odd reasons. I had a few “what was I thinking moments”.

Good luck Cindysmith. I’ll be cheering you on!

Lisa P and Christina,you may have gotten rid of some clothing, but your husbands sounds like keepers. Sweet moments.

JAileen, yeahhhhh the almost club. I had quite a membership. Almost isn’t good enough anymore. I spend too much time second guessing, tugging, adjusting and thinking about the almost right pieces, so I will allow them to go to others who can appreciate them more.

Thank you Cee and Cardiff Girl!

Krishnidoux, pants, pants, pants! I decided not to count them. I really didn’t want to know how many pair I had. It was ridiculous. Dress slacks, corduroys, jeans, straight leg, boot leg, skinnies, cropped, Capri and across 4 seasons......it was a lot of work, but I tried EVERY pair on. That was really the only way to carefully judge what I wanted to keep and what I needed to pass along. I agree that I probably won’t come home empty handed. . It is nice to think I have room for a few new things.

Suz, your comment on wardrobe size is a good one. I had a large wardrobe and too many very similar items. I could have kept a large rotation going for quite a while. Now I would say that my wardrobe is medium sized. Part of that is due to dressing for 4 seasons.

Efbgen, I wear TNs Oct-the end of March. I have been trying not to wear them in April, but when it was snowing on Saturday, I automatically reached for my favorite one.

Cee

Veteran

I'm just glad it wasn't that rascawy cowlneck !

Mainelady

Veteran

Cee, the winter wicked cowls have been banished from the springdom.

Cee

Veteran

Lol...

Cee

Veteran

Ooogah boogahhh !!!

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Lynn

Veteran

Sounds like it was a really productive closet clean-out. Yay for you :).
I need to make time for this also. I am hoping that the process of better defining my style during the 30 x 30 challenge earlier this year will also help me as well in culling my fall/winter wardrobe.

Mainelady

Veteran

Lynn, I do think the lessons you learned during your 30x30 challenge will be really helpful to you as you edit. It can be time consuming, but time very well spent. I love the feeling I get when I can donate gently used anything.

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