My recent closet edit (ETA - now includes a few pics)

I had already done an edit before Angie posted. I have limited space and must edit when I do a seasonal change over, bringing clothes up from storage. I also put things in holding as a season goes on. Most items that can be rescued with alterations or other such fixes are also put side, but I am not including them here.

My wardrobe sees a lot of churn. My style has evolved a lot over the past couple of years, as has my taste for higher quality items. I think I’m finally in a maintenance mode, though I’m actively seeking out comfortable shoes due to my back issues.I didn’t take pictures but I will list items in general categories of why I’m passing them on. In some cases, items needed replacement. Anyway, I edit every season, so there is no big purge to do. I also keep a running capsule in Finds of items I’m on the fenc about. This encourages me to try wearing them to identify whether I want to to keep them.

From my edit last week:

Passed on for no longer being my style:
-Black Wedges - I was only keeping them as a comfy, fresh option for possible future job interviews, but I plan to stay with my org for another couple of years. I can fnd something more my taste when I need it. They were a little too ladylike for my current style.

-boat shoes - I have an occasionally preppy side in the summer, but those had become a little too preppy for me and I stopped wearing them

-Two grey toppers - I deciddd this color doesn’t make me happy anymore

-Watercolor print shell - another holdover from work wear before my style and workplace changed

Replaced for being not flattering/not fitting well:
-Orange shirt/shift dress - it looked okay when I first got it but looked less okay this summer, even though I hadn’t gained weight. Maybe things shifted around or my standards changed

-sweatshirt with horse print - had gotten a little too tight for a sweatshirt

-Green long cardigan: REPLACED: wasn’t a flattering shape

-Maroon embroidered tee - a pretty tee, but I have realized an elbow length sleeve is NOT flattering on me, especially if the sleeves are in the tight side.

Items that were worn or otherwise replaced with upgraded items:
-Black Pencil skirt - REPLACED at NAS; had a split seam.

-Tall black boots - I’m actively ordering replacement options. I expect not to wear them again, as they are looking worn. I will likely include them in the bag before I bring it down to the donation bin in the building’s basement, but they aren’t officially culled yet

-Taupe booties - REPLACED; I got a very cheap pair a couple of years ago and just replaced with a nicer looking pair of light colored booties. I can’t wear cheap shoes anymore.

Just not feeling it:
-Blue off shoulder top - something from the summer that I just wasn’t wearing. I think the untucked length wasn’t flattering.

Items still in holding:
Boden blue and white print dress - a dress I got a few years ago. It has that elbow sleeve length I don’t like on myself, and the sleeves are a smidge too tight. I think it’s also a bit ladylike for my current taste. I hate to pass on Boden, so I may leave it in holding a little while. I’m likely to get rid of it in the end. The same goes for a Boden tweed kilt I put holding last spring, a wool green midi skirt that’s a bit tight, and a dressy top that is too tight on the bottom . Boden items are just hard to let go of, because I pay more for them.

Green skinny utility pants pants - they zip but are too tight to be comfortable; ditto a pair of lighter wash jeans.

Chambray button down - button downs are hard to fit over my hips unless they’re a petite size. This one did fit at first, but seems not to now, either because things have shifted or my standards have changed. It only works tucked in, and I am not a big tucker. I’m deciding if I want to replace it at all - I find button downs hard wear for fit reasons I stated, though a chambray one is useful when it fits.

ETA: I have deleted most of the Finds for these items, except these three below: the two Boden skirts, and my tall boots by Unisa.

5 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Christina, it sounds like you need to shed these pieces and find simething better that you epwill love to wear.

Suz

(website)

I'm with Joy. Let these items go (except maybe the wedges until you have a suitable replacement). You deserve to love your clothes and feel great it them.

Jessikams

Sounds very reasonable. Shoe replacement is difficult, especially if you’re really looking for comfort!!

Christina F.

You all are right! Most of this is definitely in the donation pile, anyway. Some of it is put aside, but can go into the donation pile once I dip into storage again. I know about sunk costs, but it’s so hard for me when a more expensive item didn’t work out. My weight has stabilized, and I’m better at anticipating problems with items, so at least I’m learning!

Kathie

You’ve put a lot of great thought into this. It’s been great to see your style evolve on the forum. Sending whatever encouragement you need to pass along all the items that aren’t quite right anymore. I’m planning to send my pricier workwear to Bottomless Closet or Dress for Success to take the sting out of the sunk cost.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm with Joy and Suz. Donation pile and onto their second home, Christina. You are doing GREAT with the edits.

Chris987

I love your descriptions of why you are letting things go....something has shifted or your standards changed...this is all very real. I think it's totally normal for one's body to change in small ways that might not be obvious. Clothes can also shrink or stretch just a little and not fit right anymore. And we all know about style preferences changing. It's all OK. Good for you to acknowledge that something has changed and the item just doesn't work for you any more.

Anonymous

Congratulations on all your hard work. YAY you.

Thanks everyone!

I have a donation box available in my building's basement - everything goes to a charity I love (I had my wedding reception in their used bookstore). This makes it very easy to donate. Since I posted, I added a cardigan with a hole in the armpit, which Id forgotten about, to the pile.

Chris, I find this thinking helps mitigate any guilt I feel over passing on items, in terms of feeling like I've made a shopping mistake. It can be the case that what worked well for me in 2017 just doesn't do the job in 2018, for myriad reasons, and I'm trying to learn to be okay with that. I am also making fewer shopping mistakes, thanks to my time learning on YLF.

I am just putting stuff away tonight after a trip, but I have so little space that I have to move bags to get at my clothing storage. Anyway, this little guy is one of two furry reasons sorting clothing is a challenge around here sometimes!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Mainelady

Well thought out decisions. You are so right about changing standards. Great job with your edit! Your fur baby is adorable.

Thanks, Mainelady! He's a sweetheart.

Anyway, I'm bumping this because it includes reasons for passing things on.

Janet

Really good thought process around these choice, Christina! I need to consider WHY I am not wearing certain things and be real about whether they will suit either my changing body or my changing tastes now and in the future. Thank you!

Janet - YES, and I think it's important to acknowledge that it's okay that those considerations are constantly evolving. it's important for me, anyway. Also, sometimes, even if we're on top of these things, and item just doesn't work out in the long haul.

Category