I do this too. I find a way for me to wear things I'm a little cautious about is to take some time and try on outfits so that I can see how it looks with clothes I have. Then I can quickly throw on the new items when I need to get going quickly and know that it will work.
Sometimes it helps to consciously decide to have an attitude of abundance, so that I stop myself from thinking "Wow, this is so nice, I'd never be able to replace it if I wrecked it", and instead think, "Wow, I've got this great piece and I'll find more great pieces when I need them too". It really turns my thinking around.

I do sometimes let new purchases "decompress" for a while in the closet but if I really don't wear something, I give it up no matter how nice it is. I analyze what went wrong and I try not to make that mistake again. It bothers me much more to spend money on something and not use it than to risk damaging it. I feel very strongly that things belong to the people who love and care for them so if I'm not going to wear it, it should go to someone who will.
Maybe you're just intimidated by the newness of these items? Or you feel like you have to be someone else to wear them? Try wearing them around the house while you do familiar things, like eat breakfast , or watching TV.

Oh yes, I do this and have been trying to stop this habit in all areas of my wardrobe (and life). I learned this from my Mom and it is a difficult habit to break but I am making strides, albeit small strides. One way I have been forcing myself is to actually buy less and if I do buy something, but don't wear it within a week or two, I return it.

If I might analyze I think part of your hesitance might be due to having the kids around, no? I sometimes do the same, or wait to wear the nicer stuff on a day I know I will be around the kids less - for fear of sticky hands, spit up, etc.

It's hard to master the MOTG capsule that's child proof

Yes, I'm totally guilty of this. I try to "save" my best pieces so they'll last until the end of time. Interestingly enough, I only do this with clothes. I mean, for example, I have no *good china.* My neighbor is appalled that I use my grandma's monogrammed silverware and china to feed my dog...

This post hits home with me and many others. I had it drummed into my head as a kid to "save" nice things for special occasions by my Depression Era WWII Mom.

Also, there is an element of buying clothes for my fantasy life--the one I last lived in the 1980s and the possible future one. Most of my not worn are dressier clothes.

Then there are a few things not worn because we've had a ridiculously mild winter.

I've found that if I save things, by the time I get around to wearing them they are not quite as fashionable as they once were. (Tearing my hair over a few EF things not worn enough, "saved" and now I've moved on.)

Wear these items and enjoy them without guilt. Please do it for us.

Chiming back in just to say thank you. I ripped off the tags of a new jacket today and headed out to run a few errands -- and work at a cafe instead of home. I don't need to save that jacket for a meeting. I owe this outing (and making this day a little special) to you. Again, thank you.

Eek, so guilty of doing this, although I've got better. There is one shirt I have had for years, but haven't worn, and have no inclination to give away. Part of me doesn't want to 'waste' wearing it now because I stay at home at work, but then when it comes time to visit family/SO, I don't want to pack it because of the wrinkles. It didn't make it into my luggage when I went home for the summer, but it will this year!
I have a few other items that I haven't worn, and those are listed on eBay. I became much better at recognizing that when something doesn't get worn quickly, there's a reason.