Purging My Closet Like There Is No Tomorrow - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Purging My Closet Like There Is No Tomorrow

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Ladies,

I have been doing a lot of closet reviewing since I joined YLF and the last two clean outs have been brutal! Yesterday I felt compelled to take a good hard look at my dresses and once that was done I went through everything else again.

I only want things I love in my closet. And the contents of my closet are becoming less and less. It's scary but liberating at the same time.

I discarded about 6 dresses yesterday. A couple fit into the category of "it will do for...." and another two that I have had for years, are pretty classic, still in perfect condition, have slightly fuller /A line skirts (a silhouette I don't like on me) and I haven't worn them for at least 2 years - I still don't really know why I have been haning on to them. (Beth Ann, if you reading this, you know what I mean) And there are still more hanging in my closet that are on "probabation"

I think I have come to that place of wanting that beautifully curated, medium (wont' say small because I do need variety) sized wardrobe of items that I love and wear often. I no longer need quite as much variety and want to know clearly what works with what and be able to walk into my closet and just reach for something without too much thought in the mornings. Im getting there but I realise I am not as close as I thought.

I expect my purchases this year to become even more intentional and I expect there to be less of them. I think I am slowly moving more towards quality and moving further away from the need for immediate gratification as I realise waiting for the perfect piece is more than worth it.

With respect to my my shrinking wardrobe, as I reached for a pair a pants to wear today, I realised I now only have two pairs of summer pants for the office... I had a moment of panick and then actually felt quite good about it. It certainly made the choosing quick and easy lol

Thanks for reading. Does this resonate with anyone? Am I going to regret The Great Purge of 2013

xxx Deborah

General

28 replies

Latest reply was from

Tanya

Veteran

This sounds absolutely amazing Deborah! I think you are doing exactly the right thing.

I have been doing the same since the weekend. I have just counted 36 empty hangers. It is kind of scary but than I remind myself that those things were worn once or twice in past 2 years, some not at all! Very liberating.

unfrumped

Veteran

Hopefully not! The items you feel sure you don't like on you anymore shouldn't go.
I like your " pause" after initial panic. That sound like a good sign that purging isn't just to buy more of the same. Take a moment to think, what do I want to wear to the office, and not, I must need more summer pants.

I want to re-style to a certain kind of pants for work but haven't found them.yet. I still need my current pants, for now. But in the past I would have just bought the same pants in another color or more and more tops to go with them instead of trying to have a goal.
So I'm not purging there yet, but am "pausing."

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are not going to regret purging! Wooohoooo! I'm all giddy when people edit their wardrobes!!

Spiffy

I got rid of 90% of my wardrobe. It terrified me. Oh those piles of empty hangers! That full trunk to go to the charity shop! But I got clarity in return. Not by staring at the emptying closet but from wearing what survived the destruction.

By feeling well dressed everyday. It becomes addictive, feeling good and spot on for the circumstances.

I do nothing but drool over a teeny tiny wardrobe and have the brain space to figure out the parts of it rather than trying to 'make things work'

Caro in Oz

Veteran

In my experience the freedom you gain from letting go of just so pieces far outweighs any regrets.

I've been pondering on how an EE can modify her wardrobe to a place where, as you say, it is "that beautifully curated, medium (wont' say small because I do need variety) sized wardrobe of items that I love and wear often."

Is it the nature of the EE to struggle with this issue when it seems almost easy for some?

Deborah

Veteran

Ladies thanks for the encouragement! And the beauty of it is that I am not feeling the need to go shopping to 'replace' anything:)

Angie, I know you didn't ask, but just in case you are wondering in the light of my recent posts I am not specifically purging colour or patterns!

Caro that is a really good and interesting question. I wonder if as we hone our style and perhaps become more disciplined this is possible for the EE. I am finding the longer I am here at YLF the more I am finding less pleases me in the stores. I am not as easily seduced by trends and what is in store, even it I like it, I seem to have the power to look at things and say "nice, but not me". Personally I think I might actually be wanting to "reign in" my 'electic' side just a little...im not sure, im still processing this.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Deborah, this really resonates with me - things have been flying out of my closet! Something is in the air for 2013, seriously.

Even though I am buying things, my wardrobe is shrinking... I keep finding that some things don't *function* well, even if they look nice and fit well and flatter. And for the first time in my life, favorites are actually wearing out because they've seen so much use - wow. It is nice to be able to turn to the same things over and over because you know they work!

unfrumped

Veteran

I meant should go, not shouldn't go, of course!

I do think we need to cut ourselves some slack and not expect perfection on the clothes rails. Meaning, I don't want to scrutinize my closet every day for any item that is the slightest bit off or that I don't LOVE- I want to be more on an even keel and not just " out, d___ spot!" Improving and updating on more of a continuum since by definition it will never be completed but the process can be vastly improved so that both the process and the results are part of the fun.

amiable

Veteran

Congratulations! I've been doing this consistently, and definitely feel like the overall quality of what I wear is improving. I'm also learning to adhere to the idea in Angie's post the other day to shop more but buy less.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Well done Deborah! It sounds like this was very thoughtful and intentional purging and nothing done in haste, so I don't except there will be any regrets. I have never once regretted getting rid of items that just don't work for me any more.

Your comment about "immediate gratification" made me smile because that is so like me - and is something I'm working on too.

You should be proud of yourself

Deborah

Veteran

Rae, this is interesting. I had wanted to ask you on one of your recent threads how your new job is impacting on your wardrobe? Particularly given you no longer appear to require the more corporate looks that you needed for banking. Do you think this has been part of the catalyst for your purging?

Unfrumped, you are very wise. I agree.

Amiable, sounds good. I find I browse the shops and look on the internet a lot to see what's out there and in doing so find I am definitely buying less:) Angie is an awesome 'teacher'.

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon we were posting at the same time! Thanks for the vote of confidence:) I do love the feeling of buying something new and taking it home, placing in the wardrobe etc but I like that feeling too often than is good for me!

catgirl

Veteran

This totally resonates with me! I could have written your post. But in my case, I worry it could be a continual issue. I want to try to stick with some of the choices I made, knowing they were more deliberate and therefore should not just be disposed of because I'm not feeling them this instant. I fear that a purge will just lead to more mindless shopping for me. Where is the balance?!

Carla

Veteran

This will make you a more discriminating shopper as well, able to hone in on quality and what works for you. You will become less distracted by all the 'other stuff' the more you understand your own style and what works for you.

In one of her recent posts, Angie referenced shopping frequently, but not necessarily buying frequently.

I've been on a buying fast since December, but shop regularly. It's " research"!

DonnaF

Veteran

Believe it or not, I also get the purging rush when I order something over the internet, it arrives, and I know right away that it's not a *10* so it will be going back. It's like freed up money or something. Several weeks ago, I tried on a top at Nordies, figured out that I took a smaller size in it than my usual one, but couldn't decide on a color. It went on sale, I ordered two colors to see which would play better with my wardrobe, and lo and behold when they arrived, I decided the style wasn't particularly flattering on me. So much for the touch, feel, and try-on at the store!

And hooray, hooray! Rather than having purchased through April on my 12x12, no, 15x12, at the end of tomorrow after I make my return, I will have only purchased through March!

Lyn D.

Veteran

Good going Deborah!
I too have decided to aim for a medium wardrobe of better quality items.
This year I have a shopping list of 3 things for Autumn-Winter, and I for Spring/Summer, plus replacing workout shoes etc.
I am a fairly constant purger, but I hope this slows a bit and that I buy less, more timeless and well-made pieces in the future.

jayne

Veteran

Ahmen sister! I know exactly that feeling! It is so freeing t know you are loving all you own. That you are not constantly trying to wear things that are orphans and wasting energy and time and money trying to make an outfit with them. To feel, Oh I cannot wait to wear that and that and that when you look in the closet, since it is easier to see it all and less cluttered by meh items. One big plus for me, I tend to try and plan and buy for a season before it starts (team wait here)...so when the season arrives and i start wearing the things I find I have no further urge to shop for that season and happily wear what I have! Yeah Debs!

Gaylene

Veteran

I have such mixed feelings about purging. It feels so good when I see my newly edited closet full of things that fit well and that I love. And every time I purge my closet, I firmly resolve to only buy things carefully and intentionally from that point on.

The only problem with this scenario is that it keeps getting repeated. And I can't quite stop feeling guilty at how easily I'm discarding perfectly wearable clothes because they no longer fit my style, which, in reality seems to change quite frequently. And I know that, even if I try to rationalize that my clothes will be passed on to someone who will enjoy them, I also know that, statistically, most of my clothes will end up in the landfill or be shipped to a third world country where my stuff will contribute to the decline of the local manufacturing industries.

That feeling of freedom and lightness that I get from purging becomes a lot more complicated and I just don't know if I want to get too addicted to the whole edited closet thing. How does one stop the cycle?

carolbee

Veteran

Way to go. I would think it unlikely you will have any regrets, you seem to have a fairly good grasp of where you are going, eve if you are rethinking the eclectic part.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I do the same, Deborah. After editing the visible part of my wardrobe down to about 30 pieces, I find it a lot easier to be content with what I have and wear. I am more creative, too! I haven't purged very much yet, but rather keep the surplus in my holding zone. That way, many of my items seem a lot fresher to me when I see them again next time around. Now, I am starting to anticipate bringing out my spring capsule in a month or so.

Maybe this is a better solution for you too, Gaylene? I totally understand your ethical concerns in regards of purging and replacing items far too often. I agree that a slower pace at this is ideal, to cut back on unnecessary spending and over consumption.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I am looking at the pile on my bed as I type and cannot stop wondering where on earth the stuff keeps emerging from - I have the tiniest wardrobe space in the apartment we're renting which cannot hold even all of my seasonal stuff (i.e. summer clothes is packed away and my winter work clothes is also packed away as I don't need dresses and pencil skirts and some pants).

One thing I've noticed long ago - if I'm stressed out the quickest way to regain composure is to open my wardrobe, tidy things up and purge something. The sense of calm when things are lined up nicely and there is more breathing space between the hangers cannot be underestimated.

Anonymous

As a fellow EE I am starting (with the help of Angie and YLF) to slowly but surely understand my syle a bit more. I feel a bit as though a veil has lifted and I can be a bit more discerning in my choices. I have a long way to go still, but constant purging and re-assessment are the way to go. Well done Deborah, As you lead I will hopefully follow! Thanks for the inspiration.

Mona

Veteran

Excellent thoughts, Deborah. I did a big purge in November 2012 and a mini purge last weekend. Using a holding zone or temporary keep pile has helped me immensely in this. That way, I dont feel too bad purging as I know that if I need it, I can still use it. All of the items that I purged in November are still there. I haven't had to reach for them all winter so now I am in a much better position to donate them. Like you, I don't want a minimal wardrobe but a beautifully curated, medium sized one.

Deborah

Veteran

Una, balance is definitely the challenge here, and I have to be sure that I am not purging something on a whim.

Runcarla, research it is, and it's very useful.

Donna, great job! Sounds like you are self disciplined and wise about your purchases.

Lyn, that's a really small list, but achievable and I would imagine as you suggest, allows for quality purchases. I think I need to do a similar list.

Jayne, we're on the same page:)

Gaylene I hear what you are saying. When I purge, I end up with three piles. One for items I will hopefully sell on Ebay, another for items to be offered to friends and then finally the donate pile. Thrift stores are very popular here. So I feel confident and comfortable that my used clothes are being recycled and I am disposing of them responsibly.

Thanks Carolbee, so far so good.

Ingunn, that sounds great. I have finally managed to house everything in my walk in closet - this was one of my goals - with only my coats in another wardrobe.

Ornella, I couldn't agree more! If my closet is order, all is well in my world.

Diane, I think the challenge is that our style constantly evolves, which means so does our wardrobe.

Mona, just think how great it will be when we achieve our goal wardrobe:)

Raisin

Veteran

This totally resonates with me Deborah! It is a little scary but liberating, like you said. I've been doing the same over the past year or so. I think I'm 90% of the way to having only things I love and that are of fairly good quality. And now I also am very picky about what I purchase. I've been wearing all my good clothes a lot lately, and it feels great! And if you're at all like me, and overwhelmed with too much choice, it makes it so much easier. Good for you, I bet it feels better all ready!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Whoo hoo!! This is my goal, too, Deborah. And I am slowly getting closer to it, although I still have a ways to go.

I think it IS a process, and has to be, as we learn what we love and as what we love (and our lives) evolve. So it's impossible to "end" the cycle of wardrobe rotation. Although I agree with Gaylene that we should aim to shop and wear and donate as ethically as we can. I also think -- one thing at a time. For now, it's all I can do to manage to figure out my own style. Once I've done that, I will move on to the next challenge. But for me, an edited closet definitely helps.

And the editing PROCESS helps. As I evaluate each item, I learn things about what i like, what works for me, what isn't working, and why. And it changes season to season.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Woot! Good for you. That's hard to do.

Anonymous

Deborah! That sounds so scary-exhilarating! I too have put my hand in my closet to reach for something recently purged. It's funny, but I like having fewer choices. I do better in calm, serene surroundings and having an edited closet does so much to free my head space.

My full skirts recently got donated and when Angie posted that 'full skirts are coming back', I barely felt a twinge. It was hard to donate things that were perfectly good, had been forum approved and met so many of my criteria. BUT I didn't feel like me in them. There are more hoops than ever that my new clothes have to jump through before they gain admittance to my closet. Gone are the days when I buy something thinking, "Oh, that might be nice to wear around the house, " or "that might be handy to have in case of a funeral or something." It has to be style-LOVE. It has to speak to who I am *now* or even better: who I hope to become.

I hope I have had my last major purge. I'm hoping that ending the binge-buying will eliminate the need for anything more than one-in-one-out editing in the future. We will see, because I love to shop and I love a good purchase. It's the bad ones I want to cut down on.