reasons for purges ? new goal

what are your reasons for purging besides the usual, not fitting, out of style, not your current style, just not liking the look, etc. I found myself putting sandals with ankle straps, no zippers just buckles, ankle straps just because I am tired of them, a jacket just because I am tired of it, and a scarf I just don't like the pattern of the print in the garage sale bag. Now I am on to closet orphans and blouses that almost never get worn. Items that almost never get worn are being considered because the reason they sit in the closet is because of no real place to wear them, and I have things I like better when the occasion arrives.

Considering a new goal-once on HGTV an interior decorator said you should have nothing in your home you don't love. Well that is all well and good if you live alone. However, since I am the only one who wears my clothes, and I do not have to please anyone else, why should I not have anything in my wardrobe that I don't love? Not going to worry if I do not love things like workout cloths or gardening stuff though. Maybe it will turn out more practical -like some things may be just OK!

9 years ago

Anonymous

My goal is to have only items in my closet that make me feel good. Good luck with your wardrobe purging!

Sometimes I'm just tired of something. Right now, my style is shifting somewhat, so some items go just because they no longer work well for me.

Staysfit

Veteran

I purge when something doesn't fit, when it's worn out, when the style is so outdated it looks ridiculous and isn't likely to work for me again because of my age. I purge items I haven't worn in the past two years unless they are special occasion items. I don't get bored with my clothes, only my shoes. I'm not sure what that's about?

Muffin

I have a pretty small wardrobe that has changed a lot in the 3 years since moving from rural to city. I've made a lot of mistakes trying to define my style and to dress for my real life. Lately my purges have been because I've worn the item past its due date. I'm finding I need to increase the amount of some of my items- jeans, shoes- because I do wear them so often.

Gigi

The only reason I would purge besides what you mentioned is that I just don't love an item anymore; it seems boring to me, even though it may still technically be my style. I'm thinking of a couple of items that I just loved when I originally bought them two years ago, but I didn't wear them much at all this fall/winter. The one item skews a little sporty, so I may just consign it (I'm not sporty), but the other item is a very practical piece, so I will probably keep it for that reason. But it is tough to wear a piece of clothing when you just aren't in love with it anymore!

Sheila

Ah yes. The original quote is from the brilliant Arts and Crafts artist-designer William Morris (1834-1896):

'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.'

I totally concur.

Caisee J

(website)

Active Member

After my manager told me she sometimes does this for other items, I'm actually purging out my closet to try to sell some items on eBay! And some of these are actually some that when I bought them I really liked and thought would wear a lot, but ended up not doing so enough to justify keeping them rather than have a few extra dollars.

I usually purge older things that I've ceased to wear -- because new stuff has rudely kicked them to the curb. Heartless, I know, but that's my story. I try to find them good homes, though.

deb

If I do not remember the last time I wore it, it goes.

Jaime

Sheila's quote is fantastic. KonMari's sparking joy with the important addition of what you "know to be useful". Because getting the job done can spark joy also, just less immediately.

Dee

I've been thinking about this idea a lot recently. I have a few workhorses/essentials that I don't really like, but they serve a purpose, and I'm trying to decide whether to toss and deal with the holes they create. Maybe they aren't as essential as I think?

chirico (Chiara)

I am prettu good at buying only what I love and use (took me years, though!). So my reason for purging is either the item looks shabby or it's not my size anymore. And shoes, when they are beyond repair or look scruffy.
Once something enters my (small) wardrobe, I wear the hell out of it

Barbara Diane

I try to figure out why I'm not wearing something, and see if I can fix it. If I like it after I figure it out, it stays, and if not, it's gone.
I tend not to look at what I'm wearing once I'm dressed. As it can be dark when I'm getting dressed, I've missed when some items have become too worn out to wear.
I keep some very cozy items that don't look great (too big, or a little worn) for at home use or for wearing on the occasional long distance drive.
I have a hard time with the "you must love everything" point of view. If I'm content/happy with something, if I feel good in it, that is enough for me.

I purge when something just does not fit my lifestyle. Luckily, I have learned from this and don't purchase anything that just is not me. I wear everything in my closet now.

rachylou

Ah! I am contemplating how to force-purge so I can partake of new trends. I am wondering if tossing barrettes would count, lol. Maybe I'll give away a coat. There's no coat I don't wear, but I have a lot.

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