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Season Switch: The Verdict

rachylou

Veteran

On a grey and rainy day, am nonetheless switching seasons out in my closet. The verdict: I have a stupid amount of clothes, esp for summer.
And the truth, I’m not inclined to get rid of anything and only want to add more. I have mini capsules for every variation on summer heat AND summer cold.

Also: I regret ever including drawers in my storage system. I rather miss all my clothes on bookshelves as per my last apartment.

I suppose I need a ruthless weed-out. Sigh. What shall the criteria be this time?

General

37 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Sara L.

Veteran

I was going to switch seasons this week but I noticed the temps are supposed to be drop from the 80's into the 60's by the end of this week. I think I'll just continue to walk about the bins in my bedroom rather than emptying them.

Regarding criteria - I guess start with stuff that doesn't fit, is worn, or is dated. Move on from there to things that don't make you happy anymore. Weeding out is tough and definitely not one of my favorite chores.

The Cat

Veteran

Good luck with the season switch, rachylou! I understand it can be difficult for you. Let us know what you decide ....

I find it interesting that you prefer to store your clothes on bookshelves instead of in drawers. May I ask why? I have the possibility to use shelves as well as drawers--and I am always interested in storage tips.

The Cat

Veteran

Suggestions: Take a good look at each of your summer items. Do some of them look a bit worn out? Are they all in colours that look great on you? Do they Iook current? Do they feel comfortable on your body? If four or more items are almost identical, why not select and keep the best one, two or three of them (depending on how much you need them and will actually use them) and donate/sell the rest?

rachylou

Veteran

You know, The Cat, it’s funny. It’s such a little thing... but economy of movement. It’s one more step - or well, two, opening and shutting a drawer. Maybe it’s my baker’s side, coming out. You won’t make it as a baker without speed and stamina, and those rely on economy of movement...

Cardiff girl

Veteran

If you are not inclined to get rid of stuff,don’t.l too have a lot of summer clothes and smiled when I read that you do too for hot and cold summers and that’s the crux of it isn’t it.If we had predictable summers here I wouldn’t need so many clothes but as the weather is so unpredictable these days I have more clothes to cover every eventuality weather wise.lts either that or move countries!Some summers I don’t get out of a cardigan and others I m sweltering in shorts ,l would always replacing stuff if I got rid of it just because I didn’t need it one summer and that’s neither environmentally or financially sound.

The Cat

Veteran

Aha, I see, rachylou. I have had similar thoughts when it comes to shoe storage. Years ago, I was so tired of crawling around on the floor, searching for suitable shoes on my low shelves in a dark corner. So I purchased hanging shoe organizers. Now I immediately see all my shoes (by the way, I keep them sorted by style and then by colour) and don't have to bow down or crawl in search of the shoes I want to wear.

SarahD8

Veteran

You know, summer is NOT my dominant season here in Seattle, and for the past 4-5 years I have been very diligent about not over-shopping for it. And...now my summer wardrobe is quite dire. As in, lacking.

So, I vote don't cull for the sake of culling. Keep the items that you truly like and are in good shape.

The difficult thing about summer is that you have to have clothes for everything from Mark Twain's Coldest Winter to Korean Spa temps. And even the rare types of weather require a capsule because it tends to come in waves....

I was also surprised that you prefer bookshelves! I have been so happy with my recent switch from bookshelves to drawers! I really recommend vertical/Marie Kondo type folding. Whatever extra motions you make to open the drawer you will save in not having to wrangle stacks of tipping-over clothing.

Of course, at the moment most of my active wardrobe is draped over the bed rail, so, glass houses etc...

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’d do a try on session just to remind yourself of what you have and check whether you still like everything and everything fits. I wouldn’t cull just for the sake of it (as long as you have the space and are not feeling stressed about it). But it might be worthwhile having another try on session further into summer to see whether your feelings about some items have changed. Sometimes I “think” I like something and will wear it, but don’t (despite the try ons). That can mean it’s time to pass it on.

Mainelady

Veteran

Rachylou, I’m not sure I can help you with your sorting, but I do understand your storage wishes. When DS was perhaps 8 or 10 he moved his bookshelf into his closet. He emptied the shelves and when it was time to put his laundry away he would pick up a stack of folded laundry and slide it onto a section of bookshelf. He said is was easier to get the job done and keep his room clean that way. His dresser held clothing he had outgrown or seldom wore.
When we designed this house, DS was in high school, for his closet we designed a hanging section and every thing else was open shelving. He has never had a dresser again, even in his own home.

Bijou

Veteran

Rachy - I recommend reading Staysfit's posts about her massive wardrobe clear-out late last year. She grouped similar items together and kept the best version (or versions) but just not all of them.

When you have great clothes, it is hard to let go. I know that for me, with hoarding tendencies, this is a issue too.

Goodluck with it!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Why not rebel against all the weeding in the zeitgeist and allow your closet to grow like wild flowers?

Anonymous

I like Shevia’s idea and will begin to think of my closet as a meadow. I am almost at the point that pieces i’ve Enjoyed for years I am getting a little tired of and want to clear out for new items. The problem spcomes when you don’t really like the stuff offered in stores. In your area, can you adapt your summer things for all or most of the year. Find toppers for each outfit, appropriate footwear, warm scarf, etc, can that summer skirt be worn with a sweater in cold weather and sleeved top or a light topper for transitional times? You will then need less and wear it out faster.

Alicewonderland

Veteran

Ah yes, I can relate to wanting to see everything more easily. Sometimes I will keep my closet door open so I can just see everything hanging all at once. In fact, I like it all to be somewhat harmonious and if something looks particularly jarring compared to the rest of my closet I’ll often weed that piece out, or at least pack it away and see if I miss it.

rachylou

Veteran

I do that! Lol, I never close my closet doors because I want to see!

I’m making notes... maybe I can do a little purge...

Carla

Veteran

In retrospect, it seems to me that folks who jumped on the closet edit/big purge in 2018 had either experienced a big change in their life or were anticipating one - post baby, moving home, retirement, new job, etc. and adjustments in style and wardrobe needed to be addressed. The closet edit, especially the BIG one in October, was cathartic for me, at least.

If you are comfortable where you are, you don't need to purge anything, Racheylou. I imagine that your closet is like that of Daphne Guiness - a sartorial archive. Maybe a little curating is required, but not necessarily a purge?

Jane

Veteran

Rachylou, the meadow option seems to me the best, and innovative. Perhaps new capsules will emerge. I do agree with you on keeping cupboard doors open.

Chris987

Veteran

Well, I think you said what you are really thinking/feeling in this line...."I’m not inclined to get rid of anything and only want to add more.". Why should you need a weed out if you don't want to? If you have the space why not just enjoy what you have and maybe add a little more? I think we sometimes spend too much time thinking "I really should..." instead of "Here's what I really want to do". I certainly do that sometimes

Aquamarine

Veteran

I hardly ever switch out my closets completely. It seems here in the northeast the seasons have kind of merged together so there’s often a need for a jacket or long sleeves in the summer, or short sleeves (maybe under a sweater) in the winter. Or maybe it’s just menopause that’s messing with my internal thermostat LOL.

Glory

Veteran

Why weed at all? If you enjoy what you have and you toss you will regret it. My vote is to try and reconfigure storage to suit you. Can you get rid of the drawers and add open shelves?

Christina F.

Veteran

I relate to this. I shop for a the beach but rarely get to go. I’ve decided to keep some of those excess pieces and put them aside for my vacation capsule. Plus I’m weeding out anything that looks s little bare and young for me anymore. I’ll still have too many summer clothes, though.

RobinF

Veteran

Still mostly cold here in Michigan but I want to switch out my clothes! It seems late this year.

I agree with the "why weed out if you don't want to" crowd. If you have the space and enjoy the clothes might as well keep them.

nemosmom

Veteran

If you don't NEED the room, I wouldn't cull just for the sake of culling. BUT, if you want to purge and you've tackled worn-out, ill-fitting, or dated/not your style, I would re-evaluate orphans (e.g., skirts without tops, colors that don't coordinate with anything else), and duplicates.

Anonymous

I agree-weed if there are things that bother you! If you wear something and don't feel good in it-pass (or restyle or alter) it.
I totally understand the economy of movement thing. They say the best way to have good habits is to make it easier to do the good ones than the bad ones (optimizing your space). So change your storage if it helps!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LET THE MEGA EDIT BEGIN!

JAileen

Veteran

I can’t believe you need a seasonal switch in the bay area. Don’t you wear winter clothes year round, anyway?

rachylou

Veteran

Lol, Angie! And lol, JAileen!

I do and don’t have the space. That is my closet is a bit crammed. I also live in an old house. The closets are deep and narrow. I have one main fitted closet and one that’s as-is since 1919. So I do a seasonal switch out. Mostly it’s putting away turtlenecks, heavy wool, and heavy sweaters - and pulling out the thin cottons and skirts and dresses. I have a crazy lot of skirts...

Staysfit

Veteran

Rachy one of the best helps for me was inviting a friend to help me with the most emotional sections of my wardrobe, and following Angie’s advice, almost to the letter. I did my wardrobe in sections instead of all at once because of time constraints, and it’s large size. In past wardrobe edits I failed to try everything on. I thought I knew what something looked like, felt like or how it fit. My previous edits never ended up removing as much as when I took the step to try on absolutely everything. Trying on all clothes made a huge impact: 1. I could compare the fit and comfort of similar items within a given category, for example brown snow boots, and knew right away which was the best of the group, which the worst, etc. 2. The emotional hold some items held seemed to decrease when I tried them. Somehow trying things on emphasized that memories associated with the clothes were stored in my brain, not the clothing. That in turn helped me to eliminate pieces which did not advance my style goals, or serve a function other than igniting sentiment. 3. The try ons helped me understand why I did not wear certain clothes but favored others. It helped me better define my style, edit my wardrobe and make more careful choices with additional shopping.

Finally, my wardrobe is still large. I do not regret my choices or miss anything. If you read the posts about my edit, I eliminated 100+ items. The edit helped make my wardrobe more functional. I can more easily find things, and I have a much easier time knowing what I own.

Anonymous

I'm coming over. I am the most ruthless, impulsive closet editor you'll meet. Don't even try your tears of sentimentality with me. I approach culling and editing without the usual rules and just make a decision on the spot. I am tough with myself and don't allow any bs about money spent, "maybe I can find something to wear it with' , 'maybe i'll gain/lose weight " etc etc into the process. Either it works and you are loving it and wearing it, or it doesn't. And out it goes:) I work for free given my singular talent

rachylou

Veteran

Oh no! Editing bootcamp! I already feel myself standing straighter and everything! Lol! There will be no mercy!

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