Editing is weird these days, that’s for sure. So if you feel that, I’m right with you. I just edited out about 8 favorite sweaters, which made me sad. Each was either worn down, saggy, pilled, stained, or no longer relevant. I also went through my jeans and purged the skinnies which were too tight and/or worn looking, since I’d acquired some wide leg styles, overalls, and a new pair of Kut girlfriend cropped jeans over the winter.
Usually I edit at both ends of a season. At the beginning, I’ll do a big match up with tees, shirts and top layers (if applicable), assess needs and purge a few things which don’t fit into the plan, etc. Also, at the season’s end, I often try to wear “one more time” a piece that’s on the fence, to help me decide if it’s time to let go.
For example, my mustard pullover. I wore it constantly the last two winters, and this, the third year, it was looking very pilled. Wore at home a lot because it’s the perfect weight and fit, but when I wore it “one more time” to grandkids’ basketball games, I felt scruffy. It went right in the laundry and then donation basket.
I’m getting out my short sleeved tees today, and notice that a couple are really bad (paint, holes) so I’m trying to switch around and delegate others to that wear function, and let those go. I try not to look like a rag bag when I paint with my art group, but might keep one for home.
As to the myriad, very cool, artsy pieces I acquired in 2019 when I was starting to show my art often and participate in gallery receptions for friends, I will keep them all for now. Maybe this summer will be more social.
Sorry for the saga. All the details aside, my strategies include:
1. Edit at both beginnings and ends of seasons to keep a cohesive assortment which fits my activity needs of the time.
2. Edit when a category receives several style-updated items.
3. Keep special occasion wear if I like it, and can see myself at the same type of event in the future. (Someone else said this, too.)
4. As soon as a piece feels wrong, I try to wear it once more, and put in donation basket if it’s still wrong.
5. Limit sentimental items that I won’t ever wear.
6. Keep at least one well-fitting, up to date, season-spanning possibility for a funeral. (Black or dark dress slacks, classic blouse, black or dark blazer or sweater, modestly styled and patterned dress, appropriate shoes.)
