Torontogirl, that's a really interesting question. They are more essentials. It's funny, I rarely tire of my statement pieces, possibly because i appreciate whatever uniqueness they bring to my wardrobe. But essentials I tend to see as much more replaceable (i.e., is getting rid of this cardigan going to significantly change my wardrobe?) and don't worry as much about changing them. Hmm, I think to think about that a bit more. And do some mental outfit planning with some of the items.

Time to send them to the charity. I try not to buy to many off season items for that exact same reason. I take pictures in everything to see how I look and to remember.

I've been thinking about this question pretty much since it was posted. I think I'm an outlyer here... I don't feel like I need to "love" everything. It's great when I do, and I may reach for the "love" pieces more often, but if a piece of clothing fits, is still in style, still has life, and functions, it stays. Feeling "in love" with everything in order to keep it around seems like a frivolous thing to me, a problem created by our throw away society. I'm not suggesting keeping or wearing things one hates, or doesn't fit, or is worn out, but is it not a bit irresponsible to feel the need to "love" everything?

Not being judgy here, more talking to myself. I have purchased so much over the last couple of years that I feel I am falling into this... I love the new stuff, then it's not new, so want more new stuff. But I'm keeping the older stuff because it feels wrong (to me) not to be satisfied with it. This is not a cycle I want to continue, morally nor financially. Need to figure out the balance....

Elizabeth, you hit the nail on the head on why I asked the question. Do I need to love everything? I have quite a few essentials that I don't necessarily love but reach for again and again because they work well with other things. But I also have a few items that I rarely reach for, or will always choose something else over.

I've been shopping less lately, and not necessarily planning on replacing things if I purge them, but I also need to find the right balance.

Yeah, this is where Marie Kondo is going to make us crazy! We do not have to feel "joy" about every item we own! Or at least I don't. I need some items just to work and fade into the background and let me get on with my life!

Dee, you said: I have quite a few essentials that I don't necessarily love but reach for again and again because they work well with other things. But I also have a few items that I rarely reach for, or will always choose something else over.

If you're asking how I handle this...I would keep the essentials (maybe in a holding zone if not currently wearing) and let go anything that I "always" choose something else over...UNLESS it is a great fitting, beautifully made classic or a highly unique avant garde piece.

As Manny and a few others described, I tend toward a classic yet trendy style; i.e. most of my wardrobe is modern classic but I really depend on trend items each season to make me feel that "zing." Well, guess what? The trend items rotate! They have to. I might wear the cropped jeans to death this season and next season be onto some new silhouette. No problem. I will still be wearing the same classic trench coat, blazer, and moto.

Just deleted a spam post.

Dee, Elizabeth said what I was thinking and Suz identified the culprit!! Although the joy concept has its place, I think it's an unreasonabley high expectation for clothes ... I have a few things I really love, but most I judge based on whether they are supportive to my current style and lifestyle requirements, and still look and feel good and have a useful function.

This rarely happens to me...only because I am boring and not a risk taker. : ) However, when the love IS gone, I find it mentally draining and distracting to wear it. So I have learned to just say to it , " thank you for all the good times. Now go forth and give them to someone else".

Anything that was a true joy to me may go in a holding zone and come out the next season and be loved again. I love when that happens. If it wasn't a true favorite to begin with I am good at recognizing the difference and letting those go. It's definitely a process with a learning curve.