LJP, I'm still learning this too. Clothes I own and have loved in the past don't fit the more rounded body I have today, even though in some cases I can button or zip. Or, as you say, they look too tiny or fitted and don't look current. I'm appreciative of the changes to more oversized and fluid fits available now.

Interesting comments. I have two leather motos. They were a bit tight but after a health issue and a big drop in weight, they are now loose—so I am glad I kept them. You never know.

I added a Moto toward the tail-end of the period where they were trending. Fits were already skewing more relaxed at that point (maybe 2018-19ish?) so I opted for my larger size and still find myself wearing it a few times a year. The combo of warm brown with silver hardware is so hard to find that I don't think I'll let go of it til it wears out. The thing I'm really not reaching for is my much-more-fitted denim jacket. Hanging onto it though because, again, silver hardware!

LaPed, I hear you on the fitted denim jackets too! I still wear mine occasionally (especially great for travel), but have been enjoying roomier utility jackets instead.

I only had the one genuine leather jacket. The others were pleather and did not survive. I am keeping and very much enjoying wearing my moto jacket. I plan to keep it for years to come, as well as my two denim jackets. They are classics.
You truly have an enviable collection. I am glad that you are sorted here, Janet.

Such a good read. As a keeper of things I found a lot of wisdom here. And nothing like trying things on to give yourself some clarity and some perspective

One of the things I love about your comments on this thread is the way you acknowledge how you are feeling now without clinging to how you felt then. There is an acceptance here that change is inevitable and allowed. That's something I struggle with. I would love to understand why I hold on to the past too strongly.

Good culling work!

I hear you on the fitted thing. Especially tough for later, because it doesn’t work for me to head over to oversized fits either. I don’t have the stature for that.
And armholes, sleeves— too high and too tight and I won’t wear. Too roomy and I look shapeless. I’ve not been able to wear the oversized blazer look at all of I look like a pinhead. So finding the exact fluid but not too roomy fit is tough. Somehow the jacket style has to allow for it without losing its structure. Harder with very soft or casual fabrics or even with cotton or linen if rumpled .

I think this is why I resonated with the post about having a harder time finding essentially “ elevated casual “ jackets one might wear to look “ nicer” and a bit stylish but still “ effortless “.

Plenty of great advice here already so not sure I'm much help. I have slowly edited out all my motos over the past few years. My last moto was in ivory knit I edited at the start of the spring season. I just don't reach for them anymore so I decided to let them all go.

I like the fit of the burgundy best, and it's not a common moto jacket color so if you think there's a chance you'll enjoy wearing it again, then keep it. I also really like the cobalt, because cobalt is a great color on you and also hard to find. The more common colors I'd let go, because they'd be easy to repurchase again if you want to start wearing motos in the future.

I’m happy for you that you could adjust the cobalt a bit and that you have decided to keep it for now. I suppose if you go another however many years not feeling right in it you might change your mind on keeping it. I would have kept it too but I think everyone knows I keep sentimental items! I have managed to reduce down my sentimental stash though which is good, but I do have room for what I have kept.

This thread is so helpful for me - thank you for starting it, Janet. Like many here, my peri-menopausal body, current trends, and my priority for ease and comfort have meant that I have not worn my fitted leather motos or denim jackets for so long - yet they hang in my closet. I also feel the need to look more current, and this tailored silhouette makes me feel stuffy. This is a good reminder to go through all my stuff, look at all those fitted/tailored pieces that no longer have the ease I want and pass them on. Thank you all!

A good try-on session is a great idea. I had one that I loved years ago, but I also don’t like things too fitted anymore. I ended up putting in the holding zone (a closet in my basement), only to take it out and find it falling apart (moth or moisture, nothing else got ruined so I’m not sure). Anyway it got tossed and the entire closet got a good clean out!

Another here who no longer feels good in more fitted silhouettes. Not that I ever really did much I guess, but even less now. I only ever owned one moto (hard to find in petites and hard to alter and maybe a bit heavy for me?) but I do appreciate them on others and think they are classic. I see what you do though, and think the burgundy is the one with the most potential to be worn again. It is hard to get rid of old favorites for sure!

I agree the burgundy moto looks the most fab on you in terms of fit and color! The grey one is a great color on you too. The cobalt one color is nice but if they’re too tight it’s time to move on. I understand about wanting to hang onto things that fit unzipped, because I do it myself. But it’ll feel better with a more fluid fit if you can find a new one! Moto jackets are always classic. As for the teal Burberry, if you decide to sell/pass it on, I’d love to be considered!