How to Declutter Your Wardrobe

NoĀ drawer,Ā closet, orĀ shelfĀ is safe from me at this time of year. I want to start the year feeling unencumbered by all the excess stuff that has found its way into myĀ wardrobe.Ā  Cleaning out yourĀ wardrobeĀ helps inĀ declutteringĀ your space, but it also allows you to reevaluate yourĀ personal style. In fact, that’s a major component for effectively cleaning out yourĀ closet, so let’s dive into how toĀ declutterĀ yourĀ wardrobeĀ after 50.

not my closet, but a woman can dream

I’m updating this post from last year and leaving your comments because so many of them are full of great ideas!

Where To Start

Many people like to attack theirĀ wardrobe, alaĀ Marie Kondo, but thatā€™s never appealed to me. It’s not realistic for me to take everything out of myĀ closetĀ at one time andĀ tossĀ it into aĀ pile. That process creates a mountain of work. If the job is overwhelming, decision fatigue can set in, so you end up rushing to finish and start making poor decisions.Ā 

I like to make this simple. Start at one end of the rod or go through one drawer at a time.

Before youĀ declutter, be sure you donā€™t just need to reorganize what you own. If yourĀ closetĀ is messy, itā€™s hard to find the pieces you need to put a look together.Ā 

Have four bags or boxes at the ready:

  1. This box is for items you want to donate or send to consignment stores.
  2. This trash bag is for things that are too worn to salvage or donate. Our landfills are clogged with discarded clothes, so you could also investigate non-profits that will accept textiles in any condition.
  3. This bag is for garments you want to keep wearing, but they’re in need of repair, cleaning, or alterations.
  4. This not-sure box is for anything you’re on the fence about. 

The not-sure box is super important! You can bravely place things in this box because you know itā€™s not leaving your house. The decision is temporary and allows you to revisit the pieces later, but they arenā€™t hanging in your closet to see each day. Tape the box closed and store it in a guest room closet or the garage to examine in 6+ months.

Questions To AskĀ as You Declutter Your Wardrobe

Our taste and style recipe is ever-evolving, so it can be helpful to revisit theĀ three-word method to find yourĀ personal style. This gives you an additional reference to refer back to for each item you scrutinize.

For each item you pick up, ask yourself:

  • Does it fit you properly at yourĀ currentĀ weight?
  • Do you have 5 or 6 multiples of the same type of garment?
  • Is it expressing who you are now at this stage of life and your current style?
  • Is it still in good shape, or does it need repairing or altering?
  • Does the color and style flatter your current hair color and body shape?
  • Do you feel fabulous wearing it, or does it spark joy per the konmari method?
  • Is it still in style, or has the trend passed so you’ll look dated wearing it?
  • Have you reached for it in the last year or so? Some people recommend getting rid of things you haven’t worn in six months, but I don’t agree. There are several categories of clothes we need to have in our wardrobe that are rarely worn but are invaluable to have on hand, such as formal wear or things to wear to a funeral.

Closet Cleanout Tips and Mistakes

Take Your Time

Listen to your intuition, and don’t be too hasty. If youā€™re unsure about an item, remember that it can go into your not-sure box #4 above.

Don’t Be Overly Emotional

Is this theĀ scarfĀ your aunt gave you, but you dislike how it looks on you and never wear it? Is this the suit you wore when you got that fabulous promotion, but you’ve retired and now live a casual lifestyle?

DeclutteringĀ Essentials Without A Plan

Your basic blackĀ pantsĀ are shabby looking because you wear them so often. Be sure to make a concrete date to replace them before youĀ donateĀ your worn-out ones.

Cost Does Not Equal Value

This is a slippery slope. Just because you paid a lot for something doesnā€™t mean you should keep it. And if you got a smokinā€™ hot deal on something that doesnā€™t look great on you, itā€™s not serving you well either. If you did pay a lot for something, sell it at a consignment shop to recoup some of your original investment.

Relying Solely On Joy

A functionalĀ wardrobeĀ needs items that serve a purpose, and they donā€™t all have toĀ spark joyā€¦sorryĀ Marie Kondo. Wardrobes need functional basics that we may feel neutral about but are essential pieces to complete ourĀ outfits. That said, do not keep anything you donā€™t like!

You Keep Too Many Duplicates.

My hand is raised on this one. Itā€™s so easy to justify another great pair of blackĀ pantsĀ because I like and wear them so often. Keep a few best of the best, and release the rest. Last year I was struggling with decluttering my jeans collection. Surprise! I find myself in the same spot again this year.

You’re Overzealous

We talk aboutĀ finding yourĀ personal styleĀ often on AWSL. Our style evolves as we learn and grow, so getting rid of large portions of yourĀ wardrobeĀ in one fell swoop can lead to remorse. Iā€™d rather have three not-sure boxes than regretĀ donatingĀ a piece prematurely. Packing things up and removing them from your dailyĀ wardrobeĀ often helps clear your mind so you can get a better idea of how you want to look going forward.

The one category I seldomĀ declutterĀ from myĀ wardrobeĀ isĀ accessories. They take up very little space, and I often change my mind about them.

How To Organize Your Wardrobe

As you go through this process, begin to organize your wardrobe in a user-friendly way. Some people like to organize by color, and others use categories. I find categories make the most sense, then I further refine it by color. 

Hang all your shirts on theĀ rod, facing in the same direction. Group all jeans together and allĀ pantsĀ together. The same with skirts,Ā jackets,Ā sweaters, and knit tops. You can further categorize them by color (light to dark) or formality level (casual to dressy). This helps you see what you have, identify duplicates, and spot the things you’re missing from yourĀ wardrobeĀ essentials.

Get a good lint remover and fabric shaver to keep your clothes in good shape moving forward. Ā My favorite is this Gleener and this shaver.

Wardrobe Storage Tools

how to dress to look less frump

Velvet hangersĀ save a ton of room on yourĀ rodsĀ and virtually double yourĀ closet space. The flocked surface helps grip your tops so they don’t slip to the floor. A large box is very reasonable from Amazon.

I prefer to hang my seasonal clothes,Ā sweaters, and woolens in these clear wardrobe storage bags so I can see what I have while they keep the moths at bay. You can also use under-the-bedĀ storageĀ bins, but I fear I would forget what I own!

Hardest clothing to declutter

Some categories are easier toĀ declutterĀ than others. The pieces you struggle with the most will likely be your favorite type of garment. We often own the biggest quantity of them, and because we love them, itā€™s easy to justify keeping them. For me, thatā€™s jeans because I wear them most days.

What item of clothing do you struggle with the most when decluttering clothes?

163 Comments

  1. Wonderful post Jennifer, I know I will refer back to this one often. I also find jeans the hardest thing to let go of. I literally have a tote full of jeans in my quest to find the ‘perfect pair’.

    1. This is a keeper post! I am so glad I signed up for your newsletter! This post gives very good guidelines for organization and purging my closet. As stated before my waistline is disappearing and very little fitted not stretchy clothes fit me anymore. Thanks for the help.

  2. What a helpful and much needed post. I recently went through all my jeans and tried on each pair. Some were actually worn out. That showed me how much I wear jeans. I never want to part with any but I do know that I will always be buying new pairs so that made it easier. I like the idea of putting things you are unsure of in a box. On the spot decisions are hard so that can ease your mind. Thanks for being so helpful.

  3. A terrific post. I love the organized, reasoned approach. (I’ve never been able to relate to spark of joy…). I do relate to others in their comments about how work clothes still hang in closets long after retirement. I’m inspired to tackle my closet. Thank you for the nudge. And Happy New Year.

  4. One reader mentioned a question I had and forgot to askā€¦. How DO you store your clothingā€¦ tees, pants, sweaters, scarves, purses. Iā€™m sure we all would love to see your closet as well! Come on ladiesā€¦letā€™s cheer her on!

    1. My closet is tiny! I hang tee shirts too. If I fold things they get wrinkles šŸ˜ Iā€™ll see if I can get some photos.

      1. Visuals are everything! Please do share how your closet looks and how you store shoes and accessories. Itā€™s so helpful to see a closet that works and your closet is busier than most of us who are retired. Thanks!

      2. Pat Englund says:

        Yes please, I was just going to request the same thing.
        Great ideas here, very helpful. Thank you and happy New Year!

      3. I also hang my tees! Summer weight tees are folded and go in my summer bin during winter. The same with shorts, pajamas, etc. That opens up room for winter clothes that come out of that same bin. I hang everything. I have a walk-in closet I share with my husband. I have to switch out his clothes too. Fortunately, we have big closets in our family room that are for off season clothes and coats. I group all jeans together and then by color. All tops by color in a low hanging rod. Sweaters are on satin padded hangers, as I donā€™t have drawer space to fold them. All of my cardigans are together then by color, light to dark. I purge in the spring and fall. Maybes go in the family room closet again to be reevaluated in the fall. My weight has been stable but like the other Sydney, my waist is expanding so many things have been donated to Goodwill.

  5. I enjoy decluttering and organizing my closet by color and type of garment but this has not always been true for me. I do love good cotton socks so I hang on to them past their prime as itā€™s hard to find good cotton socks. I also hang on to shoes even when they are worn out or uncomfortable. I have challenged myself to declutter shoes and socks over the last six months. And lastly, I am hanging onto my good ponte pants that fit well even though I am now retired. They are hard to find in a high quality fabric at this point, so I reasoned it would be better to save them. And they still fit, are in style, and look great.

    1. Ponte pants are some of my favorites so I certainly hold on to them!!

      1. It so hard , I KEEP trying.

    2. I’ve found that Eileen Fisher Ponte items fit and last well; worth the extra money. They also have petite sizing – important to someone who’s 5’2″!

      1. I love the Quince ponte pants. Iā€™m also 5ā€™2ā€ and they carry petites that are just right. They are very reasonable at $39.99 a pair and come in several colors. Theyā€™re a great fabric weight and thick enough to hide any lumps and bumps! They carry straight leg (my choice) and boot leg (they were too long and too wide for me). You might want to check them out!

  6. Melinda Beckett says:

    Jennifer, this post on decluttering is the best I have read. I moved last year and I had some of the issues you discuss. I think it is great that you include jeans in our decluttering. We keep way too many. Thanks for posting this timely articlešŸ„³

    1. I wish Iā€™d done more decluttering when we moved. Itā€™s the perfect time!

  7. Great read!! I am about your size and soon turning 64. We live and work on our dairy farm. Jeans that fit always get moved to the work pile. I work I more than I go to town, so my theory is be comfy and love what I work in! I lost 20 lbs in 2022! I had donated all my smaller sizes before I decided to loose those excess pounds. I kind of wish I still had some of them! I am a soft summer color palette and shopping for smaller sizes has been fun!!! Thanks Jennifer for advice and inspiration!!!

  8. Great ideas here! Thanks so much for allowing me to have my not-sure box without guilt. I tried on all of my jeans recently and found a couple of pairs I did not remember I owned and that now fit perfectly.

    1. Thatā€™s a fun discovery!

      1. What a great post! I have to declutter 10 at a time as I tend to get rid of things too quickly. I absolutely love your method. Not sure what I have the most problems with. Maybe tee shirts and sweaters. I have too many.

  9. Excellent tips Jennifer, so pinned for future reference as ’tis the season being winter’ ‘ for me to declutter paperwork as use the fireplace instead of shredding otherwise for garments I try to do it at the end of each season. On that note though, do hope you kept at least one pair of your straight leg slimmer cut and/or skinny jeans which IMHO work/look best with tunic length tops.
    -Brenda-

    1. I do have one pair I really like but theyā€™re shabby looking so I plan to hit Talbots to replace, then Iā€™ll donate my old ones šŸ˜

    2. Elaine Marie ERICKSON says:

      I put all my ‘go to’ clothes in my bathroom, which serves as my dressing room, my panties are in a cabinet drawer by the toilet, along with any necessary hygeine products my bras are in a Victorias Secret bag that hangs next to my bathrobe on a hook, and my exercise pants and sweats hang over the towel rod. I put my tops on the stylish hooks that hang over the door. Right ouside the bathroom, I place my hoodies on hooks, and socks in a cool basket next to my umbrellas. Oh yeah, my favorite pj.s hang next to my robe and over the laundry basket. These minimal articles of clothing have served me well while healing from an injury and now after a year of using a makeshift dressing room I am ready to debulk my stores of clothing that more than occupy my bedroom.
      Start with a dressing room that is small, then declutter, keeping those few extras that fill your heart, for example my Wedding Dress, my Graduation Gown, my babies little walkers, and of course my favorite purses.

  10. Great information! Thank you. I struggle with how to store handbags. Any ideas?

    1. @Marcia: For storing/organizing outerwear winter accessories (scarves/gloves etc.) I invested in ‘hanging closet shelves’ (similar to Jennifer’s link) however also discovered they work well for handbags (and some do come with dust covers or zippers) plus there is the ‘pocket design’ (i.e.: Zober/@ Amazon) which is another option that I use for small scale bags fitting at least two per pouch. Hope this helps. -Brenda-

    2. Many like to store them hanging from a rack. I find they get dusty that way so store them in bags in my armoire. Thanks for reminding me I have to declutter those too!!

    3. I have put several hooks on the back wall behind my hanging clothes where I now hang 2-3 purses on each. With 2 levels where my shirts hang and 1 level for my slacks/dresses, I can have at least 9 hooks. The few I only use occasionally are in clear plastic boxes on a shelf with a label on the outside as to which purses are inside. Works great!!

  11. Totally agree with Beverly about Poshmark. I do sell some, but buy way too much. Jeans and J.Jill finds are my obsession. Thanks for the gentle reminders and great techniques for decluttering our closets!! Happy New Year!

  12. Jennifer, great tips! When I retired as an educator in 2016 I disposed of twenty pairs of black pants, really!

    After brunch with a friend today I am going into my closet and begin the purge!

    Thanks Jennifer, love your blog!
    You are humble and by the way your hair looks great.

    1. Have a great lunch and happy closer clean out! I have much left to do in mine.

  13. This is the perfect time of year to de-clutter! My closet is over-full of good t-shirts; the kind that form a base layer for outfits. I have too many that don’t fit well, but I keep them because they are just the right color to coordinate with a shirt or jacket. Or I find a bargain, but it doesn’t fit quite right. These will be my first de-clutter project. Your closet-cleaning ideas are really helpful, Jennifer!

  14. Great post! I did the same thing over the week end, starting with jeans. I decided I do no need 34 pairs of jeans (yes I have an issue but in my defense I buy a lot on Poshmark). We have an amazing buy nothing group in my community so I was able to find homes for all of them. Moving forward, Iā€™m promising myself to do better in the new year. Happy New Year to you!

    1. I plan to be much more selective going forward

    2. Sydney Haskell says:

      I use my old tee shirts, for pajama tops. I have knit bottoms for summer and flannel for winter. I have all hanging and divided by color. All blues together, etc. My off season clothes are in large bins. Only hanging clothes are in season. I had to give all of my beloved jeans away a few years ago when at the end of that summer I couldnā€™t get any of them to close at my ever enlarging waistline! My hips fit in a size 12, bust also or a Medium but I need about a 16 for my 35ā€ waist! So I am wearing knit put on pants and leggings with long tunics now. Much more comfortable in the winter.

  15. Great tips. I have way too many pants. Skinnies, slim leg, flare leg, ankle length, full length, denim, colored denim. My weight can fluctuate 10-12 lbs. so I have many of these in 2 different sizes.
    The struggle is real.

    1. Iā€™m up 8 pounds and not happy about it so understand completely.

  16. Great post! I have also just completed a major purge of everything…tops, sweaters, jackets, pants, dresses, pajamas, work out gear…except…jeans! Didn’t even try them on! I think I have more work to do.

    1. Sydney Haskell says:

      I went from 138 pounds to 141 pounds but it is the redistribution of weight around my middle that is giving me a fit! I was always slim! This is hard to accept. I am disabled and no longer able to walk for exercise so I am dealing with a thick middle. Ugh!

      1. Ditto here. Where is the solution to this? Always skinny but am not now and cannot take those long walks. Ugh is right.

      2. An expanding waistline is so common for older women and so frustrating.

  17. Julie Hicks says:

    Much needed post, thank you! I had no trouble getting rid of work clothes when I retired (from a hospital so the scrubs were easily donated) but pandemic weight gain, a more casual lifestyle and being unsure of my personal style has left my closet a mish mash of styles. Your post inspires me to start getting it together today!

  18. Ellen Arnold says:

    I am a pretty good at decluttering because I buy clothes all the time, but the one thing I haven’t gotten rid of is my work suits. I work from home 100% of the time now, and have for three years, but for some reason those suits are still hanging there. I occasionally will wear a skirt or jacket separately but never together.

    1. I think a lot of people are in your same situation. Working from home requires a very different wardrobe.

  19. I’m all for decluttering my clothes closet. I don’t have a problem (ha!) with ridding myself of clothes but I get bogged down with where to put my clothes. For example: hang sweaters, t-shirts, scarves or put them in drawers? When I put things in drawers I tend to forget them but do the clothes wear longer/better in a drawer? Any suggestions for this Jennifer? BTW, I read a number of clothing blogs and yours is one of my favourites. Sound, reasonable advice at a price point that regular, everyday people can afford. I’m not going to Paris anytime soon so why do I need to dress like a Parisian to go to the grocery store or other errands! Thanks for the great advice and suggestions.

    1. I often forget whatā€™s in drawers so I hang everything but my pajamas, lingerie and workout clothes. Maybe I should hang my workout clothes šŸ¤£

  20. I just ordered a new, updated closet organizer kit for my small closet. I am going to start today by removing everything and at that time, sorting out what to keep. I will donate but I really like your suggestion to have a box/bag for items youā€™re just not sure about. I will add a fresh coat of paint! My closet became a landing spot for much more than clothing. Why? Because it was just so easy to drop a small bag or surplus supplies.
    This is such a timely post! My word for this new year is ā€œmindfulness ā€œ.

    1. I havenā€™t chosen a word for this year yet! Must get on it.

  21. Cheryl spratt says:

    I retired 2 years ago but have been unable to part with all my beautiful suits. I am making it a priority this year. Thanks for the inspiration.

    1. Another reader will have a great resource for you!

    2. Just an idea Cheryl, when you go through you suits, try them on as separates with your other clothes. Depending on your style, suit jacket(s) May look great with a pair of jeans.
      I know office attire can be donated to organizations such as Dress for Success too. Just an idea, it is so easy to donate items and the next year find you need a nice jacket or dress pant.! Yes it happened to me!

    3. Maureen Willits says:

      We have an org called ā€œClothes that workā€ which is a 501c3 org. It helps those who are coming off welfare or otherwise financially strapped to ā€œshopā€ for appropriate attire for job interviews and/or positions that require professional dress. Clients are referred by their social worker, counselor, etc. so you know the right people are using the ā€œstore.ā€ The volunteers who work there help clients choose the right outfit(s) for the type of job they are preparing for. Your suits would be a great addition! Maybe there is a similar org in your area. The bonus is a tax deduction, but for me it is helping people restart their lives.

      1. What a great organization. Thanks for sharing it with us

  22. I spend the week between Christmas and New Yearā€™s doing the same. For me itā€™s jeans also. Iā€™m tall and lanky so Iā€™m still wearing my skinny jeans. Iā€™ve purchased a couple pair of bootcut, but returned the flares, theyā€™re just not ā€œmeā€ and at 71 straight legs, unless fitted still feel like Mom jeans to me ,lol! Have adopted your motto, where what makes you feel comfortable. Happy New Year!

  23. I have needed to de-clutter my closet but have kept putting it off. There is something about a New Year that makes me want to be better, to be more organized and your posts and especially the tips have inspired me to get started today! Surprisingly the things that I have the hardest time getting rid of is the old stretched out pj’s and the comfortable clothes that are just worn out that I usually wear around the house. I’m sure 5 pairs of pajamas are too much! Thanks for the help!! Happy New Year!!

  24. Pat Patterson says:

    Happy New Year,
    Excellent, excellent post Jennifer, I always declutter once a year, but now I have a better plan of attack with your suggestions.
    Enjoy the week.

  25. Great articleā€¦ It is very difficult to part with clothesā€¦though I never give up trying. The world has become so relaxed we no longer need dress up clothes. I have also found inexpensive trendy items are easier to donate after the trend is over. Basic quality items make such a difference to dress up or go casual. And donā€™t forget comfortā€¦ jeans that pinch must be ditched! LOL
    Happy New Year Ladiesā€¦.

    1. I totally agree. Plus where we live matters. My new hometown is much more casual than my previous one.

  26. Sandy Baron says:

    Last year we down sized to a smaller house, but I up sized my closet. My husband designed the house with a huge walk in closet for me. I love it, but have found since I have so much room I hang on to things I havenā€™t worn in years.
    When we moved in I put the hangers all facing one way. As I wore something I reversed the hanger. I found the old saying that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time true for me.
    You have inspired me to pass clothing on to someone who would wear and love things I donā€™t.
    I look forward to your blog. You do a great job Jennifer. Thank you.

    1. Iā€™ll have to try that hanger trick. I think Iā€™ll be inspired and enlightened.

      1. Laura McFarland says:

        I’ve used the hanger trick consistently for tops for a couple of years, resetting them all at the “start” of each season (usually after a major holiday). I force myself to wear each of my tops before returning to something I’ve already worn. It’s a struggle sometimes, so I have a much easier time saying goodbye to the pieces that never seem to spark joy! (Note: I work remotely full-time and don’t like repeating tops too often, making it easier to get through them.)
        I love your blog – keep up the great work!

      2. Happy New Year Laura!

  27. I am recovering from a bad cold, so this is a home project I can accomplish while isolating. Thanks for the inspiration, Jennifer. Happy New Year!

  28. What is it about January that compels decluttering? I find myself doing the same thing and really appreciate the tips (& tools) you recommend. Happy New Year!

  29. Your tips to de-clutter are spot on. I utilized pretty much the same theory recently when moving. It was so freeing to remove clothing that was not being worn or had so gone out of fashion that it was shocking to find it still in my closet. Not only that, donating clothing in good shape was so satisfying knowing that someone in need would be able to utilize something of good quality, in good shape, for a small, affordable price. Am loving your blog!

    1. I love donating my new with tags (I have most because of my job) to the battered womenā€™s shelter. It feels so good to help in any way.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *