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9 Signs Itā€™s Time To Declutter Your Wardrobe

Is your wardrobe full of things you’ll never wear? How about those gifts that were never your style? The truth is, there are multiple reasons to get rid of clothes. A successful wardrobe shouldĀ make it easy to put an outfit together. It should reflect who we are and how we want to look.

Rather than a major purge, ala Marie Kondo, I find it simpler to purge as you go. I ignore the rules about tossing things you haven’t worn in a year because we often have timeless pieces that don’t get worn every year… think black tie dress or beach caftan.

Here are nine reasons to get rid of clothes:

1 – It’s too trendywomen wearing trendy clothes

Wearing a touch of trend keeps you looking current and visible but that doesnā€™t mean buying things that arenā€™t true to your style and flattering. It means adding things to your wardrobe that youā€™d wear long after the trend passes. If the garment screams 1980, you should probably donate it unless you put it in your costume box.

2 – It’s not flattering

Our eye color and complexion soften as we age which can make some colors and textures unflattering. Does the color look too harsh on you now? Can you make it work with makeup or accessories? Is your favorite bright sweater washing you out? Do you look better wearing dark brown or navy than black now?

Related –Is Navy The New Black?

3 – Your body has changed permanently

I’m looking at you high heels…They say shoes are the one thing that doesn’t change size when you gain weight. They’re wrong. My feet can go up and down as much as two sizes with my weight or salt intake. If the shoe or garment will never be comfortable again, it’s time to donate it. Keep in mind that turtlenecks and armholes can be as uncomfortable as tight shoes.

4 – It still has tags attached after a year

These are usually imposters. You bought them thinking they would work with what you already own, but they don’t. You shouldn’t have to fight to make a garment work. If it’s still wearing its tags after a year, you’re probably not going to wear it so it’s time to move it out.

5 – It’s uncomfortablestilettos

We’ve all bought something we thought would be fantastic only to find it’s scratchy or pinches. Life’s too short to have clothes that hurt, get rid of them. Your allergy to wool isn’t likely to change so you’re better off donating it. That shoulder bag that never stays put, will continue to fall off your shoulders so donate or sell it to a woman who will love it.

6 – It has bad memories

If a garment reminds you of something unpleasant, get rid of it, no matter what you paid for it. Clothes are supposed to make you happy and they won’t if they have bad memories attached to them. That ugly scarf your ex gave you belongs in the donation pile.

7 – It was a gift

There is no rule that says you have to keep a gift. No matter who gave it to you. You’re also not obligated to wear the item so the person who gave it to you, can see you wearing it. If it doesn’t ring your style bell, donate it to someone who will love it.

8 – You paid too much for it

Paying too much for a garment doesn’t justify it taking up space in your closet. It’s a shame and we’ve all been there. Cut your losses and donate or consign it and recoup some of your investment.

9 – It’s no longer your style

Does this garment still send the message you want your clothes to tell the world about you? Do you still want to be seen as playful, sexy, business-like…insert your old self-image here. If the answer is no, it’s time to get rid of that garment.

What are you holding on to in your wardrobe that needs to go?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to only wear what makes you feel confident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47 Comments

  1. I do several of these tips ā€œ wrongā€
    I wear gifts I donā€™t like so that I donā€™t hurt someoneā€™s feelings. Just as I try to be conscious of others feelings when commenting on the styles featured on this site.

    I keep things with price tags on them, especially if they were expensive.

    I keep outdated things.

    And I commit a couple of other heinous wardrobe sins I suppose.

    This post has tweaked my mind and I will have to think about why I do what I do in this area.
    There may be good reasons and there may be useless ones.
    Perhaps itā€™s to purge the latter.

  2. Great guidelines. Happy New Year!

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