Before you toss those old duds, read this!
Used a bit of creativity when getting dressed this weekend! I have had a cardigan/poncho for just over a year and I have never worn it. For no good reason either; its a great color, soft, cozy material and can be worn two different ways. I just kind of kept overlooking it in my closet and never put together a fab debut outfit for it, so I wasn’t too excited to wear it. But I decided the other day was the time to show this poor little sweater the light of day. Now to dress my bottom half… I had just washed all my fav jeans the day before and they were still a little damp. Hmmm what sub-par jeans to wear now?? Then I pulled out a pair of Guess jeans that I just had to have at least 5 years ago. As soon as I got them I ran to the tailor and got them hemmed because I just knew they were about to be my new favorite jeans…and then I forgot about them and never wore them! Not once! So while wearing a cardigan I haven’t worn in over a year how about busting out those jeans that never made it on too?
And ta-dah, they worked perfectly together! A great example of why I hesitate when clients ask what should be edited out of their closet. Because sometimes you do have great pieces, maybe you just don’t have another garment to make the outfit complete just yet? Like when ankle boots made an appearance in the early 2000’s- skinny jeans weren’t in yet and flare leg didn’t fit into the top of my ankle boot to show of the detail on top, so I didn’t wear the booties for a few years. But they still fit and were on trend when I did wear them! So no, I do not advise obeying the rule I have heard many times, “if you haven’t worn it in a year get rid of it”. My, that’s harsh!
When deciding whether or not to part with clothing consider the following:
– Did you wear it the past season and if not why? Perhaps just because the weather did not agree, or the occasion did not arise? If so then the fact that you didn’t wear it for a year (which in reality means 6 months for those of living north of the equator due to seasonal weather) is not enough of a reason to part with it just yet.
– Is this a wardrobe basic or a truly trendy piece? Because while trends do come and go, and some short lived, Wardrobe basics and essentials have a much longer shelf life.
– Is the garment ripped, faded or otherwise damaged beyond repair? If so, then it must go because there is just no excuse. I don’t care if you physically can still wear it around the house, it doesn’t mean you should!
– Does the item has sentimental value. Your university’s sweatshirt? A concert tee signed by the band? By all means hold on to your memories, I would never tell you that you have to throw it away. However, I will say that it may not take up valuable closet space where something more useful can be hung, or in a prime position where you will be tempted to wear it. You should keep it as a memorabilia, not a shirt you can wear out to a casual lunch!
– Do you have the space for it? For clients that have large or multiple closet spaces I go easier on the editing. Because if you have the space to neatly store your items while remaining organized, why not hang on to them? However, if your closet is bursting at the seams, or you’ve got too much stuffed in drawers and under the bed that you forget what you have then be much more strict on getting rid of pieces that really aren’t serving you.
– How does the item make you feel? This is really the #1 rule to go by when editing your wardrobe. Clothing should evoke a feeling, and you want to be sure you have a closet full of items that make you feel your best.
And keep in mind, my twice a year Style Swaps are great places to bring those clothes once you are ready to release them, because someone else will love you for it! Items still in good condition you just don’t have the lifestyle or body type for anymore, swap ’em!
When was the last time YOU edited your wardrobe??