When to let go of pieces in your closet

Does this sound familiar?  You go to get dressed and go right for your favorites.  So, why are you holding onto those pieces you skip over?

What is it about those pieces that don’t make you want to wear them?. And why are they taking up space.. both in your closet and in your life?

The reality is you’ve evolved. And some things that used to love to wear no longer fit or feel right to you. 

But let’s be honest, some things are easy to let go of, but some pieces are trickier. You still like them, but don’t wear them or you don’t know if you ever will. It’s not so easy to know what to let go of and what to keep, especially with all the emotions attached to clothes you’ve invested in. And when it’s your own things, it’s even harder.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when you get stuck. These are the same questions I ask myself and clients when I’m curating closets.

Would you buy it new today?

My friend and client Sarah shared with me that this was the single best question to ask herself to help her part with pieces that no longer fit her.

Really think about it… would you buy the exact piece new today? And I mean the exact piece. Often, you like the idea of something or it served a purpose years ago, but if you were going to buy it new today, you’d pick something updated in style, fit or color. Maybe you’d buy something totally different?

Do you have a better version? 

It’s totally normal to gravitate to the same kind of things again and again. But when you notice you always reach for your favorite one… your favorite two jeans, your favorite sweater, blouse, work out pants, it’s time to ask yourself… “Do I actually need… and more importantly, love all these backups?” Why are you holding onto them taking up space if they aren’t as good as your favorites?  

Does it fit and feel good on?  

I’m a firm believer that you should only have pieces that fit you right now in your closet. There’s nothing more depressing than passing over clothes each morning that you know don’t fit you. A lot of negative emotions come up and it’s not a productive or good way to start your day.

Of course, it’s easy to let go of something that doesn’t fit and you aren’t attached to anymore. But what about those pieces you still love but are a little snug?  I have a beautiful blazer that is a little snug in the shoulders but I can get away with wearing a camisole with it. But if it’s a whole size or a couple inches from me getting into it, it’s getting sold or donated.

Ask yourself what realistic for you. If you love the piece and would buy it new today, put it in a separate closet and revisit it next season.

Is it no longer ‘you’?

If it’s a piece you’ve worn and enjoyed for years (hello floral feminine boho blouses) and feel like your style has evolved into something else, sell it or donate it and let someone else enjoy it. 

What if I only wear it a couple times a year?

If you wear it once or twice a year, like a special bag, coat or special occasion piece, it fits and you love it... keep it.  

It’s for ‘when I… ‘ or ‘Every woman should have…’

Do you have a piece that you bought thinking it would be perfect for that place or event but that thing never really happens. What about that pieces you bought because it was little “different” than what you had but then rarely wear it.

Or maybe it’s something you bought because you once heard that it was a smart piece that every women should have in their wardrobe, but every time you put it on, it doesn’t feel right.

If it doesn’t feel good on, feel like you.. let it go.

If you love the way you feel in it, but needs some styling help, keep it.

Can you style it in new ways?

Sometimes you can overlook something that might feel underwhelming, basic or on the other hand too bold or tricky to style.

Have a try on session to try styling it in different ways. If it’s a basic, layer it and add some elevated finishing pieces like a blazer or dressy bag or shoes.  If it’s a statement piece, tone it down with jeans. 

Just remember, when you let go of what no longer works, you end up with a closet full of clothes that you love to wear.  Let me say that again.  You end up with a closet full of clothes that you love to wear.

This is the heart of curation.

If you need help deciding what to keep and what to let go of, I’d love to help. Get in touch here. xo, Laura