New Year, New Closet: A "Get Rid of It" Guide
As cliché as it is, there’s no better time to say “out with the old” than at the beginning of a new year. Create a closet full of things you wear and void of clothes you don’t. Ready? This list will make the task easier:
1. The same shirt in four different colors
Yes, we also grew up in an era where if a shirt fit, you had to buy it in seven colors. But, just like a room, you should strive for a mix of colors, styles and textures. If you have duplicate pieces, pull them all out, line them up, and choose the one(s) you wear most consistently. Donate, Poshmark or otherwise get rid of the duplicates.
2. Clothing that doesn’t fit
It’s normal to hold out for the day you’ll squeeze back into those expensive jeans you bought when they were all the rage. However, the point is to create a wardrobe to wear now and it’s time to let it go. It’s difficult to let go of emotional pieces you love or spent a lot of money on, but be realistic and keep in mind the “quality, not quantity” type of wardrobe you want. Look at these pieces and ask yourself what makes them special and worth keeping. Can you tailor those items to fit? Could you resell it online? If not, it’s time to donate it.
3. Worn-out “intimate apparel”
We’re not talking about your delicate lace that you wear on special occasions. We’re talking about the stretched-out T-shirt bra you bought at Target two years ago that’s barely in one piece. A good rule of thumb is to go through your undergarments once a year to weed out the ones that need to go. Then, treat yourself to a couple of new pieces of lingerie, briefs, boxers, t-shirts, etc..
4. The outfit you once really loved but is now abandoned in the back of your closet
We all have outfits we used to adore that we haven’t touched in ages. Fashion moves on. No longer interested? Time to let it go. Pieces can still be versatile, updated, etc. But if you’ve tried it in different ways and still don’t wear it, let it go.
5. All those freebie T-shirts, hats, and tote bags
Everyone has a collection of random shirts, caps, and bags covered in festival logos and local advertisements. As you go through these items, ask yourself (because you haven’t) if you would ever wear them. Give them away and you’ll open up a lot more space in your closet for items you will actually wear.
6. Anything you haven’t worn in over six months
We aren’t talking about the pieces you reserve for certain seasons here. Maybe you just haven’t gotten the chance to rock that sundress since you’ve been stuck in sweaters for months. That beautiful silk blouse you bought for that date last year that you’ve still never worn? Face it, you’re probably not going to wear it. If you’re still struggling with what to keep, look at each piece and ask yourself these questions:
Does it flatter my shape or complexion?
Can I see it pairing well with the rest of my wardrobe?
Do I still love it?
Does it still fit?
Do I feel comfortable in it?
Would I buy it again if I saw it in stores now?
Is it damaged?
Why haven’t I worn it?
7. Anything that you’ve been telling yourself you would alter or repair and haven’t
Make an appointment with a seamstress this week or send them to Goodwill. They are just taking up space in your already overcrowded closet.
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