The start of a season or the start of the year are often times that you may think about doing a bit of a wardrobe clear-out - cull or reorganization. Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I got chatting about this and decided to turn on the camera of our video-conference call and share it with you!
Wardrobing and Wardrobe Management
5 Tips to Help You Let Go
1. of the Item
This is a key driver for many people, and what I've noticed (and it's true for Jill too) is that the older you get, the more important this becomes to you.
Often you'll become more aware of how uncomfortable some clothing and shoes are when they are being worn, and instead of putting them back into your wardrobe, this is a good time to allow them to go to someone else instead of keeping on making yourself feel discomfort again by wearing that item.
2. Emotional Attachment Issues
If you attach a story or some sort of significant meaning or has some sentimental value, it can be harder to let go as it's easy to think that if you let the item go, those memories or feelings will be forgotten as well. Remember, even if there is a story attached to the item, you can photograph it, or you may even have a photo of yourself in the item which you can look at to conjure up those memories again!
You don't have to keep something as a "backup plan" or in case you might possibly want to wear it one day, even if you've not worn it in a long while!
I can tell you from experience that most people never wear their "back up plan" outfits, they wear something that they enjoy wearing more (for whatever reason). Why? Because the backup outfit or item doesn't quite fit their style recipe, or personality or comfort level or figure flattery guidelines, in the way their First Choice items do!
So why keep something that is not making you feel your most stylish self?
3. Figure and Colour Flattery
If a garment doesn't meet with your own personal figure-flattery or colour-flattery guidelines, the ones that matter most to you, this is often a good reason to let an item go as you probably are aware when you wear it you don't feel as good as you feel in other items that do meet your personal criteria.
4. Where Will it Go?
For some, knowing where their clothes are going can help you let go of items that are no longer fulfilling your style needs but are still in good condition (if they are not then that makes this decision so much easier). If you have a particular charity that you like to donate to or a friend in need who appreciates your items, this can help you let go of pieces that you love or have loved, knowing that they will be appreciated again by someone else.
5. Is it Still in Fashion?
Your wardrobe certainly doesn't have to be the latest trend, but if something was a real trend and that trend (or fad) has now disappeared - this is a good indicator that it's time to let a garment go.
Checking what the current fashion trends are (or just heading into a store and seeing if you can buy a replacement item that is basically the same cut, colour and shape is a good way to find out if it is still in fashion).
The more creative or classic the garment, the longer the lifespan it will have in your wardrobe!
And what is the average lifespan of clothing? Find out here!
Do share your experiences and what your wardrobe culling criteria are here in the comments!
More Tips to Help You Declutter Your Wardrobe
Listen.... Do You Hear That? What is Your Body Telling You About Your Wardrobe?
Questions to Ask Yourself to find the Right Way to Cull Your Closet
How Long Will Your Clothes Last Before They Wear Out?
8 Tips to Help You Declutter Your Wardrobe
