If you’re anything like us, you probably have a closet stuffed full of some things you wear most of the time and others that you haven’t reached for in five years.
As cliche as it is, there’s no better time to say “out with the old” than at the beginning of a glorious, fresh new year, and we’re welcoming 2022 by giving ourselves the gift of a closet that we’ll wear Everything in and that’s void of the pieces we’ll reach past every time we get dressed.
Are you ready for the challenge? This list of seven things you can do to make it easier is what you should be doing.
1. The same shirt in four different colours
Yes, we grew-up in an era when a shirt had to fit and you could only buy it in seven colors. These options are unnecessary and can lead to an overstuffed closet. If you have duplicates, take them out and line them up. Then, choose the one that you wear most often. There is an infinite number of outfit possibilities—let’s not limit ourselves to the same T-shirt five days a week.
2. Clothing that’s too small or too big
It’s easy to hold out for the day you’ll squeeze back into the expensive sweater you accidentally shrunk in the dryer. But you’re cultivating a wardrobe to wear Now, and unless you turn back time to being 13 or preventing the dryer fiasco, it’s time to let it go.
The same applies to the dress you bought two sizes too large because you loved its print. I know it can be difficult to let go of pieces you love or spent a lot of money on, but it’s important to be realistic and keep in mind the “quality, not quantity” type of wardrobe you want. These pieces are worth looking at and asking yourself what makes them so special. Could you have it made to fit correctly? Could you resell it on the internet? If not, it’s time to donate it.
3. Bras that are worn out and barely hang on
We’re not talking about your delicate lace bra that gets pulled out 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. It’s hard to let go of the bra you’ve been living in for years, but a good rule of thumb is to go through your undergarments once a year to weed out the ones that need to go. You can then treat yourself to a few new bras and a proper fitting.
4. You have lost the outfit you once loved, but it is now in your closet.
We all have outfits we used to adore that we haven’t touched in months. We all go through style changes, but when it’s clear you’re no longer interested, it’s time to let it go. Pieces can still be versatile, and maybe you just need to style that leather vest in a new way, but if you’ve tried it with different outfits and still don’t find yourself utilizing it? Let it go.
5. All those freebie Tshirts, hats and tote bags
Over time, we can easily build up a collection of random shirts, hats, and bags covered in festival logos and local advertisements, and we’ve all gotten five free college T-shirts from random clubs on Quad Day. As you go through these pieces, really ask yourself why you haven’t worn them and if you would really ever wear them. Yes, it seems nice to have an array of hat options and totes for the unexpected adventure, but by giving away what you don’t need, you’ll open up a lot more space in your closet to see what you have and what will actually be worn.
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, but 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:
- Is it flattering for my skin or complexion?
- It would look great with my other clothes.
- Do I still love it?
- Is it still usable?
- Do I feel comfortable in it
- Would I buy it back if I saw it in shops?
- Is it damaged or not?
- Why haven’t I worn it?
7. Anything that you’ve been telling yourself you would repair and haven’t
If you’ve had the piece for longer than two months and haven’t gotten it hemmed, cleaned, etc., it’s safe to say that you never will. Don’t hold on to an amazing dress that will just sit in your closet because it’s made for a woman who’s 6’0 and you’re 5’3. Make an appointment to have your dress hemmed if you like the piece. If you’re holding on to a pair of jeans that need to be patched, get them patched this week or send them to Goodwill. They will clog up your already crowded closet.
Get ready for next year
A great way to keep your wardrobe in order is to flip your coat hangers in the opposite direction at year’s beginning. Every time you wear something, switch it to the opposite side. Then, at the end of next year, you’ll be able to clearly see the things you haven’t touched and can more easily justify getting rid of them without any debate.
Source: The Every Girl