I’ve been in hundreds of closets. Which means I’ve had hundreds of conversations with clients about what to keep and what to toss from their closets. The decisions on what to keep are usually pretty easy – most clients are aware of what’s already working in their wardrobes. But the decisions on what to toss are often not as easy.
Yes, the straightforward ‘toss’ decisions are the clothes that are worn out. Or the ones that you don’t like anymore. But it’s normal to get stuck on some things – like items that you actually like, but you just don’t wear.
So here’s what I tell clients: the unworn items in your closet (that you have a hard time letting go) are not just taking up physical space in your closet. They’re taking up mental and emotional space, which can be overwhelming. And one massive benefit of letting go is that these clothes can do a lot more good out in the world, rather than sitting unworn in your closet. You can donate or sell or consign them – and you’re giving someone else a chance to enjoy and love them.
And guess what? The clients who have a hard time letting go are most often the exact same clients who text me a week later saying that it’s so much easier to get dressed. That they can finally see what they own. And that they just feel ‘lighter’. So, if you’re ready to take a serious look at your closet, check out 5 things that it’s probably time to let go.
IT DOESN’T FIT
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it’s not for a lot of people. Because getting rid of clothes that are too small (which is the most common fit issue) can feel like you’re accepting the idea that you’re bigger than you want to be. But think of it this way – having a closet full of clothes that don’t fit does two things. First, it’s being mean to yourself on a daily basis by seeing things that you can’t wear. Second, it can lull you into a false sense of security that you actually have a functional, versatile wardrobe.
If you’re not 100% ready to let go of what doesn’t fit (and it’s not alterable), move it away from where you get dressed. Whether it’s shifting these styles to another closet or under-bed boxes or the unreachable corners of your closet – the clothes that don’t fit should not be anywhere near where you get dressed every day. And if you want to a few tips on how to dress when you’ve gained weight, read this article.
IT COST A LOT
I hear this from clients pretty often. “I paid a lot for that.” But whether it was an expensive basic that you didn’t need or a statement piece that doesn’t go with anything in your closet, it doesn’t really matter how much you paid for it. Because you’re not wearing it.
Here’s the analogy I use: take a $100 dollar bill, clip it to a hanger and shove it in the back of your closet. And then leave it there. That makes no sense, right? But that’s the same thing that you’re doing when you leave clothes in your closet just because they cost a lot.
IT’S FROM A PREVIOUS LIFE
As you get older, your style evolves. You’re probably not wearing the same things that you wore in college. Or abiding by the same dress code as you did 3 jobs ago. And you may not even like the same things that were your vibe 5 years ago. But these things might still be lurking in your closet.
Basically, these styles are from a previous version of you – but that’s not you anymore. So, rather than letting them sit alone and lonely in your closet, you can just let them go.
IT WAS A GIFT
Firstly, I would like to tell everyone something. Please stop gifting clothes! Unless you know exactly what someone wants or they’ve basically asked for the item, clothes are probably not the best gift. Because I find so many gifted clothes (and accessories) in client’s closets that they don’t wear.
And your rationale for keeping these gifts is most likely the same as my clients’ – you don’t want to make the gift giver feel bad. But would Aunt Sally really know that you donated the sweater that’s 2 sizes too big? Or would your mother-in-law really ask why you’re not wearing that clunky necklace? I don’t want to cause any family rifts – but again, it’s probably time to let these clothes go to someone who’ll appreciate them more than you.
I JUST DON’T WEAR IT
We all have those things in our closets. The jacket that you were sure would be your fall/winter go-to, but you never grabbed. The shoes that look great, but hurt after one hour. The skirt that you bought, trying to convince yourself that you were a skirt person. Sometimes things make sense in theory, but they don’t make sense in practice. And sometimes you don’t know this until it’s too late.
In this case, I suggest you do one thing before you let it go. Try it on. Especially if you’re not sure why you don’t wear it, trying it on usually answers all those questions – which is why my clients try on things during a closet audit (click here to find out more about closet audits). And if it’s not an easy answer after you put it on for a few minutes, try wearing it for a few hours. Because that’s when you’ll remember that it’s the sweater that gets itchy. Or it’s the dress that shifts around your body. Or it’s the necklace that always gets caught in your hair.
But before you let go of a bunch of things from your closet, I’m going to ask you to pause. Because there are a few questions to ask yourself before you impulsively toss:
If it doesn’t fit, can it be altered? (Read this for tips to know before you go to the tailor.)
If you love it, but you’re not sure how to wear it, do you need some outfit inspiration? (Read this for tips on wearing things you love, but aren’t sure how to wear.)
If it’s worn or damaged, can it be repaired or restyled? (Read this for a few clothes care tips so it doesn’t happen again.)
Does the idea of going through your closet feel daunting? You don’t have to do it alone! One of the first steps I take with new clients is reviewing what’s in your closet. We’ll see what’s working, what’s not and what may need a little help. Click here to check out my services – I work with clients in-person in the SF Bay Area and virtually throughout the world.
