Clothing has a shelf life! Let me start by saying that I have sported my expired pieces in the past, but it is time to turn over a new leaf. Why do we hold on to those clothes that we know are no longer wearable? Whether they’re out of style, a size we haven’t worn in years, smelly and stained, or have endured one to many late night ragers, some pieces are hard to let go. They have sentimental value, and if you are like many of my girlfriends, they have a direct connection to the memories we keep of our friends and family. I can picture perfectly the green courderoy jacket my husband wore on our first date. One of my girlfriends recalls events by what she was wearing.
So when is it time?
Most likely you know and are able to answer this question yourself. But if you are in denial or just not sure, I suggest you call in reinforcements. Get a friend who’s fashion sense you trust to take a look at your closet. Better yet, consult one of the fashion savvy members or personal stylists on MyFashionPlate.com for a wardrobe assessment. If you’ve saved some items hoping they would come back in style and more than 5 years have passed, say goodbye. There are some great ways to salvage pieces that are torn, faded, stained, or ill-fitting. Make a trip to the tailor for a little nip-tuck. Also checkout Barbra Horowitz’s videos on giving new life to your old T’s and dyeing your clothing for a fresh look. For those unsalvageables, say sayonara.
How can you let these pieces go if you don’t have money to buy new clothes?
Often you will find you have more clothes than you actually need. Research shows we wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. I bet you have some pieces buried away that you have forgotten about or perhaps hidden from your husband after a shopping spree…have I said too much? Clean out that closet. Reorganize. Find those buried treasures. Also, there are more ways to wear your pieces than you know. Experiment. Mix and match. Have a friend take a look. Often getting an unbiased opinion will reveal combinations you hadn’t thought about.
Letting Go
If you just can’t let go, save a couple of pieces. There is no need to be rash an disregard all of the pieces you no longer wear. Some items are special and worth saving no matter their state. And, you don’t have to filter through your entire closet all at once. Separate the items you are not to sure about into piles and see if you wear any of them within the month. Once you are more aware of your habits, perhaps you will find it a bit easier to say goodbye.
After you have cleaned out your closet, treat yourself to one new piece. As you continue to shape your closet, try creating your capsule wardrobe (look out for an upcoming post on how to build a capsule wardrobe!) and consider investment pieces. You may find it is worth it to spend a little extra on that nice cashmere sweater as it has a longer shelf life and can ultimately cost less than replacing the thin, pillers every year.
