A Stylist's Guide to What to Keep, Toss, or Donate
We find the start of a new season is the perfect time to give that closet of yours a much needed wardrobe edit! We’ve come up with 7 easy questions to ask yourself as you edit your wardrobe and by the end of it you’ll be left with pieces that you feel excited to wear! If you want a broader perspective on tidying your wardrobe, check out The 5-Minute Closet Edit You Can Do Today!
Question 1: Does it fit?
The biggest and often easiest question to answer, but for some reason hardest for us to part with our clothes if the answer is no.
If the answer is yes, does it fit in a way that follows the rules for your body type? You might also enjoy 7 Expert Tips to Creating a Wardrobe You’ll Love for styling guidance.
If the answer is no, can it be tailored? If not, then it might be time to donate or sell! For more guidance, see How to Avoid Shopping Traps like a Stylist.
Question 2: Is it worn out or in poor quality?
Toss it if it has pilling, a hole or stain, faded areas, frayed edges, bad seams or sagging drape. Also reference 3 Stylist Tips for Storing Your Winter Clothes for proper care of items you decide to keep.
Question 3: Is it out-dated?
Examples: bad vintage, sad 80’s, a collar that will never be back in. Check out Is Your Closet Ready for Fall? for seasonal inspiration.
Question 4: Do you wear it regularly?
If you haven’t worn it for a year, it may be the wrong fit or you or have too many of the same item. Keep it only if it is a special occasion item. Also see 10 Ways Our Stylists Embrace the Hygee Lifestyle for tips on making the most of your wardrobe in cozy, everyday life.
Question 5; Do you feel awkward or self-conscious wearing it?
If so, it probably does not fit your Clothing Personality and you will never feel good in it! For advice on styling for confidence, see How to Refresh Your Spring Work Wardrobe
Question 6: Is it literally uncomfortable?
If it tugs or itches and can’t be fixed, let it go. For more on smart wardrobe decisions, check 4 Tips for Building Your Dream Wardrobe This Year.
Question 7: Is the color and pattern right for you?
If it is out of proportion with your frame or does not flatter your coloring, let it go. You can also refer to How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe Backed by Science for guidance on color and pattern coordination.
What to keep:
There are timeless pieces that you should never get rid of because they go beyond a simple trend. If you find yourself not wearing it, simply store it away until you are inspired, but don’t part with it. For ideas on timeless essentials, see 5 Timeless Fall Fashion Essentials.
The most important thing to note is keep only what flatters and fits! We also love turning all hangers in one direction at the start of a new season or at the start of the year and once you wear the item on the hanger turn it the other way. At the end of 6 months (or what ever time period you deem long enough) donate, toss or sell any clothes still facing the original direction!
You don’t have to do this alone! We can work with you in-person or virtually to ensure your wardrobe contains all the key pieces you need for making outfits, uncover habits that may be holding you back, and know which clothes to have tailored and which to give away.