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How To: Purge Your Closet {Wearing What I’ve Got}

June 6, 2014

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I can be guilty of allowing my closet to lapse into utter chaos.  I keep things for sentimental reasons and, I admit, I am often too lazy to weed through the clothes I am not wearing.  However, allowing clothes you are not wearing (for whatever the reason) to take up space means more time searching for pieces you truly want to be wearing. Actually seeing what you have allows you to choose from the clothes you like and helps you to understand what you don’t have; as a result you become a more targeted and savvy shopper.

In the continued spirit of “Wearing What I’ve Got”, below are 5 tips to help you purge your closet of the clothes you are not wearing and, ultimately, appreciate the clothes you do like to wear.

1) Try everything on.  You wore (fill in the blank) endlessly…5 summers ago.  This doesn’t mean it’s worthy of remaining in your closet – styles change and so do you.  Try clothes on and be critical.  Ask yourself several questions: Would you wear this now – no really, right NOW?  Would I buy this item today? Where and how am I going to wear this?

Only keep things you LOVE.  Listen to your inner voice and trust yourself.  If you need a second opinion, send a picture to a friend or invite one over to help you assess.  And, don’t keep things due to “sunk costs.”  Whether you wore it years ago and loved it then, or you never wore it – whatever the reason – if you’re not reaching for it now, then it’s taking up space and mind share in your wardrobe.

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 Overalls: Aritzia | Sandals: Birkenstock

2) Create 3 piles for the clothes you do not return to your closet:

  •  Alterations: these are clothes in good condition yet they require a small repair or minor fit adjustments.  It’s amazing what a good tailor can do; taking a mediocre piece and making it a truly timeless treasure with the perfect fit.  However, be selective – it may not be worth the expense to alter an inexpensive piece that won’t withstand the test of time.
  • Donations: these clothes should still be in relatively good condition.  Find a charity you would like to support and take your clothes there (Dress for Success or women’s shelters are always great places to contribute).
  • Consignment: selling your clothes is a great way to earn money to purchase new ones! Clothes should be in good condition and current (within the past couple of seasons).  Feeling guilty about purging a sweater you have never worn? Perhaps consider selling on eBay. For designer pieces, seek out a designer-specific consignment boutique, as they will appreciate the value of the item (and you will be compensated more appropriately).

3) Continue to assess. Return things you plan to keep to their hangers, but turn each hanger the opposite direction (as seen below). When you wear an item, then turn the hanger to the correct position.  Give yourself a time frame (for seasonal clothes you need to allow enough time for them to get worn) – I suggest a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 1 year.  At the end of the given time period, be ruthless.  Simply pull the items you have not worn from your closet…do NOT try on.  These items have not been worn in a year and should no longer be in your closet.

Exceptions to this rule include: formal attire and special occasion clothes (including that interview suit), and sentimental items.  However, these pieces should be stored in the back of your closet or, better yet, placed in a storage box out-of-sight.  You want to keep grandma’s hand knit Christmas sweater but it shouldn’t be taking up valuable real estate.

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4) Display your shoes.  For years I had my shoes in boxes and, while they were safely stored within their cardboard confines, it was impossible for me to see, let alone quickly grab a pair to try (especially those that ultimately ended up at the bottom of the pile). Shelves are great but if that is unavailable, try shoe trees or shelves placed on the floor.  Only shoes such as winter boots and special occasion heels should be stored in inaccessible areas.

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5) Neatly fold and stack clothes that you wear often.  However, be careful of how many things you include in the stack.  If the stack becomes too large, you will never see or reach for the items at the bottom.  Like the hanger trick, try attaching a small sticker to each item in the stack.  Remember to remove the sticker once you put the item on and, after a specific time period, purge those items with the stickers remaining.

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Finally, for those of you (like myself) who have A LOT of stuff – be sure that you also rotate your wardrobe seasonally (in addition to weeding). Each spring, I store my winter sweaters and coats – sending them to the dry cleaners then storing them in cedar-lined storage bags.  I do this same exercise in the fall; reviewing summer garments for wear and then repairing and laundering as needed prior to storing for the winter.  Make sure you always store clean clothes (this will help keep moths at bay in addition to maintaining your clothes).  When you retrieve your stored pieces, it’s like you have a new wardrobe when you pull out your carefully folded items and can easily transition them directly to your closet.

I’m eager to hear if you have any tricks for purging or are faced with challenges I did not address.  Also, tell me if you are “Wearing What You’ve Got” – what are your best practices for keeping your favorite items front and center in your wardrobe?  Please leave a comment to let me know.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

Comments: 4   //   Category: How To

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  1. kirsty

    June 6, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    of course you would take everything to get dry cleaned before storing for the season. you are wise beyond your years. and I so wish we were the same shoes size.

  2. Erin

    June 11, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Drop-off has been made to the consignment store, hangers are flipped around, and folded clothes/accessories are nicely stacked. I feel so much lighter! Thank you, Jenn!

  3. samethread

    July 4, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    I will be doing this!

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Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
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Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
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welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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