Closet purge —Wardrobe reimagined

[Pointby2]

I've given away my last tie. Very liberating.

I'd love to do this. But I know there are weddings and funerals still in my future.

 

[Teacher Terry]

When I bought my condo five years ago with much less closet space than my house it also coincided with me losing 50 pounds. I got rid of a lot of my clothes before I moved.

I have three closets in my condo and I use half of one closet that has a double rod for almost all my clothes. I keep a few dress outfits for funerals or when I take a cruise. I also have my coats in my entryway closet when I come in. If I buy a new item then I get rid of a similar item.

 

[Koolau]

Yes, but you probably had to get something like a Sig Zane Aloha Shirt for weddings and funerals.

Hilo Hattie!

 

[Koolau]

I'd love to do this. But I know there are weddings and funerals still in my future.

If I can't wear an aloha shirt, I won't go. The people at church on the mainland gave me a couple of side-wise glances at first but now they seem to enjoy guessing just how wild my shirt will be the next Sunday.

 

[samcat]

For ads during the games I play on my phone, I get to see ads for various companies that suggest "capsule wardrobes" which is sort of what you are suggesting.

Also, have you heard of having your color palette figured out? I am a summer and look best in pastels - purples, pinks, etc. Winters like black, blues, reds. Fall and spring look better in a warm palette - earthy tones, orange, yellow, red. I had my palette decided when I was a teenager. I think it was a thing in the 70s and 80s.

 

[NeverBored]

In January, I turned all my hangers backwards on my side of the closet. If I wear an item and feel good in it, I'll turn the hanger around when it gets hung up. If I don't want to wear it repeatedly, or if I put it on and take it off because I don't feel good in it -- it goes to donation (or trash if there's a reason). So many things have left...I now have a chunk of empty hangers. Once in a while I will pull out a backwards-hanger and make myself try it on to make the decision.

This has worked better for me than other methods I've tried over the years. There have been quite a few "what was I thinking when I bought this?" moments.

 

[athena53]

<snip> I try not to rationalize keeping something that just doesn’t work just because I can’t part with it. Part with it. <snip>
I encourage myself to be a “let go of it” person. I truly can do without it, and someone else may find it will suit their needs at a bargain in a thrift store.

These observations work well for paring down possessions in general. I've let go of things that would probably horrify people but if I no longer use or enjoy something and someone else might- out t goes. Free Stuff on Craigslist is my best friend.

I should add that I've never gotten rid of something that would have sentimental value to other members of my family. I've gradually let go of a lot of knick-nacks that my late DH had around, for example. My wardrobe is pretty stable. I've been the same size most of my life, I buy classic styles and wear them till they're falling apart or stained. Other than buying a flurry of yak wool sweaters late last year/early this year (found a good brand made in America) and the occasional souvenir T-shirt, I don't buy clothes.

 

[Koolau]

In January, I turned all my hangers backwards on my side of the closet. If I wear an item and feel good in it, I'll turn the hanger around when it gets hung up. If I don't want to wear it repeatedly, or if I put it on and take it off because I don't feel good in it -- it goes to donation (or trash if there's a reason). So many things have left...I now have a chunk of empty hangers. Once in a while I will pull out a backwards-hanger and make myself try it on to make the decision.

This has worked better for me than other methods I've tried over the years. There have been quite a few "what was I thinking when I bought this?" moments.

I tried leaving my shirts that didn't fit unbuttoned on the hanger (once I tried it and then hung it up again). DW defeated my plan as she couldn't deal with MY shirt hanging in MY side of the closet - not buttoned. You can't make this stuff up.

 

[starry night]

For ads during the games I play on my phone, I get to see ads for various companies that suggest "capsule wardrobes" which is sort of what you are suggesting.

Also, have you heard of having your color palette figured out? I am a summer and look best in pastels - purples, pinks, etc. Winters like black, blues, reds. Fall and spring look better in a warm palette - earthy tones, orange, yellow, red. I had my palette decided when I was a teenager. I think it was a thing in the 70s and 80s.

Yes, I had the season thing done back in the day and agree with the results they recommended for me — winter, dark neutral and color palette in cool blues and pinks. I find that now a go to a basic black and more recently more browns. And, yes, I consider mine a developing capsule wardrobe.

 

[Sanstar]

I have more clothes going out than coming in right now. A year on Zepbound and 70# lighter, lots of clothes going to local thrift shop. I’m reluctant to buy anything but minimal essentials until I get to goal (2 more sizes down). Only one swim suit, one jacket, ect… I have kept my “going to weddings dress” but will need to have it altered before I can wear it. I will need a funeral outfit but should have sufficient notice to get one.

I hadn’t given much thought to colors but after reading OP, perhaps I should take this into consideration for future purchases.

 

[Dtail]

For events requiring better clothing, plus some dress up other locations, I do have a reasonable selection.
For everyday wear, I mainly stick to a basic dress down ensemble.
The fiancee does care a lot more about clothing choice.