Let’s be honest, ladies: we may have a closet full of clothes, but we don’t actually wear everything in it. And we still DO complain about having nothing to wear! It’s high time we stop making excuses for those clothes that just don’t deserve space in our wardrobes any more. Here are 7 tests to help you decide what should stay and what should go when you clean your closet! Because, after all, until you get rid of some of them, where on earth are you going to fit in all the fab new stuff you’re dying to buy every day?!
1. Time Check
Ask yourself honestly: when was the last time you wore it? Was it more that 3 months ago? Because that’s where we’re drawing the line. Of course, your evening dresses and wedding outfits are exempted from this, but don’t try to sneak in that purple sequinned skirt you’ve never worn! If the tags are still on after a year, it REALLY needs to go.
2. Last Chance
While you’re on the first step, you might feel like you’re being a bit unfair to some of those clothes. Here’s what you can do to give them another chance. Give them prime location in your closet – a dress you’re giving another chance should be the first thing you see when you open the door. If a week later you still haven’t found an occasion to wear it, then you must put a stone on your heart and let it go.
3. Size And Fit
We all have some things in our closet that we tell ourselves we’ll fit into once again – someday. But exactly how long have you been telling yourself that? You need to realistically assess this: if it’s more than one size smaller (or larger!) than what you are now, it’s probably never going to be right for you again. Say farewell.
4. Worth It?
If it doesn’t fit you right but you love it so much that you’re willing to get it altered, figure out if it’ll be worth it. Would you be able to wear it if you finally get it to sit right on you? If yes – might it just be cheaper to buy a new similar option that already fits correctly? If it’s a yes to that as well, you shouldn’t waste your money, time and closet space any longer.
5. Best Feeling
Yes, the feeling you get when you’re wearing the clothes – it’s important! Is it a positive one? Do you feel confident, sexy, or even just comfortable? If yes, it should stay put in your closet – that’s where it belongs. But if it makes you feel conscious, bulky or just plain awkward or blah, you know exactly what to do with it!
6. Tough Love
We know all too well that some outfits just have too many fond memories attached to them. That costume you were forced into for a dance competition that you won, your extremely altered high school skirt, or even your Sweet 16 birthday dress. You need to show some tough love and take them out – and if you don’t want to permanently part with them, at least put them into storage to make room for clothes less than a decade old.
7. Worn Out?
And then there’s that other kind of favourites we have: clothes we like SO much that we wear them all the time – and wear them out. No matter how much you love that tee or those pants, if the wear is beginning to show – little holes opening up in the knit, or the seams beginning to fray – it’s time to say goodbye. We know how hard this is, but do you really want to be known as “The Girl With The Torn Clothes”? Give them up, and replenish your wardrobe with similar items. Trust us, the smell of new clothes is definitely going to help you get over the sadness of breaking up with your old ones!
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MUST-READ: #ThrowItOut: 7 Items That Are Wasting Space in Your Closet!
