Culling Clothes/Shoes/etc: How do you decide which ones to let go?

[DrowningEveryDay]

I seem to have a problem deciding which ones to keep and which ones to let go.

How do you do it?

When I last wore it
Have I currently got anything that goes with it
When would I wear it
If I don’t get satisfactory answers eBay or charity shop

I do the 12 month test. Except I use years not months.

spark joy

Really?

Like wellies? Waterproof trousers? Heavy raincoats? Old clothes for painting?

None of these spark joy but I keep them because they are practical.

Does it fit?

Is it flattering?

Is it worn out?

Do I like it?

Do I wear it?

I send everything I don’t want to the charity shop because they get money for recycling clothes that aren’t wearable, I usually do a separate bag of stuff that isn’t wearable.

I'm pretty ruthless with clothes, but, I'm also very considered with purchases, I don't buy clothes that I either don't love it are not filling a necessary gap in my wardrobe.

Plus, if I need a skinny-rib polo-neck or a a white t-shirt, I'll buy the absolute best I can afford and I know looks great, ergo I'll only have one of each item as I know I'll always go for the one that looks best, so why have multiples?

That way my wardrobe is actually very compact, never needs a cull, and I can make loads of different looks from relatively few clothes.

And it's not a 'uniform' either, which is a criticism often levelled at fairly paired-down wardrobes, it's more a case of finding the right stiletto, or flat, or boot or trainer that can completely change the mood of an outfit even if you were to wear exactly the same above the foot!

Obviously practical or technical clothing is in a separate category.

Still needs to be for for purpose though!

I have a large chest of drawers, underwear and hosiery on the top two, tops on the second (I do roll them Kondo-style so I can see what's there, probably about 20 cotton or silk knit in various styles and colours), third drawer is jersey skirts, jeans and trousers that don't need to be hung, bottom drawer is knits ( both Kondo style again), then I have a small rail with dresses, shirts, silk tops, other trousers, skirts and coats/jackets. Below is a rack of shoes, probably about 15 pairs. Wellies and weather-gear live downstairs.

Hats live on a shelf with various gloves (leather, suede, cashmere wristwarmers etc), and I have and Edwardian rail thingy for belts and scarves. Another shelf for sunglasses and jewellery.

It works, I'm never fumbling around for an appropriate outfit, always have something to wear and feel very happy about my clothes.

Agree with anything that you haven’t worn in a while - chances are it’s either unflattering or out of season so you don’t reach for it. No point hoarding as it isn’t practical

I probably have a clear out once every few years my clothes hoard gets to the point that I just can’t find anymore room for it all!

But I buy new jumpers in the sale every year for the following winter, same with boots etc and the same with summer clothes so I end up with lots of stuff!

I make sure I have an hour or 2 spare and go through every drawer etc and just think yes or no.

Stuff I haven’t worn in nearly the whole time goes unless I rediscover it as I’d forgotten and anything I think is hideous goes as well. Anything worn through gets binned straight away so I never have anything that needs mending.

So found some shoes (Dr Martens) that are in excellent condition but haven't used in two years. Let them go right?

Why haven't you seen them in 2 years?

If you have the outfits, what was stopping you wearing your DMs?

If your answer sound lame, get rid.

I was mostly in sneakers during the past 2 years.

I have many DMs. This one I thought was a bit small, but now that I've tried them on, they feel ok.

Wear them.

Wear them around the house and out for short trips. Sometimes the only way to find out why you don't wear something, is to wear it and see.

Get rid of your scruffiest things (except one gardening/decorating outfit) and send the rest to charity.

I don’t
They are my beloved babies and I won’t let them go
(Soon to be appearing on an American tv show featuring saddoes living in shite)