Shop your wardrobe!!! Digging out neglected items…a thread to share successes!

[MakemineaGandT]

Since Christmas I’ve been trying to ‘shop my wardrobe’ and wear things that have been neglected for far too long. The plan is that if I wear them for a day and they don’t feel good, I’ll ruthlessly get rid. So far I’ve ended up falling back in love with things I haven’t worn in a long time and haven’t got rid of anything! Today’s success was a blouse I’ve had at least ten years which I stopped wearing as it is a bit see-through and ‘difficult’, though I’ve always liked the neckline on it (high, lace edge). I layered it under a crew neck jumper today and it looked great - so it’ll be on rotation again!

Similarly I’ve worn some long suede boots recently which must be at least 15 years old. Through all the skinny jeans years I stopped wearing them as they felt like wellies over the skinny jeans, but I put them with a midi-length dress the other day and they looked right again.

I love clothes but am trying to reduce new purchases by getting more pleasure from the ones I already own. Anyone else managing to do this? I definitely couldn’t do the ‘no buy 2024’ thing, so this is my compromise effort!

Me too. I’ve so many lovely things bought years ago that I can’t get into but really having trouble shifting the two stone I need to lose. Got the willpower but also got age, low thyroid & a knackered spine from an accident two years ago that I’m battling against.
It’s really disheartening how the quality has dropped on the high street but at least it removes temptation.

I've been doing this because I don't have a lot of wardrobe cohesion and its been good to try and pair different pieces together. I've also trying to wear everything once and properly analyse why some things don't get the wear. Is it just because I have too much or is it too tight or something else not quite right.

Definitely! I was about to chuck out a black maxi dress (the gold buttons were worn out) but loved it so much that I ended up buying new buttons. The dress now has a new lease of life!

I've also sold things I regret, tan leather skirt from river island, black leather knee length skirt with a zip up the front, a suede brown skirt from river island , all from the 80s and 90s but to be honest I'm a size bigger now so 8s no longer fit😫

Got out a floral fitted t-shirt I've not worn since last summer today. I think the problem is its quite 'nice' so I save it for meetings or such but while its cut really well its a polycotton so no reason not to wear it more often.

I’ve been dreadful in the past for saving things for “best” instead of wearing them regularly. The reason why some things ( lots 😳) are like new or have labels still.

I received a rare compliment from my 19 year old dd & others this week when I wore my 12 year old black wide-leg Tesco's Cashmere joggers & a several years old Jaeger black wool coat that I was planning on e baying.

Last time a couple of years ago I wore the coat with a jumper & felt & looked like a stuffed sausage. It looks so much better with just a simple t shirt underneath

Successes: an at least 10 years’ old batwing jumper plain, wool, that my kids keep complimenting. Found it stored away and it’s good for work and with jeans.
A black flock/Devore cardigan from the 90s(admittedly it was expensive then), that goes with any ‘going out’ outfit.
I got rid of a long black chunky cable Coatigan from TopShop and regret it.

Lots of faux pearls, Breton-esque tops, Chanel inspired jackets, classic blazers/jackets, loafers and blouses right oughta the very early 80s currently in the shops. I don’t need to buy any of them as I’ve got a fair few things that fit the brief.

My Gap Breton is probably older than the 18year old. My camel blazer style jacket was bought in December 1995 by me as a reward for a mega day of Christmas shopping. Linen blazers are making a comeback. I have pink one. I wish it wasn’t pink but I think I might fall for it again as it does look just like some I’ve seen online recently.

Re coatigans - I’ve definitely got rid of a few that would be just the thing now. But, I have one that I bought in 2004. That’s before they even called them coatigans 😂

See I can totally understand why you would get rid of coatagans, they are one of those things that seems like a good idea but actually don't really have a place I think.

Yes, I had to get a new one as our office is cold and it just feels a bit ‘dressing gown’ 😂

Lols 😂 re coatigans - they are certainly not all equals. The 2004 one I have has a faux suede collar and placket so it’s a slightly superior variant. I also have a long cardigan that’s not a coatigan and definitely came from a loungewear section of M and S. WFH wear 🤣

I still miss a top I got in Internacionale (?) when I was about 14 on a trip to Carlisle with my granny. It was silver slashed neck and sleeveless but with a really cool water drop/bubble pattern all over.

my advice is never throw clothes away, EVER, just put them in storage.

I’m also on the no spend 24 thread but I’m aiming for less and more ethical purchases instead of a no buy. I enjoy it and generally make good decisions.

I’m overjoyed that a skirt I bought from eBay last month means I can use some more of my wardrobe. It’s a gateway piece and it was from an ethical brand in the first place so a good buy.

Ditto buying a dark green summer weight sweater as I already know what my winter weight one goes with colour wise. From an ethical made to order brand whereas the original winter was from Next a good few years back.

I still have some regrets. I doubt i would still fit into a Vivienne Westwood mini skirt but I got rid of it pre having DD and it’s absolutely something she could have worn. I’ve been hankering after my long gone Planet boiled wool coat that absolutely would have passed for Toteme this year.

I dug out a pure wool tartan scarf this year to wear. It came as a 3 some of tartan mini skirt and long plain geeen tunic. By a lovely company Emcar. All wool. I was 14 now 75. Beautifully made. I wonder what I did with the skirt and tunic. Maybe my Mum passed it on to a younger cousin.

Could you dye the jacket? Linen takes dye very well.

I think part of my problem is that in Winter I am a bit lazy. I don't work so it is too easy to throw on jeans/trousers and a cashmere or fair isle. I do have a range of coats though so that varies. I make more effort in Summer but again am lazy so am a dress fan. I don't have any really old clothes as I have moved homes several times and have cleared out as my life changed its stages. I don't think there is anything I wish I still had apart from my 7 1/2 stone me when I was at Uni!

I’m out tonight in a pair of jeans that haven’t fitted for years that I found at the back of my wardrobe!

Oh god I need to do this. I have forgotten what I have!!!
I almost bought a green trench coat yesterday and something made me pause. Got home and opened my third back up wardrobe (don’t ask) and there was a green suede trench coat!! The irony was that it is way nicer than the one I almost bought yesterday. Shocking behaviour and I need to take inventory soon.

Found my slim fitting cropped chinos that will look great with my tan loafers, also silver ones.

I could have written this. Especially re the back up wardrobes & forgetting what’s lurking in there. I’ve resorted to keeping a notebook of where I’ve put stuff as I’d never remember.

I've put out a pair of black wide leg trousers that I think may be too long but will team with boots to see how they work.

I have a long black skirt that I haven't worn in ages but I keep because "Oh I might wear it one Hallowe'en"

I'm looking for clothes for a cruise , I need some plain skirts to go with fancier tops , and .....I remembered this skirt .
It doesn't crease , it means I don't need tights (pop socks will be fine )
Sorted !

@JMAngel1 you aren't alone. I nearly bought a handbag yesterday on Vinted and like you, something made me pause. Turns out I already own it but in a different colour!
And I'm supposed to be doing 'modest march' and cutting down on buying stuff I don't need!