Letting go of nice things you don’t wear

[Newmeagain]

I regularly declutter as I hate having too much stuff. As much as I like having nice things, it’s a fine balance…

But I do sometimes struggle with letting go of some clothes that are objectively nice but I just don’t wear anymore. E.g. today I was going to list on Vinted a vintage Orla Kiely summer jacket/coat that I have not worn in about 10 years - but at the last minute I backed out! I was thinking - “this is a really nice, good quality item - it still fits and is in great condition - what if I need a dressy outfit in the future…” “what if I have no money in the future and regret selling this item”

have I got hoarding instincts?? I hope not…

I'm the opposite, I listed nearly 300 items on eBay on Thursday and Friday and 110 on Vinted. Posted off 22 parcels this morning

I don't think there is anything wrong in keeping really nice items you may not wear but still like, as long as you don't end up with lots of clutter. I have bags that I havent used for years, but they are hard to find, if not impossible vintage ones.

I allow myself a couple of plastic storage crates and thats it! I hate clutter so im pretty strict with myself.

You are my new hero @Doggymummar, I really, really need to adopt this approach!

Gosh that's impressive! How do you keep tabs of it all?

I'm currently sitting here with a selection of tops and coats which I should have posted at the start of winter but have put off doing stuff with. Just in case And now its Spring. Grrr one more year in my wardrobe I guess.

I’d have nothing left in my wardrobe!

But in answer op’s question, I’ve got a few things I’ve nearly got rid of on several occasions but haven’t. However, every so often gave a stronger willpower, and recently got rid of a lively Joe Brown blue tunic, because it didn’t actually suit me, despite being a gorgeous colour.

I feel this way too. When I’m having a clear out I really challenge myself on everything I keep and everything I remove, so it always feels like a deliberate decision.

For things I want to keep (which still fit and which make me smile when I put them on) I ask myself ‘Could I find another one?’ Pair of black trousers - yes. Pencil skirt? Yes. Dress I’ve had for 20 years and which has often got me out of trouble when I have a wedding or event and I hate everything I own? Back in the wardrobe with you, faithful friend.

Your jacket would be back in every time, from how you’ve described it.

But just this week I have let a gorgeous Hobbs dress go to the charity shop because I’ve had to admit it is just that bit shorter in reality than it is in my head and looks ‘girly’. I don’t mean ‘too young for me’ because I don’t believe in that, I wear what I love and what suits me — I mean it’s short sleeved and knee length and is for a 19 year old at most, if not a 9 year old at a birthday party 😆

I have a few things like this too, OP. I am mostly moving them on, though. For example, i put on vinted a jumper that i absolutely love but just don't wear. If it sells I will miss it, but I've also put it at a price I would be happy with. I'm not just giving it away.

I bought a consignment in my size, these were the things that I didn't want for myself. My wardrobe has no room if I am not ruthless.

It's in bin bags organised by size and anything with tags still on is in the wardrobe in the spare room.

I think if it's the only Summer jacket you have then keep it. My theory is does it fit, do I like it and can I wear it in at least 5 outfits. If not then it goes.

I recognise the words on your title but it makes no sense to me 😁.

If it fits, it stays. I like to think I'll have a social life when my dc's are both out of school and college.

Thanks for posting everyone! I try to be ruthless, particularly that what I feel good wearing has changed quite a bit even thought I am the same size. But yes, the jacket is staying!

@SoScarletItWas i know the kind of dress you mean. I had quite a few until recently and suddenly realised I would just not wear them again, as they kind of felt girly/frumpy at the same time…

I've been going deep.into my wardrobe recently and have sold some very nice stuff (imo) hat there was objectively nothing wrong with for prices that were pretty low, as Vinted tends to go.

Firstly it's given me some money back. Things I already owned generating money! And things I didn't actually wear, or never felt right in. I'd always reach for something else, so when was the magic moment going to come for that garment?

It's freeing to have less to choose from - and the things you can choose from are the things you know will get wear. Not the stuff always on stand by. Some things I own work so hard for me and that is how every piece should ideally be.