Recently, in response to a comment, I shared that I don’t follow the typical rule of tossing clothes if I haven’t worn them for a year. A reader, Suzanne, pointed out that many stylists do recommend this approach to keep your wardrobe fresh and up-to-date.
There are valid reasons for getting rid of clothes you no longer wear:
– Keep only what fits you well. Ill-fitting clothes never look good. Holding onto clothes hoping you’ll lose weight usually just takes up valuable space. If you have ample space and your weight changes often, you might maintain separate sections for different sizes. Otherwise, it’s best to discard what doesn’t fit.
– Keep clothes that make you feel good. Why settle for less?
– Keep clothes that suit your body type.
– Maintain a clear overview of your wardrobe. Too much clutter makes it hard to see what you have. It’s crucial to know what’s in your closet.
– Keep clothes in good condition. If something looks old, worn, or damaged, it’s time to let it go.
Yet, I keep many older clothes. My weight doesn’t fluctuate much, so I have some really old items in my closet. Why?
Fashion trends often return, albeit in slightly different forms. Stylists might say an older piece won’t ever be quite right again, but being creative with fashion is fun. You might not wear an old outfit head-to-toe, but mixing it with new pieces can make it feel current again.
I’m quite fickle with fashion. If I only kept clothes that always made me feel great, I’d be left with just a few of my newest items. While some advise sticking to timeless style rather than trends, I’m often drawn to what’s in vogue. This means many of my clothes don’t get worn out and I end up keeping them, in hopes I’ll wear them again someday.
You can be very creative with older clothes if you spend some time on it. Going through your wardrobe to create new outfits can be enjoyable. Keeping an old item for that one day of fun can be worth it.
Following the rule of discarding clothes not worn in a year would leave me with a very small wardrobe—and I’d probably get bored quickly, leading to more shopping.
Reworking an old garment into something trendy can be a fun challenge! Designers often draw inspiration from past fashion eras. You can do the same, enjoy it, and stand out.
If you have space, managing your clothes with different wardrobes can help. I have my main closet for current favorites, another for less frequently worn items, and a “reject” closet for clothes I don’t love anymore but still fit and are in good condition. If items in the reject closet go unworn for over a year, they’ll get donated.
I also live in different countries often. I have an old winter wardrobe that I seldom use, but I’d need it if I moved to a colder place again. Plus, it’s useful for winter vacations.
These are some of the reasons I keep many of my old clothes. What about you? Do you hang onto old clothes, and why?