A New Year Clean Out
Every year I seem to write some variation of this post. It always feels like the new year is a great time to start fresh in so many aspects of our life. Why not also start fresh in our closets??!
In an effort to not repeat exactly what I’ve said before, I’ll try to take a different approach. This year I’m thinking more about how to tackle the task of a closet cleanout. No question it can be an overwhelming undertaking. So maybe we can break it down in parts to help us arrive at a wardrobe that we feel is the best reflection of us right now.
When looking at how to determine what to keep, try asking yourself the following questions:
· Does the item fit me today? This is the most important question in my opinion. Our bodies change with age and however something may have fit in the past may not be how it fits you today. Try it on and be honest about how your clothes fit. An item that doesn’t fit and can’t be easily adjusted to fit is not something you should hang on to.
· How often do I wear it? Is this an item that you happen to love but only get the rare occasion to wear, or is it an item you avoid because it’s not your favorite? If it’s not something you would pick out when given the opportunity, then maybe there’s a reason you’re not wearing it and it’s time to take it out of your closet.
· Is the item in good condition? If an item is showing signs of wear… use your best judgment to decide if it’s worth keeping. I totally understand how hard it can be to part with an item that you have loved. But be honest with yourself and remember that the best version of yourself that you want to share with the world deserves to show up in clothes that reflect that.
Of course there be other considerations in your decision. Perhaps you’re thinking of how trendy the item might be and if that trend has now passed. I don’t put too much weight on trends. They tend to cycle back around and even linger after you think they’re gone. So I wouldn’t necessarily make that a deciding factor in your closest cleanout.
The end goal of this task is to start the year with a wardrobe that consists of items you want to wear because they look good on you. Be mindful of your lifestyle and what you want to wear. Your clothes should reflect the best version of you. Starting with a good closet cleanout can help you to determine how and what to shop for in the new year.
