Before we can build a hard-working, versatile wardrobe, we may need to clean out our closets and start fresh. Maybe you’ve recently retired or returned to the workforce, gone up or down in weight, or simply changed your lifestyle in some way. It may be time to start fresh, reorganizing your wardrobe in a way that suits your life. Or maybe you’re working toward defining your style and want to refine your wardrobe so that it reflects your new outlook. Today we’re continuing our 2024 style series, Define Your Style…Refine Your Wardrobe with a closet purge.
NOTE: This post was originally posted in 2019 and has been updated in July, 2024. Some comments in the comment section are from before July, 2024.
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As I get older and move toward retirement, I find myself wanting to refine my wardrobe so that it is smaller, but all the more versatile and enjoyable. I want a wardrobe that reflects my personal style, works for my real lifestyle and helps me create multiple outfits with fewer but higher quality components. And I also want a wardrobe that pushes me to dress a little nicer, more polished, while still feeling comfortable and current. Is that too much to ask? No. But before we can build that hard-working, versatile wardrobe, we’ll need to clean out our closets and start fresh. I’m sharing 10 things you need to take out of your closet in order to refine your wardrobe.
With the change of each season, I purge my closet, clean the space out well and make some hard decisions. But you don’t have to wait for the next season to start fresh in your closet. I simply suggest clearing a day on your calendar so you have plenty of time to take everything out of your closet, clean the closet, evaluate the contents based on the list I’m providing and put things back accordingly. For me, that’s at least several hours.
If you want to refine your wardrobe so that it accurately reflects your lifestyle and personal style, it’s best to begin by taking out 10 things that you don’t need.
10 Things to Take Out:
#1 – Sentimental Pieces
We might as well begin where it hurts some of us the most. It’s time to let go of those items you’re holding onto for purely sentimental reasons.
Several years ago during a closet purge, I discovered I still I had my bridal shoes from 1988. Since the Smithsonian hadn’t called to ask for them, I decided it was time to let them go. I took them to a non-profit that helps provide formal clothing for women. Hopefully someone was able to enjoy those vintage silk shoes that were in spotless condition.
Y’all, if I can let go of my bridal shoes, you can let go of your sentimental items, too. I also said goodbye to high school t-shirts, a t-shirt from my Appalachian Trail backpacking trip and another pair of formal shoes. I didn’t need those items in my closet in order to cherish the memories connected to them.
#2 – Gimme Tees
Speaking of t-shirts, do you have tees that you were given for running races or walking for a cause? Or maybe you’ve picked up t-shirts as you’ve traveled. I’m not advocating stripping your wardrobe of every single t-shirt, but I do suggest narrowing down the selection.
#3 – Worn Out Items
I tend to keep accessories longer than I should. My belts, shoes and handbags sometimes start looking worn and tired before I notice.
I absolutely loved wearing those pink flats above for about five years, but I probably should have gotten rid of them before I did. They were more worn out than they even appear in the photo above.
Of course clothing can begin to look worn out, too. Look for armpit and collar stains, frayed edges, discoloration, faded prints and colors, and holes. Those have gotta go!
#4 – Items that Aren’t Your Colors
In the blog post Define Your Style with Colors and Neutrals, I suggested restricting your wardrobe to 3-5 signature colors and 2-3 neutrals. Now is the time to stick to those color choices.
I suggest letting go of anything that isn’t one of your signature colors or neutrals if you don’t just love it and wear it often. There’s no reason to throw out an item that’s in a color off your list if you’re really getting some mileage out of it and it looks great on you and you have space for it. But choose wisely. Also, you don’t have to get rid of anything. When we’re talking about removing things from you’re wardrobe, it means just that – taking it out of your present wardrobe. So you could move something to a guest room closet, a storage bin or cedar chest.
#5 – Items that Aren’t Your Style
In the blog post How to Define Your Personal Style, I suggested you create three style angles to define your personal style. Those words are meant to guide your style choices when you shop and build outfits. And they can help you stay within your own personally defined parameters so that your closet truly reflects your style. See that blog post for more information if you haven’t already read it. That one’s pivotal.
I like to say that you are the gate keeper of your closet. And I suggest you be firm, using those three style angles to help determine if a garment, shoe or accessory gets to pass through those doors. This is one of the reasons I think it’s smart to periodically remove EVERYTHING from your closet. I find it’s easier to say “no” to an item when I’m contemplating bringing it into my closet than it is to say “goodbye” once it’s already in there. Silly maybe, but I find other women sometimes think the same way.
These are some of the hardest decisions for me to make when purging my closet. Sometimes I think that because I spent good money on an item I need to just keep it and wear it. But then I realize that even if I chastise myself into keeping something that no longer resonates with me, I probably won’t actually wear it. And someone else can wear those items and enjoy them more authentically than I can. Don’t let guilt motivate you to allow something to take up real estate in your closet. Instead, let it be a lesson learned that helps you make better choices in the future.
#6 – Items You Don’t Wear
I also get rid of clothes, accessories and shoes that I just don’t wear. Sometimes I’ve kept these items in my closet for several years thinking that “this year I’ll wear it more.” But I never do. Often these aren’t ugly or poorly fitting clothes. They’re just pieces that don’t get worn. Usually it has more to do with my life stage.
I suggest taking all of the items that you remove from your closet to a community clothes closet or a consignment store, as long as they are in good condition. Someone will likely enjoy wearing them and they won’t just hang in your closet taunting you anymore.
#7 – Items That Don’t Work for Your Real Lifestyle
Don’t beat yourself up over any of these hard decisions, but especially this one. We’re all prone to have a few things in our wardrobes that don’t really work for our real lifestyle. I explored this concept in full in Define Your Style for Your {Real} Lifestyle. Whether your lifestyle has recently changed due to a change in career, retirement or a move, or you’re just drawn to clothes that are more elevated or more casual than your day-to-day life, it’s time to get real about the clothes you actually need in your wardrobe.
This year, more than any other, I’ve made a conscientious effort to build a wardrobe that truly reflects my real lifestyle. For me, that means I’m investing more in casual but elevated garments that feel comfortable and look unique and special. And I’m spending significantly less of my clothing budget on dressy items.
I actually have no need to wear truly dressy things on a weekly basis, so I’ve removed them all from my closet. I’ve put my special dresses and dressier blazers in a separate closet. I know where they are if I need them, but I don’t have to sift through them on a daily basis when I’m putting together outfits for my very casual lifestyle.
#8 – Poor Fit
Whether your body has changed or you just come to terms with the fact that something hanging in your closet hasn’t been fitting properly for a while (or ever!), it’s time to move out anything that you can’t put on today and wear the way it’s designed to be worn. That means waistbands should be comfortable, pants should not pull taut across the hips, buttons should not pull at the button-holes, and inseams should not ride up…well, you know. You definitely don’t need clothing that is too small for you in your closet. It doesn’t encourage you to lose weight; it taunts you and makes you feel bad about yourself.
But also remove items that are too big for you. None of us need garments that hide or conceal our bodies. First of all, they really don’t hide or conceal. They just announce to the world that we’re trying to hide.
Again, be ruthless. If an item kinda fits, but it doesn’t flatter, don’t keep it. If you’re like me, you have plenty of clothes. So only keep those pieces that fit well and flatter your body beautifully.
#9 – Outdated Items
Unlike items that we keep for purely sentimental reasons, we often keep items beyond their expiration date because we truly, truly love them. But these items, while they may still be in good shape, are not in style…at all.
For me, these are often dresses that look more like vintage relics than stylish fashion. If wearing it or using it will make you look antiquated, it’s time to let it go.
If you need help determining if something is dated, ask a younger fashionable friend. I remember several years ago asking my daughter and several younger friends of mine if I should keep a beautiful bold pink silk suit. It was a skirt and jacket that you wore buttoned up without anything under it. Very Doris Day and truly beautiful. But something in me knew it looked dated. Sure enough, my younger friends and daughter unanimously (and a little too enthusiastically, hahaha!) encouraged me to donate it. As much as I loved that suit, I knew that was the right choice.
#10 – Items that Don’t Bring You Joy
Organizational guru Marie Kondo advocates keeping only those items that bring you joy. At first this seemed like quite a luxury to me. Surely not everything in my wardrobe could bring me joy. But, then again, why not?
For me, anything that feels fussy, a little uncomfortable or itchy definitely doesn’t bring me joy. And if an item is difficult to wear in a way that is flattering, it may be stressing me instead of bringing me joy. Likewise, if an item conjures up memories or feelings that are hurtful or unsettling, it may need to go.
After you take out the 10 things…
Now it’s time to take guard over your wardrobe and be a stern gate keeper. Once I have all of my limited number of hangers filled, I don’t allow anything into my closet without moving something out. And I only allow in items that check the 10 boxes above but also pass the rule of 3.
Every item that comes into my closet should be able to be worn with 3 other items already in my wardrobe, work for 3 different occasions or settings and combine nicely with 3 pairs of shoes. That’s a pretty stiff test, but it helps me maintain a refined wardrobe that works for my defined personal style.
You can check out all of the blog posts in the Define Your Style …Refine Your Wardrobe style series HERE.
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Blessed for My Day
Do you ever cry, “Woe is me?” Well, maybe not out loud, but in your mind? I certainly do. But honestly, I don’t suffer much in reality. And when I do face hardship I need to remember that God is working all things for good in my life.
What good can come of suffering? The most important benefit of suffering is that it gives us the opportunity to become more like Christ. We have the chance to learn from Him and to allow Him to shape us into His image. And, if we suffer well – remaining faithful to Him, leaning into Him for provision rather than pulling away in resentment and living in obedience – we have the opportunity to give others a glimpse of Jesus’ character, too.
For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him. ~ Philippians 1:29
I weeded out my clothes last week and got rid of 4 bags and a bag of purses. It felt good to purge!
Woo hoo! ?
Very timely post as I plan to do the switch-over this weekend! Thanks for the great suggestions!
Yay for being right on time! ? It’s a big job but I feel lighter today!!
I had planned to do this over the winter break, but I just didn’t have the time (although I did do some smaller “clean out if it doesn’t bring you joy” projects.) So, first up at the end of the academic year – spring cleaning and my closet. I have to be more ruthless (although I think I will keep my wedding shoes a bit longer, as it is only our 6 yr anniversary this year 🙂 I so love those heels. I think I may have a few tops from when I was pregnant, and my daughter is 29 today. Thanks for the tips!
Lol!! I didn’t have any maternity clothes! That’s funny. We all have our “things!”
Kay, I’m a t shirt girl. I wear t shirts working out. I’m sentimental when it comes to my tees! A friend recently suggested having a t shirt quilt made. I’m going to do that. Also we give them on our mission trips. I live on the Gulfcoast, so I changed out my closet a month ago.
I get that about t-shirts. I keep them a long time too. I said I got rid of one from my AT backpacking trip but I kept one too. When a friend and I went to Maine a few years ago I managed to come home with 4 tees!! I kept 2. ?
I really enjoyed this post. Makes me want to go and clean out my closet. You always have such practical advice. Thank you also for the encouraging words you are always sharing. Many blessings!
Great! I’m so glad this was helpful Tawni. Have a blessed and beautiful day! ?
I also had my wedding shoes and recently purged them. It feels so nice to purge and walk in a neat, organized closet.
lol!! I feel in good company now! Yes, it does feel good, Becky!!
Oh gosh – this was awesome! I keep shuffling a few things in m closet, taking them out, then thinking NO — I may wear it this year. I am going to do a serious closet dump! Thanks for the easy, clear, and important scoop!
Great!! I’m so glad this was helpful. ?
What a great and thorough post, loved it! Living in Texas we tend to have a year round wardrobe with a few warm things so my closet stays the same. Having almost gotten to a capsule closet I love having less and having items I know I like wearing. Thanks for the inspiration & have a blessed day!
Thanks Jeannie! Sounds like you’ve got a great thing going! ?
Great post!! Thanks so much!
We are totally on the same wavelength!! I just did a purge (my Poshmark account is STOCKED) – and I still have a few things to add. I have another stack to go to donation. I also have a pair of wedding shoes – but the ones I put in are Evan-Picone that my cousin had us all buy to be in her wedding. They are black, with a pretty heel, and I did wear them a lot IN THE 1990s!! BUT, now that I’ve had kids, I guess my feet grew a size and they hurt my feet, but I kept them because they’re pretty. I got rid of every pair of shoes that hurts my feet!! And since I’m trying very hard to only have more classic pieces/less trendy pieces, I got rid of lots of trendy stuff. My goal this spring/summer is to buy very little… I don’t need anything! I have 2 kids in college and my money needs to go there. Wish me luck!
I hear you, Rebecca! And it’s amazing how much we already have that can be worn in new ways once we weed out the other stuff and can actually see it!
I have been doing some of that too with closets since we are listing our home for sale. Declutter , throw away and take extra furniture to storage. We have 3 walk in closets so I went one by one……ugh. I have a lot of summer clothes with sleeves down already so might just wait to take it all down later. Your closet looks awesome! I use to be a Boutique lady at Stein Mart (part-time one day a week job) and would color coordinate from lightest to darkest colors but only if in the mood. That is alittle extreme I know. It never stays that way either very long. 🙂
Hi Bonnie. Yeah, mine is color coordinated, but this year I grouped together tanks, short sleeve tees, 3/4 length sleeve tees, long sleeve tees, blouses and sweaters. I’ve seen others do it that way and decided to give it a try. We’ll see!
Good job Kay! For lent this year I have been tackling my clothes etc. Several times a week, I tackle a category. Spring and summer went into my closet, fall winter got stored and blessings for others got bagged up for donation to charities. I have done sweaters, jeans, t shirts, button up tops, socks, bras. My wardrobe is shrinking and I am taking time to think of and bless others and recognize how fortunate I am to have a good job, a lovely home to store these wonderful clothes that I am not using. Less clothes is making my heart grow bigger.
Right?!? I agree. I think clutter and excess robs of the ability to really appreciate what we have.
It always feels good to give a closet some breathing room. Your Coach handbag donation reminded me of my experience. About three years ago around Christmas I volunteered to help out at a local Thrift Store Charity. The store closed for 3 hours and brought in residents from a homeless/drug rehab shelter to come in and select anything they wanted to give as a Christmas gift. The residents could send gifts to five people if they brought the names and addresses. We wrapped the gifts and the store addressed and mailed them. My job was “personal shopper” to help residents find what they were looking for. I was humbled by how they all picked practical items like tee shirts and coats. If they had children, they could pick a toy too. Before the residents arrived, the volunteers were given a tour of the store. Behind the counter were designer handbags. We were told the residents could have anything they wanted except the designer handbags because those bags brought in the most money for the charity. I immediately thought of my Coach handbag I had not used for years but because it was so pricey I held onto it. Now I knew what to do. The next day I donated my Coach and a Dooney handbag without any guilt. Thank you.
That’s exactly my hope. I’d like for some woman to get it and use it and feel special. I loved using it. And I want someone else to, too. Thanks for sharing your experience, Barbara.
Hi Kay … it was fun to bump into you again somewhere on LinkedIn recently. A few years back we had connected in the blogging world. I’m enjoying your posts … and can’t wait for my spring clean out!
Here’s last year’s adventure …
http://www.lindastoll.net/2018/04/the-sheer-relief-of-releasing-clothes.html?m=1
Great post! Thank you. Question: where do you store your fall and winter clothes? in another closet ?
Hi Laurie. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I have a cedar lined chest my dad built me when I was a teenager. I put most everything in there. But I do have some dresses and a few pants in my son’s old closet. If you’re interested, here are a few links to similar chests:
This one is at Walmart – https://shopstyle.it/l/1eyK
This one is Joss & Main – https://shopstyle.it/l/1eAK
This one is at Walmart – https://shopstyle.it/l/1eyT
Hi Kay, I loved this post! A couple of years ago, I knew I needed to go through my closets, but found there were too many things I couldn’t part with. I had my 29 year old daughter go in, and go through everything. She got rid of everything that had duplicates, or anything that was no longer in style. She weeded out over half of my clothes!! I was not allowed to go through any of it when she was done. We called a couple of my sisters and had them take it all, keeping what they wanted, and donating the rest. It felt wonderful, and I love seeing my sisters wear some of the clothes they kept.
Great story!! I love that. Sometimes it does take an extra pair of eyes. Thanks for sharing your story. ?
Thank you Kay for your post yesterday. I tend to shop online a lot and keep things even if I don’t love them or they don’t fit correctly. I haven’t cleaned out my closet yet or switched to my summer clothes but I did send back 3 pairs of jeans, that were just ok, the $10 return fee just about killed me but I’m trying. I’m a senior (72) and I struggle to find clothes that fit me, are comfortable and age appropriate. Thank you.
I totally get the frustration Kathleen. Fit seems to be all over the place. Or maybe sizing is all over the place! I’ve discovered that if I can find a brand that fits, then usually that brand fits pretty consistently. Press on! Thanks so much for reading. ?
How do you store your off season clothes and accessories?
I feel guilty having another closet with out of season items but I need them with temperature changes.
Enjoy your Blog so much!
Hi Becky. I store a few dresses in another closet. But I put most of my out-of-season clothing and accessories in a cedar lined trunk my dad made me when I was young. It’s similar to this one https://shopstyle.it/l/1hYG or this one https://shopstyle.it/l/1hYQ
Thank you Kay! That is a great idea!
I went through my closet quickly Monday as I have an appointment this afternoon at a consignment shop this afternoon.
Found 2 items damaged or stained and got rid of them and 21 items to take to the consignment shop. I did this last fall too and got rid of 40 items. The trouble is I buy more items and my closet is still full. Next week I am going to go through everything again and donate some items to a charity. I am trying to buy more wisely too. Items that I love and maybe get back to the stores for try-ons. Haven’t done that much in the past couple of years because of the virus. Buy some on line but not as much. I heard that returning items at some retailers end up in a dump in Chili, etc. Disturbed me.
Cleaning aka downsizing my closet is on my radar this week & your tips will help! TY
Great post and so true! In the does it bring you joy part, I think of my daughter when she was young-she had a beautiful dress she would never wear because it was scratchy. I loved the dress, she hated it-it did not bring joy! I do the same thinking more and more. Thank you Kay!
I completely get that! Thanks for sharing, Cathy.
Thank you Kay for working over time with such useful information. Love your hair style with the flip up and your make up looks flawless!
Thank you. that’s very kind.
Thanks for lighting a fire under me! My body & lifestyle have both changed so much in recent years. The major closet purge starts today with the tunic top & legging collection😂 and previously loved dresses that are now too big.
Hahaha! Those sound like very good places to start. Get at it!
Now that I am wearing more wide leg pants I always tuck my tops in. My problem is how do you keep your colored tops from showing through the white pants? To be honest I haven’t bought any white wide leg ones for just that reason but I get tired of wearing skinnier pants so I can leave tops out. Ps: I am under 5ft now and very short waited so tying tops doesn’t work for me. Thought maybe others have this same problem.
Hi Judy, I know one option that some women use is to tuck your top into your high rise undies. I don’t care to do that personally just because it doesn’t feel comfortable to me. And I don’t really care if the top peeks through the white. But I completely understand if that does bug you. So maybe tucking into your undies is one option. Otherwise, I really don’t have any advise. Maybe someone else will chime in who does.
I’m 4′ 11″, short-waisted and wear wide-legged pants to balance my linebacker shoulders. My solution to our problem is to wear shorter tops. I still have longer shirts I intend to chop off or donate. I love cropped sweaters and wear them with mid-rise pants with no problem. That said, have you tried tying on the side?
I have read other blogs of yours that address similar efforts. My big problem is that I have a wardrobe full of St John knits that I wore throughout my career days. Most of the skirts to these suits are shorter than I like these days, and the pants hug a little too close (if you know what I mean), but the jackets are perfect for using in other combinations. (think knit Lady Jackets) My quandary is what do I do with all those skirts and pants. I doubt that a consignment outlet will want them, and they are far too expensive to put in the Goodwill. Any thoughts?
I’d try selling them on Poshmark. I have an account and James and I keep talking about selling my “leftover” clothes there, but we just haven’t found the time. They have a clientele that might would purchase that high quality brand. I can completely understand your quandary. But it’s doing you no favor to keep them either. So I would make an effort to sell them there, and if that doesn’t result in any buyers, I’d donate them to a Dress for Success or a similar effort.
This was a great reminder of what I need to do – clean up my closet!!! I’ll do that the last of the month when my husband has a business trip! ha Thanks for reminding me what to donate -some things that I have had a long time but are not used anymore!
This was a good post for me – lots to think about! Thank you
This is a GREAT post! Every single point I find helpful and very doable. I am a constant closet organizer/purger, so I’ll be making use of this list often. Thanks! And when I add things to my wardrobe, I always ask myself several questions, one being “will I wear/use this ENOUGH?” If I can’t see myself getting good mileage about of a particular piece of clothing, I won’t buy it, even if I love it and it ticks all the boxes. 🙂
I said I would start today & I did. Got rid of 28 previously loved, but no longer suitable tops! Tomorrow I’ll start on dresses.
Kay, thanks for the gentle kick in the butt! I sure needed it😅
This post is like you were talking to me! I am purging my closet tomorrow afternoon. I have done it before but kept to many items and I never reach for them . Thank you for giving me confidence I can do this! 😉
Excellent post your advice is spot on! I needed to hear this and I need to clean out my closet!
Hi. I just subscribed to your emails.
I, too, born and raised in Georgia. Educated at UGA! 1972 – 1976
So glad I happened upon you. Looking forward to more.
Wonderful! Thanks for saying hello, Dessie. Go Dawgs! I’m so glad you have happened upon me.
Another great and thoughtful post! I especially liked your use of “taunt” and “ruthless.” Both words really apply here to our fashion difficulties (as you say, too much and not things that we’ll REALLY wear).