The first of the year is the perfect time to edit one’s wardrobe for several reasons, including:
- You’re thinking of your goals.
- You’re ready to start fresh.
- Your energy level is higher.
- You have a full year’s historical perspective.
What Did You NOT Wear Last Year?
Now is a great time to look at your clothing and answer a few questions. (1) What did you not wear in 2022? Pull it out and look at it. (2) Why didn’t you wear it? (3) Do you anticipate an opportunity to wear it this year? Be brutally honest when answering the third question. “Well, I might need it” is not a strong case. “Just in case” pieces almost never get worn.
There are pieces we wear only occasionally like a cocktail dress or travel pieces like for the beach or a ski trip. It’s fine if you didn’t wear them if the opportunity did not present itself last year. However, within special categories, keep only what you need to (a few options suffice) and keep it only if you believe you will have a chance to use it again.
Why We Don’t Wear
For pieces that are part of your “regular” wardrobe that you did not wear in 2022, take stock of why it wasn’t worn. Examples include bored with it, not as nice as another option and no longer a favorite. Those pieces can go.
My Cue to Edit
The first week of the year, I noticed all my “extra” hangers were gone. I keep a handful of empty clothing hangers at one end of my closet. When they’re gone, it is my cue to cull. I advocate “one in, one out” to keep your wardrobe manageable and tidy. But even I don’t practice this perfectly.
My Top Editing Tips
The good news is, I was able to remove 10+ articles of clothing in my closet in less than 30 minutes. You can do it, too. Here are my top tips for a quick and easy wardrobe edit.
Remove outliers
As I was looking over my sweaters, I noticed one sweater that stood out, a striped orange/teal mock turtleneck. This sweater is only about a year old. However, I noticed I felt “not myself” the last couple of times I wore it. If you have pieces that stand out AND they are not quite your style anymore, eliminate it. My sweater line-up looked a lot better after I removed the striped one.
Remove pieces you’ve previously thought of removing
The last time you looked over your wardrobe, did you take a piece out and put it back in thinking you’d wear it again? I have done this! I washed this black sweater dress months ago as I prepared to donate it. Then, I kept it. When I edited this year, I realized as much as I love this dress, it is not one I will wear again. I lovingly let it go. It’s okay to give a piece another chance to see if you’ll wear it again. But if after another year you still have not worn it, it is time to let it go.
Remove “close but not quite”
You know these pieces. You like something about it but it’s not a total love. Maybe it’s the wrong color or some other detail makes it not perfect for you. It’s better to keep only what supports who are today.
Remove the bullies
Closet bullies bring you down. These include pieces that no longer fit. A dress you once loved that’s now too small is one example. I don’t mind if you keep a few pieces in a size you are moving towards. However, keep them in another closet or out of sight until you can wear them.
Shop your “You”tique
Close your eyes and pretend you are shopping at a store. Then, take a relaxing, deep breath and calmly (without emotion) go through your clothing. What would you buy again? Keep those pieces. When you get to a piece you would not buy again, pull it out.
Remove Donations Quickly
After the edit, give yourself several days to work with your edited wardrobe. Not missing your donations? It’s safe to donate them. Don’t let donations linger for months in your car or in your house. Donating them quickly clears the air and opens the door for fresh pieces to come in.
Do not worry you will miss an item you donated. Most of the time, you have many options you would rather wear.
Need Help?
Want help with your edit? I’m here for you! I’d love to help you find the best of your wardrobe and move your style in a fresh direction in 2023. Email me to get started.
More Editing Inspo
If you’d like more editing inspiration, see my blog The Wardrobe Edit – Tending Your Garden and Wardrobe Edit Inspired by Project 333.
Happy editing! Let me know how you do!
