Declutter to Curate: You’ve Got to Know When It’s Time to Let Go!

A new year provides opportunity for a fresh start. Now is the time to clear out all the things that are no longer serving us in order to create the life of our dreams. I start this process by decluttering. Decluttering my closet, my home, my office, my daily routines, and anything else that is cluttering my mind and creating an obstacle to the progress I envision for myself. January is a no shop month for me because I am taking this time to first declutter, then re-evaluate, research, and prepare. Today, we are focusing on decluttering the wardrobe. Although it may seem like a daunting process, these five steps make it easy to identify the things you need to let go of in the new year.

Let’s start with the easy stuff to loosen up our minds and our grip on the garbage. If the garments are damaged, or stained beyond repair, let it go. Check out your items carefully. If you truly love the item and the damages can be repaired by a tailor or the stains removed at the dry cleaner at a worthwhile cost, then have them treated and return them to your wardrobe. If the cost of repair is more expensive than the garment, and you have gotten your cost per wear, the expense may not be worth it and the item should be discarded. The same is true for garments that no longer fit. If it is too small or too large and cannot be properly tailored in a cost-effective way, let it go. Be sure to take a second look at the garments that technically fit, meaning they are neither too big nor too small, however, you are constantly fussing with the strap, adjusting the buttons, or pulling on the hems. These too may have seen their best days. If your outfit causes you stress due to fit, you won’t be comfortable, and you don’t feel confident and fabulous, what is the point? It’s gotta go. Shoes that hurt your feet, no-brainer, let them go!

If you haven’t worn it in a year, it is time to let it go! This one may be a little challenging for some, but it is necessary and will generally reveal some shortfalls about your shopping habits. Special occasion pieces are the exception here for obvious reasons. That being said, if you could not find one single day out of the 365 that have expired to wear an item, chances are you will not find that day in the next year either. It was a gift, but you never wore it, add it to the purge pile. What about the items you bought and didn’t wear because you were hunting for the perfect piece to style with it, or you are waiting for the perfect occasion to wear it? How many items in your purge pile fit this description? You may be someone who shops for an imaginary lifestyle and not the life you actually live. How many coins have you spent on these one-off pieces that go with nothing, creating a cluttered closet full of nothing to wear? Even if it still has tags on it and has never been worn, it’s time to give it up to someone who will love it, rip the tags off, and take it out for a spin.

I believe the next category is also a very easy one to complete; the things you don’t like. If you look at it with an empty feeling, the relationship is over. If it doesn’t make your heart sing, and you get excited about wearing it, let it go. Even if it was a gift, but it’s not your style, purge it!

Now it’s time to talk about style evolution. As we grow and evolve, so does our style. I don’t have the same style I had ten years ago or five years ago for that matter. It is time to let go of the things that no longer fit your style aesthetic. If the garments don’t align with how you want to present yourself today, let it go. Perhaps you used to like very tailored garments, and now you appreciate a more relaxed look. Additionally, lifestyle changes may also require style changes. Perhaps you went from working remotely to working in an office and your wardrobe requires an update, or vice verse. Or you are a new mom, or now you are self-employed and can wear whatever you want, and no longer require formal work wear. Whatever the situation, if it doesn’t fit your style, it’s clutter, and it’s time to let it go.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, get rid of things that don’t compliment your figure. These garments are not only clutter, but they are ruining your look. It is important to understand your body type so that you can wear garments that are flattering and allow you to show best showcase your style. For example, I have an hour glass shape, my body is considered curvy, my shoulder and hip ratio are roughly equal, I have a defined waist, and full bust, hips, and thighs. The most flattering looks for me are those that accentuate the waistline like cropped tops, wrap tops, bomber jackets, and fitted silhouettes. Although low-rise bottoms are best great on my body type, they do not fit my style aesthetic, therefore high rise and mid-rise bottoms are most complimentary. Dresses are also great, but should be belted if flowy or trapeze style. Additionally, because I have a long torso and short legs, I pay particular attention to skirt length, ensuring that they don’t fall at a wide point of my body which simply makes me look short and dumpy. Mid-thigh, just below the knee, or maxi length works best for my frame.

Garments that are in good shape can be donated to local shelters or women’s support organizations like Dress For Success.

Now that we have removed the clutter, we can see what we really have and determine gaps in our wardrobe, missing essentials (like a classic black blazer or a crisp white button down), identify colors you want to incorporate, and accessories needed to polish your looks. Do some research, create a mood board or a Pinterest board with looks that actually fit both your lifestyle and style aesthetic, and start to create your wish list to curate the wardrobe of your dreams!