How many times have you discovered something in your wardrobe that you forgot you had?
Chances are, if you’ve got lots of clothes, it won’t be easy for you to identify garments you’re not wearing.
So, before you buy more clothes, I recommend this task. It’s something that I undertake every year with my own clothes, but if you’ve never done it yourself, you may find you need to repeat the task a few times during the year.
A full wardrobe audit takes time and fills many with dread, which is why this task is a little smarter and much less daunting. (But, if you do need help with a full wardrobe audit, let me help!)
The task
Undertaking the task this year, I found around 12 items I’ve not worn in the previous 12 months and 9 of these, I’ve removed to sell on or gift to charity. It took me less than 10 minutes!
It was easy for me to identify these quickly simply because I simply turn the hanger round the opposite way when I’ve worn an item! (Plus, I understand what colours, styles, fabric and shapes suit me!).
At the start of January, I turn all my hangers in the wardrobe so they face the same direction. Then, as I wear something and hang it back up, I switch the hanger to face the opposite direction. Over time, this helps me identify clothes I’m enjoying wearing, and those I’m just not reaching for.
Visually, you’ll begin to see patterns emerge in your own wardrobe and the split of clothes you do and don’t wear. I’ve recorded a quick video to illustrate the task which you can also watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S2L8KN193lU
Try it for 30 days and see how you get on, or for for 3 months which will help you prepare for the next season (yes, I’ll be offering my seasonal updates guides again).
What to do with clothes you’re not wearing
As you identify garments you’re not wearing, question yourself for any reasons why this has been. Here’s a few that arise frequently:
- Not the weather
- The colour washes you out
- It doesn’t fit you (too big/too small)
- The fabric is scratchy
- No longer flattering
- Nothing to wear it with
- Other similar items you wear more
- Fallen out of love with it
- Looks dated
- Doesn’t work for you
- Not been an occasion to wear it
- Don’t feel like ‘you’
- Changed job/retired
- Don’t like how you feel when you wear it
- Sentimentally, you can’t let it go
Some of these are good reasons to keep hold of them a bit longer, but do try and wear them! For others, it might be time for you to remove them and let someone else enjoy wearing them instead.
Here’s my advice.
Not the weather
Keep hold of it so you can wear it when you feel it’s more appropriate weather-wise. Unless, you can layer it and wear it with other items you have.
The colour washes you out
Can you wear it away from your face so that it’s little more forgiving? If it’s a top, try wearing another top underneath to break up the colour or try a scarf. Change the colour by dying it or move it on. Or, seek clarity on the colours that do suit you by booking a colour analysis consultation.
It doesn’t fit you (too big/too small)
These clothes take up room in your wardrobe and you won’t wear them if they don’t fit you! Retaining clothes that don’t fit you can make it harder and take you longer to get ready. For items which affect your mindset and how you feel, I recommend removing them. Even if that means storing them away for now and reviewing in three months or six months time.
The fabric is scratchy
If you hate the feel of something when you wear it, or you have static each time you wear it, you will not be happy when you wear it! Chances are, you’re likely to not wear it again. Move it on.
No longer flattering
Everyone wants to feel good in what they wear, so if something doesn’t flatter you and you don’t feel good when you wear it, why keep it?
Nothing to wear it with
Until you find something that you feel you can wear it with, it will remain unworn and unloved. Challenge yourself to wear it with something you already have, or make it a priority for your shopping list.
Other similar items you wear more
Duplicate pieces can replace older, worn out versions, but if you’re finding that you still prefer the older version and saving this, it means it’s taking up space. Chances are, you don’t need 5 jackets in the same colour, so try and move at least one on.
Fallen out of love with it
Put simply, you won’t wear it so it’s time to say goodbye.
Looks dated
Some items are more timeless than others. Trends come and go, so be honest with yourself if you can see yourself wearing it again, even in a different way? If you can’t then move it on.
Doesn’t work for you
Can you alter it so that you feel it does work for you? What are the reasons that you feel it doesn’t because if you can’t overcome them, you won’t wear it! Change it (tailor/sewer) so it does work for you, or bite the bullet and get rid. If you’re finding it difficult to identify things which do work for you, consider booking a consultation with me to learn them.
Not been an occasion to wear it
What occasion are you looking for? If it’s afternoon tea with The King, you’re better trying to wear it for a different occasion! Don’t put barriers in your mind and try not to save things for best.
Don’t feel like ‘you’
Trying something new to switch up your look is something I encourage you to do. But, if you’ve tried it and feel like ET in the little girl’s clothes (played by Drew Barrymore), then I’d be tempted to move it on as you won’t wear it again.
Changed job/retired
Be honest about how likely you are to wear those clothes again. If it’s suit, you might find you can still wear the jacket and bottoms separately. Give yourself some time to adjust – I often find clients struggle with their image as a piece of their identity has gone. Keep hold until you’re certain or if you’re not sure yet.
Don’t like how you feel when you wear it
Honestly? Let it go. Sure you can tweak it and how you wear it and style it. But, if you don’t like yourself in something, you won’t wear it!
Sentimentally, you can’t let it go
There will always be some things you can’t part with. My advice is to clean the garment and then store it safely away.
Finally, you deserve a wardrobe that works for you which is filled with clothes you love to wear! Undertaking this task regularly will help you to keep on top of it and means you’ll be able to quickly identify clothes you love and the ones you’re holding on to ‘just in case’!
Let me know how you get on! And, if you need any help, do get in touch to discuss the package which is right for you.
