Cleaning the Closet
Dear Em,
I can’t get myself to get rid of clothes that don’t fit me anymore! I’ve gained some weight, and my body and style have changed as I’ve gotten older. Now, I have a bunch of clothes that just take up space in the closet. For example: button-ups that rip a tiny bit every time I put them on, and tee shirts that have been through the wash so many times that they’re transparent.
I also have bunch of dresses, including one with leopards on it (no it’s not leopard print— it has full leopards on it) even though I basically only wear dresses at formal events where leopards aren’t in the dress code.
Please analyze me. Why is it so hard for me to get rid of this stuff? How do I say goodbye and start fresh?
Lil
Em: When it comes to clothes that no longer fit, there are two schools of wisdom. Marie Kondo & her minimalist school would suggest that you should part with the clothes. If something doesn’t fit, it surely cannot have the capacity to flatter you, make you feel your best and ultimately spark joy.
Get rid of anything that doesn’t work for your current, not aspirational, lifestyle and body. Throw your wardrobe onto the floor and do a major try on. Immediately part with anything that doesn’t fit your body. Next, consider the type of things you do in your average week. What is needed for your work week? What is needed for your recurrent social events (this one will really vary based on the person. I know you frequent bars, your family cabin and chill nights at friends’ houses. I know you are not a regular at the clubbb.) So your wardrobe should reflect your casual lifestyle! You may go to the annual wedding or fancy night, so ensure that you hold onto at least one more upscale look.
The second school of thought emerges from the Law of Attraction.These folks suggest that you should ‘dress for the job you want’ in all aspects of life. If you are a Milwaukee chiller and want to transition into a Manhattan socialite, you may need some designer clothes. I suspect you want to hold onto your Wisco lifestyle, so you are probably going to be better off with Marie Kondo’s approach.
I would like to suggest a middle ground.
Part with things that need to go, but leave room in your house/heart for a little clutter. It may be a major overhaul to part with your things, but it will make room for new things that you like better. Donating your stuff may help you relieve the stress of wasting things that you once spent money on.
Finally, I think it is great to invest in pieces that allow a little weight gain or loss. Life is messy and it is great to be able to have clothing that allows you to change and will still work. A great example is a wrap dress, which you can adjust as your weight fluctuates. It is even great for a night of heavy eating/drinking; you can loosen the wrap as the night goes on!
