We've all been there – standing in front of a closet full of clothes, yet feeling like we have nothing to wear.
I am so guilty of this!
Amidst the daily go-tos, there's always that section of the wardrobe filled with clothes that just sit around.
You know the ones: the dress you bought for a special occasion that never came, the trendy piece that never quite fit your style, or the jeans that were always just a bit too tight. So, why do we hold on to these items, letting them take up precious closet space?
The Emotional Attachment
Clothing is more than just fabric; it's a repository of memories. That dress you wore to your best friend's wedding or the shirt you had on when you landed your dream job interview – these pieces are intertwined with our personal histories. Letting go of them can feel like letting go of the memories they represent. Even if we never wear them again, they hold a sentimental value that makes it hard to part ways.
The Aspirational Wardrobe
We often keep clothes that reflect who we aspire to be rather than who we currently are. That pair of jeans might not fit now, but we hold onto them with the hope that one day they will. Or perhaps there's a glamorous dress we envision wearing once we finally get invited to that exclusive event. These items represent our future selves, and letting go of them can feel like giving up on those aspirations. I get it!
The "Just in Case" Mindset
There's also the practical side of why we hold onto certain items. What if we need that old blazer for a last-minute interview? Or those hiking boots for a spontaneous adventure? The "just in case" mindset convinces us to keep items that might serve a purpose down the line, even if they haven’t in years. It’s a way of feeling prepared for any situation, no matter how unlikely.
The Influence of Trends
Fashion trends are ever-evolving, and sometimes we hold onto pieces because we think they might come back in style. That neon top from the early 2000s? Wait… I'm so glad I kept that one! “I mean, who knows?” We ask ourselves, “It might be the next big thing again (and in some cases it is)!” This cyclical nature of fashion makes it tempting to keep items that once seemed outdated, just in case they regain their popularity.
The Guilt Factor
Let’s face it – clothes can be expensive. Parting with something that cost a significant amount of money and was worn only once (or not at all) can induce a feeling of guilt. We hold onto these items because giving them away feels like admitting to a financial mistake. It's the sunk cost fallacy in action, where we continue to value items based on what we paid for them rather than their current utility (and isn’t this soooo true).
Moving Forward: Curating a Wardrobe That Works
Understanding why we hold onto certain pieces can help us make more mindful decisions about our wardrobes.
Here are a few tips to help you curate a closet that works for you:
Assess Regularly : Go through your wardrobe every few months. If you haven't worn an item in over a year, consider why. Is it time to let it go?
Create a Maybe Box : Place items you’re unsure about in a box. If you don’t reach for them within six months, it’s a sign you can let them go.
Donate or Sell : Give your clothes a new life by donating them or selling them online. Consider donating to us at Style and Give! At least 40% of proceeds go back to your chosen charitable cause, so it’s a great way to declutter and do good at the same time.
Focus on Versatility : When shopping, choose pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and will get plenty of wear.
Remember, your wardrobe should serve you, not the other way around.
By letting go of the clothes that just sit around, you can make room for pieces that truly reflect your style and fit your life.
Happy decluttering, Happy donating, and Happy future styling!
💛Rachel
If you're in the Kansas City area, simply schedule a local pick-up for your donations-contact us at hello@StyleandGive.com or call us at (831)-687-8953 or you can drop off at Kindred located on the 1st Floor of Oak Park Mall next to Nordstrom.
Kindred Address:
11133 W 95th St.
Overland Park, KS 66214
| Hours of Operation: | ||
| Monday to Saturday: | 10am - 7pm | |
| Sundays: | 12pm - 6pm. | |
If you're elsewhere, don't worry! Just reach out to us for a prepaid shipping label to send your items directly.
If you choose to ship directly to Style and Give, more proceeds from the resale of your items go back to your chosen charity!
Shipping address is listed below:
Style and Give
100 E. Kansas St.
Suite H253
Lansing, KS 66043
(Don't forget to include your Donor Agreement !)