As hard as it is to admit, sometimes our clothes just don’t suit us anymore. Your favourite items that were previously fine for everyday use could now be inappropriate for your age, your job, or the current era. You may have outgrown these pieces, making it more difficult for you to wear them as you used to. It’s also possible that your closet is bursting with clothes that you no longer use and they overshadow the pieces that work best for you. As such, you need to get rid of some items to free up closet space and allow you to put together an ensemble in a much easier way.
If you’re still reassessing your decision to part ways with outdated and unused pieces, here are some telltale signs that should convince you that it’s time to revamp your whole wardrobe.
1. You Take Too Long to Find An Outfit
Is it a typical scenario for you to open your closet and spend more than five minutes deciding what to wear? It’s not like you don’t have enough clothes—in fact, you probably own too many of them. If this sounds familiar to you, then it’s time to give your closet an overhaul.
The reason why you take too long to choose an outfit is that there’s nothing you feel enticed to wear. For instance, that pair of ripped jeans in your closet could just be a mindless purchase you made while doing some retail therapy. Instead of getting pants that you will rarely use, buy leggings that feel comfortable and go well with the clothes that you gravitate towards. Picking an outfit shouldn’t be too time-consuming to the point that it becomes a paralysing daily chore.
2. Your Clothes Don’t Fit
It’s perfectly normal for our bodies to change, even within a short period. You may have gained a few pounds or gotten more muscle after adopting a new exercise routine. If you no longer feel comfortable in your go-to items, it’s probably because they can no longer accommodate the changes in your body.
Putting on clothes that feel either too small or too loose will only cause discomfort and impact your headspace throughout the day. Let go of those pieces that have become harder to zip or button up and start choosing items that are more flattering for your body shape.
3. Your Clothes Don’t Keep Up with Lifestyle Changes
If you think about it, our closets should reflect the changes in our lives. A wardrobe update is necessary not just to keep up with evolving styles, but also to make you feel empowered to face these changes. You may find it hard to let go of pieces stuck in your closet for years, but the clothes you once favoured may no longer fit your current lifestyle.
For example, you may have gotten promoted and thus need items such as suits, blazers, and slacks to power-dress for work. You should also have an ample stock of activewear if you’ve decided to adopt a more active or outdoorsy lifestyle. If you’re a new mum, you may need to replace restrictive clothing with more comfortable sweats and tops.
Climate also plays a significant role in dictating the contents of our closets. If you’re moving to an area with a colder climate, you need to invest in items such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, and Blundstone boots. If your new neighbourhood is in a warmer location, your closet should have more light clothing such as sleeveless tops, airy sundresses, and sandals. You can opt for a more versatile closet by getting pieces that you can easily layer depending on the temperature.
4. Your Clothes Are Overworn and Damaged
No matter how “trusty” you think your clothes are, the materials they’re made from also have their limits. It’s hard to say goodbye to your go-to pieces, but having a lot of threadbare items is a big sign that it’s time to start shopping for replacements. Watch out for signs of damage such as unremovable stains, thinner fabric, and frayed hems. Clothes with a noticeably washed-out, faded colour should also be replaced, as it only shows that they have reached the end of their lifespan.
When spring-cleaning your closet, make sure to get rid of stained and damaged items, as these make you look unprofessional or unkempt. Invest in high-quality clothes that are durable enough to have an extended stay in your closet.
5. You Haven’t Gone Shopping in A Long Time
As we have all realized in recent times, a lot of things can happen within a year. In fashion, trends can easily come and go. If the last time you shopped for clothes was over a year ago, then maybe it’s time for a closet upgrade. Who knows, you could find something more appealing in today’s fashion trends than the aesthetics you’ve held on to since high school.
Additionally, your closet may have too many clothes that you don’t remember buying. Perhaps you have a lot of hand-me-downs or gifted pieces that you didn’t want in the first place. In that case, a closet upgrade is definitely in order.
6. Your Clothes Don’t Feel Like You
Self-expression is the key element to putting together a great outfit. A closet that has no indicator of your current personal style will only make you feel dispassionate and detached from your clothes. Your outfits should inspire you to put your best self out there, especially if you’ve gone through many changes to get to where you are today.
No matter how well-put-together your outfit may be, it will only feel soulless and alienating if it doesn’t incorporate your personality at all. All in all, your closet should have items that allow you to dress the way you want to be perceived.
7. Make Your Closet Adapt with You
We all know that there’s nothing permanent except change. As we grow older, we must make the necessary changes and adapt accordingly. There’s nothing wrong with trying out a splash of colour or a bigger pant size if it makes you feel good, especially after going through significant life events. Whatever win or curveball you encounter in life, the important thing is that your clothes give you the confidence to go through it.
Have you recently revamped your closet?
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
lynn neal says
My clothes need a serious sort out because I have lots of clothing but tend to wear the same few pieces all the time!
Thomas Riley says
great post
Laura Pritchard says
I really need to do this!
pete c says
always find it hard to dispose of things as I always think they’ll come in useful at a later date
Sheena Batey says
This is such a useful article I tend to keep my choles for far too long
Susie Wilkinson says
I have a very easy wardrobe collection, t-shirts, hoodies and jeans for work and home, although I do have an awful lot of them!
Anne Eames says
A useful article thank you!
Ursula Hunt says
Great ideas in this article, thank you
Julie Cooper says
Really useful advice, Thank you.
Ellen Stafford says
Great post! I deffo need to sort my wardrobe out!
Mark Fridlington says
This is definitely a problem that I have. Lots of my clothes are at the back of my wardrobe, unworn (for various reasons) in years!
Natalie Burgess says
This is such a useful article! I definitely need a revamp. I seem to wear the same things over and over and hope one day I’ll fit into the tiny dresses taking up space xx
Ali Thorpe says
Some good ideas. I think a wardrobe revamp is worthwhile often as it reignites my creativity.
Alice Dixon says
I definitely think I need a wardrobe sort, I spend ages trying to choose an outfit and seem to end up wearing the same things over and over.
Donna Cruickshank says
Oh my god I so need to do this!
Laura Finch says
Great post
Stacie Copp says
I noticed I needed a revamp when i put all my winter clothes away and it left me with .. well about 2 tops haha! Some great ideas and tips in this post. Thankyou
Margaret Gallagher says
Always indecisive as to what to wear
I’m one of the lucky few who’s weight or shape never alters – have favourite pieces from 20 years ago
Laura F says
Definitely need to revamp my wardrobe – there is so much in there that’s no good or I just never reach for. I’m just too busy now to get around to it.
Jo Hutchings says
I’m due a wardrobe revamp. I’ll be hopefully starting a new job soon and none of my old office clothes fit me.
Michelle Smith says
A great article
Carole Nott says
I really think this article sounds like just me. My clothes are definitely in need of a sort out and revamp
Gdog says
Number 2 definitely rings a bell with me!
Emily Smith says
Great article although I vowed never to throw any clothes away after getting rid of my bigger clothes when I lost weight and having to buy more when I put weight on. Clothes that don’t fit are neatly stored away.
Pamtay says
I sometimes have to throw out scruffy old favourites to stop me wearing them all the time
Emma Hussain says
Definitely need to clear out my wardrobe
Eilean Fraoich says
Some really good points here, I am really guilty of just sticking with my old tired clothes for easiness.