For many of us ladies, decluttering clothes is one of the hardest challenges we face.
I get it. As a former shopaholic and a lover of clothes, I know how hard it is to have to let go – maybe because of sheer lack of space, or because you are moving and much of your wardrobe is now out of date or no longer worn.
That does not mean that we necessarily want to let our clothes go. Many pieces of clothing can invoke memories of the past, especially if they come from an era when clothes were well made and lasted forever. With the rise of cheap, high-turnover fashion, in theory it should be easier to let items go that you no longer wear.
However, on the basis that our clothes define us, and as we head towards a more minimalist style of living, maybe you’ve found yourself thinking about decluttering clothes.
Decluttering clothes can be easier than you think if you know your style.
Knowing your style
As a young woman, my style was all over the place. I wore all the colours, all the trends and everything in between. I simply did not know who I was, or which style suited me. I was heavily influenced by fashion and probably wore some things I shouldn’t have. I recall lime green jeans and a skinny-neck jumper in the 70’s – and I still shiver when I see the photo. My face says it all: sullen and pale (which, of course, was the fashion then).
Roll onto now, and my wardrobe is small. Every item represents me, suits me, fits me, and is in the colour palette that works for my complexion. Not only that, but I also actually love every item. The minute I move from “love” to “like” to “it’s okay,” is the time I consider letting it go.
If you are thinking about decluttering clothes, I strongly recommend you get your colours done. Many think this limits your wardrobe, but it actually improves it. There may be colours that are okay on you, but there will also be better ones – shades that light up your face and make you stand out.
Understanding clothing styles
Another way to approach decluttering is to understand your style. Generally, there are a few core types:
- Classic – think boots, suits
- Natural – think jeans, cotton
- Romantic – think flouncy and feminine
- Ingénue – think youthful, soft, and cute
- Dramatic – think bold colours, statement pieces, often dark
- Gamine – think sharp, quirky, Keira Knightley style
Often, you’ll be a mix of two styles, but rarely more. For example, you may prefer romantic, feminine clothes day-to-day, but adopt a classic look (suits, blazers) for work.
Questions to ask yourself
When decluttering, don’t discard items without thought. Instead, ask yourself:
- Does it fit me well?
- Does it make me feel wonderful?
- Would I buy it again today?
- Does it reflect who I am now?
- Is it age-appropriate?
Age-appropriate doesn’t mean you can’t dress youthfully. Age is just a number, and many women in their 50s and 60s still express their style confidently. My mantra is: never fade to grey.
That said, be truthful about your body shape. Not everything will suit you, even if you love the idea of it.
How to declutter clothes in practice
Now for the practical steps. Here’s a system that works:
- Take out every item of clothing in your wardrobe.
- Place items onto your bed in categories – jeans, leggings, t-shirts, dresses, jackets, knitwear, etc.
- Work through each pile carefully. Focus on what you are 100% keeping. The rest is up for discussion.
If you haven’t worn something for six months or more, chances are you won’t. Ask yourself why. Common reasons include:
- It no longer fits
- The weather hasn’t been right (an excuse, really!)
- It’s uncomfortable (scratchy label, itchy wool, bad fit)
- It no longer represents who you are
What to do with the items you let go
Once you’ve identified what’s going, decide where it should go:
- Charity – Giving clothes a second life is always rewarding.
- Sell – Platforms like eBay and Vinted are options. Focus on immaculate items with resale potential. Use good lighting and a mannequin for best results. Remember: you likely won’t get back what you paid. Think volume over individual value.
Hanger rotation method
Once you’ve kept what you love, try the hanger rotation method. Put all hangers facing the same way. After you wear an item, turn the hanger the other way. In six months, you’ll see clearly what you actually wear – making the next declutter even easier.
The truth about wardrobes
The reality is most of us only wear 20% of our wardrobe. The other 80% goes untouched. Decluttering helps you face that truth and makes getting dressed easier every day.
Decluttering clothes can even become fun. Once you start, you may find yourself wanting to tackle other areas of your home too.
If the idea still feels overwhelming, I can help. Sometimes all we need is a second opinion, and as a dedicated follower of fashion, I can guide you through what works for you.
Love,
Beth
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