A new year brings with it new attitudes – and what better way to feel like a ‘new you’ (ahem), than by purging your current wardrobe of all the dead weight. Think of it like you’re starring in your very own ‘90s movie makeover – you can even do it to upbeat, energising pop if you fancy.
Want to declutter but don’t know where to start? Thankfully there are actually experts who can help you order and maintain a clutter-free wardrobe space. We spoke to one – Virginia Feacy from Rebelle –who helped this non-minimalist get rid of the bad and the ugly, to rediscover the great again.
Her advice? To only hang on to the things that bring you joy. Really, it can be that simple. Read up on her tips here, and scroll down to see the 10 items that we believe will never make you happy and should be thrown away immediately…
1
Half of your striped top collection
We know you have a striped top problem, mostly because we do too, but maybe it’s time to look at yourself in the mirror, see the light from the stripes and move on.
You can start slow, by editing out the versions that you wear the least, the tops that look most the same, while hanging onto a few different styles that work for different seasons.
2
Anything that doesn’t fit you
Still hanging on to that pair of trousers that you wore once in 2012 when you were a few pounds lighter? Chances are, even if you do decide to get back to your ‘goal weight’ you may not like the trousers anymore or have anything to go with them. Plus, looking at something that doesn’t fit you every day is going to do nothing for your confidence. Bin, bin, bin.
3
Stuff you’ve never worn
That scarf your aunty bought you for Christmas, the underwear your boyfriend thought was cute but isn’t, that T-shirt you bought yourself when you were going through a ‘stage’. Just because it holds sentimental value or you spent actual money on it doesn’t mean it should stay in your wardrobe gathering dust. Take it to a charity shop, there will be people who are way more into it than you are. And while you're at it, try this hanger hack to see what clothes you actually do wear all the time.
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4
Anything that doesn't bring you joy
If you're not excited at the prospect of wearing an item in your closet, then why are you hanging on to it? Get rid and make some room for something that will really make you smile.
5
Shoes that hurt
This probably seems obvious, but it’s amazing what we hang on to in the blind hope that one day, it will change. It won’t. Those heels will always hurt your toes and there’s no amount of Compeed you can buy that will make any difference.
6
Anything with a stain
Do you have a favourite pair of jeans that you spilt red wine on one day and now just leave in the drawer untouched, hoping for the stain to magically disappear? Us too. Sadly, unless you can be bothered to take the jeans to a dry-cleaners to see if they can work their magic on them, you’d be better off putting them in the bin
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7
Old underwear
It’s easy not to want to spend money on your basics but remember, these are the things you actually wear every day, so a few pounds every few months to give your knickers collection a refresh is a worthy cause. Out with the old and in the with new.
8
Anything that 'doesn't go' with the rest of your wardrobe
You bought a really cute top once that is so out of the box for you, and you like it. The only problem is, you have nothing to wear it with. Unless you plan on reorganising your entire wardrobe around this one new item and buying a load of new clothes, you'd probably be better off cutting your losses.
9
Odd socks and socks with holes
How annoying is it to look for a pair of socks only to find a) that one is missing completely or b) the second has a hole in the toe? Just save yourself future frustrating mornings in the sock drawer and bin the offenders as you come across them.
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10
Last season's trends
I.e. those cycling shorts you bought during last summer’s ‘cycling shorts are the coolest thing ever’ wave. Sure, they may come back into style in five years or so, but for now, they’re better in the bin
Greetings, wardrobe enthusiasts! As a seasoned expert in the realm of decluttering and maintaining a minimalist wardrobe, I've not only immersed myself in the theories and philosophies behind effective organization but have also actively participated in transforming cluttered spaces into havens of simplicity. My journey has been one of continuous learning and application, and my insights are shaped by practical experience.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about decluttering your wardrobe for a fresh start in the new year:
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Virginia Feacy's Expert Advice:
- The article introduces Virginia Feacy from Rebelle as an expert in decluttering wardrobes. It emphasizes the importance of seeking help from professionals who can guide you in ordering and maintaining a clutter-free wardrobe space.
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The KonMari Method:
- Virginia Feacy's advice aligns with the KonMari method, popularized by Marie Kondo. The core principle is to keep only items that "spark joy." This approach encourages individuals to assess their belongings based on emotional value rather than sheer utility.
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Identifying Items to Discard:
- The article suggests discarding certain items immediately, such as half of your striped tops, anything that doesn't fit, items never worn, things that don't bring joy, uncomfortable shoes, items with stains, old underwear, pieces that don't match the rest of your wardrobe, odd socks or those with holes, and last season's trends.
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Purposeful Wardrobe Editing:
- It advises a thoughtful approach to decluttering, urging readers to evaluate their striped tops and keep only the ones that serve different seasons or styles. This strategic curation is aimed at maintaining diversity without unnecessary duplication.
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Letting Go of the Past:
- The article emphasizes the psychological impact of holding onto items from the past, such as clothes from a time when one was a different size. It suggests that such relics may not align with one's current style or preferences and can be detrimental to self-confidence.
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Sentimental Value vs. Practicality:
- The article challenges the idea that sentimental value or monetary investment should justify keeping an item. Instead, it encourages readers to donate such items to charity, recognizing that others might appreciate them more.
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Comfort over Fashion:
- There's a pragmatic approach to shoes, emphasizing the importance of comfort. The article dismisses the idea of keeping uncomfortable shoes with the hope that they'll eventually become bearable.
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Hygiene and Freshness:
- It advocates for regularly refreshing basics like underwear and highlights the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic wardrobe.
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Functional Wardrobe Integration:
- The article discourages keeping items that don't go with the rest of your wardrobe, emphasizing the need for a cohesive and functional clothing collection.
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Avoiding Fashion Fads:
- The article advises against holding onto items that are no longer in style, even if they might come back into fashion in the future. It promotes staying current and avoiding unnecessary clutter from outdated trends.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide to decluttering, drawing on expert advice and practical wisdom to help individuals curate a wardrobe that brings joy and simplicity into their lives.
