It’s that time again…New Year’s Resolutions are a tried-and-true tradition, but at DoubleTake we like to take this opportunity to make Style Resolutions! It’s tough to part with clothes you’ve had for a long time, but cleaning out your closet is essential in order to keep your style up-to-date and your wardrobe fully functional. But the best part? Clearing out space in your closet leaves you with more room for shopping!
Should You Keep it?
- How long has it been? If you haven’t worn a piece for more than a year, maybe it’s time to free up that closet space for something you’ll truly love.
- Will I wear it again? Maybe it was hidden in the back of your closet, or it’s a special-occasion outfit. If you can pinpoint a specific time to wear it again in the near future, then keep it. If not, consider getting rid of it.
- Is it damaged? Put aside items that need small repairs such as a torn seam or a missing button, and take them to a tailor. If the damage is irreparable, toss them or donate them to a local animal shelter to be used as rags.
- Does it still fit? It’s natural to shift sizes – but rather than keeping everything, consider getting rid of trendy pieces and keeping only classic pieces that you know you’ll still love next time you’re at your previous size again.
- Does it make you feel good? We all know that just because something is the right size doesn’t mean you love the way it looks on you. Maybe it was a present, something you bought before trying it on, or an item you forgot to return – but if putting it on doesn’t make you feel great, get rid of it.
- Will you miss it? If you think you will miss some items you’re on the fence about, here’s a trick to see whether you can part with them: put them in a box out of sight. If you don’t go digging through the box for a specific item within a year, then you can easily take it straight to a thrift or consignment store without a second thought.
- Would I buy this? Your tastes change – maybe that fur-trimmed vest fit your style when you bought it three years ago, but does it reflect your taste now?
- Do you need to go shopping? This is our favorite part! If you got rid of work clothes or damaged pieces that are a key part of any wardrobe (like a black blazer, white button-down, or dark skinny jeans), you may need to buy a replacement. While you’re purging your closet, make a list of items that you’ll need to replace.
What do I do with clothes I want to get rid of?
It’s easier to get rid of clothing when you know your items will be used. Based on the condition, here are some ways your clothes can find a second life:
- If they’re stained, tattered, or ruined, throw them away.
- If they’re so faded or worn that you wouldn’t buy them at a thrift store, wash them and donate them to an animal shelter to use as rags.
- If they’re still in pretty good shape, donate them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another service which will get them to those in need.
- If your items are in pristine condition, take them to a thrift store.
- If you have designer pieces which are still in excellent shape, try selling them on consignment – you’ll get some extra money, and someone else will be able to enjoy them for years to come. Here’s a list of designers we’ll happily accept.
- If you have fashionable friends, consider a clothing swap! It’s a fun way to get some new-to-you clothes and purge your closet while catching up.
Don’t forget to enter our contest – we’re giving away a gift card! Share your 2015 Style Resolution on our Facebook page (link), or tag @doubletakebtq on Instagram and use #StyleResolution.
