Unusual Ways To Detox Your Wardrobe
My ideas on how to detox your wardrobe may be just the opposite of what normal stylists will tell you. And since our Where Bloggers Live is talking about resolutions, I thought this subject would be tremendously appropriate.
Quote of the day: “This year instead of making a resolution to change yourself, make a resolution to love yourself. Then positive changes will come naturally, because we want good things for the people we love, and we know they’re worth the effort.” Lori Deschene
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for a fresh start—and what better place to begin than your wardrobe? Every article and stylist is talking about decluttering and organizing your closet this time of year.
But I approach the whole idea differently than what you’ve read in the past.
Insider tip: Your mindset makes a difference. If you want to continue buying more of the same things and look the same every year, this article is not for you.
Let’s talk about what to do—and what not to do—when it comes to this idea to detox your wardrobe.
I’ve also written about 3 different methods of shopping your closet to get the most out of what you already have. Make sure to check out these articles for more inspiration.
To quote my friend, Stephany, “it’s easier to shop your closet when it’s organized and out in front of you.” We are visual animals, so seeing items increases the chances you will wear them.
Detox Your Wardrobe–3 Things Not to Do
Sometimes, common wardrobe decluttering advice can work against you, especially if you’re looking to cultivate a style that’s unique and evolving. Here’s what to avoid:
1-Don’t only keep items that fit into your current Lifestyle. While it’s important to have clothing that works for your everyday activities, limiting your wardrobe to just those pieces can stifle your style. Life changes, and so do our fashion needs and preferences. Keeping a variety of items ensures that you have options to grow into as your style evolves.
Besides, I want to know why you shouldn’t get “dressed up” to go to the grocery store?
Insider tip: Every year or so there will be a wedding, celebratory event, or something fun that will require a “fancy” outfit. And it’s stressful to try to find one at the last minute. That’s why you should have a couple of options already in your closet that fit well.
AND btw, I bet dollars to donuts there is a way to casualize those “fancy” items.
2- Don’t take everything out and try to do it all in one day. The idea of emptying your entire closet at once can be overwhelming. By trying to do it this way, you’ll get too tired and make bad decisions. Instead, I like to consider one option to detox your wardrobe with a different approach.
Evaluate items as you wear them, and note what works and what doesn’t. This way, you’ll have a clearer perspective on what needs to be altered, donated, or saved for later.
Insider tip: Another advantage to wearing the item all day instead of evaluating it on the hanger or just trying it on for 2 seconds is that you will realize if it has functional quirks. Quirks like something hard to go to the bathroom wearing or how a strap always slips down.
3- Don’t automatically throw things out if you haven’t worn them in a year. Fashion is cyclical, and sometimes we need time to grow into certain pieces. I like to think of this as letting clothing “marinate.” Maybe you weren’t ready to wear that bold jacket a year ago, but now it feels like the perfect statement piece. Give yourself permission to hold onto items that still spark joy, even if they haven’t made it into your rotation yet.
Insider tip: The opposite can hold true too, as my friend, Tresi told me once. Sometimes a beloved item stops being wonderful. Even if you wear it a lot, but it makes you feel ho-hum, that may mean it needs to be relegated to the dog walking or rag pile.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Style Goals
Before diving into your wardrobe, take a moment to think about your style goals. I realize that most days we don’t ponder this question, but it can also help to evaluate the outfits you admire on others or have pinned to a Pinterest board.
- How have I been dressing for the past year? Would someone be able to describe my personality based on these outfits?
- Are there pieces I want to push myself to wear, even if they feel outside my comfort zone?
- What items make me feel confident and joyful?
Every day is an opportunity to dress up and look fabulous. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you have to blend into your surroundings.
Insider tip: At this stage of the game, you lose if you blend in. Being on the back end of the years of our lives, it’s now time to be BOLD or at least have fun.
It’s way too stressful to look appropriate for our age or to make sure our clothing is “flattering” (a term I’ve grown to dislike more and more).
Step 2: Evaluate Your Wardrobe Gradually
Instead of trying to tackle everything in one day, take it slow. Challenge yourself to wear different items every day/week. Don’t always resort to your go-tos.
Each time you get dressed, pay attention to the pieces you’re reaching for and those you’re skipping over.
Insider tip: If there’s something you don’t wear, try looking on Pinterest for an outfit featuring a similar item. That might give you a bunch of ideas of how to wear it.
If the clothing you wore that day needs some sort of altering, put it in an “alterations bag or box” instead of hanging it back up.
As an additional tip, it is helpful to write a note about what needs to be fixed/altered in case you don’t get to it for a while. This leads to my next thought…
Step 3: Embrace Alterations and Fixes
There are SO, SO many changes that can be done to clothing you already have in your closet to make it either fit better or just be better for you.
Here are just a couple of ideas, but make sure to read both my article on easy alterations and knowing about alterations.
- Buttons: Not only can the buttons be switched out to contrast the item or blend in better, but you could also change them so each button is different and unique instead of all being the same.
- Remove sleeves: Many blazers and jackets can be transformed into vests just by cutting off the sleeves. Okay, so there is usually some sewing involved to clean up the seams, but don’t let that stop you.
- Decorate: You can use embroidery thread and fabric paint as well as appliques and trim to add interest to something plain or to cover up stains and/or rips.
- Collar: Many times a collar can be added/replaced or transformed to change it up.
- Color: You can dye many items to change their overall color.
Insider tip: The best way to try out many of these suggestions is for the first one or two pieces, buy something inexpensive at the thrift store to practice on. That way when (notice I said “when” and not “if”) there is a mess up, it wasn’t a huge investment or on something you really loved.
Step 4: Rotate and Reassess
If you’re hesitant about whether to keep or donate an item, make sure to style and wear it within the next month.
Insider tip: For items you just can’t figure out or decide whether to keep or not, put them in a “marinate” box to reassess in a couple of months. Sometimes you just need a change of mindset to love an item.
Or as I suggested above, check Pinterest for ways to wear it that might get you more excited about the item.
Step 7: Celebrate the Journey
The idea to detox your wardrobe is about more than just decluttering. It’s an opportunity to reflect on who you are, where you’re going, and how you want to express yourself. Celebrate the pieces that bring you joy, and give yourself grace as you figure out what works for you. Remember, your style is a journey, not a destination.
As you embark on this wardrobe detox, keep these “don’ts” in mind and embrace the gradual, thoughtful process of curating a wardrobe that truly represents you.
Remember: “Bring a personal twist to every outfit and embrace your unique style.”
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