Ladies, It’s Time to Clean Out That Closet

After living so long in sweatpants during the Covid lockdown, women are finding that their closets, filled with suits, formal shoes, blazers, purses, etc., can feel like vintage clothes from another era.  Further, many companies are allowing employees to work from home or have changed their in-office rules to a hybrid combo of virtual and in-office.  As a result, looks created in the “before Covid times” often seem irrelevant today.  It’s not only the move to more casual work dress, but also a wish to simplify life after nearly two years of complicated uncertain times.

At Q, Contrary we think the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take a good hard look at what’s in your closet.  Start by sorting your clothes into three piles:

• those you want to keep,
• those you will give away or sell and
• those that go straight into the dumpster.  Dumpster clothing is anything that is damaged and can’t be repaired, worn or stained.

What to Keep When Cleaning Out  Your Closet?

Now you’ll have to use your critical thinking skills to determine what you should sell/give away and what should go into the dumpster.  I like to start with what should go into the dumpster or to a new home.  Here are my top five picks:

1. Clothes that don’t fit or are out of style. If you haven’t lost that five or 10 lbs. in the last year, get rid of it.
2. Clothes you haven’t worn in a year or more.
3. Trendy clothes that you’ve been keeping because you liked them, and finally they are back in style. For example, crop tops are in, and you’ve been saving your two favorites.  That’s all well and good, but you wore them when you were twenty something.  You’re now 35.  They need to go in the dumpster.
4. Silver fashion jewelry that’s been in a drawer so long it’s turned black really needs to go.
5. Worn handbags from Michael Kors or Coach are also dumpster items as is that Prada knock off you bought in Hong Kong or on Canal Street in New York.

I have a few other tips regarding clothes and accessories that need to go. They include anything you have multiples of (You don’t need 10 black turtlenecks.), things you used to like but now dislike, and anything you haven’t worn or only worn once.  The end goal is to get rid of what you don’t need to not only free up space, but to see what you really do need.  If you still can’t figure it out, bring it to me, and I’ll help you.

Things You Should Keep When Cleaning Out Your Closet

Regarding what you should keep, I suggest staples (clothing and accessories you can incorporate with any brand), basic pieces, layering pieces and, of course, things your like and have worn in the last year.

Going forward, keep in mind that “less is more”, and buy less but buy better. Closets don’t have to be full.  Buying quality always trumps cheap and trendy.  That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have a few trendy items for each season but consider quality ready-to-wear or even custom for much of your wardrobe budget.  In the long run, you’ll look better and feel more confident in your clothes.  You may even find that you’re spending less.

I’m Mary from Q. Contrary wishing you a happy and prosperous 2022.  Check out my shop in Phoenix at 3168 East Camelback Road or visit my online store.  I’d love to help you with your wardrobe needs.