I have a few, but only a few, clothes that I have never worn. Some were gifts, some were things that seemed better in the store (often sale items) than they did at home. A couple are things that I realized weren’t really a good color on me or look frumpy. I feel bad getting rid of these things because they fit and there’s nothing wrong with them.
I probably have more things that I don’t wear anymore, either because they don’t fit (but I hope to someday get back into them), I used to wear them a lot and got tired of them, or they’re too youthful/out of style but I still have a sentimental attachment to them.
A while back I did decide to be tough on myself and, since I wanted to buy some new summer work clothes, told myself that I’d need to clear out some closet space first. I made myself pick out at least ten things to take to Goodwill. In the end I actually managed to part with 12 items, although I probably could have done 15 or more if I’d been totally honest about what I never wear. But I think for people with this problem then “Nothing new comes in unless something old goes out” is a good rule to make yourself obey.
The last time I moved I also decided that there was no reason for sentimental items like old rock concert or school club t-shirts to be taking up dresser space. I bought one of those under the bed storage containers and rolled up all such shirts and put them away. If I ever want them for a school reunion or to show off at a concert that I saw this band way back when then I know where they are, but they aren’t in my way on a daily basis.
Yup - probably a third or more of my closet. Stuff that’s too big (because I’ve lost weight since I bought it) or stuff that’s too small (because I’ve gained weight since I bought it). Stuff that’s old but Mrs. Homie won’t let me throw away, and stuff that’s fugly but Mrs. Homie’s mom bought it for me so I can’t throw it away.
I’m pretty good about getting rid of stuff because clutter gets on my nerves, but there are a few things.
One is a skirt I bought just because the pattern reminded me of the illustrations in one of my favorite childhood books. It fit and I wore it a few times, but now I’m too old to wear a skirt that short. But I can’t throw it away because the pattern makes me happy!
Another is a long silky beautiful robe. I don’t know about you guys, but I either roll out of bed and get dressed, or slop around in T-shirt and undies. There is no “robe-time”. But it’s so beautiful…what if I want to wear a robe someday?
Then there’s my wedding dress. It still fits and it’s not too obviously wedding-y. I could use it again if I had a fancy-dress occasion. Of course, my husband would have a fit if I recycled like that…some sort of weird sentimental thing.
So your first solo didn’t work out too well, then.
I have a T-shirt my college judo club gave me that doesn’t fit anymore. Everything else that doesn’t fit is gone. Our church has a huge rummage sale every September. If I haven’t worn it since the last sale, out it goes.
