I am pretty good about cleaning out my closet seasonally. I love to have a little extra space and breathing room for my clothes. It’s refreshing to see things after they are reorganized, freshly folded, and edited. Suddenly, things looks wearable again, like when I first purchased them.
I attacked the task today and for some reason, I was ruthless in my purge. Didn’t even think twice about some things that previously I was so hesitant on. I think part of the ease in saying farewell to many once loved items was acknowledging they no longer fit my lifestyle or age. I’ve come to terms.
Gone are spaghetti straps, ruffles and dresses that are too short. They can look great on others my age, but not on me. I’ve never been much of a girlie dresser anyway…which leads me to…
Boy clothes – I’ve accepted that at my 5’9″ frame, shrunken jackets look ridiculous on me. They make me feel like a giant trying to squeeze in children’s clothing. And boyfriend jeans…I can’t master the look. Chic on others but I feel frumpy. They are too much work to pull off successfully.
When I took inventory of my jeans, I realized a problem. I had way too many. I felt like a hoarder. Besides, I literally rotate through my favorites…and there are still plenty. Whiskers, no more. Low riders, nope. Colors I have no business wearing, (really, pink?) tossed in the pile. I kept slim and straight pairs in several washes and colors, a favorite trouser silhouette with a high waist, and a couple of boot cuts. Overall, AG Jeans turn out to be the keepers for me and I’ll keep that in mind if I ever need to buy another pair…not for awhile.
Silk blouses took a hit too. I’m frustrated with those solid silks that get one wear and are mysteriously stained with a dot of oil or something. Too high maintenance.
What I’m left with is a closet full of clothes I really like and will wear. I can see where I need to add things and fill in the blanks. I also see a category of repeat purchases. No matter how luscious, I DO NOT need another grey sweater.
I have a fresh perspective and am carefully reworking my fall wish list to things that will add beauty, style and interest to my existing wardrobe. It’s a work in progress.
SilkPathDiary
It must be something in the air or that when one hit a certain stage/phase in life, it’s so much easier to focus on what works and get rid of the rest. I’ve done the bulk of my purge (not very good at this, last one was 4 years ago) and dresses/skirts are definitely my weakness.
I’m surprised you find bf jeans impossible considering your willowy height. To me my bf jeans are slightly looser jeans that taper in at a bit towards the ankles. I never wear tight jeans and my skinnies are simply a closer fit to the bf. But I agree with you about the low waist – no place for them at all.
I look forward to your new wish list!
Karima @ A Note On Style
I see what you mean about the boyfriend jean. I just can’t wear the super loose ones…too much fabric for me. I did keep some favorite loose fitting jeans by Current/Elliott…fitted in hips but loose in leg with no taper (the cropped straight).
Monix
Ah, you have just nailed it for me!
Like you, I’m 5’9″(but not willowy), love the boyfriend, gamine look but have never been comfortable wearing it. And grey sweaters? I don’t even suit grey, yet have more grey than camel ( that does suit)! Some days I just want to throw everything out and only wear Celine, The Row and J Crew but am too afraid I’ll only buy another grey sweater…
Karima @ A Note On Style
I don’t know what it is about the grey sweater obsession…maybe it’s all the beautiful shades? Plus I look at pale grey as a year round color to justify my purchases. I like to have different weights and textures and silhouettes…
Gayle
Amen! And I don’t need another black sweater either!
Your favorite AG jean are medium rise or ‘at the waist’ ??
This post is INSPIRING! — thanks!
Karima @ A Note On Style
You’re welcome! My favorite AG Jeans are medium rise…The Stella and The Stilt.