Do you have pieces with tags on hanging in your closet? Read this!
We’ve all been there – you’re in a store and you spot that gorgeous dress or chic top that you just have to have. Before you know it, you’re at the checkout, proudly making your purchase.
Fast forward a few months, and there it is: still hanging in your closet, unworn, with the tags still on. So what happened?
WHY DO WE BUY CLOTHES WE DON’T END UP WEARING?
Before you beat yourself up about it, let’s explore why this happens to so many of us:
IMPULSE BUYS
Sometimes, we’re caught up in the moment—maybe there was a sale, or the item looked irresistible on the mannequin. But once we get it home, it just doesn’t fit into our wardrobe or lifestyle like we thought it would.
ASPIRATIONAL SHOPPING
We often buy clothes for the person we want to be, rather than the person we are. Maybe it’s a trendy piece that doesn’t align with your true style, or a size that’s not quite right because you’re planning to lose those last few pounds.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
It’s easy to fall in love with an item in the store, but when it doesn’t look or feel the same way when you try it on at home, disappointment sets in, and it gets pushed to the back of the closet.
PRESSURE TO BUY
Sales associates, friends, or even our own inner voice can pressure us into making a purchase that doesn’t really suit us. “It’s so on-trend right now!” or “I’ll find a reason to wear it eventually” can lead us down the path of unworn clothes.
Why do we keep clothes we’ve never worn? These are the 3 most common reasons I see.
You spent good money on it so you would feel guilty getting rid of it.
You consider it to be something you’re “suppose to have” in your wardrobe.
You don’t know how to style it and you think some day you’ll figure it out.
SHOULD IT STAY OR SHOULD IT GO? HERE’S HOW TO DECIDE.
First, if you’re hung up on the money, realize that the money is gone and you’re not going to get it back. Wouldn’t it be better for someone else to use it and love it instead of it sitting in your closet? Give it away, donate it or sell it.
Now, let’s move on to the other reasons. The tips I give my clients when we are doing closet edits:
TRY IT ON AGAIN.
Sometimes, we need to see how an item really fits into our current wardrobe. If you’re struggling with how to style it, google “How to style X” and get some inspiration. That may help you combine it with pieces currently in your closet. If you can confidently find ways to wear it with what you already own, it may be a keeper.
WANT TO EMBARK ON A FULL CLOSET EDIT OF YOUR OWN? DOWNLOAD MY CHEAT SHEET HERE.
ASSESS HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL.
Does it fit properly? Do you feel good in it? If something is bugging you about the piece? For instance, you don’t like how the ruffles of the top lay on your torso or the hips pucker on the skirt and it doesn’t look good. You should probably say goodbye to it.
DO YOU HAVE PLACES TO WEAR IT?
Do you have realistic occasions to wear it? Think about the events on your calendar in the near future—from daily activities to special occasions. If you can’t picture yourself wearing it anytime soon, it might not be worth keeping.
CHECK FOR VERSATILITY.
Can you style it in multiple ways? If it’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and paired with multiple other items in your wardrobe, it’s more likely to get worn. If not, it might be a sign that it’s not the right piece for you.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying clothes that end up unworn, but the key is to learn from these experiences. By understanding why it happens and being more mindful in the future, you can build a wardrobe filled with pieces that you love, wear, and feel amazing in.
So, the next time you find yourself standing in front of your closet, staring at those tagged clothes, remember: it’s okay to let go of what doesn’t serve you. Your wardrobe should be a reflection of who you are, right now—not who you think you should be.
With love and style,
