How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of when your wardrobe gets too full?

B Natural answer

I usually sort my clothes into three groups: keep, maybe, and let go. First I ask whether I would buy the item again today, and then I think about the cost per wear. If something was cheap but I never wear it, it still takes up space, so it probably is not worth keeping. I also pay attention to sentimental value, because some pieces are tied to a trip, an event, or a person. I do not throw those out too quickly. At the same time, I look at whether it fits my current lifestyle. My wardrobe needs to work for my actual week, not an imaginary version of me. If I keep something, it should be comfortable, easy to match, and something I can reach for without thinking too hard. Anything else goes into a donation bag, and I usually do that the same day so I don’t second-guess myself later.

Key phrases in this answer

• cost per wear — the price of an item divided by how often you use it“I think about cost per wear before I keep expensive clothes.”
• sentimental value — emotional importance because of memories or attachment“I keep a few items for sentimental value.”
• fits my current lifestyle — works well with how I live now“I only keep clothes that fit my current lifestyle.”
• wear all the time — use regularly or very often“I only keep jackets that I wear all the time.”
• haven't touched in a year — have not used or handled for twelve months“If I haven't touched in a year, it usually goes out of my closet.”
• dress in layers — wear clothes one on top of another for flexibility or warmth“I keep pieces that dress in layers easily.”