2019 is here. Resolutions for the new year have been made. But did you forget about your closet?? There are so many different ways in order to make this year a brand-new start, and we should be taking our clothes into consideration too. When looking over your wardrobe, ask yourself these seven simple questions and you’ll be able to refresh your threads in no time!
First, let’s start out easy. Ask yourself, “Does this fit?” If not, it’s time for that piece of clothing to move on to another chapter of life that doesn’t involve sitting in your closet. In some cases, we keep clothes that used to fit in order to inspire us to fit into them again in the future. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! Just find a storage container that will fit every item that is your goal size, and put them away in order to make room for the clothes your current, beautiful self needs to wear today. Be present, and wear what makes you feel great right now. You might wear those clothes again some day, but now is the time to get all of those distractions out of your closet!
Second question: “Have I worn this in the last 12 months?” Take a moment to remember all of your favorite moments from 2018. If you can’t remember wearing that pair of old jeans over the course of the past year, then you probably won’t wear them this year either, or the next, or the next, or the next! It’s time to say goodbye to what you don’t wear so you can say hello to what you will.
Next, ask yourself, “Is it likely that I will ever wear this again?” During your reminiscing time from the last question, you might remember wearing that wool sweater this past fall. But you only wore it for one evening because it was kind of itchy… And what about that dress you wore to your cousin’s themed wedding? Put yourself in your own shoes from tomorrow. Would that person wear that top? Why not? Will they ever…. EVER wear that top again? If not, it’s time for that top to stop, and leave the party.
“Is this currently in style, and/or does this still accurately represent my style?” is next question to ask. Even if you don’t really know what your “look” or “style” is yet, that’s totally fine. Style is ever-changing, and so are you! If you see something in your drawers that doesn’t represent who you want to be, then it’s time to get rid of it and refresh for the present you that you are.
The fifth question to ask is: “If this is damaged in any way, will I actually make the effort to get it repaired?” I know I’m guilty of keeping sweaters with holes, or shirts with missing buttons in hopes of fixing them and rocking them in the future. Take the time today to reassess these items. Revisit whether these clothes are able to be fixed, and whether you love them enough to complete that task and complete the dream look you were waiting on.
Time for question number six: “If I were shopping right now, would I buy this?” Pretend your closet is a pop-up boutique, and that everything is on sale for five dollars a piece. If you’re looking at a pair of shoes in your closet that you wouldn’t even pay five dollars for at a store… WHY ARE YOU KEEPING THEM?? Those items should furthermore be discontinued from your collection because they soooo last year, and now you’ll have room for new faves!
You’ve made it to the last question! All that’s left to ask yourself is, “Do I feel confident when I wear this?” This might feel like a tough question, so you might need some help in order to find your answer. After you’ve worked through your yes and no pile, get some friends together to help you decide on your maybe’s with a fashion show starring YOU! Make sure you pick friends that will be honest about what they think, and you should keep track of how you really feel and how excited you are to show these pieces off to your best friends. If you’re not confident enough to wear them in front of your friends, you probably won’t be wearing that item anywhere else, so it should be moved to the no pile.
Guess what?… You’ve completed a clean-up on aisle CLOSET! Now you’re all set to start out 2019 with space for all the new items you’ll fall in love with this year. Now you won’t be burdened with the bundles of clothes that should stay in the past! If you don’t have a plan for the items you’re not keeping, the Salvation Army, and Goodwill are always looking for donations. No matter what size your get-rid-of pile is, donating your old clothes is super easy! Someone in need might LOVE the items that you would never wear again, and you’ll feel great starting off the year by giving back.
Now that you’re done, if you’re already itching for new items to fill in the gaps, check out our newest arrivals on gliks.com for inspiration. Here’s to starting out 2019 with a new year of new fashion!