Stock photo via Deposit Photos / OKrasyuk
The seasons are changing, which means it’s time to do seasonal wardrobe review. You may also be doing a closet purge as you go… so let’s discuss: have you ever regretted purging your closet?
Readers had a great threadjack about this a while ago… we also got into this when we discussed recycling, selling, and donating work clothes.
What Clothes Do Readers Regret Purging?
I am horrible at purging my closet — in part because I still regret giving some things away when I was younger! Were they my size? No. Did they flatter me? Also no. But I still regret giving away things like the J.Crew wool dress and the silver leopard-print silk/wool Dana Buchman blazer.
I am trying to work on this resistance to decluttering clothes (says the woman who is holding on to the 5-sizes-too-small empire-waisted top I wore on my first date with my husband that would make me look positively pregnant right now)… I try to make sure I have pictures of me wearing the item, for example.
Some of the reasons readers regretted closet purges…
Return-To-Office Regret
One reader noted that she really regretted purging her work wardrobe as her employer forced a return to office.
In particular, I had several beautiful blazers that made me feel very confident and only kept two of the solid color ones and none of the ones with cool patterns or cut. I have some issues with weight fluctuations and body image, so the thought of trying on work clothes right now is causing me no little amount of anxiety & frustration with the increased prices/reduced quality. I definitely regret that lack of foresight. I donated several pieces that were unique and I would have been happier to have them in my closet even if I only wore them once ever again.
I do not regret for a minute purging 1) clothes I will never realistically fit into ever again and 2) the “tier 2” clothing I kept around because I had paid too much for it or was totally wearable, just no longer my style/I didn’t feel good in.
Another woman pointed out that it can be an element of knowing what you have — she’s rediscovered things in her closet that were more than 5 years old, didn’t work when purchased, but she’s happy to have now.
Confidence Clothing
A lot of readers echoed the sentiment that they regretted getting rid of clothes that made them feel confident, even if they were momentarily out of style or not a good fit for their current lifestyle. I do think modern decluttering culture can be a little unforgiving when you’re looking at a piece that you love that fits in the space allotted.
Sure, you can find another blue blazer — but will you find that blue blazer that made you feel amazing? Readers repeatedly mentioned regretting the loss of “confidence clothing” more than trendy pieces.
Difficult-To-Replace Pieces (I.E., Keep The Comfortable Shoes!)
One woman said that after pandemic-era changes to her job and office, she figured she would be casual forever. But then she got an amazing opportunity that required her to speak frequently at industry events.
I weep for all the M.M.LaFleur and suiting I purged but more so for the frumpy but oh so comfortable shoes in my difficult 11w size. I would weigh how much to keep based on how easy or difficult it would be to replace, likelihood of career change, and how classic a piece is. A simple dark sheath isn’t going to go out of style the same way a lot of casual clothes would. But at some point you also need to have practical storage space.
Another reader agreed: “I definitely hear you on footwear – I wear a 10w and have foot, knee and hip problems, and refuse to give up the 2″ heels I tracked down awhile back that I can wear all day without pain.”
(On the flip side, I find that my feet have changed size over the years — yay pregnancy and aging — so I don’t have any real regrets over getting rid of shoes… but then I haven’t been really been a difficult size at any point.)
Size Fluctuations
If your size fluctuates, readers overwhelmingly recommended keeping at least a small backup wardrobe — especially favorite pieces that would be difficult or expensive to replace.
My $.02: keep at least two pairs of pants and any “I loved these” clothes.
(We’ve actually talked about the best weight fluctuation clothes and how to keep a work wardrobe when you’re losing weight!)
Quality Decline
Another big regret from readers: quality decline. Many of us who’ve been shopping for more than a few years deeply regret the decline in quality. (There’s a great Atlantic article [gift link] about this, Your Sweaters are Garbage — a lot of this can be traced back to 2005, when a decades-long trade agreement expired.)
Readers regretted getting rid of wool sweaters, lined pants, and other well-made pieces that are now difficult to replace without spending significantly more. If you’ve already gotten rid of something, though, I wouldn’t second guess yourself too much now — but it might be something to think about if you’re thrifting, or assessing an older family member’s work wardrobe for a purge.
Various Tests Readers Have Used for Closet Purges
If you want closet cleanout tips, these are some of the best systems and tests readers have used for closet purges…
The Hanger Test: turn all hangers backward and see what you actually wear.
The Space Test: if your closet is overstuffed, something has to go.
The Quality Test: many readers hold onto well-made classics even if trends shift.
The Slow Recycling Test: quarantine pieces before donating them permanently.
Pieces Readers Said Were Worth Keeping
When reflecting on their work wardrobe purge, a number of themes came up for what they kept (or wish they had kept):
comfortable shoes in hard-to-find sizes
classic suiting
quality blazers
confidence pieces
occasion-specific workwear
How about you, readers — how often do you purge your closet? What is your litmus test to know if you should purge something? Have you ever regretted purging things?
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