Curating Clarity in the Midlife Closet
Five ways to release what no longer fits, flatters, or feels good
When I was young, I wore a school uniform for 12 years. The color varied from one grade to the next, but it was always plaid.
Fast forward, my college years were the start of filling my closet with lots and lots (and lots) of clothing. I was like the proverbial kid in the candy store: sweaters, slacks, blouses, and boots—more, please!
It’s a little embarrassing just how long it took me to develop my own style. Even when I did, ignoring the siren call of the latest trend was difficult. I often succumbed. Yet those were not always my best choices.
And to be honest, it took many years to pare down and limit what now earns a place in my closet. I still need to remind myself about quality over quantity.
But when you know better, you can do better.
Once you’re 50 and beyond, there can be a radical change with how you spend your time. And also with your body shape. Which means what you’re wearing should also pivot, too. But does your closet currently reflect this? Or is it bulging with things that rarely if ever get a spin out on the town?
Five suggestions that clear space in the wardrobe for what matters most now.
- Release costly items rarely worn
Oh, they may be perfectly beautiful. But what if they no longer fit quite right, they aren’t truly your style anymore, or they were an impulse buy, simply hanging around?
You know exactly which items these are in your closet. But then your second thought is remembering how much you spent… and so they stay.
Be willing to let these items go.
The money has been spent, so it’s not actually costing you anything to release this stuff. But they are costing you in terms of occupying valuable space in your closet.
Whether you choose to resell or donate, focus on the fact that you’re allowing a better home for these beauties, where they will get the use and love they deserve.
And now you’ve made room for what truly reflects you. What do you think about that?
2. Remove “it” colors or styles that aren’t you
While we want to look current, sometimes the so-called “must have” looks are simply not our friends. Who dreams up these fashion “rules”? What if we create our own rules?
Think about it this way: there’s a reason we reach for certain styles or colors time after time. Pay attention to how you feel when you wear a certain color or style. Glance in your closet to discern a color trend that you gravitate towards. Then release the hues that don’t light you up. I know black is my power color. What’s yours?
3. Reduce the stockpile of special occasion items
While the definition of a special occasion varies from one person to the next, think about the events calling for an outfit other than your everyday wear. How often does that happen? Ensure that the quantity of said items jives with the frequency of such situations. Proportions in the closet matter!
If the material feels confining, stiff, or itchy and it’s always a relief to take it off, that should go, too. The goal is for you to define what creates confidence and comfort every time you put it on. Those are the timeless items to keep.
Additionally, corporate (business) attire may not fit under the “special occasion” label, but don’t overlook releasing this or any other type of clothing if you don’t mingle in a certain arena any more.
Most of us don’t have sufficient warehouse room for all the “some day”, “you never know”, or “just in case” clothing!
4. Eliminate multiple sizes
This is a touchy subject, but bear with me, please. Who hasn’t experienced a change in their shape and weight as the years go by? Despite our best efforts, there will be a natural shift, even with exercise and dietary adjustments.
We can still look fabulous! But clinging to sizes that are unrealistic or require deprivation than we are unwilling to endure? How does that feel?
Life is too short to berate yourself on the basis of size.
Only you can decide what to keep, based on your personal goals and determination. If smaller sizes spur you on to fit in them, keep those front and center. Keep going, you!
However, is it demotivating to see sizes too small in your closet? Store them in a box labeled with the size and the current date. In six months, if that size is still not right? Don’t open the box.
Just let it go.
5. Dial down the sentimental volume
Whatever makes your heart swell, keep that. How wonderful to smile when you see a reminder of a happy memory.
The key is to limit these items to a discreet number.
If you have too many items for viewing only, this will pose a practical problem. How will you have closet capacity for what you actually wear?
Whatever the size of your closet, an artistically arranged set up with a few sentimental items will allow for a pop of joy every time you open the door.
Can you have a dedicated shelf for these things? Would a wall display or a freestanding rack in your bedroom be the way to go?
Sort for what is most meaningful. Does each thing have equal value? Likely not, so quickly release anything you feel iffy or “meh” about.
Don’t ruminate too long… that’s what gets us into trouble, don’t you think?
The Wrap
Yes, there are numerous techniques for how to declutter your closet. Yet why do we still have too much in there that we don’t need, use, or love?
It’s never just about the things themselves; it’s about the emotions we’ve wrapped around our things.
That’s what makes decluttering difficult!
When we are willing to examine the emotional attachment to our stuff and then release what is no longer essential, we can achieve a wardrobe makeover that truly reflects beautifully who we are now.
Keep only what flatters or makes your heart flutter. Don’t you deserve to put your best foot forward? I do. Tell me what you think.