I have this top. A lovely black velvet, floral top. It’s been sitting at the back of my wardrobe for years. It’s survived every clear-out, yet somehow it’s still there. I posted about it on Instagram recently. Styled it up, made it more appealing…Since then, I have had two occasions where I could have worn it. But I didn’t. Surely now is the time to say goodbye?
Why do we hesitate when it comes to moving on?
We’re Holding On to a Version of Ourselves
Sometimes it’s not really about the clothes — it’s about who we were when we wore them. The dress you wore on a holiday, the favourite jeans you wore in your 20’…(this top that I wore to my husbands 40th birthday party). Getting rid of them can feel like closing a door. But memories don’t live in the fabric. They live in you.
“I Might Wear It One Day”
Keeping it ‘just in case’! We like to be optimistic! Maybe it’ll come back into fashion. Maybe it’ll fit differently. Maybe the right occasion will finally appear. If after all these years that day hasn’t come… it’s probably never going to.
“It Feels too Good to Give Away”
Even if something’s a little worn, a bit dated, or just not our style anymore, there’s guilt in letting go of something that cost money. It feels wasteful. But keeping it in a wardrobe unworn? You’re not using it either.
How to Actually Let Go (Without the Guilt)
Ask yourself this:
- If I saw it in a shop today, would i buy it?
- Do I have other pieces that do the same job, but better?
If the answer is no and then yes, then you know what to do. Donate it. The fact you are asking the questions in the first place, probably means you already knew that.
The wardrobe you want isn’t full of everything you’ve ever owned — it should be full of things you actually love. Make space for those.
