Closets & Couture: Letting Go?

We all have those items of clothing in our wardrobes that we just can't seem to part with. I've even heard every excuse in the book when working with clients in their closets.

A few of my favorites excuses are:

I wore that on my first date with my boyfriend/husband.
I just need to lose those last 10 pounds and then it will fit.
My mother-in-law gave that to me and I feel bad getting rid of it.
It might come back in style.
I paid a lot of money for it way back when and can't bring myself to part with it.
That piece is a "fill in the blank" designer I bought on clearance.

So how do you know what to keep and what to let go?

Photo Courtesy of http://keepaustinstylish.blogspot.com

TIP 1

If it doesn't fit now and hasn't fit in several years. LET IT GO.

Photo Courtesy of http://www.123rf.com

TIP 2

If you spent a lot of money on a designer piece and it still looks good - it's okay to hang on to it. Some pieces age well and will be considered vintage one day.

Chanel Jacket

TIP 3

If you are hanging onto something for sentimental purposes, then take a picture and put it in a photo album. Free up space in your closet for something you can actually wear.

Photo courtesy of http://www.clothingerr.com

TIP 4

If you haven't worn an item in over two years, give it up and let someone else get some use out of it. Sell, trade, or donate your oldies and treat yourself to something new.

Photo Courtesy of http://www.watchhowimetyourmotheronline.net

If you have a few older pieces that are in great condition, still stylish, and you can wear them without looking like an icon from another decade, then go for it!

So what did I hang on to?

An old Gap jacket I bought on sale YEARS ago and couldn't bring myself to let it go.