Acquisition and purge cycles?

[mdg137]

As I am starting to get my fall wardrobe ready, I'm really feeling the urge to pare down a bit. I wear a suit 3 times per week on average, and have about 30 suits in the wardrobe. I am realizing there are 5 suits that get heavy rotation, about 20 that get worn less frequently, and about 5 that I haven't worn in over a year. Granted there are 3-5 that are strictly summer, and another 3-5 that are strictly fall/winter.

Similar situation with odd jackets and sweaters--

I'm considering paring down to something more reasonable-- (do I really need two subtly different green tweed odd jackets?)

Do you have a system for the occasional purge? The "if it isnt worn in a calendar year" process seems appealing, but wondering if anyone has another suggestion.

 

[Gus]

First I have year round clothing and then seasonal clothing. When Fall arrives my S/S jackets, suits, pants, ties, pocket squares, socks, belts, scarves- well you get the picture -all go into a separate storage closet. I donate just about anything that I don't wear for a season EXCEPT a few things were I have some special connection. I think it is good to only keep year round and seasonal appropriate clothing on hand and visible because you then have a realistic perspective of what you have and what you might need. It also feels good to get rid of things you don't wear and to be ready to move on to clothing that you will wear, enjoy and keep you looking updated.

 

[Andy57]

First I have year round clothing and then seasonal clothing. When Fall arrives my S/S jackets, suits, pants, ties, pocket squares, socks, belts, scarves- well you get the picture -all go into a separate storage closet.

Does this happen at a certain time on the calendar or does it happen when it seems appropriate? Just curious as we're sweltering in 100+ degree heat where we both live this week and I'm looking at some new tweeds and flannels that seem weeks away from being worn.

 

[Gus]



Does this happen at a certain time on the calendar or does it happen when it seems appropriate?

Ha ha.....it always seems that whenever I bring out Fall clothing we are guaranteed another 4-6 weeks of very warm Indian Summer. So, I bring some out, and then keep a few pieces that work in warm temps but don't look summery. The Tweed and corduroy stays in the closet until it gets truly chilly.

 

[chogall]

F/W clothing doesn't come out until sometimes between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Labor Day just marks the midpoint of summer for us Calufornians.

As for purging, anything you haven't worn for a year barring those very special event clothings should be gone.