Our closets can often become a time capsule of our past fashion choices, some of which we may look back on with fond memories, others with a slight cringe. But how many of these items do we actually wear?
Chances are, your wardrobe is full of things you’ll never put on again. It’s time to declutter and make room for clothes that reflect your current style and lifestyle. Here are 12 closet items you’ll probably never wear again.
1. Prom Dresses
Let’s face it – the likelihood of you ever wearing your prom dress again is slim to none. Unless you have a daughter or niece who might appreciate wearing it for her own prom someday, it’s just taking up space. Prom dresses, while undeniably beautiful, are often impractical for any other occasion.
Consider donating your prom dress to an organization that provides formal attire for underprivileged teens. Not only will you be decluttering your closet, but you’ll also be helping someone else create lasting memories. Alternatively, you could sell it online to earn some extra cash.
2. Super Skinny Jeans
Remember the super skinny jeans era? While they were once a must-have item, they have since taken a back seat to more relaxed styles like mom jeans and wide-leg pants. Not only are these styles more fashionable right now, they’re also a lot more comfortable.
If you’re holding on to your super skinny jeans in the hope they’ll come back in style, it might be time to let them go. Consider donating them to a local thrift store, or selling them online. You could even repurpose them into a DIY project, like a denim bag or a funky patchwork pillow.
3. Heels You Can’t Walk In
We’ve all been there – seduced by a pair of beautiful heels, only to discover that they’re incredibly uncomfortable. If you can’t walk in them, chances are, you’re not going to wear them.
Instead of letting them gather dust in your closet, why not sell them online? You could also consider donating them to an organization that provides professional clothing for women entering the workforce. Remember, one person’s painful heels could be another’s perfect fit!
4. Bridesmaid Dresses
Bridesmaid dresses are another category of formalwear that rarely sees the light of day after the wedding. Unless the bride chose a versatile style, you’re probably not going to have another occasion to wear it.
Consider donating your bridesmaid dress to an organization like The Princess Project, which provides prom dresses to teens who can’t afford them. Alternatively, you could sell or swap it online. There are websites specifically dedicated to this, like Bridesmaid Trade or Wedding Bee.
5. Outdated Trends
Neon leggings, shoulder pads, low-rise jeans – these are just a few examples of trends that have had their moment. Fashion is cyclical, but some trends should stay in the past.
If you’re holding on to any outdated trends, it’s time to let them go. Donate them to a local thrift store, or sell them to a vintage shop. Just because they don’t fit your current style, doesn’t mean someone else won’t love them.
6. Ill-fitting Clothes
Whether they’re too big, too small, or just not quite right, ill-fitting clothes are a common culprit of closet clutter. If you’re not comfortable in it, you’re not going to wear it.
Consider having your ill-fitting clothes altered by a professional tailor. If that’s not an option, donate, sell, or swap them. It’s better to have a smaller wardrobe of clothes that fit you well, than a large one full of items you can’t wear.
7. Clothes with Sentimental Value
It’s hard to let go of clothes that have sentimental value. However, if these items are just taking up space in your closet and not being worn, it’s time to rethink their place in your life.
Consider taking a photo of the item or writing a journal entry about why it’s meaningful to you. This way, you can preserve the memory without cluttering your closet. Alternatively, you could repurpose the item into something new, like a quilt or a pillow.
8. Uncomfortable Lingerie
Uncomfortable lingerie is another item you’re probably not going to wear. Whether it’s too tight, too loose, or just not your style, it’s not worth keeping.
Instead of letting uncomfortable lingerie take up space in your drawer, why not donate it to a women’s shelter? Many shelters accept new and gently used bras. Alternatively, you could recycle your old bras through a program like The Bra Recyclers.
9. Worn Out Shoes
Worn out shoes are not only uncomfortable, they can also cause foot and back problems. If your shoes are beyond repair, it’s time to let them go.
Check if your local shoe store has a recycling program. If not, there are organizations like Soles4Souls that accept used shoes and distribute them to people in need.
10. Clothes that Don’t Reflect Your Current Style
Our style evolves as we grow and change. If you have clothes in your closet that don’t reflect your current style, it’s time to say goodbye.
Consider hosting a clothing swap with your friends. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe. Alternatively, you could sell your clothes online or donate them to a local thrift store.
11. Clothes You’re Saving for “Someday”
We all have those clothes we’re saving for “someday”. Whether it’s a dress you’re hoping to fit into again, or a shirt you’re saving for a special occasion, if you haven’t worn it in the past year, chances are, you’re not going to wear it.
Instead of holding on to these “someday” clothes, why not donate them to someone who can use them now? You’ll be making a difference in someone else’s life, and freeing up space in your closet at the same time.
12. Duplicate Items
Finally, if you have duplicate items in your closet, consider letting some of them go. Do you really need five black t-shirts, or three pairs of identical jeans?
Consider donating your duplicate items to a local thrift store, or selling them online. You could also swap them with friends. Remember, variety is the spice of life!