One of the most daunting tasks every woman faces each year includes decluttering a closet filled mostly with hoarded clothes from sales the year before, ill-fitting pieces that have never been altered, and dresses left to hang ages ago.
It’s that time of the year again and however trivial it may be, it’s just right that we say good-bye to those pieces that aren’t worthy of your closet space anymore, and make way for new ones just as you are making way for new goals. Even seasons come and go—your clothes should, too.
WHAT TO LET GO OF:
#1 Unworn pieces with tags still attached to them
These are the pieces you bought on impulse because they were 50-percent off, only to realize that you don’t actually want/need them. There are also some pieces you confidently paid for without actually trying them on because you got ass-lazy to fall in line for the fitting rooms. They turned out to be a bit too tight at the waist or have surprisingly low necklines that plunge into the deep. Yikes. Sell them on an online retail platform like Shopee so you can buy something else that actually fits properly.
#2 Outdated pieces given by ninongs and ninangs
You’ve probably had those rations of Christmas gifts from your beloved ninongs and ninangs who, for some reason, think you are much younger than you actually are. That High School Musical shirt—or any other character-printed tee for that matter—is far from its glory days and should be handed down to your younger cousins or better yet, given to charity.
#3 Pieces you may have grown out of
These are your old-time favorites, styles you were so fond of in your late blooming stages—colorful floral dresses and lace skirts seem too childish for you now. Accept the fact that these pieces have already served their purpose. Move on and don’t look back.
#4 Pieces that are damaged, stretched, or discolored
Some clothes are just irreparable no matter how much you try to salvage them. We’re talking about loose and stretched necklines of trusty plain tees, deformed and shrunken knits, loose threads that worsened to lengthy stitch runs, or discolored fabrics and mishaps that you noticed on the way back from the laundromat. Accept that this is the end of the road for them in your permanent wardrobe, and convert them into DIY projects or household rags.
#5 Pieces that don’t fit well anymore
Unless you are pregnant, or are really determined to return to your slim pre-college graduation figure after a few months, be realistic and do away with blouses that have become distractingly tight, pants that refuse to button up, and dresses whose hemlines have hiked up an inch or two because of your added poundage. On the flip side, items that are loose enough for you to be mistaken for a pregnant lady (if you aren’t yet) should get the boot, as well. If items aren’t doing justice to your figure, get rid of them.
WHAT TO MAKE ROOM FOR:
#1 Versatile office pieces you can easily mix and match
For the career-oriented souls who want to take things seriously in the office this 2016, maximize outfit mileage with a white twill shirt from Zara (P1,995) that you can pair with almost anything. Go feminine for a client meeting and pair it with this equally versatile black skirt. Your boss might take notice and finally give you that raise you’ve been angling for. Conversely, wear it with pants so you can show everyone in the office who’s boss (or is trying to be).
Zara. Available at Greenbelt 5, Powerplant Mall, and SM Megamall. For a complete list of stores and more information, visit their website.
#2 Comfortable but heavy-duty gym clothes
If you’re aiming for a fit and toned bod by the end of the year, better gear up with the right activewear that is not only built specifically for supporting you and your muscles during training, but is high-quality enough to be thrown in the wash every week without falling apart. Opt for pieces like this classic sports bra from Nike (P1,874). Pro tip: Buy from sports brands that create true performance-wear instead of buying from low-quality fast fashion brands that just offer athleisure-trendy clothing.
Nike. Available at Powerplant Mall, EDSA Shangri-La Plaza, Glorietta 2, and Greenbelt 5. For a complete list of stores and more information, visit their website.
#3 Travel jackets for your many adventures
For those brimming with jet-setter dreams this year, stock up on coats (P3,490), like this one from H&M, or quality jackets to keep you warm and cozy while traveling. If you’re aiming for the tropics, we recommend sleeveless waistcoats or long vests that will still keep you chic and enable you to play with layers. Don’t forget a playful scarf to top it all off!
H&M. Available at SM Megamall, SM Makati, and SM Southmall. For a complete list of stores and more information, visit their website.
#4 Minimal and neutral pieces that are fuss-free
For those who’ve resolved to have better focus this year, whether on personal or professional endeavors, begin with building a simple, functional wardrobe, so you can spend less time deciding on what to wear, and more time on conquering your to-do list. Invest in neat and simple pieces like this white flowy shirt from Mango (P1,450) or this little black dress. Stick to neutral palettes to look effortlessly fresh and ready to take on anything. You’ll be surprised at how many looks you can create with only very few pieces.
Mango. Available at SM Megamall, Powerplant Mall, and Glorietta 1. For a complete list of stores and more information, visit their website.
#5 Eclectic, wildcard pieces for fun days
On the other hand, if you have finally crawled out of your shell and have decided that this year will be all about taking risks and living dangerously, say good-bye to your old boring sweetheart dresses and pull off more graphic and loud pieces like this printed flounce dress (P2,995) from Zara. Hey, in certain cases, fashion speaks louder than words.
Zara. Available at Greenbelt 5, Powerplant Mall, and SM Megamall. For a complete list of stores and more information, visit their website.
Cover photo courtesy of Amy McLaughlin