Roxanne This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
Do I own too many sweaters, I thought no one asked. Spring [has gone by] again, and as usual, I am cleaning my closet. My closet gets cleaned as a yearly metaphorical representation of cleaning my muddled mind. At times it happens twice a year, more if I’m in a particularly foul temperament or just in need to clean. It differs, but at least once I will clean.
This year, I’ve accumulated clothes while only shopping twice in the last couple of years and once very recently. Just tagged along with my sisters and ended up buying a dress. The other times were for linen overall, and recently for two basic tees— black and brownish-gray. I needed to neutralize my closet because the printed shirts were upsetting me.
Don’t ask why. I don’t know.
This year I start with shirts and sweaters. Which makes me wonder, do I own too many sweaters?
I think these are the two categories that have really been on my mind this past quarantine. I realized I was keeping much of them out of guilt. Most “new” clothes are either gifts or hand-me-downs. Though I’m not one to reject pajamas and socks, there’s still that bit of discrepancy when you’re not exactly sure if it’s to the style of your receiver or not. I hate to say this, but it’s most of the time not in my particular taste. Maybe 1 out of 4 will turn out to be just to your liking. It’s rare for all four. At least, in my case.
I’m not in a place to just throw out clothes though, and maybe you aren’t either.
So, here’s what I’ve decided to do. Since it has gotten hotter here in Southern California or at least inside the house— it may already be warm— I can’t just toss out good clothes that I still wore the past year. What if I actually like them!
A good method is getting an airtight bag to seal your clothes in for the season. See if you actually miss it. Especially with shirts as they are year round, you can experiment to see which clothes you’ll start looking for, and which you’ll choose not to wear.
I’ve done this previously, and have never been surprised that I don’t miss what I’ve put away, but it may be different this time for me.
I’m a big fan of sweaters.
They take up A LOT of space though, space that my closet just doesn’t have or at least, visually, it’s a bit much. And I don’t like it.
As a rule, I don’t buy anything if I’m not ready to let go of the same amount or more. So the two new shirts kicked out three. The overalls kicked out a pair of pants I hadn’t worn in two years. But I received a pajama set for Christmas, and nothing was traded in for it. It came with a really cute sweater. So, at least one sweater must go.
That’s how I’ll be thinking while I sort through my clothes. It’ll be a long process, but I believe airing them out, and sorting them through will make it easier.