Sewing and some smart choices will come to the rescue!
Mentally I’m still in the 90’s. My playlists are still full of New Jack Swing, Dancehall and Neo- Soul. 90’s era Star Trek is still some of my favourite TV programmes. I have fond memories of the time! However, being a sentimentalist and somewhat challenged when it comes to throwing things away.
I have found myself drowning in a wardrobe full of clothes that don’t make me feel amazing. They don’t fit, they’re dated, and they are taking up the room that the clothes I sew should take! Why am I like this??? It’s time for a change! 
I took action! Give me a little time to tell you how I used practical strategies to declutter my wardrobe, plan to refashion old clothes, and only keep items that make me feel absolutely spectacular. Ready to transform YOUR closet and, in turn, your confidence? Let's no more say ' I've got nothing to wear.' C’mon- let’s go!!
Why You Should Declutter Your Wardrobe Today
Clothes are more than just fabric; they represent how we feel about ourselves. If you sew, you know! Yet, we often hold onto pieces that no longer serve us, well at least I do! Keeping clothes that don't fit or don't flatter only adds to our stress and clutter. Here are three essential tips to start your wardrobe decluttering journey:
- Only Keep What Makes You Feel Spectacular
Your closet should be filled with clothes that make you feel amazing. If you don’t feel totally gorgeous in it, it’s time to let it go. Too often, we buy clothes just because they're on sale or because we think, "it fits, so why not?" But this mindset leads to a collection of "meh" outfits rather than the wardrobe that we’re excited to wear.
Tip: When shopping, think about how you feel, if you say "Wow, I can’t wait to wear this!" That’s great. If not, leave it on the rack.
- Let Go of Clothes That No Longer Fit
Holding onto clothes that are too tight or too loose is a proper wind up! It’s just a reminder of a figure that you don’t currently have. Instead, focus on items that fit well now and make you feel good in your current body. Even if you intend to return to that past body size, try to store the clothes away from your current closet as it’s only super annoying looking at clothes that are no good to you.
Actionable Tip: Create separate piles: one for donating, one for repairs, and one for those items that are too small or too big. Then, take action right away—donate, mend, or discard!
- If It No Longer Serves You, Let It Go
Even if a piece of clothing has sentimental value, if it no longer serves a purpose in your life, it's time to move on. I find this hard as I start calculating roughly how much each item costs and where I was when I bought it. Yes, I can often remember even if it was ages ago, My suggestion is embrace the life change and free up space in your wardrobe, it can bring a sense of peace and clarity.
Insight: “Sometimes peace of mind comes first. It’s about valuing your space and mental health more than the money spent on clothes.”- a bit deep but true. You’re wasting time getting dressed wading through all those useless clothes.
Suggested Visuals:
- An image of a person joyfully letting go of a bag of clothes.
- A quote graphic about letting go of the past to make room for the future.
How to Refashion and Repurpose Old Clothes
Not everything needs to go straight into the donation bin. Some items can be refashioned or repurposed to breathe new life into them. Here are a few creative ideas:
- My old favourite – turning shirts into headwraps
- Convert dresses into skirts
- Use fabrics from unwanted clothes to make new garments.
- Shortening Sleeves
Need Help with Repairs?
If you're not ready to part with some items, consider simple repairs like adding a patch or changing buttons. If an item has a small tear, consider using a French seam technique to give it a second chance! I’m terribly slow with getting on with repairs and have a huge backlog. Watch my YouTube here and encourage me to keep going! Hold me all the way accountable!!
- Check out our sewing patterns designed to make every woman feel amazing.
- New to sewing? Download our guide for free
- Looking to buy fabrics on- line? Read the blog post on the do’s and don’ts here! https://www.missjsews.com/blogs/fabric/can-you-buy-fabric-online.
- Consider a starter rotary cutter and mat set to start you off on your upcycling if you're new to sewing and need to protect your table.
A couple of suggestions to keep your closet right! Pants hangers let you stack your pants vertically, saving space. Scarf hangers are great too, especially for head wrap lovers like me!
Decluttering your wardrobe is more than just clearing out space; it's about creating a collection of clothes that reflect you, now! Remember, only keep what makes you feel spectacular, let go of what doesn’t fit or serve you, and don't be afraid to repurpose or refashion items you love.
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