I’m due for another closet cleanout soon. It’s a daunting annual task and a humbling come-to-Jesus moment when I try on almost every item and ask myself three questions:
- Does it fit?
- Is it flattering?
- Is it right for my lifestyle?
I recently discovered that I was missing one crucial question: Does it spark joy?
Last week, I came across an article that described the organization secret of Marie Kondo, the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She suggests cleansing your home–in this case, wardrobe–by asking one simple question: Does it spark joy? If it doesn’t, simply thank the item for the role it has played in your life and move on.
Yes, it does seem pretty hokey at first blush. However, the more I thought about it over the past week, the more I found myself using it as a litmus test for purchases. And you know what? It has been freeing. Take the striped DVF dress, for instance. It had all the hallmarks of something I’d love. It’s striped. It’s by my favorite designer. It’s a dress. It’s well made. It fit well. However, something about it didn’t spark joy for me. I tried on another dress I ordered from Shopbop (which is sadly sold out, but you can find the maxi dress version here) and I was over the moon. I was giddy and I couldn’t wait to show Dave.
It sparked joy.
What I love most about this process is that it doesn’t suggest giving items the heave-ho if they haven’t been worn in a year (the usual closet cleaning mantra). If an item resonates with you, you’ll wear it again eventually. Maybe last year wasn’t the right time. Maybe the year prior wasn’t even the right time. Maybe this year will be.
It’s really about getting rid of the items that feel like an emotional burden, allowing your closet to be a joyful space. It brings emotion back to clothing. I don’t want to “curate” a closet (and God forbid I ever have a capsule wardrobe). I want my purchases to be joyful. If that means a hot pink dress one month and a boyish button down the next, so be it.
I agree. I like when a purchase is linked to a joyful moment in my life. I’ll always remember that purchase!
love this! after i have the baby (…and get back to my normal size) i want to do a big closet clean-out! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
You know ever since I got the dvf dress, it has been sitting in my closet and I saved the box and receipt for some reason. It is adorable but I am not thrilled about it at all for some reason. So over the weekend I will try to make a final decision.
I was actually wondering about that since you hadn’t posted it yet. There’s just something off about it and I can’t put my finger on it. The darker sleeves sort of made my arms look fat, but whatever. That wasn’t really the problem. I think it’s because the knit jersey doesn’t hang very well. I have a silk jersey DVF wrap dress that’s heftier and I think that makes it look better. I already sent it back. If I didn’t want to wear it immediately, I figured it wasn’t something I needed to keep.
Since it’s pretty expensive I don’t know if I want to keep something I feel meh about and when I got the black one I wore it immediately.
Yeah. Send it back! Use the money for something that makes your heart go pitter patter! 🙂
I totally have purchases that basically make me giggle from happiness! For those reasons I look at them almost every single day.
http://www.theadoredlife.com
Yep, I read that article! Such a good way to go about things. ITems tjat make me happy are the ones I should hang on to
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
I think its true. I have pieces from several years ago, because I adore them. I light up like a child when I wear them, even if that is 1 year later. I will be cleaning my closet out this weekend, for one my shoe addiction has taken over then entire walking space,two, it’s raining here in Houston (so need to go anywhere), and three, it’s time. Be sure to see my action on instagram! Have a great weekend!
I like this idea, and read about the same article on another blog this week. Going to be re-evaluating my wardrobe with a different eye this weekend…
I really like this idea. I’m actually nervous to go through my closet and ask if the pieces spark joy because I feel like (well, know) not all of them will! It must be done though, eventually. Also I just have to say that every time I see a photo of your TB sandals I yearn for a pretty pair of sandals. That might be a summer splurge for me!
xo Kimi
twentysomethingsimple.wordpress.com
I feel like there are a few things I’m holding on to because they fill a hole I want them to fill, just not very well. Like shoes that are uncomfortable. I love them, but when I wear them I’m miserable. This winter I’ve been trying to find new black booties because the pair I have (while comfy) does not make me feel good. I’ve purchased and returned 12 pairs because I’m refusing to settle this time around and I feel like I might not ever find them. It’s really been eye opening as to how much of my closet is something I settled on, in an effort to fill a hole.
If I truly got rid of everything that is less than perfect, I wonder just how much would be left? (I would have zero pairs of shoes, that is certain.)
Chic on the Cheap