It seems like everyone I know is on a mission to downsize their wardrobe and create a closet filled with pieces they truly love and wear. But let’s be real—that can be easier said than done. Deciding what to keep and what to let go of can feel overwhelming, especially with all the emotions and memories tied to our clothing. If you’re struggling with this, I hope this post is helpful!
I originally wrote this post in 2022, but with so many of us tackling closet purges and organizing projects as we head into the new year, this seems like the perfect time to update and share it again. (And if you’re looking for step-by-step guidance on a full closet overhaul, check out my post: How to Purge Your Closet & Love Your Wardrobe.)
Streamline Your Closet: 25 Items to Let Go of in 2025
In 2025, it’s all about simplifying your wardrobe and making getting dressed a joy, not a chore, so I’m sharing 25 items you may want to remove from your closet to help you pare down to the essentials. Some of these might be ready for a new home altogether, while others might just need to be relocated within your home to better serve your daily routine.
#1. Anything too worn or faded to repair
You can’t look polished in clothing that’s pilled, faded, or has those tiny holes in the front. Leather goods can be polished, and sweaters can be de-pilled, but if an item is beyond saving, it needs to go. Don’t forget shoes, handbags, bras, and underwear!
#2. Damaged items you’ve been planning to repair
Make a pile for anything you intend to mend or fix, like sweaters to de-pill or shoes to polish. Then set a deadline to address them—or be honest with yourself and move them to the donate pile.
#3. Items that need alternations
Just like damaged items, if you have jeans that need to be hemmed or a dress with straps to shorten, put it in a pile to take to the tailor, or move it to the donation pile, but don’t leave it hanging in your closet as clutter.
#4. Outdated styles
Holding onto dated pieces “just in case” isn’t going to help your style evolve. And let’s be honest, by the time they come back around, our bodies will have likely changed, or they will have been tweaked just enough that the older pieces don’t look current anymore. With rare exceptions like designer classics, it’s usually better to let things go and embrace the newer styles when they come back around.
#5. Clothes that are too big or too small
You might fit into these clothes again someday—or you might not—but they aren’t serving you right now. Either donate them or store them somewhere else, but get them out of your closet. And don’t just assume things still fit, even if your weight hasn’t changed. If it’s been a year or more since you’ve worn something, take a minute to try it on and see if it still works for you.
#6. Anything that doesn’t flatter your body
Maybe you bought it because it was a trend you wanted to try, or you saw it on an influencer, but it never looks or feels quite right when you go to wear it… It probably doesn’t work for your shape or proportions. It happens to the best of us! Give yourself permission to let it go and wear what makes you feel great.
#7. Items in unflattering colors
Some things may fit well and work for your style, but the color makes you feel washed out or drab. You’ll never feel good in it, so just get rid of it, and spend some time figuring out your best colors so you can make wiser purchases going forward.
#8. Anything that makes you feel bad about your body shape or size
This is sort of a combination of #5 and #6, but sometimes things fit and work for your body type, but they cause you to focus on an aspect of your body that you don’t like. If it makes you feel insecure or uncomfortable, it needs to go.
#9. Anything that makes you feel frumpy
Again, this may sound redundant, but it’s slightly different way of looking at things. Nuance matters, especially when trying to decide what clothes to keep or donate. You might not be able to put your finger on why, but if it doesn’t make you feel good, it’s not worth keeping.
#10. Items that don’t align with your personal style
Can you define your style in 3 words? If not, carve out some time to listen to this podcast. Having three words to define your style is immensely helpful when trying to determine what to keep and what to part with, as well as with putting outfits together. If a piece doesn’t fit your style vision, it’s probably why you rarely wear it.
#11. Clothes you can’t figure out how to style
If you love an item but never find a way to wear it, it’s time to let it go—it’s likely not compatible with your wardrobe.
#12. Closet orphans
These are items that require something you don’t own to make them work. I’m thinking of jeans that don’t work with any of your shoes, or tops that don’t work with any of your pants or jackets. If you’re not willing to buy what’s missing, consider donating them.
#13. Anything uncomfortable
This includes shoes that hurt, bras that poke, or clothes that are itchy or restrictive. If it’s uncomfortable, you aren’t going to reach for it, and you won’t feel confident when you do try to wear it.
#14. Clothes that no longer suit your lifestyle
Maybe you have changed careers, retired, or moved to remote work… If your wardrobe is full of items from a previous career or life stage, let go of what no longer fits your current needs.
#15. “Clean the house” clothing
Keep one or two old outfits for messy projects, but don’t let them take over your closet.
#16. Duplicate items you don’t wear
This can be 3 or 4 colors of the same exact sweater, or maybe you have 5 white v-neck t-shirts. If you find yourself only wearing one or two, keep those and donate the rest.
#17. Items you always pass over
If you’ve had multiple chances to wear something and always pick something else, it’s time to let it go.
#18. Anything with tags still on
If you haven’t worn it by now, you’re probably not going to. Return it, sell it, or donate it while it’s still in good condition.
#19. Seasonal items not in use
I realize this doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you live in an area with distinct seasons, consider storing off-season items elsewhere to free up space and make your closet feel less cluttered.
#20. Promotional items or freebies
Company logo tees and branded hats aren’t adding value to your wardrobe. Donate or recycle them to free up space for clothes that reflect your personality and make you feel good.
#21. Anything you’re keeping for sentimental reasons
It might be a dress you wore for a special occasion, or something that brings back precious memories. If it’s too precious to part with, store it as a keepsake (or take a picture), but keep your closet focused on functional items that you actually wear.
#22. Anything you’re keeping out of guilt or obligation
Maybe it was a gift that doesn’t fit or suit your style, or your mom just sent you a box of clothes from your teenage years that she’s been saving it for you. If it isn’t serving you today, it will just clutter your closet. Donate it and allow someone else to enjoy it.
#23. Anything you’re keeping “just in case”
I make a few notable exceptions to this one, like a black dress and a neutral pair of pumps for funerals and other somber events. (I try the dress on every so often, to be sure it still fits.) But an excess of just-in-case pieces isn’t serving you and adds to the mental clutter when trying to get dressed.
#24. Non-clothing items cluttering your closet
If your closet is doubling as a storage space, find other homes for the random items that don’t belong there. It’s so much more pleasant to make outfits when you have only clothing in your closet.
#25. Wire or mismatched hangers
Wire hangers aren’t very good for your clothes, and a closet full of mismatched hangers will always feel cluttered and sloppy. Consider upgrading to uniform hangers for a more streamlined, visually pleasing closet. Velvet or wooden hangers are both great options. You can fit more on velvet, but I like how spacious and pleasing my closet looks with white wooden hangers.
