By Aliyah Olowolayemo
Cleaning out your closet always sounds easier than it is. You start with the best intentions, only to find yourself sitting on the floor, surrounded by piles of clothes and wondering how you ended up with so many things you never wear. Some still have tags. Others are tied to memories. A few were impulsive purchases. And then there are the ones you just feel guilty about letting go of.
But here’s the truth: fashion isn’t about consistency for the sake of branding. It’s about self-expression. If you’re evolving—as you should be—then your wardrobe should evolve too. You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to wear contradictions. That’s not confusion—it’s range.
Here’s how to clean out your closet with confidence, and without regret:
1. Dress for the present.
Don’t hold onto clothes that only fit your “maybe someday” body. Dress for your current shape, lifestyle, and rhythm. If it doesn’t fit comfortably now, or just doesn’t feel like you anymore, it’s time to let it go. Your wardrobe should work with you, not against you.
2. Say goodbye to the “just in case” pieces.
We all have them. That blazer you bought for a job that never materialised. The dress you swore you’d wear to an event that’s long passed. If it hasn’t been worn in over a year, chances are you won’t miss it. Let it go. Someone else could be wearing—and loving—it right now.
3. Sentiment vs Usefulness.
It’s okay to keep pieces that hold memories. But if it’s only serving nostalgia and never leaves the hanger, take a photo and move on. You don’t have to keep everything to remember the moment. Hold on to one or two meaningful items, not an entire drawer.
4. Keep what excites you, not what guilts you.
If you’re only holding onto an item because it was expensive or because you “should” wear it, it’s not serving you. Money already spent is not a reason to keep something that makes you feel meh. If it doesn’t spark joy, confidence, or excitement, release the guilt—and the item.
5. Review what’s left before restocking.
After the purge, don’t rush to refill the space. Sit with your newly cleared-out wardrobe. Notice what you actually wear. What pieces make you feel your best? What fits your life right now? Build slowly and intentionally. This isn’t about replacing items—it’s about upgrading quality and function.
6. Let your wardrobe evolve with you.
A clean closet isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about alignment. Your clothes should reflect the life you’re living now. If your job, habits, or environment has changed, your wardrobe should reflect that shift. Let go of pieces that no longer fit the current version of you.
N.B. The goal of a closet cleanout isn’t to strip everything down to the bare minimum. It’s to create clarity. A space that makes getting dressed easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
