Let’s just face it, as much as it pains me to say this, unless that puffy-sleeved pirate shirt makes you feel fabulous, you probably won’t wear it. The same goes for all the other clothing you’re hoarding. I venture to say that this is true for most people. I know for certain that it’s the case for me. When I open my closet, each article of clothing gives me a certain feeling. If it gives me an uncomfortable feeling just looking at it, I’ll never wear it.

There are select items which I reach for most because they fit perfectly and make me feel happy when I wear them. These pieces have no “tight in awkward places,” “should be worn very carefully,” “do not sit or bend in an awkward angle,” “requires special accessory amendment,” “do not wear while attempting to chase a toddler” moments. I simply know that when I wear anything in this category, I will be comfortable and happy and I won’t be concerned about some kind of unfortunate wardrobe malfunction.

Conversely, there are (or were) things in my closet that made me grimace every time I came across them – and that’s before even putting these things on. When I looked at these objects, I was reminded of tight sleeves, pull-inducing waistline, too much transparency, etc. In short – these articles of clothing just didn’t make me feel good. Here is what I have come to realize: if I feel this way just by looking at this stuff, there is about a 1% chance that it will end up on my body and an even slimmer chance that if it ends up on me, that I will leave the house wearing that particular item. So why then are these things living in my closet? Why are they compromising the airiness of my wardrobe? Why are they mocking me with their high maintenance demands on a daily basis?

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