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Style experts all say the same thing about cleaning out your closet: Get rid of everything that you're not actually wearing. It sounds so simple, but there's always that one piece -- a dress or skirt or blouse -- that you can't quite work into your everyday wardrobe because it's too fancy for casual wear and too fussy for the office. But you don't want to part with it because it's just really cool or fun or distinctive, and every time you look at it you know it would be perfect if you just had a place to wear it.
How about this: Instead of waiting for an opportunity to wear that can't-part-with-it piece, create one! Throw a party, specifically so you can wear that unwearable item. If you like, make it a girls' night and invite everyone to wear her unwearable piece. Or just take advantage of your role as hostess and dress up a little.
The theory is simple: Most of us wear what's practical for every day, especially in a recession. We're also going out less, which means that we're wearing our every day clothes for everything. Working that great taffeta ballet skirt or elaborately beaded tee into that very practical wardrobe can be tough; there's always a reason to opt for something more practical (pants, say, or a tee that can go in the washing machine). Busting out that awkward piece will give you the rush of shopping without spending a dime.
Or it will convince you to part with that complicated piece forever. But we'll get to that in a minute.
Keep the party simple; I'm all about the cocktail hour these days, because it's the perfect combination of affordable and chic. Serve one signature drink -- margaritas are always popular, although a Madras (vodka, orange juice and cranberry juice, with a twist of lime) is perfect for summer. Set out simple hors d'oeuvres (a cheese plate and some olives or fresh fruit, or chips and a selection of salsa), turn on some music, and enjoy!
A word of caution: Try on whatever it is that you're planning to wear before your guests show up. Make sure it fits and is comfortable to sit and move in. It's possible that the reason that dress just hangs there is because you can't breathe in it, or because it constantly slips off your shoulders. If your can't-part-with-it piece is too small, either pack it up or give it away; don't leave it hanging in your closet. If it's too big and can be altered, then do it; if it's too big and cannot be taken in, pack it up or give it away.
Make a deal with yourself, though: The party is an opportunity to do something with that piece you don't know what to do with.
What if you have more than one can't-part-with-it piece in your closet? Then consider hosting a clothing swap! We'll talk more next week about how to do that.
Is your unwearable dress something formal? Consider donating it to a group like The Cinderella Project. "DreamGroup and the Cinderella Project are working together to gather
beautiful dresses for young ladies to wear to their high school prom or
graduation event." I love that.
Still having a hard time imagining letting go of your clothes? Time to revisit The Budget Fashionista's cost-per-wear rules. Print that out and hang it in the closet.
The girls at Style Bakery have tips for updating a vintage dress -- if your unwearable piece is a tank dress, check this out.
Susan Wagner writes about style at The Working Closet and about chic suburban living at Friday Playdate.
