Turning 50 was not just a milestone birthday for me; it was a turning point in how I approach life, including my wardrobe. Over time, I’ve realized that some items in my closet just don’t fit my current lifestyle or my sense of style anymore.

Today, I want to share with you the 10 things I decided to let go of in hopes that it might inspire you on your own journey to a more joyful and authentic wardrobe that fits your lifestyle today.

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1. The High Heels That Hurt

Oh boy, high heels! They used to be my go-to for a fancy look, you know? I had them in all shapes - stilettos, pumps, slingbacks. But as I hit my 50s, I started listening more to my feet, and they were like "stop, please!"

I realized that those stunning but painful shoes were often just gathering dust in my closet. They were a representation of the version of me that preferred looks over comfort. I recall enduring dinners, events, and important meetings with my feet wincing because I thought it was all about "essential style."

But then, I found brands that combined comfort with style. They weren't your grandma's orthopedic shoes; they were fashionable, modern, and kind to my feet. I started investing in lower heels, stylish flats, and even elegant sneakers. The change was not just physical - it felt symbolic, like I was entering a phase of life where I didn’t have to choose between looking good and feeling good.

I kept a few pairs of those high heels, of course. I opt for lower-block heels and wedges when I do decide to wear them out for special occasions, but now I know my limits and use gel insoles. Wearing them for a couple of hours is like a nod to my past self without hurting my feet too much.

I gave away most of my high heels. Knowing that someone else might enjoy them and feel glamorous made it easier to let them go. It was a relief to clear that space, both physically in my closet and mentally, letting go of the notion that I needed to suffer for fashion.

This edit in my shoe collection means more than just a change in fashion sense. It’s about respecting myself, feeling comfortable, and confidently embracing this phase of life. I am walking more, exploring more, and enjoying the simple pleasure of taking pain-free steps. It’s a reminder that the best style statement we can make is one of taking care of ourselves and being comfortable.

So, to those stunning high heels, I say thanks for the memories, but my feet and I are moving on to more comfy horizons. And honestly, I’ve never felt more stylish.

2. Corporate Suits Gathering Dust

I used to wear corporate suits to work, but now my job is more relaxed, and I prefer comfortable clothes. So, I gave away most of my suits to organizations that help women find jobs. It was great to know that my old suits could help someone else. I also realized that I was too attached to my old formal attire, so I decided to update my wardrobe.

Now, I wear more modern and relaxed clothes that still look professional. I learned that I don't need a power suit to be competent and professional.

3. Outdated Trends

When I look back at my fashion journey, I realize that not all trends deserve a permanent spot in my closet or life. As I've grown up, my fashion choices have also evolved. I've learned to appreciate trends from a distance and recognize that not all align with my personal style.

I've let go of fads that were just about a passing trend and not about me. From neon colors of the 80s to overly distressed denim of the 2000s, I've said goodbye to pieces that felt like costumes from a bygone era rather than true reflections of who I am.

Instead of following fleeting trends, I've embraced timeless pieces like classic cuts, neutral colors, and versatile styles. These pieces are like old friends, always reliable and comforting, and they always align with my personal style. This process of letting go has also helped me understand my style better. I've learned what truly makes me feel confident and authentic.

Having a curated closet is freeing. It's no longer a journey through different fashion eras every morning, but rather, I'm greeted with a selection of clothes that feel right for me. It's a closet that brings me joy and satisfaction.

By focusing on what genuinely suits me, I've crafted a wardrobe that feels timeless, personal, and deeply satisfying.

4. Undergarments That Don’t Support Me Anymore

I used to wear uncomfortable undergarments 'cause I thought they looked good. But I figured life's too short for that. So, I got rid of all the undergarments that didn't fit well or provide the support I needed. I started looking for undergarments that fit right and felt good to wear.

It took some time to find the right ones, but it was worth it. Expensive? Yes, but a good undergarment can make a big difference. Purging the old undergarments that didn't work felt so good. It was like shedding a layer of my old self. Now, I wear comfortable undergarments that fit well and support me. It boosts my confidence and reminds me that I'm worth the investment.

5. Clothes That Just Don’t Fit

Over the past few years, I have gotten rid of clothes that don't fit me anymore. It wasn't just about making more room; it was about accepting my body as it is right now. I had to admit that I was holding onto clothes I couldn't wear anymore for the wrong reasons - hoping I would fit into them again or holding onto an outdated image of myself that no longer existed. So, I decided to let them go.

Replacing them with clothes that fit me well and flatter my shape now has been amazing. I feel so good knowing that everything in my closet is there to make me feel good about myself right now. No more 'maybe someday' clothes, no more compromising. Just a collection of pieces that genuinely fit and celebrate my body.

Getting rid of those clothes wasn't just about fit but an emotional release, too. Wearing clothes that fit me properly has boosted my confidence. It's amazing how much better you feel when you're not trying to squeeze into clothes that don't fit you anymore.

Going through my wardrobe and curating it to fit my current body was eye-opening. I tried on everything and was honest about how each piece made me feel. If it didn't fit comfortably or make me feel good about myself, I got rid of it. This process wasn't just about size but recognizing which styles and cuts flatter me the most now.

This experience has transformed my relationship with my wardrobe. Clothes are no longer just about covering up or fitting an ideal; they're about expression and joy. My closet is now full of items that I'm excited to wear, pieces that I know work for me. It's a celebration of my current self, and it feels incredibly liberating.

Getting rid of the clothes that don't fit has been a journey of self-acceptance. It's a reminder that my worth isn't tied to a size tag. Embracing my body as it is today and dressing it with love and respect has been one of the most empowering and stylish decisions I've made. My closet is not just a space but a statement of who I am, and I am more comfortable and confident than ever.

6. Those “Just In Case” Items

I used to have a closet full of clothes that I saved "just in case" I needed them someday. You know, like that fancy gown for a gala or the quirky hat for a themed party. But then I realized that I was holding onto these items for a fantasy future, not my current reality. So, I decided to get rid of them.

It's easy to think that holding onto stuff for potential scenarios is smart, but it's not. It just clutters your life with things that don't serve you anymore. I started to go through each item and asked myself if it still reflected my style and my life as it is now. If I hadn't worn it in a year or more, I'd donate it. This wasn't just a decluttering process but an emotional one, too. I was letting go of these unrealized futures.

Getting rid of these items was liberating. It felt like I was clearing out not just my physical space but my mental space as well. My closet became a reflection of who I am here and now, not who I might be in the future. And I found that I made more room in my life for things that genuinely matter and bring me happiness.

7. Handbags That Have Seen Better Days

Handbags have always been a big part of my wardrobe, combining function and fashion to complete my outfit. However, some of my bags were showing signs of wear and tear and didn't match my current style. So, I decided to make a change.

Some bags had been with me for years, a part of my journey. But I realized that I didn't need to keep them around just for memories.

I looked at my collection and saw that some bags were outdated while others were worn out. I decided to get rid of them.

I streamlined my handbag collection, keeping only the bags that were both functional and fashionable. I invested in high-quality bags that would last and complement my outfits.

The result was surprising. My closet felt less cluttered, and choosing a handbag became easier. Each bag in my collection had a purpose and a story that aligned with who I am today.

Now, my handbag collection reflects my current self. It's a mix of practicality, style, and a bit of flair. Each bag represents my lifestyle, fashion sense, and appreciation for items that serve me well.

By streamlining my collection, I made room for what truly reflects me today.

8. Jeans That Don’t Make Me Feel Fabulous

Jeans have always been a go-to for me, but I realized that not all pairs in my closet were doing me any favors. Some were too tight, too loose, or just not my style anymore. So, I decided to say goodbye to any jeans that didn't make me feel amazing.

I realized that I had been compromising on comfort and fit for too long. Some jeans were kept in hopes of fitting me again one day, while others just didn't match my current style. Wearing them meant constantly adjusting throughout the day, which did nothing for my comfort or confidence.

So, I took a good look at my denim collection and made some tough choices. Any pair that pinched, sagged, or didn't flatter my figure was tossed. It was time to part ways with those low-rise jeans from my younger years, overly trendy cuts that didn't suit me, and pairs that had seen better days.

I embraced the styles that made me feel good. I kept the jeans that fit comfortably at the waist, hugged in the right places, and gave me confidence. These included classic cuts, high-waisted styles that offered more comfort and well-fitted straight legs that worked perfectly with my favorite tops and shoes.

Now, my denim collection is smaller, but every pair has a purpose and a story. I have jeans for casual days, ones for dressier occasions, and those that are perfect for running errands. The simplicity of my curated collection has made getting dressed a lot less stressful.

This change in my approach to selecting jeans has had a significant impact on my daily life. Wearing jeans that fit well and look good has given me a noticeable boost in confidence. There's power in wearing clothes that not only look good but also feel right.

This experience has been more than just updating my wardrobe; it's been an evolution in my personal style and self-perception. It's a reminder that I deserve to wear clothes that make me feel good about myself. My style and body are ever-changing, and my wardrobe should reflect that.

By letting go of jeans that didn't make me feel fabulous, I've made room for pieces that truly celebrate who I am. It’s been an empowering process, affirming that my wardrobe should be a collection of items that boost my confidence and make me feel great every single day.

9. Worn Out Active Wear

My journey with activewear has been all about finding clothes that inspire me to stay active and feel good about myself. For too long, I held onto my old and worn-out workout clothes that didn't really do much for my self-esteem or my exercise routine.

I finally realized it was time for a change when I noticed that my old activewear had lost its shape, support, and color. They were pieces that I would hesitantly pick up, often feeling less than excited about my fitness routine. This lack of enthusiasm was partly due to how these clothes made me feel: uninspired and, frankly, uncomfortable.

I decided it was time to replace these old pieces with new ones that would make me feel confident and supported. I looked for activewear that fit well, provided the right support, and was made of high-quality, breathable materials. The difference in how I felt wearing these new pieces was immediate and striking.

The right fit in activewear is crucial. Ill-fitting workout clothes can be distracting and even demotivating. I chose pieces that stayed in place, allowing me to focus on my activity instead of adjusting my outfit. The functionality of these clothes, from moisture-wicking fabrics to stretchable fibers that move with my body, added to my overall workout experience.

Interestingly, this revamp of my workout wardrobe did more than just change how I looked; it changed how I felt about exercising. Wearing activewear that I felt good in actually boosted my motivation to be more active. It’s amazing how the right gear can inspire you to push a little harder, walk a little longer, or try a new fitness class.

Now, opening my activewear drawer is a joy. Each piece is something I look forward to wearing, and this positive association has spilled over into how I view exercise and staying active. It’s no longer just a routine; it’s a lifestyle choice that I embrace with joy and confidence.

In conclusion, replacing my worn-out activewear with new, supportive, and motivating pieces was an investment in my health and well-being. It’s a reminder that feeling good in what we wear can be a powerful motivator in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. My workout clothes now are not just functional; they are a source of inspiration and a testament to my commitment to my fitness and health.

10. Overly Complicated Pieces

Over the years, I've bought clothes that seemed cool at first but ended up being too complicated to wear. They were either too fussy or needed constant adjusting, or just didn't fit right. These pieces left me feeling more frustrated than fashionable, so I decided to simplify my wardrobe.

I realized that the simpler an outfit is, the better it looks and feels. Clothes that require too much effort can take the joy out of dressing up. It took me a while to figure it out, but I eventually found pieces that offered elegance through simplicity. I chose clothing with clean lines, easy-to-manage fastenings, and hassle-free maintenance. If it wasn't easy to put on and comfortable to wear, I didn't buy it.

This shift towards simpler, more elegant pieces transformed my daily routine. Getting dressed became a fun, stress-free experience. I no longer had to worry about complicated outfits that looked good in theory but were impractical in reality.

I carefully curated my wardrobe, keeping only those pieces that I could easily mix and match. This approach not only streamlined my fashion choices but also made my wardrobe more versatile. I found that I could create multiple looks with a few well-chosen pieces, reducing both clutter and the time spent deciding what to wear.

This change brought an unexpected sense of calm and confidence to my daily life. I spent less time worrying about wardrobe malfunctions and more time enjoying my day. This simplicity also meant I could jazz up my outfits with accessories or bold shoes, knowing that the base of my outfit was uncomplicated and chic.

In embracing simplicity, I've built a wardrobe that reflects my lifestyle and personal taste. It's filled with pieces that I love and feel great in. I've learned that style doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful. Sometimes, the simplest outfit can make the strongest statement.

Letting go of overly complicated pieces was a lesson in understanding what truly works for me. It was a step towards acknowledging that my time and comfort are precious, and my clothing choices should reflect that. Now, whenever I open my closet, I feel relief and excitement, knowing that whatever I choose to wear, it will be both easy and elegant.

Final Thoughts

This decluttering process has been liberating. It’s not just about letting go of things; it’s about curating a wardrobe that truly reflects who I am at this stage in my life. I encourage you to look at your own closet with a critical eye. Keep what makes you feel fabulous, and consider parting with what doesn’t. Here’s to a wardrobe that brings joy and confidence in every piece!