While every j-fashion fan loves shopping, curating a wardrobe means more than just buying new things. We also have to learn when a piece isn’t working for us or we need to make room for things we like more. That could mean selling it, giving it away to a friend, or putting it in the freebie pile at a swap meet. For some people, selling pieces is fun and rewarding but most people I know dread getting rid of things in their wardrobe. Here are my recommendations for saying “farewell” to pieces in your lolita fashion wardrobe.
Be honest with yourself about the piece’s place in your wardrobe.
Sometimes we know we’re going to get rid of piece, but we need to convince ourselves. If there’s a piece that’s on the chopping block, it can help to try on the piece to see if it fits. While lolita fashion pieces are harder to replace than many other pieces of clothing, there’s no sense in holding onto a piece that you don’t wear (unless of course, you collect pieces that you don’t intend to wear!). I also like to try coordinating a piece several different ways to see if my wardrobe can support it. If I find myself struggling, or making excuses to buy MORE, it might be time to say goodbye.
Give the piece a proper send off.
We buy pieces because we want to love them, so remind yourself what you loved about the piece before you get rid of it! I know some lolita fashion fans like to coordinate the piece one last time and take pictures so they can remember it fondly. If a piece doesn’t fit or the thought of getting dressed is too much, you can also opt for a flat lay or floordinate.
While I don’t find all of her philosophy helpful, Marie Kondo’s idea of thanking an item for being your life may be helpful if you feel personal attachment to items in your closet.
Make getting rid of the piece as easy as possible.
While I don’t mind listing items on Lacemarket, some people I know shudder at the thought of taking pictures, taking measurements, and posting a piece online. If that’s the case don’t do that! There are so many options available. Instead of Lacemarket, try:
- Selling a piece in your Instagram stories.
- Asking a friend to sell it (and paying them a small commission fee).
- Posting it to your local Discord.
- Bringing it to a swap meet.
- Asking your friends if they’re interested in the piece.
If what you’re most interested in is getting rid of a piece, consider listing it under market value so you don’t have to worry about it anymore.
Keep the piece close by.
I’ve purchased pieces from friends before, and inevitably I hear the same thing: they love seeing the people in their lives love the pieces they owned. If you aren’t quite ready to say farewell, giving or selling a piece to a friend means that you’ll get to see someone enjoy the dress — even if that person isn’t you.
This is an excellent article! I struggle admitting when a piece doesn’t serve me anymore. But moving last year really helped me find motivation to say goodbye to a lot of dresses. I regret not keeping pictures of some things, that is a great idea!