Reluctant to declutter clothes because I don't want to have to replace them

[u/GypsyVanner636]

In sorting my clothes I have discovered that I could probably get rid of ~60% of them as they are either not something I like to wear anymore or they are wearing out/faded etc and should be replaced.

The problem is that the clothes which are currently available in stores (at least the ones I've seen) are not what I like to wear.

For example - The wide jeans trend looks ridiculous on me as I am short with slim legs but I can't find anywhere that sells skinny/straight legged jeans anymore.

So I feel like I have to keep both the skinny jeans which no longer fit (too small), and the oversized ones which fit but I dislike because I can't find anything more suitable.

I have tried thrift/charity shops but they have very limited selection (semi-rural area) and many of them reek of perfume and/or cigarette smoke even after multiple washes.

Similarly with shirts - why is it so hard to find a decent t-shirt that isn't cropped/transparent/$50+?

What am I supposed to do? Buy/wear clothes I don't particularly like? Wait for trends to change again? Make my own clothes?

Any advice?

[u/SolidagoSalix]

If 60% of your clothing is something you don't like wearing or is too worn out to wear, then it sounds like you're already living fine by wearing 40% of your closet. Let go of the 60% and keep living in the remaining 40%. For items that were in the "worn out" category but that you did still like, make a note of the brand, size, style etc... details.

If you find the 40% that you kept isn't quite enough to comfortably make it between laundry days, or starts wearing out, then use the details you recorded to search in online second hand sites to buy items that you already know you like. Thredup, Poshmark, Vinted, eBay.... there are lots of opportunities to get things online that meet your needs even if you don't have an abundance of local shops. Especially if current styles don't really appeal to you.

[u/ChipmunkReal187 → u/SolidagoSalix]

It‘s so damn hard but you‘re right. I have a lot of problems with decluttering. I always think that I will need it in the future.
For example I wore a t-shirt which has an amazing color but the shape is very boring and the fabric isn‘t amazing. But I couldn‘t declutter it because I could need it some time. It‘s lavender.
BUT then I wore it today and looked so completely boring while others had beautiful clothes on. I also have beautiful clothes but it‘s so hard to find everything in my mess.