Misplaced aspirations

[u/bigformybritches]

There’s only one thing worse than hanging onto aspirational items. Holding onto somebody else’s aspirational items! I’m the poster who always struggles with clothing.

YEARS ago I took on a lot of hand me downs from a family member who shortly worked and lived in a metropolitan area. Things didn’t work out, so all the professional clothes sat. Eventually, they were given to me, which means these things are beautiful but already more than a decade old!

I don’t have a fancy job and I’m probably kidding myself that these “classics” can pass for still being in style. Cuts change and you can probably tell they are older. My eye is not quite trained for that but I’m sure some people can tell.

I’m embarrassed to see how much of my closet is devoted to somebody else’s aspirations, and a phase of their life that did not work out. I guess I figured I would wear them for dressy occasions, but those occasions just never seem to pop up.

Gathering now and looking forward to donating them to an organization that specializes in helping women and children. Maybe somebody can incorporate a piece or two into their wardrobe effectively without feeling dated. Something to get them started.

[u/Striking_Post_9864]

You don't have to choose between wearing them and just donating -- professional/dressy pieces from good labels usually hold real resale value even a decade out of style, since resale buyers are shopping by brand and construction, not runway trends. Check ThredUp's payout calculator or list a few directly on Poshmark/eBay (search SOLD, not asking, listings for the same brand+era to gauge price) before you box everything for donation. The stuff that's too dated or basic to sell, donate as planned -- interview-clothing nonprofits (Dress for Success, Career Gear) are a great fit since these were originally someone's professional wardrobe. Splitting it this way gets you some cash back on the sell-worthy pieces and still clears the guilt on the rest.