Recently, I found myself lecturing my son about the overwhelming clutter in his room. Declaring war on disarray, I grabbed a garbage bag and set my sights on my closet. The items I unearthed were shocking – leopard-print halter tops, pleather leggings, and various relics from a fashion era I can barely remember. Here are eight pieces that were once staples in my wardrobe but will likely never see the light of day again.
- Knee-high Heeled Boots: You know the type – the leather boots that made you feel like a chic version of Julia Roberts. These were my go-to for everything from office meetings to first dates. While some moms still manage to pull off this look while picking their kids up from school, I’ve long since abandoned heels. After squeezing my size 8 feet into size 7 shoes post-children, wearing heels feels like a horror movie. Of everything in my closet, I’ll miss those boots the most.
- Thong Underwear: With a curious toddler and a sassy kindergartner, I’ve got enough chaos in my life without adding discomfort. I’ve opted for comfy briefs instead. Plus, when my little ones decide to play tug-of-war with my skirt at the grocery store, I won’t have to worry about fleeing with a makeshift cover-up.
- Miniskirts and Short Shorts: I admire those who can still rock these styles, but I am no longer among them. I never had the long, lean physique of a swimsuit model, and the thought of the required grooming makes me want to collapse into bed.
- Earrings: Once a fan of earrings, I now struggle to find time to even brush my hair. After having two kids, my left ear’s hole closed up, rendering my collection useless. I pondered getting re-pierced, but I realized I’m not a young teen anymore. Perhaps when my daughter is ready for her own piercing, we’ll have a mother-daughter day at Claire’s or I might just resort to clip-ons.
- Strapless Bras: These were never my favorite, and after my body went through the trials of pregnancy and nursing, they’re even less appealing. My girls need all the support they can get, and by day’s end, my bra often feels more like a torture device than anything else. No amount of cuteness in a strapless dress could convince me to revisit these.
- White Pants: I used to wear white fearlessly, but now, the thought terrifies me. With kids around, I never know what will end up on my lap – juice, markers, or art projects. And let’s not forget about my potty-training toddler. I’ll likely have to wait until they’re in college before I dare to don white again.
- T-shirts with Beer Logos: My six-year-old is learning to read, and I’d rather not explain why my shirt features a beer brand. The party vibe of my old Señor Frogs shirt from Cancun in ’94 is over. It’s time to let those go.
- Maternity Clothes: I’ll admit, I have a few favorite maternity dresses I still try to wear as “baby doll” styles. However, the majority of my maternity wardrobe just sits there, a reminder of my childbearing days. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m done having children, and yet, discarding these items feels monumental. With clothes overflowing in my closet, it’s time to reclaim that space.
Change is inevitable, and my wardrobe reflects the new phase of life I’m in. It’s time to embrace the wardrobe of a woman who’s taken charge – although I might hold onto those pleather pants just in case I need to impress my partner or tackle an unexpected adventure.
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In summary, it’s time to let go of the old and embrace the new, creating a wardrobe that reflects the person I am today.