Recently, while I was having a heart-to-heart with my son about the overwhelming amount of clutter in his room, I realized it was time for me to face my own closet. Armed with a garbage bag, I was ready to tackle the chaos. To my surprise, I unearthed some relics from my past—leopard-print tops, faux leather pants, and other items that had long been forgotten. Here are eight pieces that once filled my wardrobe but are now destined for the donation bin.
1. Knee-high Heeled Boots
These stylish leather beauties once made me feel like a chic movie star. I wore them everywhere—from the office to trendy brunch spots. I know many moms who still manage to pull off this look, gracefully arriving at school pickup like they just stepped off a runway. But post-baby, attempting to squeeze my size 8 feet into those size 7 boots feels more like a horror film. Of all the items I must part with, I’ll miss these the most—my glamorous, albeit impractical, boots.
2. Thong Underwear
With a lively toddler and a skeptical kindergartner in tow, I have enough discomfort in my life. Comfortable briefs are now my go-to, and there’s an added bonus: if one of my kids decides to surprise me at the grocery store, I won’t have to flee with a towel draped over my head to hide my embarrassment.
3. Miniskirts and Short Shorts
There are women out there who can rock these like supermodels—tall, slim, and blessed with long legs. I was never one of those women, and after kids, I’m even less inclined to try. The thought of the grooming required to wear such items is exhausting enough to make me want to take a nap.
4. Earrings
Once upon a time, I adored wearing earrings. Now, finding time to brush my hair feels like a victory, let alone accessorizing. My left ear hole has closed up, rendering my beloved earrings useless. I’ve considered getting my ears re-pierced, but then I remind myself I’m not a teenager anymore. Perhaps I’ll wait until my daughter is ready for her own ear-piercing adventure.
5. Strapless Bras
I’ve never been a fan of these contraptions, even before motherhood. Now they feel more like medieval torture devices than supportive garments. No cute strapless dress will ever convince me to endure that discomfort again.
6. White Pants
Before kids, I wore white without a second thought. Now, the idea of donning white pants fills me with dread as I picture all the potential messes lurking around—spilled juice and uncaped markers, to name a few. Until my kids are off to college, white will remain a distant memory.
7. Beer Logo T-shirts
As my 6-year-old eagerly attempts to read everything, I really don’t want her to stumble upon words like “Heineken” on my shirt. Not to mention, I’d rather not explain the cartoonish amphibians on my old Señor Frogs shirt from a drunken vacation in ’94. That party vibe is officially over.
8. Maternity Clothes
I must confess, I still have a couple of maternity pieces I try to wear as “baby doll” styles. However, the bulk of my maternity wardrobe sits there, serving as a reminder that my baby-making days are behind me. I’ve accepted that I won’t be adding to my family, and while it’s hard to let go of these items, it’s time to reclaim my closet space—symbolism and all.
As I reflect on the changes in my life, it’s evident my wardrobe needs to reflect the woman I’ve become—mature, practical, and, let’s face it, a little less glamorous. While I might hesitate to part with those pleather pants (you never know when you might need to channel your inner Bond girl), it’s time to say goodbye to these outdated items.
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In summary, letting go of these eight items is about more than just decluttering my closet; it’s about embracing the new me.