Your Style Questions, Answered: Closet Clean-Outs & Travel Tips
There are a handful of questions that come up again and again in comments, emails, and DMs. While I do my best to answer each one individually, I thought it might be helpful to gather some of the most common questions into one post. If you enjoy this format, I’d love to make it a regular feature.
Closet Clean-out Questions
Other than signs of wear, how do you determine which pieces to let go?
I’ll usually do a larger closet edit toward the end of a season. So I’m currently reviewing my summer clothing. Other than for wear and tear, I’ll cull pieces that were “good on paper” but rarely (or never) were worn. Maybe they were too hard to style, or were purchased for a lifestyle I no longer have. And I’ll pull items that I may have kept and worn for a few years that now feel dated or no longer suit my style. I’ve recently had to say goodbye to several pairs of once-favorite shoes that are just no longer comfortable.
How do you dispose of clothing you no longer wear?
If the items have any resale value, I’ll consign them (often with The RealReal). I have a friend with three adult daughters who are about my size so they get next pick. And anything else I’ll donate to a local charity thrift, unless it’s underwear or too worn out, then I’ll toss.
Related posts:
Closet Cleanse 101: The Ultimate Wardrobe Detox Guide
Closet Cleanout Tips: How to Edit Your Wardrobe with Confidence
Travel & Packing Questions
What luggage do you use?
Last year I came to the realization that I just don’t like clamshell luggage. I find a single-compartment suitcase is easier to pack, and easier to access in small hotel rooms. My favorite suitcase is the Lipault Plume spinner, which is both lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Do you travel carry-on or do you check luggage?
Though I keep my travel wardrobes small and edited enough to fit in most carry-ons (utilizing compression packing cubes), these days I opt for a slightly larger bag, which I check. There are two reasons I started checking bags. First, once I started traveling solo, I found that overhead bins were often too high for 5’1″ me to reach and stow my suitcase without risking back strain. And second, I do tend to shop when I travel. 😉
I find the Lipault “Medium Trip” spinner gives me enough extra room for souvenirs, but is a manageable size and weight. And I always keep an Apple AirTag securely in the checked suitcase!
For my cabin bag, I like this one from MZ Wallace which holds my laptop, tech, a change of clothes, medications, documents, etc., and is very lightweight.
How do I pack light for a cruise when I need to include clothes for formal dinners?
It’s been over a decade since I’ve been on a cruise, and it’s my understanding that many are less formal than they once were. Still, if you have dressier events and don’t want to pack bulky gowns, think about simple, packable pieces in dressy fabrics like crushed silk or velvet. If your budget allows, Issey Miyake Pleats Please pieces in simple cuts can be mixed and matched and dressed up with accessories. (Bonus: they’re washable.) I wore a Pleats Please dress and cardigan with sparkly jewelry for a Black Tie birthday party last year, and felt absolutely appropriately dressed. (For a more budget-friendly option, take a look at Chico’s Travelers Collection, but I’d suggest skipping the prints and sticking to solid pieces.)
And don’t forget an elegant wrap, like my favorite style in a cashmere-silk blend. (Use code SUSAN15 for 15% off.)
For more travel wardrobe tips and ideas, be sure to visit my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub. You can filter the articles by season and trip length to help find the content that’s most relevant for you.
Meet Me in Provence!
And speaking of travel, we have just 2 spots left for our Provence Fashion Tour in April! These tours are great for solo travel, or you can bring a friend and save. We’ll be learning about the textiles and fashions unique to the area, as well as visiting historical sites and enjoying local food and wines. You can see the full itinerary here. This is a one-time tour that will sell out, so be sure to save your spot!
Have a Style Question? ⭐
If you have a style, wardrobe, shopping, or travel question you’d like me to answer in a future edition of this series, leave it in the comments below or send me an email. Though I can’t answer everyone individually, I may feature your question (anonymously, of course) in an upcoming post. Chances are, if you’re wondering about it, other readers are too!
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I actually bring old underwear and toss it on trips. If a bra has some life left I donate to soma .
That’s too funny but at the same time smart idea…..I have an underwear thing where I pack almost all my underwear in my carry on, so if luggage is lost, I can rewear something but feel like I have something clean on.
I bring older underwear and PJ’s on a trip and toss also. Room for something new in the suitcase and don’t have dirty underwear ! Maybe a dress I am kinda tired of and toss as well.
I take old sneakers and tees if I’m hiking and toss at end of trip.
I recently purchased 5 items online and have to return all of them. Do you purchase items that you have just viewed online? What are some tips for online shopping?
I only shop “on line” with stores that have long return windows – Nordstrom, Boden, Zappos…and I USUALLY order multiple sizes and do it when my CC cycle STARTS, so that I can get it returned within that window and get credited within that time frame, also.
I do like the Q & A format with links. All your posts have the most worthwhile content. Like a chat with my friends.
It’s a pity I don’t travel anymore as I really like the cabin bag MZ Wallace. For me in apple red haha. Well, there are more reasons to find it a pity that I don’t travel anymore. Such is life. I am so lucky that you are willing to come to me.
Greetje
I’ve been eyeing the MZWallace cabin bag but decided to try the Quince dupe because it’s cheaper. I’m also considering the Lipault. I don’t have a medium sized bag ( or a light bag) and those are really what I need.
I return rarely-relinquished Eileen Fisher clothes to their local Chicago-area Schaumburg outlet store for $5.00 each credit and the used items are recycled into Eileen Fisher Renew sales. Great idea and at least a touch of $$ toward something new.
I have a styling question—I was fortunate to recently purchase the Me & Em cropped shirt with crochet trim in Cinnamon that you previously featured. It matches perfectly with last year’s linen ankle pants from Quince. What would you suggest using as a wrap when wearing in the Fall’s cooler weather?
Susan, these are good tips, thank you.
It never occurred to me that there was a suitcase option other than a clamshell or a backpack style. I like the idea of one deep container. I also deal with being very petite and struggling to use overhead storage in planes.
I found a local solution for donating older clothes (including suits) and fancy clothes (silk wraps, a long velvet coat, etc.) The local high school’s drama department was happy to receive them for their costume collection.
Hi Susan. I love your site (and the joy on your face in the above photo, taking a photo on the river/castle:). Here’s my question: A fashion stylist once told me that prints or patterns are more ’emotionally satisfying’ than solids, and I’ve found that to be true. But, it’s very hard to find print tops in natural fibers and good colors, that aren’t old-fashioned. My request is, could you do a deep dive on finding print/patterned shirts? Thank you!
Susan,
Just a little note of appreciation for your style and travel tips. And I love the idea of a regular or semi-regular or occasional Q and A post. I also appreciate when you give more affordable options. With the price of airfares these days, one must pick her battles. Jane
I would love to see this feature regularly! I often read the comments and think that your readers post such great questions – and I get something from your responses and the engagement of other readers.
I have been using the Away Luggage, clamshell style, for a few years in both the carry-on and medium sizes. I love the brand and the sturdy durability of the luggage, particularly the wheels. However, like you I am coming to the conclusion that clamshell style is not ideal. I just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan and clamshell luggage in tiny hotel rooms for short stays is very challenging. I am also trying to work toward traveling carry-on only so I can pack less. I am intrigued by the Lipault luggage, but a little wary based on the reviews. I will likely get the new Away topside bigger carry-on.
I also found two other options that are well priced. Recently, I purchased the Bagsmart Blast 43L Roller Backpack (on the Bagsmart site); it was bundled with another backpack that you can use as your personal item for under $200. The design is really nice as the backpack straps tuck completely away so they do not drag on the ground, and there is a built-in concealable wheel cover so you can protect your clothing when you are carrying it as a backpack. It has two wheels, and I think would work well for my next Rick Steves Tour, particularly good for cobblestone streets and sidewalks and stairs.
I also got the new Samantha Brown Front Loading Hardside with 4 wheels for short business trips (it is on the HSN site). It is a 22-inch hardside carry-on with some great features. I really like this one for shorter business trips. The expansion option is really cool. You pack it with expansion openand zip the top closed, THEN zip us the expansion zipper – it compresses your clothing (she demonstrates this in the video on the HSN site).
Thank you for such great content. I look forward to reading your posts.
I like the Issey Miyake pleats dresses, but there’s an Australian label “Alquema” which makes very similar ranges at a much lower price point. I always travel with several pieces as they are beautifully made and never need ironing.
Hi Susan,
Looks like you’re getting ready to travel! We’re just back from Honolulu, the 3d trip with my Travel Pro soft side to various places. I always check, like you, short and back issues, but my complaint is how dirty the blue bag is. Any tips for cleaning? What color do you have? Safe travels!! Margi
Hey Susan: I had a difficult time discerning….do you like the Lipault ‘cabin’ size or the ‘very long trip’ size? Thanks!
Hi Sally, the one I have is the “Medium Trip.” https://go.shopmy.us/p-81990895
I love my Lipault spinner bag. The purple color makes it easier to spot if I check it. I have a matching smaller bag that can be popped on top or used alone with shoulder and hand straps. My only complaint is that the zipper pulls are cracking and the luggage store I bought them from has gone out of business.
We love to cruise. I like to dress up a little for dinner. I find really nice black slacks with a variety of silk and velvet blouses and jackets worked very well for our 21 day cruise from Japan to Alaska this spring. I also bring several pashminas and dressier shoes round out the evening wardrobe. Funny I have a silk pleated dress with a lace jacket that I bring on warmer cruises. It was a MOG dress 🙂
Hi Susan,
I really enjoy your posts and look forward to reading them, especially when you post clothing item and indicate what color season look best on them. I think your idea of reader questions is a great idea. I’m sure you will get more questions!!
Good evening Susan!
Thank you so much for such a well thought out and informative blog. I look forward to receiving it every week!
I’m a retired Speech Therapist/ Teacher of the Deaf and am struggling with my closet! Seems all I wear these days are yoga pants (to the gym), jeans (out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner with friends or husband) or sweats (around the house). I followed your lead and culled a number of things that I wore to school for years or that no longer fit, but am now faced with having to do another sort and toss. Question: just how many clothes are too much? Should I have cotton, linen and tencel pants in every color? Just how many sweaters and shirts are too many? I do wish you lived closer by me on the East Coast (New England) as I’d love to hire you for a few days of sorting and matching things together. (had a great idea that I wish there was Granimals (?) ….remember that for matching children’s clothes?! for adults….thought that we could do different cocktails rather than animals to indicate what might mix and match well).
Not sure anyone else is struggling with having too many clothes, but I thank you for listening!
Sandy J
I’m in a similar situation…..I blame it on the fact that we have actually all 4 seasons (I’m in the mid Atlantic region) near the coast……and add the retirement lifestyle changes. The other thing is how to get rid of that deep seated mindset from childhood of saving the good clothes so they don’t get messed up.
One note about discarding clothes during a trip: if they are still usable fold them neatly and place them on top of the wastebasket in your room so the housekeeping staff know they were not simply forgotten and that they can take the clothing if they wish.
Thank you for this post! We’ve been looking for a good “one sided” luggage choice, as clamshells are obnoxious in small hotel rooms!
I’m a runner and I almost always take a pair of ready-for-retirement running shoes on a longer trip where I will be walking a lot. Then I throw them away before I come home. I have big feet so that creates a LOT of room in my luggage, haha.
Here is my style dilemma: I am a senior citizen and no longer wish to wear sling back high heels or any type of heels but it seems that is all they are showing with pants, even jeans these days. What is the solution?
I really like this Q&A format, Susan. Thank you for publishing such thoughtful material!
What a great series — thank you. I’d appreciate your advice on footwear for fall jeans — especially the newer “lantern” styles, wider legs, and ankle length jeans. Flats or ankle boots? Sneakers?
Additionally, any advice you have on jean styles, generally, would be a great help.
Hi Cindy, I’m working on a whole post dedicated to jeans, look for that next week. 😉