What to Keep, What to Toss: A Fashion Rule You’ll Actually Use (Decluttering)
- Geraldine Provost
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
As the seasons change—from the chill of winter to the soft bloom of spring or the golden shift into autumn—it’s a perfect time to reimagine your wardrobe. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Paris, shopping on London’s King’s Road, perusing vintage finds in Montréal, or navigating your closet in Manhattan, decluttering can be both therapeutic and transformative. But what’s the best way to start? Enter the 90/90 rule, a minimalist approach that’s gaining traction on both sides of the Atlantic.
What is the 90/90 Rule?
Simply put, the 90/90 rule challenges you to look at every item in your wardrobe and ask two straightforward questions:
Have I worn this in the past 90 days?
Will I wear it in the next 90 days?
If the answer to both is “no,” it might be time to part ways with that piece. Originally popularized by American minimalists, the rule isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about intentional living. The timeline can be adjusted depending on climate: if you live in Paris or Toronto, where seasons are distinct, consider extending to a six-month window. What matters is honesty with yourself.
Why This Method Resonates
Across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and France, more people are embracing mindful consumption. The fashion industry’s impact on the environment has prompted a wave of eco-conscious wardrobe curators who prioritize quality over quantity. This method offers a structure for that philosophy—it’s a tool to help you let go of what no longer serves your style, space, or sustainability goals.
And let’s not forget: clothes you no longer wear could be treasures for someone else. Many communities have donation centers, textile recycling programs, or consignment boutiques—from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn to Emmaüs in France.
Beyond the Rule: Tips from Professional Organizers
Across major cities like New York, London, Paris, and Vancouver, professional wardrobe stylists and organizers are adapting these minimalist strategies for their clients. Here are a few tried-and-true methods they recommend:
1. Sort by Category
Lay everything out by type—trousers, blouses, sweaters, scarves—and compare. Seeing 12 striped tops at once may prompt you to pare down.
2. Make Four Piles
Create zones labeled:
Keep (essential and loved)
Donate (gently used)
Sell (high-value or designer pieces)
Discard (irreparable)
Apps like Vinted (popular in Europe) and Poshmark (in the U.S. and Canada) are great platforms to resell items.
3. Try It On
Don’t skip this step. A blazer that fit five years ago may no longer flatter your current silhouette—or match your current style. And if you wouldn’t wear it out to dinner next week, ask yourself why you’re holding onto it.
Stay True to Your Style—Not Your Fantasy Self
A silk blouse bought for a future you who attends gallery openings every Friday? A pair of heels you wore once to a Gatsby-themed wedding? It’s easy to buy with aspirations in mind. But your wardrobe should reflect your actual lifestyle.
For those unsure of their current look, consider booking a personal stylist session. Many stylists now offer virtual consultations, especially in cities like London and Paris, helping clients worldwide find the colors and cuts that suit them best.
Organize for Your Climate and Lifestyle
And when it comes to drawers, think like a librarian: file, don’t pile. Fold garments vertically so you can see everything at a glance—à la Marie Kondo. This not only saves time in the morning but also reduces the “out of sight, out of mind” trap that leaves great clothes unworn.
For city-dwellers in places like Paris or New York where closets are small and rent is high, space is prime real estate. Rotating your wardrobe seasonally and storing off-season items in labeled boxes under the bed or in garment bags at the back of your closet can free up breathing room.
The Emotional Side of Letting Go
Clothing can carry memories—your first job interview, a romantic trip to Venice, a late grandmother’s scarf. Letting go doesn’t mean erasing those experiences. Consider photographing sentimental pieces or turning fabric from multiple garments into a memory quilt or a framed collage. Some people in France have even started commissioning artisans to make tote bags or cushions from their heirloom clothing.
And remember: donating clothing can be an act of generosity. That coat you no longer love might be the perfect fit for someone rebuilding after hardship.
A Universal Rule for a Personal Lifestyle
From Parisian apartments to SoCal bungalows, the 90/90 rule transcends borders because it’s rooted in self-awareness and simplicity. It asks us to be present in our choices and deliberate with our space. Decluttering isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making room for the life you’re living today.
Whether you’re curating a capsule wardrobe, navigating sustainability, or preparing for a move abroad, this rule can be your guide. And like a perfectly tailored blazer or a timeless silk scarf, it never goes out of style.
Where to Donate or Sell in Your City
Here are some popular donation and resale options in cities around the world:
🇫🇷 France
Emmaüs France – Community-focused donation centers
Vinted – Resale app for clothing and accessories
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇨🇦 Canada
Value Village – Nationwide thrift chain
ThredUp Canada – Consignment-style resale platform
🇺🇸 United States
Salvation Army – Donate locally
Poshmark – Popular app for resale
Buy Nothing Project – Give and receive within your community
Final Word
So, go ahead—open that closet. Pour a glass of Bordeaux, turn on your favorite playlist, and begin. With the 90/90 rule, you’re not just cleaning out your wardrobe; you’re curating your life.
Let it be full of space, grace, and only the pieces that feel truly you.
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