How to Decide Which Special-Occasion Clothes Are Worth Keeping 

When you’re cleaning out your closet, the special-occasion clothes are probably the trickiest to weed out. It’s hard to know what you’ll need in the future, since it’s hard to predict who’s going to get married, have a funeral, or throw a party. Here are some ways to make the process easier.

Key takeaways

• Keep special-occasion clothes that fit well, feel comfortable, and make you feel great when you wear them.
• Get rid of outfits that are damaged, uncomfortable, unflattering, or no longer match your personal style.
• Look for your “easy” outfit, the one you can put on without second-guessing how you look or feel.
• You don’t need a different outfit for every wedding, funeral, graduation, or party. Repeating outfits is perfectly fine.
• Consider keeping one or two versatile outfits that you can dress up or down with different accessories.
• If you don’t like any of your special-occasion clothes, it’s okay to start over with something you’ll actually enjoy wearing.

Get rid of the bad stuff

First, you need to clear out all of the bad stuff. By “bad” I mean things that:

• Don’t fit
• You find ugly
• Have holes, stains, or other problems
• Don’t feel like your style
• Are uncomfortable

All of these categories can go. No need to reason with yourself. If an item doesn’t make you feel great, then you shouldn’t be wearing to a special occasion. If you’re thinking more about how much your outfit is irking you instead of being focused on friends and family, then that outfit is no good.

Figure out what your easy is

Is there one special outfit that just feels great? You know as soon as you put it on that it just works? That’s your keeper. It’s okay to have more than one, especially if in the past you’ve needed a special outfit more than once or twice a year.

If you’re worried that narrowing down your selection this much will leave you with too little, remember, repeating an outfit is okay. Also, since you know what your easy is, you know what to shop for if you’re ever in a pinch. That can make finding a new outfit a no-brainer. 

Make a new game plan

Okay, what if you find out you hate all your special-occasion clothes? Then what? You can’t have nothing, right? Sure you can! If you hate everything, get rid of it. 

Then, go shopping with a new plan to pick an outfit or two that fit your easy. Maybe all you need is a basic black dress that has a flattering shape for your body. The basic black dress (BBD) is a thing for a reason. You can dress that (or a suit, if dresses aren’t your thing) up with some snazzy accessories every time a new event comes around to get a different look. 

If you find an outfit you love, buy it in several different colors, if you can afford it. Then, when a new event comes around, you’ll always have something to wear that won’t make you dodge cameras at every turn.

FAQ

How many special-occasion outfits should you keep?

There’s no set number. One or two versatile outfits may be enough if you rarely attend formal events. If you regularly go to weddings, parties, or other special occasions, you may want more options. Think about how often you actually need dressy clothes and which outfits make you feel your best.

Should I keep formal clothes I haven’t worn in years?

Only if you still like them, they fit comfortably, and you can see yourself wearing them again. There’s no reason to keep a dress or suit you dislike just because it might come in handy someday. If it’s something you love and would happily wear again, it’s worth considering.

Is it okay to wear the same outfit to multiple special occasions?

Absolutely. You don’t need a new outfit for every wedding, graduation, or party. You can change the look of an outfit with different shoes, jewelry, jackets, or other accessories. Most people are probably too busy enjoying the event to worry about whether you’ve worn something before.

What special-occasion clothes should everyone have?

No one outfit fits everyone. A versatile dress, suit, or dressy separates can work for many occasions, but the best choice depends on your personal style and the types of events you attend. Choose something that fits well, feels comfortable, and can be styled in different ways.

What should I do if none of my formal clothes fit anymore?

If the clothes are uncomfortable or don’t fit, there’s no need to keep them just in case. Consider donating or selling them if they’re in good condition. You can replace them with one or two outfits that fit your body now and make you feel good.

How can I make one formal outfit work for different events?

Start with an outfit you love that has a fairly simple design. Then, change the accessories to fit the occasion. A black dress, for example, can look different with colorful jewelry and heels for a party or a blazer and understated accessories for a more formal event.

Should I keep expensive special-occasion clothes I don’t like?

You don’t have to keep something just because you spent a lot of money on it. If you dislike the fit, color, or style, and you don’t want to wear it again, consider selling or donating it. Keeping an expensive outfit you hate won’t get your money back.

What if I get rid of my formal clothes and suddenly need something for an event?

Knowing which styles, colors, and fits work best for you can make shopping for a replacement much easier. You can also borrow an outfit, rent something for the occasion, or buy a versatile piece that you’ll be happy to wear again.

How do I know if a special-occasion outfit is worth keeping?

Try it on and think about how you feel wearing it. Does it fit comfortably? Do you like how it looks? Would you be happy to wear it to an event tomorrow? If the answer is yes, it’s probably a keeper. If you’re constantly adjusting it, feel uncomfortable, or don’t like the style anymore, it may be time to let it go.