Why You Don’t Have to Say Goodbye to What You Love: Rethinking the “6-Month Rule”

As Fall approached, I found myself eyeing some beautiful, rich-colored suede jackets in stores and online.

I was so close to buying one… until I remembered I already had the perfect one! Bought years ago in Argentina, it’s a stunning shade of brown, unique and vintage—an even better find than what’s available now.

This little experience made me realize that sometimes, our closets already hold the treasures we’re looking for. Yet, we often hear that if we haven’t worn something in six months, it’s time to let it go. I believe differently.

If you still love an item, even if it’s been a while since you last wore it, don’t feel pressured to donate or sell it. Trends come and go, but if that piece still excites you and feels like you, it deserves to stay.

Here’s my advice:

  • Shop your closet first. Trends and social media are fantastic for inspiration, but explore what’s already in your collection before you buy new.

  • Listen to your instincts. If you have pieces you love, it’s okay if they’re not getting constant wear. Style is cyclical, and the pieces that are true to you will always find their way back into rotation.

What about you? How do you decide when it’s truly time to let go of an item? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.