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- Why I said goodbye to half my closet
Hey there,
I just did a major closet purge, something I aim for once a year. It's astounding how much accumulates over just a few months—and how much we hold onto without realizing it. My closet was looking pretty scary, friend! Clothes were overflowing, and I was clinging to pieces that were giving more "ghost of fashion past" than a reflection of who I am today. 👻
This time, I parted ways with a significant chunk of clothing, most notably my anchor dresses. These beloved dresses, which once packed a third of my closet, were jewel-toned reminders of my reporting and anchor days in Philly and DC.
Finding an on-air dress that checked all the boxes—right color, right cut, right fit—was always a challenge, so when I came across one that worked, I held onto it for dear life. Each dress was a token from the past, one that carried its own story and represented my identity in that role.
 | And let me tell you, letting go of these dresses wasn't easy. But as my professional life and personal style have evolved, so has my need for a wardrobe that celebrates me now, rather than who I once was. Of course, this is bigger than clothes; it's about giving up whatever is holding us back. We all accumulate items, habits, or even beliefs that no longer serve us. Hanging onto things from the past can limit us from fully embracing who we're becoming. |
A good annual purge (of your closet and maybe your life!) can work wonders, and it’s a practice I'd recommend for anyone. I’ve found that a streamlined closet declutters the mind, makes your daily choices simpler, and gives you mental clarity for what really matters.
I also encourage you to donate some of the items that you purge; there are so many people who could give those clothes a good home. You can also sell them and make some extra coins ahead of the holidays. 💰
As for my dresses, I've donated half, and the rest are in the hands of my wonderful stylist, Izzy Polanco (we’ve been working together for three years; she also styles my mom and is taking new clients!). Izzy’s selling them over the coming weeks, starting with an exclusive drop on her site today at 5 p.m. ET. Use the password “thisjustin” if you'd like to give these pieces a new chapter in your story. A portion of the proceeds will go to Hogar Infantil Corazón de Jesús, a home for children without family support where I’ve volunteered since I was a kid.
A few of my tips for refreshing your closet this fall:
Be honest with yourself. And try on everything! Examine each piece for quality, fit, and whether it's more nostalgic than practical (if you haven't worn it since your last purge, it's probably time to let it go).
Involve a trusted source. Getting help from a stylish friend or family member can save time on the process and offer a different perspective.
Embrace versatility. As you change, your style might, too. Keep what can be mixed and matched for multiple looks, then fill any gaps in your wardrobe with pieces you'll actually wear and love.
Shop with intention. Consider luxury consignment stores or resale shops. You can find high-quality pieces for a steal. Real talk: I purchased about 80% of my anchor dresses from TheRealReal.
I hope you’re inspired to shake the cobwebs from your closet and create a space that reflects the incredible person you are, right now.
What else do you purge each year? Is it your kitchen, your garage, your makeup drawer, or maybe some old habits? Share your tips in the comments.
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If you’re also looking to let go of workwear, Dress For Success is a great option. 👗 They operate around the world, providing women with professional attire and job interview outfits. Your old clothes could be the ticket to someone else’s new career, which is pretty amazing.
A few of my favorite content creators to follow for thoughtful shopping inspo are Thessely Juliet, Christina Mychas, Miss Louie, and COCOBEAUTEA.
Talk about a throwback. Y’all have nearly sold out this Spice Girls tee!
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