BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Women's Fashion Do I toss it all??

I am a professional dog walker...This is a recent development. I WAS a financial planner at a national Bank. All walks are through forest, across streams....basically in the mountains. My problem is..I never feel pretty anymore. I did when i worked at the bank because i was perfectly coiffed and manicured daily. Now...its just not practical. I haven't worn any of my "pretty" clothes in over a year. I am walking for 8 hours a day...too tired at night to dress up. Should i donate my nice clothing? How do I look good while dressing WAYYY down. I do not want to end up on "what not to wear"!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

Dear CanadianJem -

Greetings! It's great to have you in our forums.

I am a firm believer in cleansing a closet every year. At the same time, you never know when your life will change. So I wouldn't completely donate *all* unworn clothes, just in case.

So on one hand I'd donate the things that you don't adore. This could be the perfect time to set free items you ended up with for random reasons and just never got rid of again. They could help someone else get a wonderful new job! You will be sending karma out in the world.

Keep the things you adore. There can be a new life for them in your future.

Then, find things you adore that fit in with your current life. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. Surely there is a gorgeous sweater to wear in autumn walks? A gorgeous jacket to keep you warm? Outdoors women can be gorgeous!

YES! I agree with Lisa! Keep what you absolutely love and adore.

Also, everyone has work clothes. But they also have play clothes, paint the house clothes, go out for a night on the town clothes, special event clothes, going out for girls' night clothes, pretty summer clothes. Why shouldn't you? You still have your weekends and holidays!

Weed out the clothes you don't need. There are great charities that would love to have your suits to give to women trying to get back on their feet. But why not keep the classics just in case you decided to do a freelance consulting gig now and then?

There is lovely outdoor/active clothing out there. Patagonia, Lulu Lemon, REI, LL Bean, Pemberton, and high end outwear from places like Nordstroms. Sportswear is big on the runways, too!

Just google sportswear and outerwear for a start.

Also, I agree with Lisa. Here is a chance to only keep the things from the past you adore. Remember the 80-20 rule!

YES! That is a terrific idea, Jilly!

In fact, it would add serious street cred to your professional dog walker career image!

I would more like hire someone dressed sporty and athletically than someone who showed up in wrinkly, baggy, stained old clothes.

And you'll FEEL better about yourself when you dress professionally, too. Dog walking, as you know, is a *profession* like any other.

I would donate these clothes only if I would be sure that I would never wear them again.

I suspect the decision was made several years ago, but I pretty much agree with you, Nancy. Maybe a compromise of keeping a few outfits in hopes of getting a social life again - you would want something nice - and giving away the rest. And yes, if there's enough money, get some nicer outdoor clothes for someone who's going to be outdoors in a professional mode.