14 Fashion Items to Keep and Purge from Your Closet ASAP
You kicked off the new year right by nailing down a few style resolutions to tackle in 2017 (like more hygge vibes and sustainable fashion), but, if you’re anything like us, your inner hoarder got the best of you and you’re still holding on to a few past-their-prime pieces. You know exactly which ones we’re talking about: your arsenal of gaudy, outdated costume jewelry, those jeans that take the concept of “grunge” to a whole new level and the beaten-up booties that should have been laid to rest last season. To help your closet live up to its haute sartorial potential, we’ve created an easy list of the fashion trends to part ways with RN and those that’ll continue to do right by your style over the next year (and beyond).
Purge: Worse-for-the-Wear Costume Jewelry
KEEP: TIMELESS SCARVES, MINIMALIST WATCH, ARCHITECTURAL ACCESSORIES
Lux Scarves: J.Crew Italian Silk Square Scarf in London Print ($50): A square silk scarf packs classy lady vibes like none other, which is likely why they’ve been around for years and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Don’t like wearing them around your neck? Brighten up a favorite bag by tying one around the handle, or cover up day-three tresses by wrapping up your locks.
Sleek Watch: Cluse Minuit Mesh Rose Gold/Silver Watch ($99): Beyond helping you show up to your meetings on time, this sleek timepiece is a fashion statement in its own right. Let it shine by rocking it solo or work it into your standard arm party for maximum impact.
Sculptural Statement Pieces: Modern Weaving Large Oval Loop Earrings ($110): There’s no better time than now to start cultivating a collection of quality jewelry that will help keep your style right both now and later. The architectural quality of these brass abstract drops pair perfectly with everyday basics to strike the ultimate blend of classic and cutting edge.
Purge: Busted Kicks That Give You Blisters
KEEP: WHITE SNEAKERS, BACKLESS LOAFERS
White Sneaks: Veja V-10 Extra White Nautico Pekin ($129): Worn-down, dirty AF sneakers that are beyond repair need to make an emergency exit from your arsenal, like yesterday (unless, of course, you’re keeping them around for occasions that call for DGAF duds, like cleaning out the garage, renovating furniture, etc.). If you don’t have a pair of fresh white kicks on hand to replace them, scoop up this pair of sustainably made Veja trainers.
Backless Loafers: Silent D. Gigi Slip-On Loafer ($128): No matter how you spin it, loafers have a way of lending a luxe look to even the most laid-back duds. For a cool mix of high-low, style them alongside dressed denim, a logo tee and a tailored, longline blazer for an early morning coffee run.
Purge: Pussy Bow Blouses
keep: statement shirts, asymmetrical tops
Statement Blouses: Storets Avril Bow Embellished Blouse ($68): Seventies fever practically made bow-neck blouses a staple of every fashion-forward femme’s closet last year, but 2017 is all about souped-up toppers and wow-worthy sleeves.
Asymmetrical Tops: & Other Stories Draped Asymmetric Top ($85): Sharp lines and modern silhouettes are the future. Team this scene-stealing shirt with bold culottes and ankle boots for a day-to-night look that will do you right every single time.
Purge: Loud, Graphic Tees
keep: clever messaging
Subtle Collars: Reformation Nothing Top ($98): By suggesting you take a break from OTT tees, we’re not exactly saying that basic is better. We’re merely expressing our affinity for a new crop of tops that make a statement without causing a scene — such as this sweetly stitched Reformation blouse.
Purge: Outdated designs
keep: timeless prints
Classic Prints: Zara Polka Dot Mini Dress ($70): Kiss passé prints goodbye and hold onto the classics such as polka dots, plaid, stripes and animal prints (leopard fo’ life!). To keep things feeling fresh, add details like ruffled sleeves, sculptural silhouettes or cool cutouts to the mix. And DO pair with up-to-date accessories, like abstract earrings and combat boots.
Purge: Overly Distressed Jeans
keep: classic silhouette
Straight-Leg Denim: After Party by Nasty Gal Long Haul Jeans ($88): Ditch the overly distressed denim in favor of au courant straight-leg denim with ’90s supermodel appeal for casual Friday and weekend shenanigans.
Purge: Old, Pilled Sweaters
keep: lady-like knits
Flattering Knitwear : H&M Rib Knit Sweater ($25): If your sweaters have reached the point of no return (i.e. your trusty fabric shaver can no longer tame the amount of fuzz coming off your duds), it’s time to update your collection. Our suggestion? Rib knit turtlenecks in neutral hues that score high on the versatility scale. Whether you tuck ’em into jeans or layer them over metallic pleated skirts, the result will be straight-up #goals.
Purge: Too-Trendy Pieces You Never Wear
keep: Signature silhouettes
Wear Everywhere Staples: Mango Check Wool-Blend Coat ($130): It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and throw down cash for threads that are so NOT your style. Weed out the pieces that feel out of place in your closet, revealing the classic items such as this clean-cut coat that will forever hold a place in your #OOTD lineup.
Purge: Club-Bound Dresses from Your College Days
keep: slip dresses
Lingerie-Inspired Dresses: Pull&Bear Floral Midi Cami Dress ($40): Your style has evolved since your carefree college days, which means those too-tight, too-short bodycon dresses you used to sport at frat parties, clubs or the campus bar have got to go. In their stead, rock sleek slip dresses that work for both casual gatherings and upscale events.
Purge: Pieces That No Longer Fit
keep: oversized basics
Too-Big Basics: Zara Shirt Dress ($50): The likelihood of something that’s too small fitting again are slim, so clean ‘em out of your closet STAT. Oversized pieces, on the other hand, pack plenty of potential. Team them with a belt or have them tailored for a decidedly comfy and RN look.
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