What to Keep and What to Store for Spring 2018, According to ‘Queer Eye’s’ Tan France

With spring’s arrival comes the inevitable urge to refresh your wardrobe — a task that can be daunting, to say the least. But as it turns out, updating your look doesn’t necessarily mean tossing out all the pieces you spent your hard earned money on. Queer Eye‘s resident fashion guru, Tan France, is giving us all the details on how to update our closets with ease. And of course, we got a little QE behind-the-scenes talk (season two can’t come soon enough!). Ahead, everything this Fab Fiver wants you to know for spring.

Brit + Co: How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of?

Tan France: Well, for me, it’s never a case of getting rid of it. When it comes to my closet, I start to pack things away, not get rid of them. I’m fortunate to live in Utah and have enough space to store things, but if you’re low on space, take away what you’re not wearing for the next eight-to-nine months. Pack up sweaters, big coats, and anything you know you won’t need.

I’m not one for suggesting to throw away. In my experience, a few weeks later or a few months later, you’re going to regret it. You spent money on it! So keep as much as possible, especially neutral colors that come back in style. If it’s a hot trend, you can throw it away. (Photo via Netflix)

B+C: Are there any trends you wish would go away?

TF: Yes, That cropped jean that’s almost a boot cut and is usually frayed. Yes, I know, the cool kids are wearing it, but it’s just not that flattering. And honestly, if it doesn’t make you look your best, you’re going to look back and regret it in a few years.

B+C: Any trends you think should come back?

TF: For men, I wish the mid-rise jean were more of a thing. It’s actually not that flattering to wear a low-cut jean. When you need to move or bend down, things are gonna fall out that you definitely don’t want to. I mean, I work out and even I still have muffin top!

For women, whatever happened to the classic stiletto? We’re going for crazier trends like ’90s heels and I miss good old stilettos — they just look great on most women. Sure, block heels are cool and they’re on trend, but they’re just not flattering.

B+C: What were some of the toughest clothing items for your Queer Eye subjects to give up?

TF: Plaid and jorts. Men for some reason seem to think they need 75 pockets. I don’t know what they’re carrying other than a wallet and a phone! I asked and almost every one of those men said they’re not putting anything in these pockets. It’s just adding bulk where no man needs bulk. My husband says in America you call them “cargo shorts.” How about just a nice two-pocket pair of shorts? And I love a plaid but there are other options for pattern! (Photo via Instagram/TanFrance)

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