Yes, it is still officially winter for a few more weeks, but now is a good time to start thinking about this year’s spring clean. Whether you want to do a complete household overhaul or just that one junk drawer, you should also include some sort of closet clean-out. Even a light cleanse can help revitalize your wardrobe, free up some space, and freshen up your personal style for the warmer weather that will eventually arrive. For Spring Cleaning 2019, consider the following items to toss from your closet.
First up, uncomfortable shoes. Even if they are the prettiest shoes you own, heels that kill your feet need to vacate your shoe rack. Of course, high heels are not the only culprit, ballet flats with no support and boots that pinch your toes can also take a hike. Replace painful footwear with shoes that feel good on your feet. Brands like TOMS, Doc Martens, and Rothy’s offer comfort, quality, and styles that are great for spring and summer.
Next, look at your jean bin. Denim trends come and go. If you don’t foresee wearing a pair of jeans, or a jean jacket in the next year to two because of fit, cut, color, or anything else, do yourself a favor and chuck ‘em. If the trend you purge comes back around, ask yourself if you are truly suited to it. Once you hit your mid-30s “fashion jeans” are no longer a viable option for a grown-up lady. Instead, invest in quality jeans with a classic wash and straight fit. And, since you’re keeping things classic, why not go with those tried and true brands like Wrangler and Levi’s? Both retailers have those timeless denim styles that appeal to men and women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Plus, they do offer a few trendy options if you just can’t help but indulge yourself in the latest denim fad.
Speaking of investment, it’s time to purge those fast-fashion pieces that are taking up too much space in your closet. Once the cheap thrill of a trendy impulse buy starts to fade, it’s best to donate it for someone else to enjoy and make space for quality garments that will give you pleasure year after year. Stores like J.Crew and Banana Republic are the affordable antipathy of trend-driven-lower-quality retailers like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and Rue 21. Basically, if a store’s name contains a number that’s lower than your age, or a “ru” sound, chances are their goods may not have much staying power after a few wears.
Speaking of wear, ripped or overly pilled knits are also on the chopping block this spring-cleaning season. It can be hard to say goodbye to sweaters that have served you well. There’s nothing like a cozy cardigan to snuggle in during the cold winter, am I right? But, when a sweater is beyond repair, it’s best to get rid of it and make room for more useful pieces of knitwear. You don’t need to buy replacements right away; spring is coming. Instead, enjoy the extra room in your drawers and think about all the luxurious pullovers and cardis that will hit the stores in the fall.
Like sweaters, it’s time for faded sweats and pajamas to hit the road. Chances are you have quite a backlog of old and rundown loungewear. Sweatpants and sleepshirts that make you feel more grimy than good need to stop taking up room in your wardrobe. Freshen up your “hanging around the house” wardrobe with pieces from Gap Body and Cotton:On. There is nothing like a fresh set of PJs to welcome spring!
While we’re talking about faded sweats, let us not forget yellowed whites. Much like ripped knitwear and sad loungewear, it’s pretty difficult to bring dingy whites back to life. Sure, you can give the old college try with one last cleaning, but if a bleach soak or oxy-white blast can’t restore those old tees, blouses, and white jeans to their former glory, it’s time to say goodbye.
Lastly, it is time to let go of anything that is too small. Holding onto old (or never worn) clothes that do not fit in the hopes of the next diet or exercise craze, is not only impractical space-wise, but can be a blow to your self-esteem. If you have been struggling with your body, why have reminders of that hanging in your closet? Instead, embrace your shape and get clothes that fit and flatter. ModCloth has adorable styles in sizes XXS to 4x. Eloquii carries polished pieces from size 14-28, and eShaki allows you to customize any dress with your own measurements. Let this year’s spring-cleaning be the time to not only free up that closet space but also liberate your self-confidence with new clothes that will make you feel great!
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