With the holiday decorations packed away, now is a good time to evaluate the state of one’s home with a bit of pre-spring cleaning.
I think of January and February — with fewer activities on the calendar — as ideal months to clean out, clear out, and reset household organization. Besides purging and dusting cabinets, desk drawers, and the basement shelves, one’s closet is also ripe for a re-shuffle.
You can approach this in several ways. Sorting out what no longer or never will fit, what’s damaged or stained beyond repair, and what’s simply not functional for your lifestyle. Yes, for sure, use one or all of those methods.
Another thing to consider is trends. As in, what trends did you once attempt but have now put in the category of “wish they never existed”? And while I fully acknowledge trends are cyclical, there are more than a few once-trending fashion flops most closets can do without. So, if you’re looking to streamline your closet and eliminate pieces you never hope or want to wear again, here are a few trends to keep in focus, along with some timeless staple replacement ideas.
First up on the tossing-block are parachute pants. Think dropped-crotch pants, track pants with gathered elastic cuffs, or even the late 80s/early 90s MC Hammer-style pants if they are still hanging around. These pants are usually lightweight, overly baggy, and definitely hard to pull off for grownups with full-time jobs looking to refinance.
Substitute this fad with a more classic wide-leg trouser pant. I’ve been eyeing Madewell’s Harlow pants, which come in both standard and plus sizes and have been dubbed by the company the “Unicorn Trouser” for their flattering fit and versatility. Some variety is currently on sale and can be worn for work with a button-down and loafers or casually with a long-sleeved tee and sneakers. For a more affordable option, check out H&M’s Wide-Leg Twill Pant in gray or black; both can be sleekly worn with a matching turtleneck and boots.
Another clothing item that has seen more stylish days is the maxi denim skirt. I get the appeal of a pair of jeans in skirt form, but the weight and cumbersome nature of this skirt type has limited options for this mom-on-the-go.
Although denim maxis have been on-trend here recently, I think a more classic and timeless piece, like a slip skirt, has more longevity. Not only is this one of the more versatile pieces you can own if you enjoy wearing skirts, but it also lends toward the more sophisticated than a faded denim ankle-grazing skirt. Old Navy’s Midi Slip skirt, currently on sale, comes in mocha, black, and berry and can be worn with a turtleneck sweater and heeled boots for a night out. While Quince’s 100% Washable Silk skirt comes in a range of colors and can be styled casually with a chambray shirt, tights, and flats.
Closet cleanouts aren’t just for clothing; accessory trends are also up for tossing this winter. Let’s start with bags. Whenever I carry a bucket bag, I find it hard to wear it across the body as it’s always gaping open. On the flip side, even worse are bucket bags with drawstring closures, which are a pain to get open. Even though once upon a time buckets were the “it” bag, I’m ready to let them go in favor of a more functional tote bag, which never goes out of style.
Thinking ahead to spring, there’s Upton’s Sage Tote that comes in a fresh citrusy color-blocked pattern on canvas. This can double as a daily bag in warmer months or a reusable shopping bag for light errands. There’s also Herschel Supply Co.’s Classic Tote, made from recycled materials and available in several shades; this is a utilitarian do-it-all kind of tote.
Next up, footwear. Sure, these days, it’s all snow boots all the time. But once we get into a few warmer weeks and less snow and slush, what shoes do you want to wear moving forward? As I continue preaching on my practical-dressing soapbox, I find chunky lug-sole loafers are not on the list, even if they were all the rave last fall.
I would gladly swap these for a sleek flat, finding that a simple vs. trendy shoe serves many more occasions, especially with an eye towards spring.
Rothy’s The Point flat features their In Love Insole for dreamy comfort and is available in up to 18 different colors and patterns that will elevate even the most casual outfit of leggings and a sweatshirt but also pair perfectly with a dress and cardigan. For a more neutral option, there’s the Zodiac Hill flat from DSW. This pair comes in rich shades of cognac, black, and navy for a chic work-a-day flat, perfect with tailored trousers and a blouse.
Lastly, jewelry. Chokers were having a moment there for a few years, and they certainly made a mark on the 90’s however, a less trend-driven neckwear option would be a collar necklace. Collar necklaces still highlight the neck and collarbone but are less restrictive and less juvenile than chokers. I’d say toss those ribbon-clasped pieces to a younger person and explore a more sophisticated version like J.Crew Factory’s Crystal Tennis necklace to bring a little bit of excellence to a V-neck sweater and joggers. Or Little Rooms’ Horizon Necklace with an O-ring style rendered in hypoallergenic stainless steel.
Whether you’re doing a major wardrobe overhaul or some light siphoning of your closet, consider tossing out some of these trends for more versatile and sleek options.
