I’m Overdue for a Closet Clean-Out, and These 4 Things Will Get the Boot First

- Advertisement -

Share Share by:

  • Copy link
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Whatsapp
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard

Share this article Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter

Anyone else feel like a new year is a great time to do a little life refresh? I especially like to focus on my wardrobe during this transition—go figure. I’m currently in the mood to do a closet clean-out for 2026, and I’m going to take you through my process.

I start out by going category by category and putting aside all the pieces I am questioning. Think tops, sweaters, denim, pants, shoes, dresses, etc. Basically, I go through anything that’s specific to the current and upcoming seasons. Next, I like to store all the pieces that I think will come back around trend-wise, whether for myself or for my daughter. These are usually classic pieces that might feel dated at the moment. Then I think about whether some of the other pieces I have out need to simply be replaced with a more modern take. Once I make the call, I separate them into bags to donate or sell and get straight to shopping for my updated picks.

Ahead, you’ll get a glimpse at four of the things I will give the boot to first this year, plus what I will swap them out for.

Getting the Boot: Tailored Pants

Swapping For: Relaxed Pants

Sylvie Mus is my minimalist style muse, and ever since seeing this look on Instagram, I have been sold on relaxed pants, especially in satin and silk. For now, I’m saying goodbye to tailored pants.

Shop Relaxed Pants

Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

Reformation Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

Wide-Leg Rib-Knit Pants - Navy Blue

H&M Wide-Leg Rib-Knit Pants

H&M, Flared Satin Pants

H&M Flared Satin Pants

Alora Knit Pants

DO by Dee Ocleppo Alora Knit Pants

J.Crew, Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse

J.Crew Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse

Getting the Boot: Half-Zip Pullover Sweaters

Swapping For: V-Neck Sweaters

British style influencer Anna Howard poses for a mirror selfie wearing an ivory blazer, gray v-neck sweater, brown suede tote bag, and wide-leg jeans

Later, half-zip sweaters. I am moving on to sleeker pastures thanks to this season’s trending V-neck sweaters. Layer over a white top like Anna Howard here or on its own—the options are endless. Shop my top picks right now below.

Shop V-Neck Sweaters

V-Neck Sweater

MANGO V-Neck Sweater

Soft Knit V-Neck Sweater

ZARA Soft Knit V-Neck Sweater

H&M, V-Neck Sweater

H&M V-Neck Sweater

J.Crew, Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater

J.Crew Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater

V-Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom V-Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater

Getting the Boot: High-Heeled Shoes

Swapping For: Kitten-Heeled Shoes

British plus size style influencer Abisola Omole poses in a pale yellow button-front cardigan, a dark-wash maxi denim skirt, and black suede slingback kitten heels

I am officially done suffering in higher heels. It’s all about comfortable lower heeled styles moving forward. Basically, I plan on keeping my heels at three inches or under. Best part is, you don’t have to sacrifice style with a lower heel height. Just look at how Abisola Omole’s ensemble turns into more of a chic statement with her black kitten-heel slingbacks.

Shop Kitten-Heeled Shoes

Corina Slingback Half D'orsay Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump

Open Edit Corina Slingback Half D’orsay Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump

H&M, Knee-High Leather Boots

H&M Knee-High Leather Boots

Kitten Heel Ankle Boots

ZARA Kitten Heel Ankle Boots

Julie Pointed Toe Mule

Schutz Julie Pointed Toe Mule

Dauphine Kitten Heel Knee High Boot

Nordstrom Dauphine Kitten Heel Knee High Boot

Getting the Boot: Fitted Button-Down Shirts

Swapping For: Oversize Button-Down Shirts

Danish fashion creative Clara Dyrhauge poses on a NYC street wearing a white linen button-down shirt, a brown tote bag, black belt, dark-wash baggy jeans, and black flip-flop sandals

There is nothing more classic than a button-down shirt. Lately, the more oversize the fit, the better. Not only does this looser fit look more modern it gives it more versatility as well. Wear one with dark-wash jeans inspired by Clara Dyrhauge, and complete with your favorite shoes depending on the season.

Shop Oversize Button-Down Shirts

H&M, Oxford Shirt

H&M Oxford Shirt

Basic Oxford Shirt

ZARA Basic Oxford Shirt

Heathered Flannel Dolman Button-Up Shirt

Madewell Heathered Flannel Dolman Button-Up Shirt

Andy Oversized Shirt

Reformation Andy Oversized Shirt

Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt

Good American Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt