Who else has been cleaning and organizing like crazy during quarantine? I mean, there’s not much else to do right now!
Even though it snowed a little bit this morning, we’ve been consistently getting warm weather lately, so I switched over my closet from winter to spring a couple of weeks ago. One of the rods in my closet also broke, and I now have minimal storage space at the moment until I get a replacement wardrobe system. And who knows how long that will take in these times! Since I don’t have much space to hang clothes at the moment, I decided to do a really good purge this season and decided to consign and donate quite a bit of pieces in my closet.
So: how should you determine what items make the cut this season? Here’s what you need to know about how to purge your closet of the pieces you don’t need this spring (and what to replace them with!).
How to Purge Your Closet
Purge: Worn Out Sandals
Anyone else rough on sandals like I am? I was a little mortified when I packed a pair of sandals for my Argentina trip last year, and the heel was utterly worn out — we decided to go on a 2-mile walk around downtown Mendoza, and I was slipping and sliding all over the place!
If your shoes are looking a bit tired, it’s time to say goodbye. I know it’s hard to part with a favorite pair of shoes, but if they’re in bad condition, it’s time to let them go.
Replace With: A Crisp, Clean New Pair of Sandals
I love a good pair of sandals you can just slide on and go, so this season, I’m eyeing some mules and slider sandals for spring.
Purge: Old “Trendy” Tops
Remember when peplum was the thing? When you needed 70 off the shoulder tops each spring? Lace-up tops? Scallops? Yeah…it’s a bit dated, my friends.
I like to buy a couple of budget-friendly, trendy tops each season to stay on-trend. Since they’re cheaper than dresses or pants, I don’t feel that bad when I eventually donate them. If you have a top sitting in your closet that you haven’t worn in over two years…it’s time to ditch it.
Replace With: A Classic, Timeless Top
Guys…spring might be canceled this year. I’m not sure when we’ll be able to go out and about again, but I don’t think it makes a ton of sense to purchase overly-trendy tops this season.
Instead of purchasing those cheap, trendy tops, opt for a classic, timeless piece you can wear season after season. If you want to indulge in one trend this season, I know tie-dye is all the rage!
Purge: Ill-Fitting, Worn-Out or Uncomfortable Denim
Checking in: is your denim fitting you properly? Are your jeans stretching out during the day? Too tight when you sit down? Do you have to keep pulling them up throughout the day constantly? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, it’s probably time to toss that pair. I know it’s hard to break up with a beloved pair of jeans, but it’s for the best.
Replace With: Quality, Light Wash Denim
I’m a bit of a denim snob, so instead of buying several pairs of jeans each season, I like to invest in 1-2 quality pairs instead. Madewell is my go-to denim brand (and the price isn’t bad!), and I’m also a big fan of AGOLDE, Paige, and Mother Denim. These jeans will last you for years, and they’re worth the investment!
Purge: Worn Out Undergarments
Experts say that you should be replacing underwear once a year, and bras every six months. I hand-wash my bras, so they’re still in pretty great shape (I had to replace all of mine after my breast augmentation surgery last summer anyway), but before that point, I had bras that were 7-9 years old…yikes!
Go through your underwear drawer, and take advantage of sales this season to replace any old, worn-out items.
Replace With: Quality Lingerie
Guys: I swear by Aerie underwear. It’s budget-friendly, and they usually have a 10 for $30 sale once every few months, and I’ll stock up on new underwear then.
For bras, I love Soma and ThirdLove. This strapless bra from ThirdLove is the best I’ve ever tried: it stays put and is as comfy as it gets. Soma also has the best t-shirt bras: the technology they use makes bras lay flat, and they’re perfect for everyday wear. While you’re at it, pick up some bralettes to wear around the house during social distancing as well! I just ordered this bralette from Skims, and I’ve heard incredible things about them.
Do you have any tips on how to purge your closet? Let me know in a comment below!
Photos by Tom McGovern
