I'm Overdue for a Closet Clean-Out, and These 5 Things Will Get the Boot First

clean-out-closet-298213-1645996691042-main

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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

I start out by going category by category and put 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 upcoming season. 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 more classic pieces that are dated at the moment. Then, I think on whether some of the other pieces I have out need to simply be swapped out 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 five of the things I will give the boot to first this year, plus what I will swap them out for instead.

Getting the Boot: High-Heeled Sandals

Swapping For: Low-Heeled Sandals

clean-out-closet-298213-1645996751919-image

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

I am officially done suffering in higher heels. It's all about comfortable lower heeled sandals 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 statement with her lower white ruched sandals.

Shop:

Getting the Boot: Ruffled Sweaters

Swapping For: Half-Zip Pullover Sweaters

clean-out-closet-298213-1646002376428-image

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Later, ruffled sweaters. I am moving on to sleeker pastures thanks to this season's trending half-zip pullover sweaters. Layer over a white top and jeans like Anouk Yve here or throw one over a midi dress—the layering options are endless. Shop my top picks right now below.

Shop:

Getting the Boot: Fitted Button-Down Shirts

Swapping For: Oversize Button-Down Shirts

clean-out-closet-298213-1646002956477-image

(Image credit: @craftandcouture)

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 black pants and dad sandals inspired by Thérèse Jacinto, as a coverup at the beach, and much, much more.

Shop:

Getting the Boot: Short Denim Cutoffs

Swapping For: Long Denim Cutoff Shorts

clean-out-closet-298213-1646003160746-image

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Sylvie Mus is my minimalist style muse and ever since seeing her post this look on Instagram, I have been sold on longer denim shorts for spring and summer. So, for now anyway, I say goodbye to shorter denim cutoffs.

Shop:

Getting the Boot: Basic Tank Tops

Swapping For: Racerback Tank Tops

clean-out-closet-298213-1646003296252-image

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

For now, I am setting aside basic tank tops and reaching for cool racerback options instead. The styling possibilities are endless for both casual and elevated ensembles—I mean how chic does Tylynn Nguyen make this white racerback tank top look?

Shop:

Up next: I’m Ready to Ditch Some of My Sandals—I Think I’m Done With These 5 Styles.

Jennifer Camp Forbes

Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.