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

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Fashion collage featuring Anna Howard, Abisola Omole, Clara Dyrhauge, and Sylvie Mus wearing chic 2026 outfits with v-neck sweaters, kitten heels, an oversize button-down shirt, and silk satin relaxed pants.
(Image credit: @theannaedit; @abimarvel; @claradyrhauge; @sylviemus_)

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

Style influencer Sylvie Mus poses on a Paris sidewalk wearing a pearl necklace, a gray v-neck sweater, relaxed black satin pants, and black kitten-heel slingback heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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

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.

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

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

Shop V-Neck Sweaters

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.

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

I am officially done suffering in high heels. It's all about comfortable low-heeled styles moving forward. Basically, I plan to keep my heels at three inches or under. The 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 a chic statement with her black kitten-heel slingbacks.

Shop Kitten-Heeled Shoes

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.

(Image credit: @claradyrhauge)

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, but it also gives it more versatility. 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

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Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known 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. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion 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.