I'm Packing Up My NYC Life and Moving to L.A.—Here's Every Trend I'm Getting Rid of in the Move

Consider this a formal announcement: After nearly a decade living in New York City—my entire adult life practically—I'm packing up most of what fit inside my Upper West Side one-bedroom apartment and moving across the country to Los Angeles. It's kind of a big deal, one that's forced me to take a good, long look at my wardrobe and decide what inside it is worth bringing across the country. Truthfully, even when I've moved in and out of apartments here in New York, I've never done a closet clean-out this involved. I've always just haphazardly thrown my possessions into boxes and UHauled them from one part of the city to another. This time around, though, I'm leaning all the way in, which means Marie Kondo'ing my closet. If a trend isn't bringing me joy, well, it's not joining me on my New York City–to–Los Angeles move. Period.

After much consideration, I've narrowed it down to six trends that I'm leaving behind (and six anti-trend alternatives I've granted worthy of this next stage in my life). Only the pieces I really love are coming with me, which is still a lot of stuff. I have, after all, spent all of my 20s curating clothing, shoes, handbags, and more with a high degree of intention. I'm not going to just throw away all that work. I am being selective, however, and what still checks off all my boxes will soon be enjoying sunnier weather alongside me in L.A. Keep scrolling to find out what made the cut and what's getting the boot before the big move.

Leaving: Sentimental Graphic T-Shirts

Packing: Polished Tees

For years, I've held on to what feels like hundreds of sentimental graphic T-shirts from sporting events, concerts, fashion parties, and more, storing them in bins under my bed that I seldom open, let alone think about. If you live in NYC, you know how little space there is, so I really don't know why I've held on to these for so long, even if graphic tees are trending again. A move is a great excuse, though, to stop holding on to things you never wear, so I'm finally getting rid of my built-up collection and only keeping polished, classic basics like boatneck and V-neck T-shirts that I know I'll wear again and again.

Leaving: Capri Pants

Packing: Low-Rise Trousers

I know capri pants will likely keep trending in both NYC and Los Angeles, especially this summer, but I'm officially over the silhouette and refuse to bring a single pair with me. What I will be wearing on repeat, however, are low-rise tailored trousers. Sleek, polished, but also easy and versatile, they're the perfect pants for days when I don't know what to wear in a city I'm still acclimating to.

Leaving: Classic Pumps

Packing: Heeled Sandals

I love a classic pump just as much as the next girl, but I get the feeling that in L.A., I won't need them quite as often as I have in New York. Instead, I'm making more space for heeled sandals that feel easier to dress up or down. Pumps are great, but they're not the most versatile, and in a moving truck, every square inch counts (and costs).

Leaving: Heavy Sweaters

Packing: Delicate Knits

I've long been a proud owner of a large number of heavy, thick sweaters that I've acquired over my many years living in Chicago and New York, where warm clothes are essential. Now that I'll be residing somewhere that's warm all year round, I look forward to transitioning my knitwear collection to more lightweight, delicate options that feel less cozy and more refined.

Leaving: Miniskirts

Packing: Pencil Skirts

Every time I tell someone I'm moving to Los Angeles, they ask me how I think my style will change, and honestly, I don't believe it will. Sorry, but I will be that person walking in heeled boots and a pencil skirt when everyone else is wearing leggings and sneakers. It's what I do. So, yes, pencil skirts will be a big part of my L.A. wardrobe, even if it is difficult to get in and out of a car in one. The skirt trend that won't be included in this scenario? Miniskirts. I've put them in the past, and I'm okay with that.

Leaving: Trendy Denim

Packing: Forever Straight-Leg Jeans

Somehow, I managed to fit over 30 pairs of jeans in my New York City apartment, but I refuse to move with that entire collection, which is why I've decided to cut all of the "trendy" denim from my wardrobe and only pack the pairs that I know will live forever in my closet. Barrel? Cropped? Colored? Sorry, but only my tried-and-true straight-leg styles from the likes of Levi's, Khaite, Citizens of Humanity, etc., made the cut.