I’m Having a Wardrobe Refresh for 2022 and Keeping These Items

I know the whole ‘new year, new me’ thing is a cliché, but when it comes to my wardrobe I’ve been really feeling the urge to give it a good old cleanse lately. Since that feeling coincided with the start of a new year, I thought it was the perfect excuse to step back and take stock of what I really wear, and what pieces are just gathering dust. It may have something to do with the fact that I recently turned 30 and moved house, but it’s also become obvious (since working from home more regularly) that I don’t wear half my clothes anymore. So a tighter capsule edit of perfect pieces is going to clear some much needed storage space and make getting dressed in the mornings a lot easier.

And I know I’m not alone in this— every friend I mentioned my new year intentions to, fashion girl or not, replied with exclamations of ‘SAME! I just want to throw it all away and start again!’ Now, we all know that throwing away all our clothes and buying a whole new wardrobe is not, although sometimes appealing, the most sustainable option. Rest assured, what I am clearing out will either be given to friends, charity shops or Depop users; and obviously I read all the Who What Wear articles about styling new outfits from your existing wardrobe before starting to cull. 

wardrobe-essentials-2022-296656-1641149240097-image

(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

But, if that reply sounds familiar and you’ve been thinking the same recently, I thought it might be helpful if I made a list of the pieces I decided still deserved a place in my wardrobe for 2022. Some of them are pretty boring but essential basics every wardrobe works around (like that Arket t-shirt), and some were more unexpected, like my old dungarees that I plan on breaking out again this year, and mini skirts I think I bought when I was in high school. 

Keep scrolling to see what’s staying, and in case you feel inspired to build out your own capsule wardrobe, I’ve added shopping links for my essentials below too.

1. Shirting

2. Layering Basics

3. Day-to-Night Dresses

4. Dungarees

5. Tailored Trousers

6. Mini Skirts

7. Leather Belts

8. Blazers

9. Classic Denim

Opening Image: @emmarosestyle

Up Next: I Collect Clothes—Here's Everything I Know About Wardrobe Organisation

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.