I’m Already Spring Cleaning— See What I Tossed (And Their Chic Replacements)

Even though it was just snowing in New York City earlier this week, in my mind, I'm out with the old and in with the new.

As I'm moving at start of the spring, all of my de-cluttering and organizing has come early this year. Enter, my fool-proof closet clean-out list I constantly use as a reminder to donate items I haven't worn in months and, instead, shop smarter and more thoughtful. In lieu of ultra-trendy, poorly-constructed tops, bottoms, and accessories, I'm focusing on breathing new life into my closet with wardrobe heroes and outfit staples that will keep on giving long after any trend cycle wears off.

Aside from the regular list of items with holes in them or things that are too worn or too far-gone, I spent an entire long weekend going through every single thing in my closet to figure out what's worth it and what's not. Yep, all 200+ pieces of clothing I owned were put up for debate and, truthfully, there were some surprising items that got the chop from me this year.

Below, read on to discover all the items I tossed as part of my ultimate spring cleaning list, as well as the items I immediately brought in to make my closet feel extra special and fun again.

Tossing: Too-Big Jeans

Adding: Streamlined Denim

Raise your hand if you've ever fallen for too big jeans. Whether they're they were the incorrect size when you first bought them or the waist-band has gone lose in the several years since you've owned them, this is your sign to toss them in the donate pile. Instead, opt for slimmer, streamlined denim styles that are neither too big nor too small.

Tossing: Ultra-Trendy Tops

Adding: Chic, Versatile Shirting

I've fallen prey for one-too-many ultra-trendy items of clothing— especially when it comes to bodysuits, tops, and shirting. While I usually pair them with my classic jeans and, thankfully, they look alright, I've been finding myself struggle more and more to come up with chic, timeless outfits when I pull out a snakeskin-printed off-the-shoulder bodysuit when I'm on my way to work (true story!). If you're like me, try adding more versatile, season-less options into your top rotation, going for simple button-down shirts and elegant blouses.

Tossing: Fashion Bags

Adding: "Buy It Once, Wear Forever," Purses

The most challenging thing to get rid of in my closet, by far, was my accessories, not simply because I loved them all, but because of the sheer amount of volume of them. If you're like me, you've probably collected dozens of mini bags, intricate beaded clutches, and plastic purses from retailers like Zara, H&M, and Mango. While those trend-forward styles have to be some of my favorite, most of the time, they sit in my closet and collect dust. This year, I'm prioritizing timeless investment purses that I know will go with every single outfit, no questions asked.

Tossing: One Too Many Statement Jackets

Adding: Classic and Elegant Outerwear

Long gone are the days of making your coat the centerpiece of the outfit— instead, opt for silhouettes, colors, and patterns that will go with everything in your closet rather than taking up precious real estate on your hangers. Wool coats, trenches, and immaculately-tailored outerwear is all on the meni.

Tossing: Uncomfortable Shoes

Adding: Sleek, Pain-Free Styles

Raise your hand if you're guilty of buying adorable, yet wildly uncomfortable shoes. In 2024, it's time to toss them out of the window. Instead of sky-high heels with narrow toe-boxes that deliver blistering pain with each step, opt for low-to-the-ground ballet flats, leather shoes, and micro-kitten heels. Your wardrobe (and orthopedic doctor) will thank you!

Adding: New Intimates

If you've been holding into pajamas and bras from high school you haven't thrown out yet, this is your sign to upgrade your intimates drawer with the best-fitting bras, underwear, and shapewear this season.