We get that style is a very personal thing. But we also get that life seems to get busier and busier with each year, and a little sartorial guidance can be useful. For that reason, we've compiled a handy list of easy ways to improve your style right now, focusing on which pieces to skip for now and which to add to your wardrobe (if you haven't already).
Yet another thing we get: Saying to ditch something can seem harsh. We're simply pointing out that there are certain pieces that could benefit from a breather, and more of-the-moment or classic pieces will up your style points. But everything in fashion comes back, so putting these nine pieces on hiatus certainly works, or donating them is a great way to free up closet space.
Either way, we're firm believers that confidence is the number one way to upgrade your style, so if these pieces we suggest ditching and investing in help you to do that, our mission is accomplished. Read on to find out what to ditch and buy to upgrade your style.
Ditch: Pastel Sneakers
Buy: Black Sneakers
Pastel sneakers are pretty to look at, but they can be a bit hard to wear, unlike always-versatile black sneakers.
Ditch: Slim-Fitting Blazers
Buy: Roomy Blazers
Fitted blazers have fallen off the map for now, as oversize blazers have become the go-to way to bring cool polish to a look. They look cool with every thing from miniskirts to pleated trousers.
Ditch: Novelty Jeans
Buy: Classic Straight-Leg Jeans
Jeans with trendy details, such as patchwork or a frayed step hem are great when they're cool, but they usually peak pretty quickly. If you want to look chic no matter what season it is and what the trends are, play it safe and go with straight-leg, high-waisted styles.
Ditch: Tunic Tops
Buy: Slightly Cropped Tops
High-waisted jeans, trousers, and skirts are all wardrobe staples, and the type of shirt that most often works with them is cropped tops. Tunics, on the other hand, can be tricky to wear with things with high waistbands.
Ditch: Overly Trendy Accessories
Buy: Classic Accessories
Accessories can make or break a look, so we advise practicing moderation when it comes to trendy accessories and prioritizing sleek, polished ones that will never go out of style.
Ditch: Bell Sleeves
Buy: Puffy Sleeves
Puffy sleeves have been around for a few seasons now, and the return of all things '80s means they're sticking around for a while. On the other hand, bell sleeves have been slowly fading away over the past few seasons.
Ditch: Plain Black OuterwearBuy: Statement-Making Outerwear
Not sure if you've noticed, but the fashion crowd rarely opts for black outerwear these days. Instead, they choose to have fun with their coats and jackets and make a statement with bold colors, materials, and prints. Because why not?
Ditch: Printed Leggings
Buy: Simple Leggings and Bike Shorts
The bike-shorts trend is definitely still a thing, and solid-colored leggings are a wardrobe staple, but leggings with wild prints are significantly more difficult to style.
Ditch: Tassel Earrings
Buy: Chunky Gold Earrings
Tassel earrings were once in every fashion girl's jewelry box, but they've since fully embraced chunky gold earrings when they want to add a little something extra to their look.
Next, these trend-forward basics are the answer to your chicest-looking outfits right now.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.