I'm Turning 25 and Decided It's Time to Officially Retire These 7 Things

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(Image credit: @annadominguez)

Fall, to me, has always felt like a new year: The carefree summer feeling ends while the world gears up to embrace a completely new season. So I guess it's quite fitting that I have two pretty big life events happening in the next month. For one, I’m moving out of the apartment I’ve lived in since I graduated from college and to a completely different part of the city (bye-bye, Santa Monica). But most importantly, I’m turning 25.

I won’t get into a long emotional rant of all the things I’m feeling as I approach a quarter-of-a-century years old because I know you’re just here to shop. I’ll get straight to the point: It's time to get rid of some things. As I prepare for my move, I keep coming across items I’m somewhat ashamed to still own as an almost 25-year-old, so I've created a big give-away box full of everything I'm ready to retire. But don't get it twisted: As these items go out, new ones are for sure coming in. (I have a shopping problem, okay? I don't need to hear it.) Curious to see the things that are getting the boot, plus the chic pieces I'm replacing them with? Keep scrolling to come along on my clean-out journey.

Retire: College sweatshirts

Replace With: Elevated loungewear

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I’m notorious for turning to one of the dozen oversize sweatshirts I accumulated during my LMU days when I want to get comfy, but I’m putting an end to it now. (Why did I buy something at every event my sorority put on?) I want to look put-together while I'm spending all this extra time around the house.

Retire: Scuffed shoes

Replace With: Polished leather

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(Image credit: @shhtephs)

This one actually pains me heavily since it means I have to part with a pair of booties that I bought from a little shop in Italy and lasted me all study abroad and beyond. But, alas, they look like they've been through the wringer, and it’s just not worth keeping them (or the other shoes that bring back memories—I’m looking at you, tired old Converse).

Retire: Worn-looking handbags

Replace With: Long-lasting classics

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(Image credit: @mariaalia)

I’ve probably spent as much money on cheap handbags that have only lasted me half a year as I could have on one good designer handbag that would last a lifetime. I told myself I’d wait until I was 25 to finally splurge on something like this, so here I am. And though I will fall asleep dreaming about a Chanel double flap lambskin bag until the day I die, I’m still not loaded with cash, so I’ve got to keep it semi-reasonable.

Retire: Dresses That Don't Fit

Replace With: Refined Going-Out Dresses

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(Image credit: @cassandra.cadwell)

I have a stash of all my old college-formal bandaid dresses, Vegas-club crop top and skirt sets, and more that I know will never (and should never) see the light of day again. But hey, I’m not saying I’m never going to wear another party dress again—I’m just going to keep it a little more elegant. Now that holiday soirée season is right around the corner, it's the perfect timing to start browsing.

Retire: Discolored Jewelry

Replace With: Trendy Gold Pieces

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Again, I've kept a lot of things "for the memories," but the necklaces that now look two-toned due to thinning gold plating and rings that turn my finger green are just not making it to the next round. Instead, I'm opting for things like chunky gold chains and cute statement earrings.

Retire: Worn-once fads

Replace With: Polished staples

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(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

I had a moment in time when I was still figuring out my style, which led me to some, well, questionable purchases. I'm replacing all those random items that made their way into my closet for ones I know I'll want to wear for a long time.

Retire: Cheap bras and undies

Replace With: Chic lingerie

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(Image credit: @madisonelainechertow)

My underwear drawer has quite a few pairs in there that just need to go. You know the ones with silly designs or sayings that seemed so cute at the time, but now you look at them and just think why? Yeah, those are going in the garbage (along with those bras that should have been retired ages ago). This is something, now that I’m 25, I should be spending a bit more money on.

Up Next: My Favorite Fall Outfits All Have One Thing in Common.

Anneliese Henderson
Senior Editor, Branded Content

Anneliese Henderson is a Los Angeles based senior editor on the branded content team atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing where she covers Wholesale Replica Bag in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. When she’s not writing about her favorite trends, you can find her reading a book by the beach or spending money on overpriced smoothies at Erewhon.