Out With The Old

"No matter where you live, the change of seasons signifies a reason to refresh your wardrobe,” says Layne Cross, a styling supervisor with Stitch Fix, which offers online personal styling for men, women and children.

We couldn’t agree more with her sentiment. Even if the weather doesn’t change as drastically in our corner of paradise as elsewhere, it’s still important to periodically assess your closet and give some items the heave-ho. 

Cross, who has worked with South Florida clientele, shares her strategies for giving your closet a thorough spring cleaning.

Know when to throw and when to stow. 

“The best way to begin a closet clean-out is by starting with a particular category (e.g., jeans, tops, dresses, etc.) and working your way through your closet,” Cross says. If you wear an item often, it makes you feel and look good, fits well or matches your other items, keep it. If you haven’t worn an item in more than a year, it doesn’t make you feel good wearing it, it doesn’t go with your wardrobe or it doesn’t fit, toss it. “Deciding what to give away can be as simple as identifying what pieces in your wardrobe you don’t regularly reach for or what makes you feel like your best self,” she says.

Donate smart. 

When you decide what to get rid of, make sure you’re discarding unwanted items properly. “Try to avoid throwing unwanted clothes away,” Cross says. “Donate anything that’s clean and free of holes, tears or stains to a local shelter or nonprofit secondhand store near you.” You could also plan a clothing swap with friends to find your pieces a new home. 

Remember the basics. 

According to Cross, must-have wardrobe staples for women include a crisp white T-shirt; a dark-wash jean; a classic black dress; a neutral-colored lightweight jacket; and a bold statement accessory. For men, she suggests a neutral pair of chino-style pants, non-athletic sneakers, a polo shirt and a relaxed blazer. “If you’re missing these essentials, consider investing in some of these long-lasting wardrobe staples that stand the test of time and trends,” she says.