I Was Ignoring 75% of My Closet—These Are the 12 Pieces I Kept
Photo Credit:@sarahbrezel
A few weeks ago, I came back from the most beautiful vacation in Santa Monica. I can’t explain what the eye-opener was — maybe it was the ocean air, maybe it was seeing myself outside my everyday routine — but when I got home, I went on a full-on purge.
First, I tackled my bathroom cabinet and threw away skincare I had been holding onto for five years. Then I turned to my closet… and got ruthless.
I’m talking sweatpants, bodysuits, random “maybe someday” pieces — all gone. I realized I was in a completely different space in life, but my closet was still giving me flashbacks to an old version of me. And while I’m all for aspirational dressing, there’s a fine line between being inspired and having a wardrobe that doesn’t fit your actual life.
When I looked closely, I was wearing maybe 25% of my clothes. The rest was just… there. So, I listed what I could on Poshmark, donated the rest, and decided to start fresh. Here’s what I replaced — and what’s now earning a permanent spot in my wardrobe.
Closet kinda… doing the most right now? Grab my free Closet Cleanse Blueprint and let’s fix it.
1. A Stockpile of Sweatpants → Barrel-Leg Sweats That Feel Intentional
Old sweatpants made me feel sad (and not in a cute, cozy way). Now I have a few barrel-leg pairs that feel styled even when I’m lounging.
Barrel Leg Sweatpant
$34.99
2. Too Many Bodysuits → Actual Shirts I Can Wear Anywhere
I love a sleek, tucked-in bodysuit — but I had zero real tops. Now I have shirts with interesting cuts and fabrics that don’t require the bodysuit commitment.
3 Piece Short Sleeve Shirts
$38.99
3. Cheap Everyday Bag → One Sturdy Carryall
Instead of rotating through random totes, I invested in a structured bag that works for errands, coffee dates, and workdays.
Genuine Leather Bucket Bag Shoulder Handbag
$82.88
4. Fast-Fashion Blazer → Tailored Year-Round Blazer
The old one pulled at the shoulders and wrinkled after one wear. My new blazer is cut perfectly and works in every season.
Double Breasted Mixed Media Blazer
Avec Les Filles
$159.00
5. Pilled Sweaters → Midweight Knits That Last
No more thin, shapeless cardigans. My new knits hold their shape and keep me warm without the bulk.
Lounge Wrap Wool Knit Cardigan for Women
Lilysilk
6. Worn-Out Jeans → Denim That Actually Fits My Waist
I let go of jeans that gaped in the back and replaced them with pairs that fit everywhere without tailoring.
Dojo Mid Rise Flare Jeans
7 For All Mankind
$188.00
7. Oversized Hoodies → Polished Sweatshirts
Still cozy, but now they’re cropped or structured so they look intentional instead of “I gave up.”
Miramar Linen & Organic Cotton Polo Sweater
Faherty
8. Old Ballet Flats → Loafers I Can Wear All Day
I needed something that could go from school drop-off to lunch without killing my feet.
The Lug Loafer
Rothy's
$229
9. Random Jewelry → Everyday Minimal Pieces
Instead of a tangled pile of tarnished pieces, I have a small collection of gold-tone items I wear daily.
Set of 2 Mesh Stretch Bracelets
Nordstrom
$50.00
10. Uncomfortable Heels → Block Heels
I said goodbye to “two-hour shoes” and replaced them with heels I can actually walk in.
Alliance Pointed Toe Pump (Women)
$99.95
11. Shapeless Winter Coat → Belted Coat
One coat that works over everything beats three that don’t fit right.
The Cropped Charles Denim Trench Coat
Favorite Daughter
$328.00
12. Faded Black Dress → LBD That Makes Me Feel Good Every Time
No more “just in case” dresses that don’t actually work. My new one is ready for any dinner, meeting, or event.
The bottom line?
Your closet should support the life you’re living now — not the one you had five years ago. If something’s not making you feel confident when you put it on, it’s time to replace it with something that does.
Fadrid Ribbed Pleated A-Line Dress
BOSS
$495.00
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