Professional stylist shares the 12 things from your wardrobe you should get rid of this year
Grace Van Cleave
- As a professional stylist, I'm sharing the first things I'm tossing from clients' closets in 2023.
- Wearing dated styles, even in good condition, can make you look older and less vibrant.
Ditch your boring black suit.
Growing up, you probably thought that a black interview suit was going to be an everyday staple of being an adult. But my guess is that suit has been worn exactly twice and is collecting dust in the back of your closet.
There are endless ways to look professional while still showing your personality.
Try an oversized suit in a bright color. Bonus: You can wear the pieces together or on their own for multiple looks.
Fur vests are a thing of the past.
Fur vests are soft, comfy, and can hide anything.
It was a trend for people who wanted "Game of Thrones" armor to get through a "Bachelorette" life.
For an updated soft, comfy, hide-anything option, ditch the fur and feathers and reach for a puffer jacket or vest.
It's time to clear out your bauble jewelry.
Remember the joy of finding a bright, long bauble necklace in the markdown bucket by the cash register?
Unfortunately, that markdown bucket isn't the best place for timeless, high-quality pieces.
Statement jewelry is fantastic. Pops of color are fantastic. But that long, colorful, noisy pendant necklace is killing the outfit you worked so hard to put together.
For a bold look, try a collar necklace or statement earrings.
It's time to retire cold-shoulder tops.
The off-the-shoulder top walked so the cold-shoulder top could run.
It was brilliant — you could feel a little risqué showing off your shoulders and clavicle rather than cleavage.
Shoulders are still a focal point, just not in a showing-random-patches-of-skin kind of way.
Instead, make a statement with a puffed-sleeve sweater or blouse. Still hot, just covered.
Save the dresses that look like nightgowns for bed.
Toss these in the pile with your sourdough starters and jigsaw puzzles. Pretending to be dressed while wearing essentially a nightgown was quintessential early pandemic style.
Embrace 2023 with a bold-colored slip dress instead.
The distressed-denim trend is fading.
Denim with some distressing can have a very chic, lived-in look.
Denim that would make your parent say, "Did you borrow my weed whacker?" and lead them to make fun of you for spending good money on shredded threads is not a chic, lived-in look.
Stilettos aren't worth it.
You may stay up at night worrying about the cost of childcare, how to save for retirement, or whether you're being paid as much as your male coworkers.
But take heart in knowing stilettos are not in.
Save your feet by wearing boots or ballet flats. If you still want height without discomfort, try block heels, or better yet, a chunky Mary Jane.
The 90s-inspired, square-toe sandals have had their fun.
The Kardashians loved them, but this 90s-era throwback has made way for the Y2K kitten heel.
For a more classic option, a standard round-toe sandal is still just fine.
Wide-leg pants are fine, but split hems are out of style.
Like the split-hem skirt, side-split pants had their moment. Thankfully, it's passed.
For a pant option that isn't denim or boring black slacks, a wide-legged trouser is a great wardrobe addition for work and weekends.
Camo may not disappear, but it certainly dates a look.
Much like its sister, leopard print, camo is never going to go completely out of style. But I'd save it for your gym bag.
If you like wearing a neutral pattern, consider a moody floral or polka dot instead.
Don't hide away in muted neutrals.
If you haven't picked a word yet for 2023, pick bright. This is a year for being seen, for being bold.
Please do not make yourself so neutral that no one notices when you walk by.
Experiment with color and pattern.
If a head-to-toe bright, monochromatic look scares you, start sparingly. Keep your base outfit in neutral tones, but add a bright pop of color with a blazer, clutch, or shoes.
Belt bags served their purpose.
Rebranding the fanny pack into a chic belt bag is a true lesson for all of us. Everyone and everything can have a second chance, and I hope the belt bag enjoyed its reunion-tour moment.
But with our lives moving outside the house, look for bigger, top-handle, hold-everything bags.
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