Remember how in elementary school your mom would get you “new school clothes” in the fall? Well, this is sort of like that except now you pay for them and you’re doing it in January. Adulting, am I right ladies?
The new year is the perfect time to take inventory of what’s in your closet and start making some edits. Use that fleeting but powerful January motivation to get shit done and walk away with a clean, organized and refreshed wardrobe!
Obviously, it can be tempting to go out and buy a ton of new clothes at random but I think it’s important to 1. see what you actually need and 2. give special attention to the things you wear the most. That’s where these 5 key items come in.
Here are the 5 wardrobe staples you should be updating in the new year:
JEANS
Unless you’re not a pants girl (which I can kind of understand) you’re probably like me and wearing jeans 90% of the time. And while they’re definitely one of our more sturdier clothing items, they still lose their shape, fade in the wash and eventually need replacing.
Personally, my favorite jeans are from Express but there are tons of great options out there. I do feel like they’re the type of thing you can’t really order online and you have to try them on in-store. Especially if you’re trying a new brand or style.
Here are some of my favorite styles and brands to refresh your jeans collection:
SHOES YOU WEAR EVERYDAY
I don’t know about you but I am not good at taking care of my shoes. I always think “I’m going to clean these when I get home” or “I’m going to take these in to get the heel fixed” and then I get home and kick them off my feet and forget they exist until the next time I wear them. It’s rude but it’s also who I am.
Even if you’re not a shoe slob like myself, it’s still a good idea to say goodbye to the pairs that have served you well but maybe aren’t looking their best these days. Torn sneakers, worn-out soles, loose heels. They all need to go.
Depending on what you do every day you’ll have a different definition of what “everyday shoes” look like for you but no matter what they are I recommend picking up a new pair or two for the new year so you can look your best but most importantly feel your most comfortable.
Here are some great everyday heels, flats, booties and sneakers to update your shoe collection:
BRAS & PANTIES
This is my six years of working at Victoria’s Secret talking but I think it’s so important to get new undergarments at least once a year. For the bras, in particular, it’s good to get your bra size checked every six months or so because we fluctuate and a good fitting bra is critical. We all know they’re the first thing to come off once we’re home for the day but while they’re on we want them to be comfortable and supportive. And they can’t be either of those things if they’re old and stretched out.
Bras typically last for about a year or so if you’re taking care of them correctly (no washer and dryer, not folding them in half and stuffing them in a drawer, etc.) and rotating them out a few times a week. A VS we use to always tell customers that you should have at least 3 everyday bras you love; one to wear, one to spare and one to wash!
So whether you shop at Nordstorm or ThirdLove or wherever take the time to re-evaluate your bra size and get 1-2 new comfy everyday bras for the new year. It’s good for your back, posture, and confidence. Plus everyone always needs new underwear, it’s just a fact. Toss those holey pairs in the trash!
Here are some great options for everyday bras and undies:
EVERYDAY BAG
Of course, if you’re anything like me, you don’t just have one bag you use. Or maybe you do (good for you) but either way, it’s nice to have a new, sturdy everyday bag that can take you from work to running errands, to dinner.
I personally rotate between a few favorites but there is one in particular that gets the most love because it’s the most practical. It’s black and has a lot of room for throwing junk into it and has a great strap that doesn’t hurt my shoulder. It’s also not expensive at all because I like to save my designer pieces for fun outings and not for my everyday life where I can often be found putting my bag on the dirty San Francisco streets while I tie my shoes.
But bags wear out, they get scuffed, the handles break, etc. It’s a good time to treat yourself (it doesn’t even have to be a splurge) to a new work bag that you’ll love all year round.
Here are my picks for great everyday bags:
OUTERWEAR
If you haven’t noticed, it’s still pretty cold. If you’re feeling like the coats and jackets you pulled out for winter just aren’t cutting it anymore, it’s time to update your outerwear collection!
Sometimes it’s not just your coats that need refreshing, it could be the blazer you wear to work three times a week or that black moto jacket you’ve spilled beer on a million times. Take stock of which outerwear pieces in your closet have seen better days and decide which ones you’d like to replace.
This can be more of an investment piece in terms of pricing because you, of course, want them to last for as long as possible. So think about which items you wear the most often and that isn’t looking or feeling their best these days and call it your new year present.
Here are some stylish (and warm!) outerwear pieces:
What pieces in your wardrobe need refreshing? Tell me in the comments below and thanks for reading!
Xo,
She
