It’s no fun digging around in your closet for something, only to realize after going through everything you got rid of last year. So to help save us all from the bitter taste of regret, today I’m sharing a list of things you should never throw away.
Don’t get me wrong — I’ll be the first to tell you that decluttering your closet is important! Getting rid of those unnecessary things that clutter up our homes can feel so liberating, so it’s a practice that I Encourage often here on my blog.
A cluttered closet can make it difficult to put together an outfit or even put you in a bad mood when you’re trying to get ready. And while I’m a big fan of decluttering and getting rid of things, I’ve also regretted going overboard, which can be every bit as miserable as being overwhelmed by clutter. So let’s get down to the list of things you should keep!
6 things from your closet you should never throw away
1. Trench coats and leather jackets
A good trench coat or leather jacket can be a “forever” item. They’re effortlessly cool and look just as good over a hoodie as they do over a black dress. If you’re lucky enough to own a classic trench coat or a classic leather jacket, don’t just keep it – hide it from your daughters and granddaughters too!
2. Silk blouse
They were elegant staples in your work wardrobe, but you shouldn’t ditch them just because you’re working more from home these days. In fact, you should take them out again and start treating them as a daily option. Even a dressy blouse can take on a new life when you pair it with something unexpected like joggers or jeans.
Dress up your silk blouse by undoing a neck tie or a few buttons. You can casually roll the sleeves or even do a French tuck. (The French tuck is a styling technique in which the front of the shirt is tucked in while the back remains untucked, creating a balanced look.) Try layering them under a denim or leather jacket or a slouchy sweater. A nice blouse can enhance a casual look as well as a spritz of perfume or some red lipstick.
3. Sensible shoes
If a pair of shoes is (1) comfortable and (2) simple/classic, keep them! Trends come and go, but a classic shoe that fits well is a style chameleon. Get rid of anything that pinches, rubs or hurts, but never throw away a timeless shoe that feels good. Good shoes should never be taken for granted!
4. Cardigans
I’m definitely biased on this one, but I absolutely love cardigans. Classic cardigans are efficient shape-shifters that can take on a new style identity with a few button adjustments.
For example, by simply buttoning the top, you can create a swingy A-line shape that looks great on a tee. Or create a blouson style by securing the bottom few buttons and pulling up the sweater hem to sit on your waist or upper hip. Cinch your cardigan at the waist and add a belt for a flattering look with any dress.
If you’re worried about how to store your cardigan collection, check out my how-to post Hang them up To avoid hanger bumps.
5. Belt
As long as they are in good condition and still fit, there is no real reason to get rid of the belt. On the storage front, they hardly take up any space and can be rolled up and placed inside a handbag or hung on a hook on the inside of your closet door.
For sartorial staying power? If you wait long enough, those wide 80s belts with huge buckles will surely come back into style before long. Plus, a good belt can always come in handy to transform a shapeless dress into a more flattering silhouette.
6. Jewellery
Just like the belt, jewelry is the small piece that you’re not currently excited about Jewelry box (Or even a shoebox, for that matter).
Any and all fine jewelry should be memorable, and this is doubly true for minimalist or classic styles like silver hoops, plain gold rings, and dainty chain necklaces. Even if you don’t wear them in the future, they sure make a sentimental gift.
What else would you add to this list of things that should never be thrown away?
