What to Keep
When you head to your closet for overhaul or just to remove what you
don't
want, there are a few items you want to keep around. These are the things
you can wear over and over through the years and which won't go out of
style.
First, pick out the things that fit and are in good condition. You will
want these to sort from. What will you keep?
* Anything cashmere. It is an excellent quality wool and won't go out of
style. Sweaters, especially, are useful in the winter and are always
fashionable. With any wool or knit, make sure the knit is dense (you can't see through it) so that it doesn't pull apart and lose shape.
* Long sleeve button-down blouses that hit at the hips. Longer and they
become hard to wear. The shorter ones can be worn untucked OR tucked and
they look great with pants or skirts.
* Suits. Even if you don't wear whole suits, you can use the pants paired
with a sweater or top, and the jacket will go well over jeans and a shirt. Don't shy away from pinstripes and colors other than black.
* Skirts that are knee length are best (if not, see if they can be
modified!). Keep the quality ones that are wearable with a few things in
your closet. This doesn't mean you have to get rid of prints - see what works with what you have.
* Neutral low-heeled shoes. A good shoe is one you know is comfortable and
which has lasted you. A neutral color (brown, gray, black, khaki,
olive, even dark red) can be worn with multiple outfits. Medium to low heels switch between casual and dressy.
* Denim jackets. They never go out of style. One that hits at the hips straight or a longer one with a little shaping will look good with so many things. Darker denim jackets will last you a long time.
* Neutral, simply-shaped bags. A bag that is a medium size (not tiny, not a tote) can carry many things and still look good going to the grocery store or dinner.
* Things you love and wear. The ultimate test is you. If you love it, wear it out often, and feel confident and beautiful wearing it, keep it!