Take a quick scan of your closet as it stands today. Does it look like a graveyard of impulse buys and a collection of stale fast-fashion trends? If so, you’re not the only one! The average woman only wears 20% of what she owns on a regular basis. This makes for a ton of wasted money, wasted space and wasted resources.
Instead of hoarding pieces that you once loved but no longer wear, start the new year off right with a complete closet reboot. Below, find our top tips on how to reboot your closet for the season ahead.
Essentials to Keep
The five pieces to have in your wardrobe to mix and match with your RTR rentals.
1. Versatile Layering Pieces
For winter, think sweaters, turtlenecks and knits that go well with everything. Each can serve as the foundation to your outfit. These pieces don’t necessarily have to be neutral colors. Patterns like stripes and plaids are seasonless staples that never go out of style.
2. Jeans You Could Live In
When it comes to daily denim, they should be comfy, stylish and make you feel your most confident. Opt for a dark-wash pair. Not only do they work for a wide range of scenarios (at brunch, in the office and beyond) they also don’t stain as easily as lighter washes.
3. Your Favorite LBD
Day or night, at the office or drinks, in summer or winter—the LBD is truly timeless because of its flattering and versatile nature. It’s the ultimate blank canvas for accessorizing and styling.
4. A Staple (Faux) Leather Jacket
This investment piece instantly adds edge to any outfit. Not only is it the perfect topper for almost every occasion, it also keeps you looking cool while feeling warm.
JACKET: AVEC LES FILLES
5. Shoes
Shopping less for clothes means there’s more room in your closet for fab footwear! May we suggest keeping at least one pair of sleek pumps, a classic pair of flats, ankle boots and a cool pair of sneakers in your arsenal.
What to Donate
Once you’ve sorted through your closet, it’s time to part with old clothing and find it a home elsewhere. Do the world a solid and try to avoid throwing clothes away in the trash. Instead, donate anything that’s clean and tear-free to a women’s shelter or non-profit secondhand store. A quick “clothing donation near me” google search can show you the best options in your area.
Don’t know where to start? Here’s a list of five things that should end up in your giveaway pile.
1. Pieces you swear you’ll wear someday but haven’t in the last 12 months.
You probably don’t need things you don’t wear to be taking up closet space. If you don’t reach for it on a semi-consistent basis, chances are you won’t wear it at all.
2. Anything You Have More Than One Of
Reminder: you don’t need all five pairs of black skinny jeans. Pick a couple favorites and donate the rest.
3. Items You’re Holding On To Out Of Guilt or Obligation
If you’re anything like us, you have that one item you splurged on years ago that you never wore. A simple rule of thumb: if it doesn’t have any sentimental value, it’s time to move on and start fresh.
4. The Dress You’ve Worn to Every Invite
Use this as an opportunity to switch things up. With an RTR membership, you’re able to experiment and try new things with zero commitment. Now that’s fashion freedom. Best part? While buyer’s remorse is real thing, renter’s remorse doesn’t exist!
5. Anything That Doesn’t Make You Feel Great
Ask yourself, does it fit right? Does it make you happy? Do you feel confident? If you answered “no” to any of these questions you don’t need it in your closet. Pro Tip: Make a plan to donate your clothes immediately after you reboot your closet. When bags of clothes sit around for too long, you may start second guessing your decision.
Renting gives you the freedom to experiment with each season’s latest trends without commitment or closet space, so clear out anything you haven’t worn in the past year and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.