I Tried the Closet Hanger Trick—Here's What I Wore the Most and What I Ditched

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When I first saw the below hanger-method video for cleaning out your closet, I honestly felt shocked. First of all, what a genius idea. Second of all, why didn't I think of this before? I knew I was in need of a closet purge because it had been quite a while since I sold or donated anything, but I didn't realize how badly until I tried this life-changing hack.

Here's how it works: Make sure all of your hangers are in the same direction to start and after you wear something, simply hang it back up facing the opposite direction. I did this for about six months and realized there were so many items I didn't touch. Some were occasion-based pieces, like wedding guest dresses that understandably went unworn, but a lot were items I simply don't have much use for anymore. Here's what I discovered I wore the most in 2020 and which items are getting the boot.

Ditching: Crop Tops

Wearing: Ribbed Tanks

My "going-out" days have been over for a minute now, and it turns out, for better or for worse, my crop top days are, too. I guess that's the result of entering my late twenties (sigh). They noticeably were replaced with a plethora of ribbed tanks last year, and I can't say I'm mad about it.

Ditching: Rompers

Wearing: House Dresses

I didn't wear a single romper last year (and maybe even the one before), so I think it's time to part with the style altogether. Instead, I wore tons of comfortable house dresses. You know, the slightly oversize ones that almost resemble pajamas.

Ditching: Silky Blouses

Wearing: Cozy Knits

The thought of wearing a silky blouse—or worse, a silky button-down—has me spiraling. I can't imagine wearing a fabric like that now that I'm so used to comfy clothes. Cozy knits, especially cardigans, are my new go-to, and I don't anticipate that changing anytime soon.

Ditching: Denim shorts

Wearing: Jeans

I know; I know. It's not that I didn't wear plenty of leggings or sweatpants this past year, but somehow I found myself getting "dressed up" in my favorite pairs of jeans, too. I was, however, surprised to see that not a single pair of denim shorts got any use—not even on warm days.

Ditching: Bomber Jackets

Wearing: Elevated Sweatshirts

My outerwear situation took an interesting turn during 2020 mostly because I moved from New York to Los Angeles. One category of jackets that I not only didn't wear in LA but also know I wouldn't have reached for on the East Coast were bomber jackets. The trend had its moment, and that moment has passed (for me!). Unsurprisingly, I wore sweatshirts like my life depended on it.

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