Though the season has technically already ended, I can't be the only one behind on their spring cleaning. April and May flew by before I had time to even think about overhauling my wardrobe. But now that summer is here, I finally have a chance to go through my closet piece by piece and decide what feels outdated and what is still relevant from the past year and then some (because if I'm honest, I've been slacking on this task for more than 365 days).
After hours of deliberation, I managed to go through all of my shoes, bags, and dresses and decide on the styles that, at the moment, no longer warrant one of the limited spots in my sad excuse for a closet. Tops, skirts, and pants—you're next. Keep scrolling to see the first round of outdated items I'm waving goodbye to this year.
Out: Collared Dresses
In: Halter Dresses
During the winter, a polo dress can come in handy when you don't know what to wear to work. But in the summertime, I prefer to stock my wardrobe with pieces—dresses especially—that pack a lot of punch. I was hooked after I saw Khaite's take on the halter-neck dress, so much so that I'm clearing out all my collared dresses and replacing them with summery halters.
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Out: Wooden Clogs
In: Mary-Jane Flats
With all the walking I do during the warmer months in New York, I can't wear shoes that weigh or slow me down. That's why I've finally decided to part ways with clunky, wooden clogs. Instead, I'm stocking up on irresistibly comfortable and walkable Mary-Jane flats.
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Out: Tassel and Fringe Details
In: Gold Hardware
Last year, it felt like every buzzy bag on the market was decorated with fringe and tassel details. But like most trends that gain perhaps too much fame, the popularity of those embellishments has fallen off just as quickly as it rose. Nowadays, I'm reaching for handbags decorated with big, chunky gold hardware. If you want to look expensive in 2023, this is one of the easiest ways to achieve that look.
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Out: Cutout Dresses
In: Sheer Dresses
I love a cutout dress just as much as the next fashion person. However, the styles I've seen this year haven't come close to the level of chicness that sheer dresses have. From crochet to mesh, every translucent frock dropped in 2023 has been a hit.
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Out: Square-Heel Sandals
In: Sculptural Wedges
Square-heel sandals have long been the favored choice for those who want heeled sandals for summer that provide comfort and height. But now that wedges are having a comeback, the style is no longer the only option for comfort lovers. Get a chicer look without sacrificing your pedicure by opting for one of the many sculptural wedges on the market.
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Out: Beaded Bags
In: Crochet Bags
It's summer, and that means prioritizing crochet over everything else (and I mean everything—even pretty beaded bags). As much as I love them, beaded bags don't come close to the practicality of a crochet bag. Plus, with brands like Prada, Saint Laurent, and Miu Miu all designing covetable crochet bags, they're no longer just practical. They're stylish too.
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Out: Baby-Doll Dresses
In: Drop-Waist Dresses
Though baby-doll silhouettes can be done well, I haven't leaned toward them much in the past few years. One dress style I have been shopping for, however, is drop-waist dresses. Styles by everyone from Khaite to Abercrombie prove this is far from a fad you should be nervous to try.
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Out: Sky-High Platforms
In: Kitten Heels
I spent too many hours nursing sore ankles and feet due to platform shoes to go through that again this summer. As fun as they are to wear on a night out, I'm ditching my platforms and prioritizing more approachable kitten-heel height. From sandals to mules, the options are endless in this arena.
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Out: Mini Bags
In: Big Slouchy Carry-Alls
When the weather gets nice, I prefer to stay out all day long rather than stop by home to change between activities. Because of that, carrying a mini bag isn't an option. Instead, I'll be toting around one of the many ultra-chic carry-alls that brands like Khaite, The Row, Bottega Veneta, and more have ignited growing interest in during recent seasons.
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