The start of a new year is the perfect time to create a closet must-have checklist, declutter what no longer serves you, and take stock of what you already own. I like to do a closet cleanout at the beginning of each season, but also do a bit of a touch-up at the beginning of the new year. Since I haven’t gone through my wardrobe in about four months, a lot of the items that I was excited to wear for the fall had already been forgotten. So, going through my closet mid-season gave me some new inspiration that I wanted to pass along.
Closet Cleanout Inspiration: Rediscovering Trends
Maybe you already have these items in your closet or maybe they can be great additions to shop for before we transition to spring. You may even be able to snatch these up during the winter sales at a great deal! Here is how I rediscovered trends in my own closet and hope it will inspire you too.

Closet Cleanout Inspiration: Sweaters
I remember last year black and white striped sweaters were all the rage. The “quiet luxury” trend was going strong, so I was seeing these sophisticated striped sweaters in all different styles. I snagged one from H&M last year, but I realized I haven’t worn it once this year! This is such a classic style, so I don’t want to forget about it.
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If you haven’t added one to your wardrobe yet, you can try this cardigan option. I love the boxy fit and chunky buttons. This sweater will pair well dressed down with light washed jeans and low-profile pair of sneakers. I’d also go the elevated route with a pair of straight-leg, indigo wash denim and classic loafers.

When going through my closet, I also realized that I didn’t have too much color. Most of my sweaters are black, gray or tan. Last year I surprised myself by getting some vibrant blue sweaters and a Kelly green one, but I don’t have any in red, pink or purple. If this is also you, I suggest going for a basic style with a vibrant pop of color like this ribbed V-neck sweater in fuchsia. Go bold and pair this sweater with a pair of leopard print wide leg pants.

Closet Cleanout Inspiration Jeans
When I was cleaning out my closet at the beginning of fall, I purged pretty much all of my skinny jeans. I figured it was the end of an era, as most of my adult life has been lived in that silhouette. But I did keep two pairs, one in light wash and one in dark wash, and I will say that I’m glad I did. I pulled out a pair this past week and wore them with my shearling boots. Skinny jeans often solve the winter boot dilemma, since they tuck neatly inside.
If you did a skinny jeans purge and are regretting it, don’t worry, they are still readily available to buy. These high-waist skinny jeans from Old Navy always have worked for me. Contrary to current trends, I plan to bring my skinnies back into rotation and wearing them with my western boots and also my loafers.

I also recently wore an old pair of boyfriend jeans I had in my closet. I must have had these jeans for at least 10 years. They are practically threadbare, but so comfortable and cute when styled right. I’ll probably invest in one more pair and I’ve got my eyes on these low-rise ones from LL Bean.

Closet Cleanout Inspiration: Shoes
I know shoes can be tough in the wintertime if you live in an area that has snow. Sometimes snow boots are just not the look I want to go for. I re-discovered my combat boots for the days where I want to make it interesting while still battling the winter weather. Not only do I have black ones, but also a pair of cream and brown ones buried in my closet.
The cream is perfect for this time of year, so if you don’t have any now, why not try something like these platform boots by Sam Edelman. I’d just suggest you treat the leather before heading out in the ice and snow.

If you live in a warmer climate or want to ditch the boots in the office, I suggest re-visiting the mules trend from a couple of years ago. I remember when they were just becoming popular, and I got a pair if classic black mules. I’ve worn them a few times, but I haven’t worn them at all this year! If you want a fresh take on them, why not try this Mary-Jane version? They are a great combination of the mule trend which was so prominent last year, and the Mary Jane trend, which is currently having its moment in the spotlight.
Closet Cleanout Expert Style Tips
- Don’t feel pressure to follow all of the current trends. I think a great example of that is the skinny jeans that I’ve resurrected from my closet. Skinny jeans have been “out” for a couple of years now, but I’ve discovered a new love for them and despite what’s “in” right now, I’m going to keep mine in rotation. So don’t be afraid to pull out something you’ve loved in the past and give it some new love, even though it’s not currently on the trendy list.
- Consider a closet purge. You may get in your closet looking for a refresh and find that doing a purge is a better option. Sometimes, slimming down what you have allows you to see options you already have more clearly. Just remember, more is not always better.
- These are just a few oldies but goodies I found in my closet. Your finds could be completely different and that’s OK. One of my favorite things about fashion is that everyone has their own take. Don’t be too quick to try to confirm to all of the current trends. There could be an old one that you still love, and you should wear it proudly!
Have you done a recent closet cleanout? Did you find any old trends that you want to wear again?
–Carmen Turner
You may also like to read more of Carmen’s posts like Fall Denim Jeans Trends For Women Over 50: How To Style Them and Statement Coat Trends: How To Style Them For Women Over 50.
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