Closet Cleanout: Ditch All That Stuff You Don’t Wear & Do This Instead

A capsule wardrobe is the idea that one should be able to pair her closet down to a few select, high-quality items that go with everything and never go out of style. It follows along with the minimalist trend we've been seeing everywhere, from Marie Kondo's de-cluttering mantra to the concept of Swedish death cleaning. For anyone who has a ton of cheap/trendy impulse buys hanging around (all of us), pairing a wardrobe down to just a few things can be daunting.

A (Really) Good Pair of Shoes

Whether you work in an office or at home, there’s nothing like a good pair of shoes to make you feel like you can conquer the world. For busy moms, Rothy’s is the perfect fit. Designed by women, for women, the unbelievable comfort and fit of each shoe is the driving force behind their cult-favorite status. Available in three styles with dozens of colors and prints, choose a pair that best suits your lifestyle and career, whether you’re an FTWM, SAHM, WFHM or PTWM.

A Really Good Pair of Jeans

Make it an investment to purchase one pair of really good, quality jeans. You’ll be wearing them almost every day so the price tag will be worth it. For a purchase that is sure to fit every time, we love Measure & Made. They're a size-inclusive brand that uses FITLOGIC to ensure you get the best fit and style for your body. Take a quick (less than a minute) quiz that takes your body size and shape into account, and then helps guide you to the right size for your body. There are several styles, but we especially love the skinny ankle jean.

Find your size and buy a pair here, $79 and up

A Classic T-Shirt or Two

There’s no better addition to your closet than a classic t-shirt. Whether you like crewneck, scoop or v-neck, a basic t-shirt, especially in white, will go with EVERYTHING you own. We especially love the options from American Giant, because not only each item is made in the USA, but everything fits really well. Is white not your jam (because, well, kids)? Just opt for a simple black t-shirt and consider it neutral. 

A Striped T-Shirt

Nautical stripes are a classic item everyone should have in their wardrobe. While any shirt style will work, the boatneck is flattering on almost everyone and pairs with almost every style of bottom. We love this one from Everlane. It comes in grey and white or blue and red.

A Denim Jacket

If you don’t already have this staple in your closet, it’s a must. It works with everything from other denim to black, skirts, pants and dresses. And as far as classic goes, there’s nothing better than Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket. Avoid trending pieces that have fringe or specific colors to keep your style timeless. 

A Little Black Dress

If you don’t already own a LBD, may we suggest going to grab one now? There’s something available for every shape and size, and you can wear it just about anywhere. Wondering where to look? Nordstrom Rack has a wide selection and array of styles that'll fit just about anyone and we love this simple, swing sleeveless style from Evereve (it has pockets!). 

A Black Blazer

Boring, you say? We say timeless. You can dress this down for coffee with your pals, sport it for almost any day at work, or even wear it for a date night with your partner. This INC version is a great price and is a classic fit.

A Bow-Tie Neck Blouse

Kamala Harris helped revive this trend, but it's a closet staple because it can be dressed down with jeans and flats or fancied up with a pencil skirt. Also known as the tie-neck or the pussy bow, we love the silky version from UK retailer Hawes & Curtis.