Welcome to Closet Week. With spring almost upon us, we’re dedicating a new story every day to refreshing your closet. Expect wardrobe organization ideas, clean-out tips, and advice on what to donate and keep for the season ahead. Get ready—it’s time to rejuvenate your style and make space for fresh, clutter-free beginnings.
Over the past few months, my body has been going through some changes. It’s not anything too crazy, but it’s enough to make me take a step back and reassess my style. The clothes that used to fit like a glove now feel a little off, and honestly, I’ve found myself questioning, Who am I dressing for anymore? It’s like a wardrobe identity crisis, and I’m trying to figure out how to dress for the me I am right now.
Naturally, I dove into my closet for a little spring-cleaning, even if it’s not spring quite yet. Let me be honest: It was a wild ride. As I sifted through my clothes, I realized I’d been holding on to a lot of stuff that didn’t serve me anymore. There were items I’d never worn, things that didn’t fit right, and—embarrassingly—some pieces that still had the tags on them. As I tossed more than 200 pieces into the donate pile, I realized I wasn’t just getting rid of clothes. I was letting go of a version of myself that didn’t exist anymore. It felt freeing but also a little strange. Should I have held on to that oversize sweater I loved once upon a time? Maybe. But it didn’t feel like me anymore.
(Image credit: @katcollings)
What I was really surprised by, though, were the pieces I kept coming back to—the ones I’ve bought over and over again in different sizes and colors and can always count on. Those include that one belt that somehow manages to go with every outfit (how is that even possible?) and my favorite jeans that fit like a dream and make my legs look a mile long. These items are the backbone of my closet whether I bought them when I was a size 20 or a size 12. They’re timeless, they always fit right, and they never make me second-guess my decisions. I’ve bought them again and again because they make me feel good, no matter what changes my body is going through.
Honestly, these closet staples have started to feel like my style security blanket. I’ve found that having a few key pieces I trust has made dressing so much easier. Gone are the days of impulsively buying things that might work or could look cute for an event I’ll never go to. Now, I’m all about pieces that I know will make me feel like myself. It’s not about fitting into trends—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in what I’m wearing, regardless of where I am in life.
If you’re in need of a closet refresh or just want to treat yourself to a few no-brainer staples, I’ve rounded up my tried-and-true favorites below. These are the items I always come back to, and trust me—they’re worth every penny. Let’s face it. When you find something that works, it’s hard not to stock up.
Madewell’s belts are constantly on rotation in my wardrobe, but embarrassingly enough, I’ve bought this belt three times to accommodate major fluctuations in my body shape and build. I was tired of having to run to the cobbler every few months to add new holes or even make them myself thanks to the belt hole puncher I bought on Amazon. This belt is a fan favorite among our editors in the office thanks to its sleek profile and edgy, chunky hardware. I have it in both silver and gold. Whoops!
Madewell
Triple Metal Keeper Belt
Cotton-Blend Shirt, H&M
This is the little H&M shirt that could in my book. Over the last two months, I’ve already rebought this shirt. Unlike other white button-downs, though, this one isn’t too stiff—meaning it accommodates changes in my body much more easily than a shirt that’s slim-fitting or overly tailored. Plus, the price point on this (just $20!) makes it a guilt-free addition to my cart if I’m doing a random H&M haul for fun.
The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant, Madewell
If there’s one thing I can convince you to buy from this list, let it be Madewell’s Harlow Wide-Leg Pants. I’ve bought these myself in two colors, black and chocolate brown, and was graciously gifted a couple extra pairs. You know an item is good when there are multiples in your wardrobe. I wear these with literally everything—white T-shirts, satin tops, car coats, and everything in between. Their roomy, wide-leg cut also makes them extra comfortable when I’m on a long flight. No more yoga pants in terminal two!
Madewell
The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in Drapey Twill
Wool V Neck Sweater, Almina Concept
(Image credit: @balencianas)
If I could marry a sweater, I’d probably write long, flowery vows about this Almina Concept V-neck. Designed in Seoul but sold in Los Angeles, Almina Concept is a ready-to-wear label I’ve had on my radar for years. After buying its oversize, slouchy V-neck last year, I’ve upgraded to other colors and styles on the website. For reference, most of the V-neck sweaters from the brand run quite large (I was wearing a large when I was an XXL), so you don’t have to size up or down too often if you’re between sizes. This is another piece I’ll take with me everywhere, from international press trips to my weekly Trader Joe’s grocery runs.
Almina Concept
Wool V Neck Sweater
Markus Rigid Barrel Leg Jeans, Aligne
I’m absolutely obsessed with the Markus Rigid Barrel Leg Jeans from Aligne. They’re the perfect mix of chic and laid-back, which is rare for something that’s so trendy. The fit is amazing, and they’re structured yet relaxed, giving them that cool, effortless vibe without feeling too stiff. What I love most is how easy they are to style. I can throw them on with a basic tee for a casual look or dress them up with a blouse for something more polished. They’re one of those pieces that instantly elevate any outfit, making it look like you’ve put a lot more thought into it than you actually did. While my preferred wash is sold out at the moment, you can stock up on the Mid-Blue wash, which is available in all sizes on Aligne’s website.
Aligne
Markus Rigid Barrel Leg Jeans
The Gia Dress, Réalisation
If you ask any Who What Wear editor, they’ll agree that Réalisation’s Gia Dress is one of the easiest purchases they’ve made to date. I have this dress in three colors, each in a different size. While you’d think the brand’s sizing appears to be quite limited based on its sizing chart, the bias-cut shape and silky material of the Gia slip dress make it accommodating for those up to a US 20. Just like with Almina Concept’s sweaters, this dress is flexible if you’re between sizes, so you don’t have to rush to buy a new one just yet if your body is changing. As senior editor Anna LaPlaca once said, this dress is also incredibly easy to pack for any last-minute formal occasions that might come up during your travels.
Réalisation
The Gia in Animal
HomeStretch Crew Longsleeve, Aritzia
If there’s one thing you need to know about Aritzia, it’s that the brand eats up the competition when it comes to easy-to-wear basics. It’s one of those super-comfortable layering pieces that I can wear pretty much year-round. The fabric is soft but not too thin, so it’s perfect for wearing on its own or under a sweater or jacket. I love how versatile it is. Whether I’m dressing it up with a tweed jacket or keeping it casual with jeans, it always looks effortless. I’ve gone back to buy this in three different sizes, each one still holding up in my closet.
Aritzia
HomeStretch Crew Longsleeve
The Mac Coat, Everlane
You can pry this Everlane trench coat out of my cold, dead hands. This is the versatile transitional coat that keeps on giving. I’ve bought it twice now, each in a different size between last spring and fall, and honestly, I might have to buy it a third time once the weather starts getting slightly warmer in NYC. No regrets. It’s the kind of piece that never goes out of style, no matter how much the trends shift. The clean lines, the perfect fit, and the way it seamlessly layers over everything from cozy sweaters to light dresses—it’s the wardrobe staple I didn’t realize I needed.
