The holidays have come and gone, and new clothes have gleefully made their way into closets everywhere. The alluring (and endless) supply of leggings, t-shirts, jeans, and bodysuits has likely expanded tenfold.
What does this mean? The time has come for a fashion reset. Unlike a regular closet cleanout, a fashion reset is about being thoughtful about each item — paring down the excess, getting rid of micro-fashion trends, and decluttering anything that doesn't fit or flatter. Every accessory, handbag, pair of shoes, and piece of clothing should be something cherished or exciting. Donate, sell, or recycle anything that is a 'maybe' and make room to put the best style forward in the new year.
Emily Michaels, owner and creative director of ESKM Collections, says a prevalent problem she sees when dealing with clients' closets is that they have too many occasion-based clothes instead of everyday clothing. She suggests that 80 percent of your closet "should be things you could see yourself wearing daily and the other 20 should be more occasion based."
Michaels, who recently helped Dominique Sachse pare down her closet, advises her clients to start the closet reset by setting aside the clothes they wear the most and then getting rid of anything that is ripped, stained, or damaged. Once that process is complete, it is time to build the ultimate wardrobe.
Here are Michaels' top five suggestions for a 2023 fashion reset.
Button-down shirts
Get rid of: Button-down shirts that are too formal or can only pair with dressy pants or a skirt.
Keep: A classic fitting button-down that pairs easily with trousers or jeans.
Add: A French cuff blouse with feminine details like ruching that can be worn buttoned or over a tank top.
A French cuff shirt that easily pairs with jeans or trousers is a 2023 wardrobe staple. Photo credit ESKM Collection
Blazers
Get rid of: Blazers that don't fit well or in fabrics that haven't held up over time.
Keep: Blazers in classic silhouettes like boxy or fitted are an easy way to make jeans feel elevated.
Add: A classic investment piece from Rag & Bone or Veronica Beard that will stay in style even after a couple of seasons.
Blazers are a corporate to casual wardrobe staple. Try investment pieces from Veronica Beard or Rag & Bone. Photo credit veronicabeard.com
Jeans
Get rid of: Any jeans (regardless of style) that don't fit well and jeans with large distressed rips and holes.
Keep: Jeans that make you feel confident and flatter your body type.
Add: Well-fitting pairs of straight-leg, mid to high-rise, high-quality jeans in a classic wash. It is best to have a darker wash for the winter and a lighter one for the warmer months.
In 2023, opt for a mid to high rise jeans in a classic wash like these from Agolde. Photo credit agolde.com
Dresses
Get rid of: Dresses that can only be worn once for particular occasions.
Keep: Any dresses that are flattering and simple to dress up or down.
Add: A simple, slip-on knit dress that can pair with heels, sneakers, or flats.
This t-shirt dress from ESKM Collection is easy to dress up or down making it a 2023 closet staple. Photo credit ESKM Collection
Shoes
Get rid of: Shoes that are stained or with worn-out soles or heels that can't be repaired.
Keep: Classic low-top converse in white or nude and a simple bootie with a low chunky heel.
Add: Chunky soled loafer or a modern twist on a ballet flat.
Add a modern take on a ballet flat like these from Alohas. Photo courtesy of Alohas.com
