I Just Cleaned My Closet, and These Trends Were Due for a Prompt Exit

It's completely normal to wait until January to take a deep organizational dive into your closet, but once you're a fashion editor, doing so quarterly becomes almost a necessity. Until a few weeks ago, my closet was bursting at the seams with new additions—including trends on the rise and staples I've been wanting to add—so a thorough purging session was imperative. And with that, a whole lot of pieces made their prompt exit just ahead of fall.

The bulk of the items on the chopping block were things that I've had for years or trends that have overstayed their welcome and felt pretty obsolete. I'm not one to immediately cycle through trends when it comes to my personal style, but there are definitely trends that I've put on ice and haven't really worn in a minute. While it was sad to see them go, bidding them farewell for more exciting pieces that I'll actually wear made complete sense. To see the trends I put in the donation bin and the trends I'm favoring instead, keep scrolling. 

Exiting My Closet: Dainty Florals

Replacing With: Abstract Prints

It's not that florals are officially over, but in my world, they've been supplanted with abstract prints with an artistic edge. I find them cooler than a traditional floral pattern yet versatile enough for an array of occasions and moods. I really like the quality of not immediately knowing what you're looking at on an abstract print. That makes the viewer intrigued. 

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 Exiting My Closet: Cardigans

Replacing With: Distressed Leather Jackets

I 100% blame Prada and ACNE Studios for this new fixation, but I can't get enough of distressed leather jackets. Distressed to the point where you can't tell if it's a vintage heirloom or not, this take on the classic has an intentional spin that feels unique. I recently bought an affordable Zara version, and every time I wear it, it garners a ton of compliments. 

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 Exiting My Closet: Tight Pants

Replacing With: Loose Trousers

I've never been a skinny-pants or jeans type of person, but the few pairs I do own are getting shafted in favor of looser trousers. It would be difficult to find a harder-working staple in my closet right now—I wear them with crop tops, button-downs, T-shirts, etc. I like to go the vintage route with mine, but I've also come across really great pairs at places like Zara and H&M.

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Exiting My Closet: Basic Autumnal Tones

Replacing With: Saturated Colors 

My obsession with strong color started earlier this year and still is in full swing. Bright, bold colors are all I want to wear when I'm trying to make a splash, and they're surprisingly versatile. On the flip side, colors like deep burgundy, tan, and olive green feel extremely specific to me, and they never really gel with my spring or summer wardrobe, so these shades are on the back burner for now.

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Exiting My Closet: Risqué Cutouts

Replacing With: Unique Textures 

Cutouts have really sprouted to domination over the past few years, and I'm guilty of giving in. I've amassed cutout dresses, tops, etc., but lately, they've lost my interest. Instead, to fulfill my risqué-trend needs, I'm turning to pieces with dimensional textures and details that give a sheer or nude illusion. Think A. Roege Hove's sheer knits or Margiela's sheer tops. I like to layer them over black undergarments for something extra.

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Next up: This Anti–Skinny Jeans Trend Has Come Back With a Vengeance