The Wardrobe Basics We Just Purged From Our Closets (and 6 We're Adding)

Many of our editors have been spending time organizing and cleaning out our closets while spending time at home. In fact, we recently covered some of the denim and accessories we’re purging and incorporating into our offerings at the moment. And given that many of us rely on basics as the foundational pieces in our wardrobes, we thought we’d focus next on the simple items we’re thinking of donating and adding to our arsenals when we can. Of course, though, all of this is based on personal preference, and you should wear whatever you love and feel most comfortable in.

To check out the wardrobe basics that made the cut, keep on scrolling for more. And if you are shopping at the moment and are inspired to potentially add one of the fresh staples into your closet either now or later, you’ll find chic wardrobe staples to consider as well.

Adding: Comfortable Shorts

Purging: Shapeless Sweaters

"Since winter is behind us, I'm purging a big stack of sweaters. I'm pretty picky about how my sweaters fit and yet I've amassed so many shapeless sweaters that are just taking up space. A basic that I plan on filling that freed-up space with is new shorts that go with everything but that aren't denim cutoffs." — Allyson Payer, senior fashion editor

Adding: Black Sandals

Purging: Old Flats

"I keep trying to come around to the classic flat, but no matter how hard I try, I never seem to want to reach for them in my closet. Now that sandal weather is nearly upon us anyway, it seems like a fitting time to give up on that mission to become a 'flats person', and instead, make room in my wardrobe for the many pairs of black sandals I'm about to buy." — Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, senior market editor

Adding: Fresh Tees

Purging: Dingy Tees

"I'm getting rid of my old white T-shirts that have yellowed in the armpit. (Yes, I've tried baking soda!) In the past, I've tried to extend their life by just wearing jackets over my old T-shirts, but it's quite embarrassing if I ever have to take it off. Luckily, I don't spend a lot of money on my tees so I don't feel bad about replacing them after a while." — Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor

Adding: Oversize Button-Down Shirts

Purging: Formfitting Button-Down Shirts

"Button-down tops are a staple in my wardrobe, but recently, I've been wearing oversize versions, so anything more form-fitting has landed in my donation pile." — Kristen Nichols, managing editor

Adding: Relaxed-Fit Shorts

Purging: Denim Cutoffs

"This may be a controversial move, but I think I'm over denim shorts and am ready to give my pairs away. Might I regret it? Potentially, but the pairs I have are the super tight vintage Levi's variety, and they're just not comfortable, and I personally don't feel especially elevated in them anymore. I'll be adding more relaxed fit shorts, especially if they have a stretch waistband and aren't a super fussy fabric that needs steaming." — Kat Collings, editor in chief

Adding: Tube Socks

Purging: Old Low-Cut Socks

I just cleaned out my sock drawer and got rid of any old styles and lower-cut styles to make room for fresh, on-trend tube socks.

Next, check out the new generation of fashion-girl basics.