There's something about the start of a new year that brings a much-needed opportunity to start afresh in all areas of life, but being the fashion-orientated person I am, you can bet that I decided to use the opportunity to first rid my closet of any dead weight ahead of 2023. Don't get me wrong, I'm not generally an organised person, and I'm embarrassed to admit how much of my clothing ends up in my "floor-drobe" pile rather than neatly folded, but what better time to channel my inner Marie Kondo and invest some time in a proper closet clean-out, purging some of the items that now feel outdated?
After confronting my supremely overloaded closet to determine once and for all what would be entering 2023 with me, I decided the best tactic would be sheer ruthlessness: This start-of-year purge would be the perfect time to lean things out and refocus on what is actually working, so I can build a more long-lasting wardrobe off of it. I'm not saying I've waved goodbye to certain pieces for good, but there are definitely some items I am pausing on for 2023.
With all of that being said (and several bags of donations later), I wasn't left with a handful of black, grey and beige options to wear for the rest of the year. Instead, I'm pleased to report the opposite. While there are the foundational basics that every well-curated wardrobe has, I've also kept hold of some statement pieces that I know will resurface later down the road. (Fashion is circular after all.)
So if you're looking for some tips on how to organise your wardrobe and build a capsule wardrobe ready for 2023, keep scrolling to see which pieces I'm pausing on this year and which will be staying as firm favourites for the next 12 months.
1. PAUSING ON: NOVELTY KNITS
INVESTING IN: SIMPLE SWEATERS
Style Notes: Every wardrobe needs a section for everyday sweaters, and an oversized, slouchy knit is definitely worthy of becoming a firm wardrobe staple. Although I had somehow managed to amass a collection of knitwear that I found "adorable" at the time, I don't have much daily need for a patchwork cardigan or a Fair Isle vest in quite the same way I do with a simple crew-neck. As someone who always falls back on masculine tailoring and boxy fits to feel smart, I'm particularly into the way people in the fashion crowd are styling theirs with languid tailoring and maxi coats right now, so out with the cartoon cardigans and in with the versatile cashmere.
SHOP SWEATERS
Easily my favourite cashmere knit on the market right now.
A fluffy, cosy knit that also comes in pink, green and grey.
It's electric pop of blue that makes this jumper stand out for all right reasons.
Camel always makes everything look more expensive.
2. PAUSING ON: MICRO BAGS
INVESTING IN: CARRYALL TOTES
Style Notes: Let me start by saying, I still love a mini baguette. The '90s silhouette has been having a moment, and it will always be one of my favourite evening options, but after having to carry my laptop, makeup bag and books separately because they didn't fit in my bag, I've realised I don't need quite so many. Slouchy bags have been back on the agenda for a while now, but in 2023, we're about to see them become the default bag choice for the everyday. Bag shapes in general are supersizing, and designers like Khaite and Bottega keep making cool versions of these carryalls, which tells me that the micro mini is losing out among fashion insiders.
SHOP BIG BAGS
There's something about cold weather that makes me want to reach for strokable suede.
The cheery burst of sunshine that a grey winter needs.
Meet your new everyday shoulder bag. You're welcome.
The XXL bag that can do it all.
3. PAUSING ON: DENIM JACKETS
INVESTING IN: HEAVY LEATHER JACKETS
Style Notes: Heavy-duty leather was big on the A/W 22 runways, and it's the one trend that has translated seamlessly into my own closet. A glossy new biker or a love-worn vintage jacket toughen up any outfit and lend an instant cool factor, especially when compared to the denim jacket. I'm always keen to see reworked denim, but the jacket doesn't seem to have kept up. The same blue denim jackets seem to crop up every year, and instead of pushing things forward, it feels like the denim jacket sets us all the way back to the '80s. Maybe I'll change my mind next season, but for now, I'm all about the leather styles.
SHOP LEATHER JACKETS
The perfect biker at a high-street price.
If you're looking for leather that will last a lifetime, invest in a quality jacket like Raey's bomber.
Blazer devotees, there's something smart and polished for you too.
The designer jacket of dreams.
4. PAUSING ON: PLATFORM HEELS
INVESTING IN: KITTEN HEELS
Style Notes: This might be controversial to some, but I'm never one to lose sight of comfort for the sake of fashion, and platform heels have rarely been a walk in the metaphorical park. After acquiring a few towering pairs over the years and realising I'd only ever worn them for pictures, I'm pivoting my collection to celebrate the wearability kitten heels. Not only are they more walkable, but they're also the fashion person's new shoe of choice, and that's a win-win in my book.
SHOP KITTEN HEELS
The shoes that sparked an international trend almost two years ago are still going strong.
Charles & Keith have some of the most elegant low-heel options around.
How good (and comfortable) do these strappy sandals look?
Only H&M could come up with heels that look this good and for under £30.
5. PAUSING ON: SPORTY TRACKSUITS
INVESTING IN: PARED-BACK LOUNGEWEAR
Style Notes: It's not all sequins and sleek dresses, and sometimes you need some good loungewear to wear to wind down (or run errands in). So with this in mind, the first thing I dropped into the donation pile were tracksuits—colourful, shiny, heavily branded sports gear that I no doubt bought the year before after making a New Year's resolution to go the gym. I'd probably acquired more matching sets than any person should reasonably need, and as it turns out, the solution to this is understated, laid-back loungewear that you can comfortably wear out of the house, too. Think cashmere joggers, premium leggings and tonal co-ords. (I blame it all on the stay-at-home lifestyle that's prevailed over the past three years.) But one thing is for certain: Whether I'm in the office, out for brunch or lazing on the sofa, I have no need for so many sweatpants of all colours, prints and trends.
SHOP LOUNGEWEAR
Act fast; this sweatshirt is currently still in stock in the sale, but not for long.
I cannot recommend these leggings enough if you're tired of cotton that goes see-through.
Wear with a hoodie and leather jacket, or buy the matching crew-neck for a comfy lounge co-ord.
There's a reason that Skims dresses come highly editor recommended.
6. PAUSING ON: CROPPED JEANS
INVESTING IN: FULL-LENGTH JEANS
Style Notes: I'll be honest. When it comes to jeans, often the longer they fall, the cooler they are (in my opinion). Even as someone of average height, I've noticed cropped jeans working their way into the mainstream for a while now, but no matter where they end, they always end up making my legs look far shorter than they actually are. Not to mention the lack of shoe choices. If you wear an ankle boot, there's a good few inches of bare leg. Wear a flat shoe, and you might as well prepare to bare all. You simply can't win. Come 2023, I'm fully in favour of full-length hems, particularly a pair of timeless straight-leg jeans that hit just the right hem line and always go with everything.
SHOP JEANS
Dark blue is an unexpectedly chic wash.
Just the right amount of distress, hardware and relaxed fit.
The High 'n' Tight does exactly what it says on the tin for those looking for a sculpted shape.
Petite people, there's no need to roll up regular-length jeans. Topshop's got you covered.
7. PAUSING ON: AVIATOR SUNGLASSES
INVESTING IN: OVAL SUNGLASSES
Style Notes: If you scroll back far enough on my Instagram, you'll find plenty of evidence of my obsession with sunglasses. From cat-eye to round lenses, I've worn so many iterations of chunky sunglasses that by the time I sat down to do this closet sweep, there were pairs I didn't even remember owning, but none more so than the aviators that I relied on almost 10 years ago. While they were certainly a fun look at the time and reflect the current obsession with Y2K trends, I'm afraid to say that they no longer feel like the coolest option. Instead, I'm refocusing on classic oval sunglasses, especially fun, candy colours for spring and black and tortoiseshell classics that will go with pretty much anything all year round.
SHOP SUNGLASSES
All these sunnies need is a silk headscarf, and you're channeling 1950s Italian chic. La dolce vita.
Just when I thought the red Abyss frames were the most stylish pair of glasses I'd come across lately, I also saw the purple, orange checkerboard and blue checkerboard. Decisions, decisions…
Nothing says summer quite like yellow-tinted lenses.
If you need a pair of sunglasses that you'll wear on rotation, look no further.
Next up, Take Notes—This Is How to Rewear 7 Items From Your Winter Wardrobe in Spring
Opening Image: @scoutthecity
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