I Clean Out My Closet Twice a Month, But I Never Get Rid of These 8 Things

I’ve always been big on cleaning out my closet and decluttering my space in general, but as we recently discussed, I’ve been on even more of a kick lately due to the extensive amount of time I’ve been spending at home. However, sharing some of the items we have purged from our wardrobes actually got me thinking about those pieces which I rarely, if ever, give the boot—and why.

I didn’t notice it at first, but once I made a list, it became painfully clear that among the eight categories you’re about to read about below, there’s actually one common theme: They always come back (or never go out of style in the first place). That's right. While items such as belts and eveningwear may seem more or less relevant over time, when you do need them, the versions you already own should typically do the trick. In other words, they're less susceptible to the trend cycle and don't need to be replaced as often, so rather than selling them and having to buy them again later, just keep the styles you own. To read about and shop all the categories that made the cut, just keep scrolling. 

1. Designer Bags

If the recent returns of Fendi’s baguette, Dior’s saddle, and Prada’s nylon shoulder bags taught us anything, it’s that holding on to a designer bag from five, 10 or even 15 years ago will save you a lot of money (and regret) when the brand reissues it, and it’s suddenly the latest It bag. Plus, bags tend to be a heavy investment and so hold a lot of sentimental value and have required a lot of thought pre-purchasing. 

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2. Belts

Belts are pretty much always considered a basic wardrobe necessity, but they have a funny way of becoming more or less relevant with each passing season. When they do come back into the spotlight, however, I’ve found that it’s not the belts themselves that have changed, but rather the way they’re worn or what they’re worn with.

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3. Eveningwear

Now, I’m not talking about one-off bridesmaids dresses, but if you’ve ever invested in classic gowns or evening accessories such as heels and clutches, odds are they aren’t going out of style any time soon (and possibly weren’t cheap). Hold on to them instead of scrambling to shop for future events. You’ll be happy you did.

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4. Classic Jewellery

Whether it was an investment or affordable find, a classic jewellery piece is simply that—classic. I never get rid of such pieces (which include rings, delicate bracelets and chain necklaces) because while I might go extended periods without wearing them, they always seem to find a way back into my rotation.

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5. Timeless Outerwear

I've definitely bought my fair share of trendy coats and jackets over the years—most of which I've ended up selling or donating—but when I find a good, timeless item such as a blazer, trench or leather piece, I like to hold on to it. They're often much more expensive to replace than whatever you could sell them for, and a polished coat is always a safe way to save an outfit.

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6. Knitwear

High-quality, simple sweaters can be expensive, but if you take care of them, they can also last you years and are likely to still feel forward-looking. For this reason, I have a handful of cashmere and wool styles that I’ve been wearing for five-plus years and don’t plan to get rid of any time soon.

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7. Slips and Camis

Whether you wear them on their own or as under-layers, silky slip dresses, skirts and camis are essential for any wardrobe and have been for decades. Perhaps that’s why a slip dress you could buy today looks a lot like the ones in some of our favorite ’90s fashion snaps, and it’s also the reason you never need to get rid of the ones you already own.

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8. Scarves

If someone asked me what a trendy scarf looks like, I don’t think I’d be able to answer them because I don’t think such a thing exists. Whether they’re silky or for cold weather, the world of scarves remains relatively unchanged over the years, so the ones you own should be able to stick with you for the long haul.

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Next: our guide to the key trends for spring summer 2020.