Stylists reveal 11 items you should get rid of from your spring wardrobe

July 2024 · 5 minute read

Replace chunky sneakers with retro styles this season.

Chunky sneakers were very popular for a while. Bortolomeus Abdi W/Shutterstock

Vintage sneakers are having a major moment, according to Danielle Cafiero, fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant, and founder of Styled by Danielle

Many major sneaker brands are hopping on the bandwagon with their version of retro-inspired sneakers, and the stylist said they're outshining chunky versions.

She suggested wearing the more flat, close-fitting shoes with anything from loose trousers to maxi knit dresses.

Smocked dresses are out and slip dresses are in this spring.

Smocked dresses were a work-from-home staple, but they're getting upgraded. Dmitry_Tsvetkov/Shutterstock

A smocked dress feels too casual these days, according to stylist and wardrobe curator Rachel Newman. This spring, opt for a slip dress instead.

"A slip is a sophisticated and easy way to look put together and strays away from the pandemic days," Newman told Insider.

Plus, there are amazing options for both day and night and great ways to accessorize.

"A sneaker during the day gives a slip a more casual look and a heel instantly elevates it," the stylist said.

It's time to replace any worn-out undergarments with new ones.

Undershirts can easily stretch out and fade. encierro/Shutterstock

Underwear, undershirts, and bras have a lifespan just like any other clothing type, according to Grant Alexander, a Chicago-based personal stylist and designer.

If your undergarments look old, worn out, or stained, it's time for a spring refresh.

"These things aren't made to last forever, but are some of the longest-kept items you may own," he told Insider.

When shopping for replacements, the stylist recommended looking for breathable cotton fabrics that have just the right amount of stretch.

Baggy jeans are outshining skinny ankle cuts.

Skinny jeans haven't been the most popular cut of denim in a while. Sabelnikova Olga/Shutterstock

"For spring 2023, we are seeing a surge of loose and baggier styles, proving that you can retire your skinny jeans for the foreseeable future," Cafiero told Insider. 

She said to expect to see lower rises and a relaxed vibe that gives us all a bit more room to breathe.

Rid your closet of rubber clogs, and replace them with a more breathable shoe or sandal.

The styles and colors of rubber clogs grew greatly over the last few years. photo-lime/Shutterstock

Rubber clogs, like Crocs, also need to be purged from your spring wardrobe, according to Alexander. 

"Were they ever really back in? Let's not keep them around to even try to answer that," he said.

Instead, opt for a sandal or something breathable, like a lightweight sneaker.

Way-too-oversized blazers and jackets should be replaced with more flattering fits.

Blazers have been getting bigger and bigger. Creative Lab/Shutterstock

"If you bought something, and it came even more oversized than you thought it would be (guys, I'm looking at you here), it's time to part ways," Alexander told Insider. 

When a blazer or jacket is just too big, it can make you look wider, frumpier, and shorter.

The stylists suggested either having the item taken in or looking for a more flattering cut that's properly tailored for your body.

Consider swapping your micro skirts out for longer styles.

With the revival of Y2K fashion, microminis had a moment. photo-lime/Shutterstock

From denim maxis to silk midis, you'll be seeing longer hems this spring, according to Cafiero. 

Paired with a tucked knit or topped with a boxy blazer, long skirts are one trend you don't want to miss this season.

Opt for sunglasses that fit your face properly over trendy, tiny frames.

Little sunglasses just aren't that practical. Street style photo/Shutterstock

"Whether or not the tiny-sunglasses trend has peaked yet, it doesn't matter," Alexander said.  "These just aren't as stylish or flattering as sunglasses that fit your face properly."

The stylist recommended visiting an optician who can fit your face for the right pair of frames. Then you can choose your favorite sunglasses from that style or brand.

Sheer tops are starting to replace cold-shoulder styles.

The style has come and gone, but right now it's fading. mary981/Shutterstock

Cold-shoulder tops are outdated and not nearly as inspired as what's been on the runways as of late, according to Newman. 

"Sheer tops, or naked tops, pay homage to the Carrie Bradshaw naked dress," the stylist told Insider. "There are endless ways a sheer top can be styled, and that makes it fresh and exciting."

There are long-sleeved options, tube tops, turtlenecks, and more that can be worn with a multitude of bottoms — including sheer ones to take the look to the next level. You can also make the look less severe by wearing a fuller-coverage bralette underneath.

Solid cargo pants are outshining camo print.

Cargo pants are definitely coming back, but the camo print isn't as popular. Elena Rostunova/Shutterstock

Cargos, in a multitude of fabrics, are the pants of the season, according to Newman. 

"The camo-style pant is the old utility pant, and the cargo-style pant is the new take, as seen both on and off the runway," she told Insider. 

Cargo pants are versatile and can be dressed up with a heel and clutch or worn in a more casual way with a sneaker and an oversized tote.

Try a statement clutch instead of a micro logo bag.

Tiny bags that showed off different designer logos were popular for a while. Viktoria Minkova/Shutterstock

Micro logo bags are now overdone, according to Newman. This season, go for a statement clutch instead. 

"A clutch in a bold color, interesting fabric, or a unique shape can serve as the focal point of an outfit," she told Insider. 

The bag can also be worn more casually with additions like a crossbody chain. 

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