I am definitely not someone who believes you need to get rid of everything in your closet every time the trends change. If you love something and feel great wearing it, keep wearing it. But sometimes there are small changes in proportion or shape that can make the clothes you already own suddenly feel a little more current. And honestly, you don’t need to do much to update your closet!
I was looking through my own closet and realized there are four pieces many of us have been wearing for years that I’m reaching for less—and four newer shapes I find myself choosing instead. Think of these as swaps, not rules. You may already have the new version hiding in your closet.
Here are the four I’d make right now…
INSTEAD OF THE UTILITY JACKET, TRY THE BARN JACKET
 When I want the same easy throw-it-on-and-go feeling my utility jacket gives me, I reach for a barn jacket instead. It does the same job, but the shape feels a little fresher and more current.
INSTEAD OF THE JOGGER, TRY THE WIDE-LEG PANT
Gap, Easy Wide Leg Pant, $89.95
I still want comfort—I just want it in a different shape. A relaxed wide-leg pant is so much more versatile. It can be every bit as comfortable, but feels more polished and works with everything from sneakers and flats to a great loafer or boot.
INSTEAD OF THE ANKLE-FLARE JEAN, TRY A STRAIGHT-LEG DARK DENIM
Good American True High Waist, $158
This might be the easiest update of all. I’m reaching for ankle flares less and loving a longer, straighter jean—especially in a really dark wash. The dark denim immediately makes even a simple tee or sweater feel pulled together.
INSTEAD OF THE LONG CARDIGAN, TRY A SHORTER CARDIGAN
Alex Mill Taylor Cardigan, $178
This one is really about proportion. A shorter cardigan hits closer to the waist and works so well with the higher-rise, wider-leg pants and jeans we’re wearing now. Same cozy idea—just a fresher silhouette.
Shop the rest of our “update your closet” edit below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how, and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.
