Keep or Consign? 3 Editors on Spring Cleaning
Is your closet still in winter mode? Before long, it will be time to swap out knits and outerwear for lighter, brighter pieces, and that means reckoning with the state of your wardrobe. Whether you’re a closet maximalist or a militant, Marie Kondo-loving minimalist, it’s always a good idea to take stock of what you’ve got (and no longer need) at the start of a new season. On the bright side, spring cleaning can be rewarding, especially when you throw consignment into the mix. Not only do you end up with a beautifully streamlined and freshened-up space, you earn money that can be spent on the pieces you want now (we’re looking at you, Gucci). For inspiration and advice, we enlisted three of our editors who know their way around curating a wardrobe. Read on for their tips and the pieces they’re keeping and consigning this season.
Erika Kettleson, Photo Editor
Keep: I found this Kaelen jumpsuit while reviewing last year’s spring lookbook and was instantly in love. I ran down to the creative space and tried it on immediately! I’ve dressed it up with dangly earrings for a wedding and dressed it down for work and I am absolutely holding on to it for this spring.
Consign: I am a jacket fanatic. It’s a problem. I fell for this Alexander Wang cropped bomber because of the front pocket details and oversized fit, but I know it’s way too heavy for an SF summer and I’d rather consign it for a lighter version — same sporty styling but in heat-friendly mesh or linen. As for bags, I’ve really been solidifying my relationship with my best TRR purchase ever — an LV backpack — and I need to stop these side affairs with swingy tassel totes, glittery clutches and printed pochettes. Plus, I know my fringy Phillip Lim shoulder bag will easily find a loving home.
#1 Spring Cleaning Tip: Choose your favorite two or three “nostalgia” pieces (doesn’t fit, is unwearable, is out of fashion,whatever). Then, be absolutely merciless with the rest. I used to hold on to EVERYTHING! I think giving myself license to keep a couple pieces of fashion ephemera tempers the sting of a total closet overhaul (which can just be too overwhelming without a plan!).
Lauren Bradshaw, Editorial Director
Keep: The Hermès CDC is not only a classic, it also retains its value, so I figure it doesn’t hurt to hold on to it for a while. This is my go-to spring dress, so there’s no way I’m consigning it just yet! It’s dressy enough for weddings, but can go casual with a sandal and crossbody bag. I wear it everywhere.
Consign: I’m moving to a new place this month — with much smaller closets, unfortunately — so for spring I’m focused on downsizing. Dresses are my weakness, so I have a ton. I’ve been holding on to this one for a few months, but it’s never fit me quite right, so I’ve never even worn it!
#1 Spring Cleaning Tip: Last year I invested in thin velvet hangers for all of my items, and it was the best thing I ever did! Not only do my pieces not fall on my closet floor anymore — once they’re on the floor, I tend to forget I even have them — but I can pack so much more on one rack. Lifesaver.
Sasha Skoda, Women’s Category Director
Keep: This Céline bag is my new go-to. It will have great resale value into next year, so I’m hanging on to it until then (plus it goes with my Céline sunglasses). We shot these Pierre Hardy slides for a lookbook and I fell in love. The mule trend is going strong, and these are so easy and chic — they’re key for spring.
Consign: I love these Proenza Schouler heels, but they just don’t fit me and I didn’t return them in time. I wore this Isabel Marant dress all last spring and summer and I’m ready for something new to wear to this year’s events.
#1 Spring Cleaning Tip: You should love everything in your closet. If you’re not obsessed with it, you probably won’t wear it. Consign those things and buy something you can’t live without.
Ready to start consigning the pieces that didn’t make the cut? Get started here.
