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Six Pieces to Donate, Resell, or Recycle—and the (On-Sale) Styles to Wear Instead
Because that uncomfortable blazer is never going to stop being uncomfortable.
Are you cleaning out your closet for the new year? In my experience, the hardest part is deciding which pieces you’re ready to part with and which ones you might want to wear again someday. To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of six items you might—but definitely shouldn’t—have in your closet right now. Begin by getting rid of these items, then ride that momentum all the way to a perfectly pared-down closet.
But first, some advice on how to get rid of these pieces:
- Resell: We believe that resale is the best way to get rid of unwanted clothing, not only because you can make some money, but also because it often ends up being the most sustainable option. If you’re getting rid of M.M.LaFleur clothing, use our resale site, Second Act, which allows you to redeem your earnings as cash or store credit. Non-M.M. items can be resold through thredUP.
- Donate: Donating is a great way to pay it forward and give your clothes a renewed purpose. Do your research and be thoughtful about where you donate to ensure your clothes don’t end up in a landfill. Only donate items that are in wearable condition (i.e. nothing with major rips or stains). For professional clothing in good condition, we recommend donating to Bottomless Closet.
- Recycle: For clothing that’s no longer in wearable condition, recycling is a good option. Some farmers’ markets offer textile recycling, but if you don’t have anything locally available, you can purchase a take-back bag from For Days.
And now, the fun part! Here are the six pieces you should eliminate from your wardrobe and the on-sale styles to replace them with.
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The Sleek Button-Down…That Gapes at the Bustline
It’s a tale as old as time: You love a shirt that doesn’t love you back. Our professional advice? Move on—you deserve better. And by “better,” we mean the Tatum top, a gorgeous, tailored button-down that comes with an extra button at the bustline to prevent wardrobe malfunctions. It comes in seven gorgeous shades, and a few of them—hunter, minty green, and Champagne—are currently on sale. Looking for something with even more pizzazz? Try the Darcy top, which happens to be marked down in one of my favorite colors of all time, wisteria.
The Cozy Sweatshirt…That Belonged to Your Toxic Ex
I don’t care how comfy it is—that energy has no place in your wardrobe. Replace old memories with a new cozy companion like the cocoon-esque Sharon top, which is like a cross between a sweatshirt and a turtleneck. If you prefer a classic sweatshirt, opt for the zip-up Shae hoodie in French terry. Or, try the Para sweatshirt, which is made from our jardigan knit, so it’s polished enough to wear to work. (Also recommended: Unfollowing said ex on social media.)
The Tailored Jacket…That’s Honestly Never Been Comfortable
You know the one: You reach for it often when you’re choosing your outfit, but you always end up changing before you head out the door. M.M.’s end-of-year sale is the perfect opportunity to find something more suitable. For example, did you know that the Yiyan and Bennett blazers have stretchy knit inserts sewn into the back seams, so you can move easily without sacrificing that tailored look? We’re also offering some excellent savings on the Hyo jacket, which couples a relaxed fit with an adjustable waist, so you can achieve the exact amount of definition that feels right to you.
The Trendy Pants…That Don’t Go with Any of Your Tops
…and therefore, you never wear them. If an item doesn’t match anything else in your wardrobe, that probably means it’s not really your style. And that’s okay! Replace those pants with something super versatile from our sale, like the wide-leg Horton pants, which are somehow trendy and timeless at the same time. We also love the Delaney joggers for travel and casual days, or the Shiloh pants, which look super polished but feel like yoga pants.
The Gorgeous Top…That Has a Stubborn Stain on the Front
A stain-ruined shirt is always disappointing, but it’s also just part of life. Our sale is full of worthy replacements, whether you’re looking for a shiny special-occasion tank like the Lisey, a sultry off-the-shoulder silk top like the Dae, or an easy and versatile piece like the Emmy.
The Pretty Party Dress..That Just Doesn’t Fit Anymore
It’s time for your dress to find a new owner, and it’s time for you to treat yourself to a new outfit. You can accomplish your mission without breaking the bank by opting for a celebratory and on-sale style like the silk jersey Lalita dress in our most popular jewel tone, deep sea. If you love A-lines, opt for the twirly Gabriella or the asymmetrical Lara, both of which can be paired with blazers for work days.
