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Seven Outdated Items It’s Time to Get Rid Of—Plus, What You Should Wear Instead
The motivation you need to move on.
At M.M., we’re all about wearing clothing items until they’re on their last legs (our planet and wallets can’t afford otherwise). But when it comes to low-quality pieces that are falling apart or hyper-specific styles that were trendy once upon a time, continuing to wear them won’t do you any good. Those low-cut jeans might’ve looked great in 2008, but they look like your former self and feel like torture. What about that sweater with just a few holes in it, you ask? Hate to break it to you, but it just looks sloppy—and not in a cool way.
Before you panic and throw anything out, remember that one woman’s trash is another’s treasure. Gift those now-vintage jeans to your 16-year-old niece. Drop that sweater off at your local textile recycling spot (or send it to thredUp, who will responsibly dispose of anything unsellable).
Did you do it? Hats off! Parting with clothing isn’t always easy, but before long, you’ll be basking in the freed-up space you’ve just created. No need to re-fill your closet for the sake of it, but if you want to use this cleanse as an opportunity to level-up your wardrobe, more power to you.
To get your gears turning, here’s a list of seven items you should consider getting rid of in the new year—plus recommendations for what to wear instead.
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Item 1
Your Favorite White T-Shirt That’s Now Yellow
Gross! But don’t sweat it. All well-worn white items meet this fateful end, and luckily, getting a new T-shirt is a simple way to feel excited about getting dressed again. Ours are sure to become part of your regular rotation, so stock up on a few while you’re at it. Each and every style, including the classic Leslie, is made from buttery soft pima cotton that’s not only incredibly cozy but also looks polished enough to wear to the office.
Right now, you can buy any 2 of our full-price T-shirts and save 10% using code TWOTEES; or, buy 3+ and save 15% using code THREETEES.
Item 2
The Workout Leggings You Always Fall Back On
Sure, they’re comfy, but you always feel a little sloppy when you wear them anywhere other than the gym. For flights, the grocery store, et cetera, replace them with a new default that’s equally effortless but appears much more put-together (fake it ‘til you make it!). The Colby pant is the answer to your prayers—pairing the look of a trouser with the functionality of athleisure (wrinkle-resistance, machine-washability, and moisture-wicking).
Item 3
The Fast-Fashion Blazer That’s Coming Apart at the Seams
Well, that Zara find was fun while it lasted. If you want something that will stick around for years and years to come, invest in a high-quality piece. It will cost more up front but result in a much lower cost per wear over time (cost per wear = the price of an item ÷ how many times you wear it). The O’Hara might just be the workhorse blazer you’re looking for—featuring a double-breasted silhouette that’s right on trend but not so oversized that it’ll go out of fashion anytime soon.
Item 4
The Bootcut Jeans You Keep Wearing—Because What Jeans Are We Wearing Right Now?!
They say skinny jeans are “out” and the barrel silhouette is most likely a flash in the pan. No wonder you’re left feeling lost as you try to keep up with the ever-changing jean cut du jour. Our advice? Stop chasing the hottest thing, and find a silhouette that makes you feel (and look) phenomenal. The Milos are our most popular jeans ever, thanks to a universally flattering fit and our signature stretchy-yet-structured Better Than Denim fabric. We sold over 5,000 pairs this year alone—meaning there’s a high chance you’ll love them, too.
Item 5
The Dress You Haven’t Worn Since Your Cousin’s Wedding
It’s 2025, people! Time to start asking more of our special-event dresses. Rather than buying that cross-back number that may never see the light of day again, go with a style that’s equally stunning but practical enough to re-wear in regular life. As part of our ultra-luxe Black Label line, the Ciela dress certainly fits the bill. Style it as a special-occasion statement with metallic heels and glitzy jewelry or as a professional power dress with classic pumps and a matching jacket.
Item 6
The Vintage Coat Collecting Dust in Your Closet
It looks lovely, but you can’t avoid the sad fact that it’s unbearably itchy. In other words, you’ll be much better off if you take it to your favorite consignment store and use the money to get something you can actually enjoy. The Calista coat is an ideal replacement, marrying the charm of a vintage find with the comfort of premium Italian double-face wool. Welcome to the best of both worlds.
Item 7
The Peplum Top from 2015
You had a good run, but it’s time to break up with this cutesy cut. Next time you hit the town, try a top like the Lucia. Made from our Flex Suiting fabric and featuring strategically placed seams, it’s distinctly sleek and a lot more refined than your “going out” tops of yesteryear.
