10 Pieces To Toss From Your Wardrobe In 2026

Heading into 2026, here’s what we’d quietly retire from our wardrobes if we had them. Just so you know, this is totally our take. Style is personal, but these are the pieces we’d happily ditch to make room for items that actually earn a hanger. A new year isn’t about panic purging your closet. It’s a chance to pause, take stock, and be real with yourself. Notice what you reach for on repeat, what actually fits the way you want it to, and the colours you naturally gravitate toward without thinking. When you tune into those patterns, clearing out stops feeling ruthless and starts feeling intentional.

Elasticated Tailoring

Elasticated waistbands in tailored trousers or skirts might promise comfort, but more often than not they undo the whole point of tailoring. They tend to bunch, lose structure, and cheapen the look. Tailoring should feel clean, intentional, and sharp.

Pilled, Stretched, Knitwear

Knits that are pilled, stretched out, or completely shapeless instantly drag an outfit down. If it looks tired, it’ll make you look tired too. Instead of hanging on to worn out pieces, start paying attention to fabric, weight, and quality. The best knitwear holds its shape, feels good on the skin, and quietly elevates everything you wear it with. These are the pieces that last season after season, not the ones that sag, fade, and lose the plot after a single wash. Good knitwear is always worth the investment.

Extreme Oversized Blazers

Super oversized blazers had their moment, but most of the time they end up reading sloppy rather than cool. When the shoulders collapse, sleeves drown your hands, or the proportions just feel wrong, the whole look falls flat. The better option? Blazers with intention, a touch of structure, clean lines, and a fit that skims the body.

Relying on Trainers

Trainers are comfortable, sure but defaulting to them for every outfit gets dull fast. They’re easy, but they rarely add anything, and more often than not they pull an otherwise polished look down. In 2026, let trainers have their place: the gym, long walks, casual errands and upgrade your everyday footwear. Find a reliable pair of boots, flat or heeled, or a classic pair of loafers.

Loud Logos

Big logos have clocked out. Those belts and tees with large logos have to go. It’s less about labels and more about fit, fabric, and how the whole look comes together. If the logo is the main event, or the piece only exists because of the name on it, it’s probably time to let it go. Designer doesn’t have to shout, the best pieces whisper and still get noticed.

Dupes

Items bought just to mimic a designer piece almost always feel a little try hard. If something exists only to copy another, it rarely earns a permanent spot in your wardrobe. Let go of the dupes, take a step back, and give it time - often a few months later, you’ll realise you’ve moved on. And if you haven’t, you’ll know the real thing is genuinely worth it when the timing feels right.

Shoes You Can’t Walk In

If your shoes are sitting in the box collecting dust, they’re not doing you any favours. Toss anything that makes your feet scream, that you’ve been “saving” forever, or that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Keep shoes you actually wear, ones that feel good and pair easily with most of your wardrobe. You don’t need ten pairs; a couple of reliable, wearable favourites will serve you way better.

Anything That Doesn’t Feel Like You Anymore

Style evolves, and so do you. Holding onto pieces from past versions of yourself can keep you stuck there. Toss anything you find yourself saying, “I used to wear this,” pieces that don’t match your current energy, or items that feel more like a costume than something you actually want to wear.

Cheap Basics That Don’t Hold Their Shape

Cheap basics that don’t hold their shape are a silent style killer. The stretched out tank, the tee that twists after one wash, the blazer that never quite sits right, these pieces are supposed to do the heavy lifting, not quietly ruin your outfit. Invest in basics that actually last, fit well, and make getting dressed effortless.

Trend Chasing Pieces

Buying something just because it’s everywhere rarely ends well. Trend led pieces have a short shelf life, they look exciting for five minutes, then feel dated almost overnight. If an item only works because it’s “in” right now, it probably won’t survive past one season. Skip the impulse buys, let trends pass you by, and invest in pieces you’d still wear even when the hype dies down.