Getting organized and cleaning out closets is a tough task, but add the dilemma of what to keep and what to toss and it becomes a real chore.
Keep that dress, or will it look as dated as padded shoulders by next fall? Toss out that pair of ballet flats, or will they be the hot shoe next season? Should I buy that babydoll top on sale? (No!) What about classic trousers for half price? (Yes.)
Fashion is fickle, and it's curious how some trends endure while others are a flash in the fashion pan.
It is sometimes a narrow time line between "must-have" and has-been.
Some looks don't make the transition from the runway to the racks, while others become so saturated that they peak and burn out.
Here's advice from fashion consultants and retailers on what to keep in the closet, what to store and what to toss.
Gay Muenchrath of GM Clotheshorse and Donna Preston of Lyndon's agree that wide-leg pants are coming on strong.
Everyone interviewed for this story said the higher-waist pants are taking the place of low-rise.
New York fashion consultant Leon Hall says the low-rise looks can't leave fast enough to suit him.
But Hall says he never wants the white shirt to leave.
"Don't give up a fabulous white shirt or white blouse. They're good for every season and for all seasons," Hall said.
Erin Lang at Genevieve G agrees.
"Keep those white blouses. There are so many good ones right now," Lang said.
"And keep those ballet flats," she said. "They're going to be around for a long time."
Erin Duke of Aspen Boutique in Wichita, Kansas, agrees that ballet flats will continue to be a strong look through spring.
"But the babydoll looks probably won't be," she said. "Too many women say they look pregnant when they wear those tops or dresses."
Lang has seen a drop in the trapeze dresses and babydoll looks as well.
"They tried to bring them back, but guys hate them," she said.
Opinions on the oversized bags varied. Hall says he thinks the big bags will be around at least another couple of seasons.
"Oversized bags just work. I think because they're practical and many are very good looking.
"Women really do like having what they need with them in their bag. You can put a small bag inside, take it with you and lock your tote in the trunk of your car," Hall said.
But Preston says she thinks the medium-sized bag will take the place of super large bags.
"Giant handbags are going out. A medium bag is best," she said. "That's really all you want on your shoulder anyway."
Hall expects that the popularity of the ubiquitous UGG boots will take a tumble by next fall.
"Wear low-riding jeans with UGGs and I'll have to shoot you," Hall said.
Reach Bonnie Bing at 316-268-6246 or bbing@wichitaeagle.com.
Source: The Wichita Eagle. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. Powered by Yellowbrix.
