A Guide To Spring Cleaning Your Closet For Chinese New Year

What you should keep or chuck



So your CNY outfit is finally sorted out and you’re ready to stock up on delicacies for your loved ones to enjoy when they visit your humble abode… But hold up! You just remembered that your bedroom is currently a mess. Your wardrobe is the key culprit as it’s bursting with all things new, old and even unworn. 

As we learn to embrace newer, better things in 2020, it’s timely for us to spring-clean our wardrobes. According to Chinese traditions, spring cleaning helps to rid your space of bad luck, and as Marie Kondo once said, "Tidying your physical space allows you to tend to your psychological space,” and we couldn’t agree more. Read on to find out which items you should keep or chuck — some of them might just surprise you.

Keep: The ‘old' logo designer bag 



You might feel like your old, logo-filled designer bags are looking out of place but it’s best to hold onto them as they’re making a major comeback. As demonstrated by Ji-soo of K-pop girl group Blackpink, who has access to the latest collections from leading fashion brands, vintage bags can be used to create unique, fashionable looks.

Here, she sports a vintage Dior bag which has been making waves ever since the luxury brand re-introduced its iconic Oblique logo print to its collections. You can create your own fashion-forward look too by pairing your logo designer bag with a simple white blouse and classic jeans. 

Chuck: The oversized tee 



Off-White designer and DJ Virgil Abloh recently proclaimed that streetwear will soon die and it’s with good reason — streetwear styles have reached their peak and this has resulted in fashion-philes updating their wardrobes to make room for classic, wardrobe essentials instead which will stand the test of time. 

While the oversized tee has been regularly spotted on the runway and on the sidewalk, we believe that it's past its prime. We recommend that you focus on well-made, flattering T-shirts in classic solid colours to get the best bang for your buck. They are versatile and are the building blocks of every stylish person’s wardrobe. If you’re in need of one, check out Everlane, LNA or UNIQLO for great, affordable options. 

Keep: The colourful, patterned blouse 



Some would happily describe their favourite wardrobe items as a technicolour dream, but you’re not too sure about the ones sitting in your closet. Renew your faith in colourful, patterned blouses as key fashion brands including Marc Jacobs, Coach 1941 and Zimmerman have pledged their allegiance to this clothing item during their recent Spring/Summer 2020 fashion shows. The trick to nailing this look is to keep the rest of your attire chic yet low-key: we’re talking tailored pants, fuss-free loafers and a sleek hairdo. 

Chuck: The skinny jean



They’re uncomfortable and can do more harm than good when worn in the wrong size. Skinny jeans were a style staple in the early 2010s, however, we reckon they should be retired as we welcome a new wave of denim styles which fit more naturally with our body frames.  Try opting for boyfriend jeans as they’re snug around the hips to help you create a curvier frame, but are also designed to be more relaxed around the legs for comfort. Invest in a pair from Frame or look to Levi's for more classic styles. 




Speaking of jeans, have you checked out our beginner's guide to Japanese raw denim brands? 

Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

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