Style is always evolving, but a great wardrobe is built on pieces that last. While it’s fun to experiment with trends, some items have a shorter shelf life than others. Holding on to outdated pieces can make your entire look feel stale. Making room in your closet isn't just about cleaning up; it's about refining your personal style and investing in things you'll love to wear for years.

For those of us who appreciate a vintage-inspired look, this process is even more important. The goal is to build a collection of timeless, quality items, not a closet full of fleeting fads. It’s time to say goodbye to the trends that no longer serve us and replace them with authentic, stylish alternatives.

Let’s get into the fashion items to ditch now and what you should be wearing instead.

Overly Distressed Jeans

There was a time when jeans with huge, pre-made rips and giant shredded patches felt edgy. That time has passed. Today, overly distressed denim often looks manufactured and cheap, especially when the distressing is perfectly symmetrical or looks more like a cheese grater accident than natural wear. The look has become so common that it’s lost all of its rebellious charm.

True character in denim comes from wearing it and making it your own, not from buying it pre-destroyed. A clean, well-made pair of jeans is a more versatile and sophisticated foundation for any outfit.

What to Wear Instead: Quality Raw or Washed Denim

Instead of buying jeans with fake holes, invest in quality denim that will age beautifully over time.

  • Raw Selvedge Denim: This is the ultimate choice for a vintage enthusiast. Raw denim is unwashed and untreated, meaning it starts as a stiff, dark canvas. As you wear it, the denim softens and fades according to your body and lifestyle, creating a unique pattern of wear that is 100% yours. It's a long-term project that results in a truly personal garment.
  • Classic Washes: If you're not ready to commit to raw denim, opt for jeans in a classic light or medium wash. Look for pairs with subtle, natural-looking fading and no artificial rips. A simple, well-fitting pair of jeans in a timeless wash looks great with everything.

Check out these options:

  • Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans: The blueprint for all jeans. They are timeless, durable, and look better with every wear.
  • Uniqlo Selvedge Regular Fit Jeans: An amazing and affordable entry point into the world of high-quality selvedge denim.

Fast-Fashion Everything

We've all been tempted by the super-low prices and trendy designs of fast-fashion brands. But these pieces often fall apart after a few washes, are made with questionable ethics, and contribute to a massive amount of waste. Building a wardrobe full of disposable clothing means you’re constantly replacing items and never investing in pieces with real character or quality.

The vintage-inspired aesthetic is all about appreciating craftsmanship and longevity—the exact opposite of the fast-fashion model.

What to Wear Instead: Well-Made, Sustainable Basics

Shift your focus from quantity to quality. It's better to have one great shirt you love than five cheap ones that will end up in a landfill.

  • Invest in Core Pieces: Spend a little more on the items you wear all the time, like t-shirts, sweaters, and chinos. Look for brands that are transparent about their materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Shop Secondhand: If you want unique pieces with a story, thrifting and vintage shopping are the most sustainable options. You can find high-quality, one-of-a-kind items for a fraction of their original price.
  • Support Quality Brands: Seek out brands known for their durable, classic designs. These pieces might cost more upfront, but they will last for years, saving you money in the long run.

Find out more about these brands:

  • Everlane: Known for its transparent pricing and focus on high-quality, sustainable basics.
  • Patagonia: A leader in eco-friendly practices, their gear is built to last a lifetime.

Oversized, In-Your-Face Logos

Covering yourself head-to-toe in giant logos doesn’t communicate style; it turns you into a walking billboard. While logomania has its moments, an over-reliance on huge brand names can make an outfit look tacky and unoriginal. Your personal style should be about you, not about the brands you’re wearing.

A more subtle and confident approach is to let the quality and fit of your clothes speak for themselves. A small, tasteful logo is fine, but if the brand name is the most noticeable thing about your outfit, it's time to reconsider.

What to Wear Instead: Subtle Branding and Unique Textures

Focus on clothes with interesting details beyond a logo.

  • Texture Over Logos: Let the fabric be the star. A chunky knit sweater, a textured corduroy jacket, or a rugged canvas chore coat adds far more visual interest than a giant logo.
  • Focus on Fit: A perfectly fitting, unbranded piece looks more expensive and stylish than a poorly fitting designer item.
  • Subtle Emblems: If you like branding, opt for pieces with small, classic emblems. Think of the small crocodile on a Lacoste polo or the simple tab on a pair of Levi's. It's a nod to heritage, not a scream for attention.

Check out these styles:

  • Filson: This brand's rugged gear often features minimal branding, letting the quality of the materials shine.
  • J.Crew: They excel at classic pieces like cashmere sweaters and chinos where the focus is on color and fit, not logos.

The Super Skinny Jean

The stranglehold of the super skinny jean is finally loosening. For years, ultra-tight jeans were the default, but they can be restrictive, uncomfortable, and frankly, a bit dated. While slim-fit jeans still have their place, the painted-on look feels like a relic from the late 2000s.

The current movement in menswear is towards more relaxed, comfortable silhouettes that allow for freedom of movement and a more interesting shape.

What to Wear Instead: Straight-Leg and Relaxed-Fit Trousers

Give your legs some room to breathe with more classic, comfortable fits.

  • Straight-Leg Jeans: A timeless classic. Straight-leg jeans offer a clean line from the hip to the ankle. They are universally flattering and work with almost any style of footwear, from sneakers to boots.
  • Relaxed-Fit Chinos: Drawing inspiration from 90s style and classic workwear, relaxed-fit trousers offer comfort and an effortlessly cool drape. Look for pairs with a slight taper to keep the look clean and modern.
  • Pleated Trousers: For a touch of old-school grandpa style, pleated trousers are back in a big way. They add a bit of volume and a sophisticated, vintage feel to any outfit.

Explore these options:

  • Carhartt WIP Simple Pant: Offers a durable, relaxed fit inspired by classic workwear.
  • BDG Dad Jean from Urban Outfitters: Perfectly captures the 90s relaxed denim vibe.