I reluctantly have to confess that after clearing out my closet, I ended up repurchasing these 8 essential items.

      Welcome to Closet Week! As spring approaches, we’re dedicating a new article each day to help you refresh your closet. Look forward to ideas for organizing your wardrobe, tips for a clean-out, and suggestions on what to donate or keep for the upcoming season. Get ready—it's time to revitalize your style and make room for new, clutter-free beginnings.

      In recent months, I've noticed some changes in my body. Nothing too drastic, but enough to prompt me to reevaluate my style. Clothes that once fit perfectly now feel a bit off, leading me to question, "Who am I dressing for now?" It feels like I’m experiencing a wardrobe identity crisis, and I’m trying to figure out how to dress for the person I am today.

      Naturally, I took a look into my closet for some spring cleaning, even if spring isn’t quite here yet. To be honest, it was quite the adventure. As I sorted through my clothes, I realized I had been holding onto many items that no longer served me. There were pieces I had never worn, items that didn’t fit well, and—embarrassingly enough—several that still had tags attached. As I added over 200 pieces to the donation pile, I recognized that I wasn't simply getting rid of clothes; I was releasing a version of myself that no longer existed. It felt liberating yet a bit odd. Should I have kept that oversized sweater I once adored? Perhaps. But it just doesn’t resonate with me anymore.

      What surprised me the most, though, were the items I kept returning to—pieces I’ve purchased multiple times in different sizes and colors, which I can always count on. These include a particular belt that somehow matches every outfit (how is that even possible?) and my favorite jeans that fit beautifully and elongate my legs. These staples form the backbone of my closet, whether I bought them in a size 20 or a size 12. They’re timeless, always fit well, and never make me second-guess my choices. I’ve repurchased them time and again because they make me feel good, regardless of my body’s changes.

      Honestly, these essentials have begun to feel like my style security blanket. I’ve realized that having a few reliable pieces makes dressing much easier. The days of impulsively buying things that might work or could look cute for events I’ll never attend are behind me. Now, I focus on items that truly reflect who I am. It’s not about following trends; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in what I wear, no matter where I am in life.

      If you’re looking for a closet refresh or want to treat yourself to a few essential staples, I’ve compiled my favorite tried-and-true items below. These are the pieces I consistently rely on, and trust me—they’re worth every dollar. Let’s be honest, when you discover something that works, it’s hard not to stock up.

      Madewell's belts are a staple in my wardrobe, but I’ve embarrassingly bought this particular belt three times to adapt to significant changes in my body shape and size. I grew weary of going to the cobbler every few months to add new holes or making them myself with the belt hole puncher I purchased on Amazon. This belt is a favorite among our editors thanks to its sleek design and chunky hardware. I own it in both silver and gold—whoops!

      Cotton-Blend Shirt, H&M

      This little H&M shirt has become a favorite of mine. I’ve already repurchased it in the last two months. Unlike other white button-downs, this one isn’t overly stiff, making it more adaptable to my body changes than a slim-fitting or overly tailored shirt. Plus, at a price of just $20, it’s a guilt-free addition to my cart during spontaneous H&M hauls.

      The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant, Madewell

      If there’s one item I strongly encourage you to buy from this list, it’s Madewell's Harlow Wide-Leg Pants. I own them in two colors, black and chocolate brown, and I’ve also been gifted a couple of additional pairs. You know an item is great when you have multiples in your wardrobe. I pair these with nearly everything—white T-shirts, satin tops, car coats, and so on. Their roomy wide-leg cut also provides extra comfort during long flights. No more yoga pants at the airport!

      Wool V Neck Sweater, Almina Concept

      If I could marry a sweater, I would probably pen long, flowery vows about this Almina Concept V-neck. Created in Seoul and sold in Los Angeles, Almina Concept is a label I’ve admired for years. After purchasing its oversized, slouchy V-neck last year, I’ve expanded my collection to include various colors and styles. For reference, most of the brand's V-neck sweaters run quite large (I wore