Five wardrobe essentials you should never throw away

Moto denim from Topshop. If you can find a cut of jeans that works for you and boosts your confidence, it’s something worth holding on to

As the seasons change, so do our wardrobes but when it comes to the big sartorial spring clean, we can have the tendency to throw away more than we really need to.

While clearing out your wardrobe feels good, and is often completely necessary, there are times when you might be too quick to toss away an item that could serve you well later on.

The issue here is that while trends will come and go, wardrobe staples never change – those basic items that look good and remain consistent year after year, of which you can never tire of finding new ways to wear. So before you tackle your big closet clear-out, take a look at our list of the items worth holding on to.

White Trainers

Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers, £315, Net-a-Porter

Comfortable, versatile and effortlessly stylish, a pair of white sneakers can be worn with everything from a simple jeans and T-shirt combo to smart tailoring, so don’t be too quick to ditch your go-to trainers. How do you make sure they stay looking box-fresh whatever the weather? The key here is to treat them with a protection spray before wearing, or if it’s too late for that, wipe away any superficial marks by hand.

The perfect pair of jeans

Moto Mid Blue Straight Leg Jeans, £40, Topshop

A fashion staple that has been around for decades and will no doubt remain for many, many more, everyone needs a pair of jeans that make them look and feel like a million dollars. Most of us have a favourite pair of worn-in denim bottoms that have seen better days, but no matter how old or faded they are, anything that gives you that kind of confidence boost is worth keeping hold of.

Designer Handbag

Loewe Puzzle Leather Bag, £1,725, Matches Fashion

Besides keeping clothes for the way they look, or indeed sentimental value, believe it or not there are financial reasons too.

Fashion lovers who have been lucky enough to get their hands on a designer bag will know all too well the feeling you have from making your first purchase, and no matter how much style changes over time, that will never fade. But, neither will its value – in fact, some designer goods can actually fetch more a few years down the line.

If you don’t fancy parting ways with your purse at that point, you could leave it on display instead.

Cashmere jumper

Midnight Blue Aran Boyfriend Sweater, £350, Chinti & Parker

An expensive investment at the outset, a cashmere jumper might seem like an unnecessary splurge but all is forgiven once you realise just how long it will serve you.

If you want it to reach its full potential and stand the test of time you’re going to need to care for it properly. If possible, always get your cashmere dry-cleaned and invest in a specially designed comb to carefully remove any signs of bobbling.

Trench Coat

Trench Coat, £69.99, H&M

One of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe, a trench coat is the answer to looking put together all year round.

A classic piece of outerwear that looks good with everything from weekend-wear to your favourite LBD, it’s undoubtedly the cornerstone of any well-edited wardrobe.

While there are plenty of iterations available, we suggest investing in a colour and style that remains true to the coat’s heritage with khaki hues.