THE BEST IN MY CLOSET

I did another closet edit. I want to get my wardrobe as streamlined as possible, so I'm in a serious purging moment. It started with a long overdue project refreshing the bedrooms of my two sons who no longer live here. Once I cleared out those rooms, the urge to purge continued into other rooms and landed, full force, in my closet. I feel like I just did this recently, but the dent wasn't significant. This time I'm going piece by piece and trying everything on. I wish I could say it was done in one step, but it's too much, so I'm tackling a section at a time. Throughout, I've added styling collages showing how each piece actually gets used, pulling in other parts of the closet. This is the first in a series on what remains.

White denim - a spring and summer staple that can stretch year round. White always feels more dressed than blue yet is just as comfortable. I have several silhouettes since I wear white so often. One detail that matters here is the amount of cotton in the denim. Ideally 100%, but realistically, a little stretch is appreciated. My only no for white denim is a tight style. I've never liked the look on me. I parted with a few Levi's (no longer found them flattering or necessary), a pair from FRAME that lost their shape, and an old J.Crew with pockets visible through the fabric. Post-edit, here's what remains by silhouette. Note: I've bundled off-white and natural denim into this category.

• Wide leg: TWP, the strongest in this cut.

• Cropped wide leg: NILI LOTAN.

• Casual trouser: J.Crew patch pocket, on sale.

• Slim, straight: Frame and J.Crew (also on sale).

• Tapered leg: COS.

• Classic, vintage inspired: Good American, which stepped in where the Levi's left off with a clean, no-fuss look. The contrast stitching is a nice touch and elevates them a bit.

Blue denim - you've seen me do a lot on Instagram around blue denim. It really is the workhorse category in my closet and usually the starting point when putting together a look. My decision usually comes down to the shoe: if I need a comfortable flat for walking, will it be a sandal or a loafer? Is it a boot day or a low heel for dinner? Once the function is in place, I go for silhouette. With this edit, I parted with styles too similar to others and kept only the strongest of each. I tried every single pair on, so I have a clear picture of what's working now. Here's what remains by silhouette.

• Slim and straight: FRAME - they work with flat sandals, loafers, boots, or heels. I have them in a faded and dark blue wash.

• Classic, straight, crop: Good American in an ankle-length faded wash (ideal with any flat) and a slimmer cropped style from FRAME.

• Wide leg: TWP, the Tiny Dancer for more of a statement.

• Mid-rise, flare: Nili Lotan The Celia, beautifully faded, my preference with a low-heeled boot, sandal, or loafer.

• Tapered leg: COS, relaxed and easy, pairs well with flats.

• Travel jean: Mother, high waist, full length, wide leg, decent stretch. The shape moves from day to night and holds up after multiple wears. I kept two washes in this one.

Black denim - when there's a winner in blue or white, it usually gets duplicated in black. This is where Mother (the travel jean) and FRAME (long, lean) come in. Both have a slight fade, so I also kept a few styles in a pure black that step in for a black pant.

• An exaggerated wide leg: from MOTHER in a thick denim with a high waist. They’re a statement trouser-like style in an inky unfaded black.

• A slim, fitted crop: Frame, these are the most versatile of all my crops easily transitioning between day and night. I dress them up with a heel if needed. Pure black, no visible signs of denim which allow them to works as a black pant.

White tees - different shapes fill different needs, so there's always more than one. All crews.

• The classic: COS for a basic that's neither fitted nor boxy, in a sturdy cotton. The neckline falls in the perfect spot for layering, showing just the right amount of white under a sweater.

• The worn-in: J.Crew, soft, vintage in feel, best with other casual pieces like faded jeans.

• Oversized: my most recent obsession is a generous shape from Sold Out NYC, Xirena, and TWP, each in varying weights that result in different drape. I like them tucked into a slim bottom, sometimes with the sleeves rolled. They look the most modern to me right now.

Shirts - my closet has a mix of button-downs from TWP, Nili Lotan, and COS. I love a crisp classic poplin and a traditional stripe but will also dip into color or design forward styles in this category of my closet.

• TWP has the greatest variety, from simple cotton to sheer ruffles and lightweight linens. Even in their most basic form there's something worth a second look: an unusual cuff, a stripe that catches your eye, a unique color. They're just all so good.

• For something timeless, Nili Lotan is my go-to. I have several and they've held up in shape, color, and quality over the years.

• COS covers the range from simple poplin to design-forward silhouettes at an approachable price.

• Comme Si is the latest addition, in a beige stripe and light blue. The construction is fabulous. They run more oversized than the rest, but not sloppy.

• Summer shirts - these all have a more relaxed vibe perfect for vacation and casual styling. Xirena and APIECE APART: unstructured, lightweight cotton or gauze. ME+EM: a striped seersucker. L’AGENCE: a crisp black and white stripe that doubles as a cover-up (with matching shorts).

Sweaters - I have a hard time parting with sweaters, which explains why even after an edit, I still have considerable inventory. I run cold year round, so cashmere functions for me no matter the season. COS anchors the category: crews and turtlenecks in black and a range of neutrals that function as the foundation. The styles stay the same, but I'll occasionally add a new color. From there, everything else brings something more specific.

• The La Ligne Mini Marin is one of my favorite shapes, a cropped crew with a thickly ribbed neckline that adds weight and attention in a way that's subtle but unmistakably intentional. I have it in both cotton and cashmere.

• Demylee is a newer brand I doubt I would have discovered on my own. They gifted me a monogrammed sleeve cotton style last fall that quickly became a constant. I've since added another in tan and a stripe. I love the weight of the cotton and the slightly shortened sleeve, which gives the sweater a not overly familiar look. In the last month I've transitioned to their lightweight linen-cotton blend in ivory that's already seen a lot of wear.

• Oversized cotton cable rollnecks from J.Crew. I like the substantial look in a light, open weave cotton.

• And in an effort to step out of a neutral palette, I just brought in a pale pink finely woven cashmere from &DAUGHTER. I plan to wear it with muddy neutrals and khakis.