I Tried the Closet Hanger Trick—Here’s What I Wore the Most and What I Ditched

Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one Who What Wear team member or friend of the brand will share the top 25 finds on their current wish list.

When I first saw the below video about the hanger method for cleaning out your closet I was honestly in shock. First of all, what a genius idea? Second of all, why didn’t I think of this before? I knew I was in need of a closet purge because it had been quite awhile since I sold or donated anything, but I didn’t realize how badly until I tried this life-changing hack.

Here’s how it works: make sure all of your hangers are in the same direction to start and when you wear something, simply hang it back up facing the opposite direction. I did this for about six months and found so many items I didn’t wear. Some were occasion-based pieces, like wedding guest dresses, that understandably went unworn but a lot were items I simply don’t have much use for anymore. Here’s what I discovered I wore the most in 2020 and which items are getting the boot. 

My “going out” days have been over for a minute now and it turns out, for better or for worse, that my crop top days are too. I guess that’s the result of entering my late twenties (sigh). They noticeably were replaced with a plethora of ribbed tanks last year and I can’t say I’m mad about it.

The $20 basic you most definitely need immediately.

Super skinny straps? Yes, please.

A deep v-neck for showing off all those cool necklaces you just bought.

Scoop this one up while it’s on sale or forever regret it.

BRB, drooling.

I didn’t wear a single romper last year (and maybe even the one before) so I think it’s time to part with the style altogether. Instead I wore tons of comfortable house dresses. You know, the slightly oversize ones that almost resemble pajamas.

This one has me feeling giddy about summer. Too soon?

This lightweight frock looks so comfy.

The name of the dress is exactly how I feel.

Leave it to Ganni to have me swooning over a dress.

I’m very into this print.

The thought of wearing a silky blouse, or worse, a silky button down has me spiraling. I can’t imagine wearing a fabric like that now that I’m so used to comfy clothes. Cozy knits, especially cardigans, are my new go-to and I don’t anticipate that changing anytime soon.

I bet you won’t get more use out of anything in your spring wardrobe than you will this waffle-knit cardigan.

The collared sweater trend is ideal for those that usually stick to basics.

The cutest little cardigan.

I’ve officially been convinced to purchase a knit shrug.

I want this in all ten colors.

I know, I know. It’s not that I didn’t wear plenty of leggings or sweatpants this past year, but somehow I found myself getting “dressed up” in my favorite pairs of jeans too. I was, however, surprised to see that not a single pair of denim shorts got any use—not even on warm days.

These are about to be my new everyday denim.

I dare you to find a better pair of black straight-leg jeans for this price.

I always gravitate toward denim with an interesting detail like cool stitching.

A fresh white pair of jeans to kick off the season.

Split hem jeans are perfect for drawing attention to your favorite sandals.

My outerwear situation took an interesting turn in general during 2020, mostly because I moved from New York to Los Angeles. One category of jackets that I not only didn’t wear in LA but wouldn’t have reached for on the east coast either were bomber jackets. The trend had it’s moment and that moment has passed (for me!). Unsurprisingly, I wore sweatshirts li

This tie-dye option can be worn year round. 

ICYMI, bubblegum pink is the color to own this spring.

For when you’re in the mood to match your matcha.

The perfect logo sweatshirt to take you into spring.

I love this boxy fit.

Up next, shop this week’s best new arrivals.