Is your closet channeling 2019? You’re not alone

Has the realization hit yet?

Somehow, someway, it is possible to be tired of wearing the comfiest clothes in your closet.

Or, even more likely, you’re finally heading to an event – or even back to the office – and realize you have nothing to wear that seems current. Or maybe that fits.

“I think that a lot of people did take a break during COVID. There was not a lot of reason to get dressed up or go anywhere,” style influencer Marilyn Dikun said. “So now they want to get back out there and get the latest fashions.”

She recently asked on her Instagram account, @marilynjoan, whether her followers wanted to see workwear, “and the response was overwhelming,” she said. “So I know people are shopping again.”

Both she and fellow style influencer Kayla Waldner recently had returned from shopping trips to The Empire Mall and found stores were packed.

“Stores are super busy,” Waldner said. “I get it. It was bad. I was living in Lululemon Align leggings and oversized T-shirts. There were no events to go to, and when I would buy cute outfits, they would hang in my closet. I felt like I had lost my style. I didn’t even know how to get back into it.”

If you’re feeling the same, they and three other local fashion influencers – Britanni Boyd, Amanda Milan and Erica Wilcox – will be help you get styled for spring, selling their new or like-new clothing, accessories, skincare and home decor at a semi-annual closet sale Saturday at 2111 W. 49th St.

“I definitely think there’s a shift toward more dressier items,” Wilcox said. “For the past two years, it’s been a lot of loungewear and athleisure and a focus on comfy, and now we’re still seeing that, but I’m seeing a lot more people looking for wedding guest outfits, Easter attire, and with spring there’s a huge push for dresses in general, sandals, all those things.”

Trending for spring

The influencers point to color as the theme for the season ahead.

“Everything is so bold and bright colors,” Waldner said.

“I walked into Express because they follow trends well, and their whole store is hot pink, lavender purple; the grassy green color is super in. Very bright colors. Stripes. Big checkered pants. So you’ll see maybe a pair of ripped-up jeans, a super bright blue or green blazer and tan heels or a hot pink or very bright purse.”

She also points to skirt suits, trench coats and small-chunk black loafers as trending this season.

“I went with a lot of mock necks, ripped-up jeans, plain black sweaters with a puff sleeve and a little bit of crop,” she said.

As Dikun put together her workwear options, she went with a lot of neutrals, including ruffle sleeve tops, tailored pants and pencil skirts.

“I have a hard time straying because they’re so classic to me you can’t go wrong,” she said. “But I have had my eye on a few hot pink items lately, so there’s a little color catching my eye.”

The hottest trend in pants is high ankle, straight leg, Wilcox added.

“Distressed is big. The front slit is big, which is kind of a fun, different way to have your hemline, and I think the revival of lighter wash again,” she said. “I know for me personally I steered clear because it’s not as flattering, but with the styles and washing techniques now, I think it says more spring when you have that lighter wash.”

For colors, “I’ve seen a lot of lime green,” she continued. “The Pantone color of the year is that periwinkle purple, so I think traditionally with spring and summer, the more color the better. A lot of mix-and-matching prints. I feel like everything goes. A lot of all-over denim and matching your denim. I see chambray shirts with a denim bottom, and that’s fun too.”

Where to start

If you’re looking at your closet and wondering how to start an update, here’s some advice:

Dikun: “I am loving a subtle quilted jacket for a spring transition, and I will for sure be having loose ’90s fit, straight jeans as part of my wardrobe. And for sure you have to have one pair of white classic jeans. And you have to have a good jogger set because even though we want to get out more, you need those good in-home comfy lounge pieces.”

Waldner: “I feel like a nice crop tee with a high-waisted jean and a good bootie or heel is going to be in. You can’t go wrong with that. Blazers are in, those pop-of-color blazers. You just throw a little tank underneath and throw on a bold blazer, and you will be on trend. And if you buy one pair of whatever jean is in, you can make an outfit on trend easily.

Wilcox: “I always think getting some fresh denim – and white denim – we’re almost close to that time frame when we can whip out the white again. So just some fresh basics will get you through the season. I think fresh T-shirts, a good denim jacket, a good dress you can wear to the office that takes you from day to night to an after-work date with girlfriends.”

Blogger Closet Sale

The Blogger Closet Sale will be from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at 2111 W. 49th St., which is the corner of 49th and Western.

New additions include bouquets from The Bouquet Bar at Jane Rae Events — come early and you might snag a free one — mimosas sponsored by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars, plus music by DJ Wayne and decor from Queen City Balloons.

You’ll find a broad selection from sizes XS through XL, jeans 25 to 29 or 0 to 8, shoes sizes 7.5 to 10, plus a selection of home decor, new skincare and makeup, handbags and other accessories.

Follow the bloggers here:

• Britanni Boyd, @britannileigh
• Marilyn Dikun, @marilynjoan
• Amanda Millan, @lifewithamanda.ann
• Kayla Waldner, @kaylamarwaldner
• Erica Wilcox, @bestdressedblonde