The start of a new year brings a sense of clarity—and there is no better place to begin than your closet. If your wardrobe feels crowded, uninspiring, or disconnected from how you live today, January is the perfect moment for a thoughtful reset.

Each year, French Cuff Boutique invites our community to refresh their wardrobes with intention through Clean Out Your Closet for a Cause. Throughout the month of January, clients can bring in new or gently worn women’s clothing to donate in-store and receive 15% off each item for every piece donated.

All donated clothing directly benefits Star of Hope, a Houston-based organization dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women, and their children. Together, our community has donated over 15,000 items to Star of Hope since January 2017, turning everyday wardrobe edits into meaningful impact.

Below, we’re sharing seven stylist-approved tips to help guide your 2026 closet clean out—so you can make space for what truly serves you while giving back.

1. Keep the Pieces That Make You Feel Confident

As you begin your closet clean out, start by identifying the pieces you reach for most often. These are the garments that make you feel confident, comfortable, and put together—regardless of the occasion.

Whether it’s a perfectly tailored blazer, your favorite denim, or a silk blouse that always feels right, these are the items worth keeping. A successful wardrobe is not built on quantity, but on pieces that consistently support you.

2. Get Help Styling the “Almost” Pieces

We all own items we love but rarely wear because we’re unsure how to style them. Before donating these pieces, bring them into French Cuff Boutique or book a personal styling appointment.

Our team is always happy to help you reimagine how a piece fits into your current wardrobe—or help you decide when it’s time to let it go. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all it takes to make something feel new again.

3. Donate What You Haven’t Worn in a Year

If a piece has remained untouched through an entire year of seasons, it’s likely no longer aligned with your lifestyle or personal style. Rather than letting it take up valuable space, consider donating it to someone who truly needs it.

As an added bonus, you’ll receive 15% off a new item—making it easy to replace seldom-worn pieces with something you’ll love and wear often.

4. Keep Your Basics, Let Go of Duplicates

Wardrobe essentials are important, but duplicates often go unworn. One great neutral sweater or black tee can do more work than several versions you never quite choose.

Letting go of duplicates creates space for something intentional—an addition that complements your existing wardrobe and feels exciting to wear.

5. Release Pieces Still Wearing Their Tags

If an item still has its tags attached, it’s often a sign it was never quite right. Instead of letting it linger unworn, consider donating it during Clean Out Your Closet for a Cause.

You’ll support someone in need while choosing a piece you’ll be excited to wear immediately—no guilt, no hesitation.

6. Replace Well‑Loved, Worn‑Out Favorites

Wearing your favorite pieces often is a sign they truly earned their place. But when pilling, stretching, or wear go beyond repair, it’s time to update them.

Replacing a beloved staple with a refreshed version—better fabric, improved fit, or updated silhouette—keeps your style consistent while feeling renewed.

7. Donate Through Clean Out Your Closet for a Cause

Have women’s clothing ready to donate? Bring it to French Cuff Boutique anytime during January. For every new or gently worn item you donate, you’ll receive 15% off a new item, now through January 31st.

All donations benefit Star of Hope, a community organization providing critical support to homeless families and individuals. Your generosity helps extend dignity, warmth, and care to those who need it most.

A Meaningful Way to Start the New Year

Clean Out Your Closet for a Cause is more than a seasonal closet clean out—it’s a chance to begin the year with intention, generosity, and clarity. By editing your wardrobe thoughtfully and donating responsibly, you’re creating space not only in your closet, but in your community.

We’re grateful to continue this tradition with our clients and look forward to welcoming you in-store this January! Together, we can start 2026 feeling lighter, more aligned, and deeply connected to what matters most.