Spring break may mean fun in the sun to many of us, but it's also the perfect time to let go of all the extra stuff in our closets so we can really enjoy getting dressed for those vacation days ahead.

There are always clothes you need to get out of your closet, drawers and wherever else you stash them ... even the laundry bin. So spend a little time behind closed closet doors ... and start spring cleaning. But what to toss? Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

—The no-brainers. These are the stained sweatshirts, the holey sweaters, the mismatched socks and the souvenir T-shirts from the summer of 1973. There are just some things you don't need to hold onto forever. That shrunken crop top and low-slung jeans you looked so cute in five years ago before two kids came into your life have got to go. Donate them to the next generation of Britney Spears'.

—The oldies, but goodies. Yes, there are many more flashbacks that take up valuable fashion real estate in our closets. Think old prom dresses and ugly bridesmaid's dresses that you may have paid a small fortune for at the time, but now you don't even want to wear them as Halloween costumes. So get them out of your closet or give them to your neighbor's preschooler who loves to play dress up.

—The too too's. You'll be surprised at how many of these closet clutterers you've got tucked away. They're the too tight, too baggy or that just don't fit anymore. Whether you've lost weight or gained weight, you still keep these "too-too's" thinking you'll wear them again ... someday. But yes, I'm going to say it, someday usually never comes. Ditch them.

—The troublemakers. Most of us have a few of these in our closets, too. It's the silk shirt that's too much trouble to get dry-cleaned. Or the wrap skirt that won't stay wrapped. It's the jacket that never stays buttoned and the top with the low neckline that just keeps taking more and more of a plunge as the night wears on. Oh yes, and that ruffled blouse that always gaps in all the wrong places. These are all clothes that are just too much trouble to wear and take care of ... so we end up not wearing them. They need to go.

—The weak and weary. Sometimes these clothes will sneak up on us...we actually just keep wearing them and wearing them, not even realizing that they've grown very, very tired-looking and downright worn out. We're talking about that shapeless big sweater that has hung on a hanger way too long, the knit leggings that have been stretched to their limits, the skirt with all the sequins dangling by the threads or the flared jeans that have dragged the floors (and the dirt) for far too long. Time to reevaluate.

—The trendsetters. It's great to update your wardrobe with a few fresh items every season. But when you get into the habit of buying only throwaway trends season after season, then you end up with a closet full of cheap stuff that doesn't last (see weak and weary).

It's time to take a break and bring some balance into your closet. Instead of always buying more fast fashion, invest in more wardrobe classics — an updated trench, a statement jacket or a pair of classic cut straight leg trousers, a crisp white shirt or a midi pencil skirt. You'll be surprised at how much money you'll save in the long run...maybe enough to take a real spring break...at the beach.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.