8 Tips to Finally Reclaim Your Closet Space

An organized closet is the stuff of dreams. It makes life easier when you can find exactly what you want to wear and the right bag and shoes without having to dig through a giant mess. Don’t fret if your current closet situation is more of an eyesore than you’d like (have you tried organizing based on your style?). We’ve got tips galore to detox that clutter mountain (AKA your closet). We asked BFFs Brittney Ben Moshe and Ali Macer for their best closet organizing tips. Ben Moshe and Macer are the co-founders of StyleLab — an on-demand personal stylist and shopper service — and have even whipped my own closet into shape.

1. Purge. First things first: Purge your closet. If you haven’t worn an item in a year, donate or sell it. Only keep pieces that make you happy. “Why keep it if it doesn’t bring you joy?” asks Ben Moshe. “Keep things that you love and feel great in. Clothes that make you feel confident are key.” If there’s a piece that you can’t bear to part with, the stylist duo recommends turning the hanger with the item on it the opposite direction of the rest of the clothes in your closet. “Give it a month,” recommends Macer. “If you didn’t wear it, let it go.”

2. Categorize and color-coordinate. Ben Moshe and Macer like to keep their closets organized by category: all blouses together, pants together, dresses, etc. That way, if you’re looking for a specific item, you can quickly find it in the right section. Once you’ve categorized your wardrobe, color coordinate each category. “Start with light colors and slowly move to darker,” Macer suggests.

3. Preselect outfits. If you struggle to pull together an outfit in the morning, take some time the previous evening to preselect what you want to wear the next day and put it all on one hanger. “For example, some of our clients like outfits prepped, so we pair a bottom with two top options, a belt, and a necklace all on one hanger,” says Ben Moshe.

4. Take out random hangers. Switch them out with velvet hangers, which are instant space-savers. If you have a tiny closet, Macer recommends doubling up two pairs of pants per hanger or even using a tiered pant hanger to keep things organized.

5. Wrangle your shoe collection. Store shoes with one pair facing forward and another pair facing back. If you have more shoes than you can find room for, a shoe organizer and this technique will save you some space. Parting ways with any pairs of shoes that you haven’t worn recently is another great way to declutter. If you’re storing your shoes in your closet, Ben Moshe recommends buying an odor eliminator to keep your closet (and your clothes) smelling fresh.

6. Snag some organizing tools. StyleLab stylist Chloée O’Hayon-Crosby says that belt hangers are a fantastic purchase that save a ton of closet space. In fact, they’re her favorite closet organizer. Ben Moshe favors baskets for belts and other accessories. “Drawer dividers are great for bigger dressers to keep things in their lane,” shares Macer.

7. Roll clothes to save space. If you’re tight on space, roll your clothes. “We love rolling all of our workout clothes,” Ben Moshe tells us. When you’re packing for a trip, this trick is also super-handy to squeeze all the space you can out of your suitcase.

8. Cultivate this simple organizing habit. The best way to keep your newly reorganized closet in tip-top shape is to always put your clothes back right away. “If you get into this habit, you will be surprised how long your work will last,” encourages Macer.

Do you have a great closet management tip? Tweet us @BritandCo to let us know how you keep yourself organized.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Photos via StyleLab)

At the mere mention of the word “wardrobe,” you're likely already thinking about that packed-to-the-brim rack in your closet. It takes up space, as you frantically sift through your stuff to find an outfit for the day, flinging tops and trousers to the floor left and right. Meet the capsule wardrobe, eliminating the need for a huge physical wardrobe entirely, when done correctly.

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that can be styled in different ways all together. Typically, all the pieces in a capsule wardrobe have a sense of harmony, color-coordinating while not being too matchy-matchy. The goal of a capsule wardrobe is to maximize each piece’s use, so everything is worn, simplifying your consumption habits and getting-ready process.

How do I make a capsule wardrobe?

Previews of capsule wardrobes that we see on social media commonly adhere to neutral palettes only, full of nudes, browns, and whites. While that clean girl-esque color collection may work for some people, it’s important to strive for a capsule wardrobe that feels uniquely you.

To build your capsule wardrobe, you don't need to discard everything you own to start anew – just work with what you already have! Consider your most-worn items first. Which pieces are your favorites? It’s also important to evaluate their practicality. Does the piece match with other items?

The Capsule Wardrobe 54321 Rule

Photo by Ron Lach / PEXELS

There’s a quick guide for developing a capsule wardrobe — the 54321 Rule. Traditionally, a capsule wardrobe following the guide consists of: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 sweaters or layering options, and 1 coat, depending on weather. Obviously, your location and lifestyle will impact what fits into your 54321, but the good news is that it’s adaptable!

How big is a capsule wardrobe?

Capsule wardrobes can be as small as 10 pieces, or as large as 40. The overarching motive behind capsule wardrobes is they can save you money, time, and closet space, but also aren’t overly restrictive. The amount of clothes in your capsule will depend on your lifestyle, so it’s up to you to choose what’s best for you.

You also don’t have to wear your personal edit (AKA the clothes you select for your capsule) for the rest of time. Capsule wardrobe pieces can also come and go! If you feel a piece has run its course (like that beloved sweater you have with the unfortunate armpit hole), you can either donate or upcycle it (thrifting FTW)!

Why is a capsule wardrobe good?

Image via Brit + Co.

Being able to curate a small collection of clothing for your capsule wardrobe may seem difficult, but the more practice you get with it, the more you’ll understand your personal style. By having a capsule wardrobe, you get to see exactly what you wear and what you don’t with utmost clarity.

Not only are they beneficial to developing personal style, participating in a capsule wardrobe offsets a lot of the consumerist ideals that pervade our daily habits. What if you invested $100 on a quality wardrobe piece that you truly loved and think you’d wear forever instead of $10 on 10 cheap ones that’ll get donated in a matter of months? Capsule wardrobes combat the waste and emissions from fast fashion – to its core, capsule wardrobes are de-influencing in action!

Sign up for our newsletter for more tips on simplifying your habits!

Header photo by piotr szulawski / Unsplash

I love sappy, sweet-as-candy rom-coms. You know, the ones where two leads spend the entire movie pursuing other people only to realize they were in love with each other the whole time. The movie usually takes place in a big city or a small town (and sometimes both), there's a quirky best friend, and there's always a big declaration of love before the credits roll. And while these straightforward movies are always on my watchlist, I also love the wacky movies that involve hilarious misunderstandings, ridiculous fight scenes, and gravity-defying Dirty Dancing movies (yes, I'm talking about Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling'sCrazy Stupid Love here). Humor always makes a movie even more enjoyable to watch, and A Family Affair is as wacky as they come. The movie reunites Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, who played opposite each other ten years ago, and this time, Joey King's added into the mix. Here's everything you need to know about the new summer movie.

What is the movie A Family Affair about?

Image via Netflix

Like any good rom com, A Family Affair is all about a surprising romance — just not the kind Zara might be hoping for. When her mother (Nicole Kidman) and her famous actor boss (Zac Efron) fall for each other, their newfound relationship complicates everyone's ideas of sex and identity, and Zara's entire life. And, just like you might expect when your boss and mother hook up, chaotic hilarity ensues.

When does A Family Affair come out?

You can watch A Family Affair on Netflix starting June 28.

Who's in the A Family Affair movie cast?

Image via Netflix

Joey King, Zac Efron, and Nicole Kidman lead this new rom-com, and they're joined by a few of our other favorite actors! A Family Affair also stars Liza Koshy and Kathy Bates.

What does A Family Affair mean?

Image via Netflix

A family affair refers to a situation that's connected to someone's family in one way or another. For me, being an adult has been all about establishing work-life balance, and I'm sure the same is true for Zara. I can't wait to see how this movie's unexpected romance turns everything upside down.

What else did Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron star in?

Image via Netflix

Before they were cast in A Family Affair, Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman played lovers in The Paperboy in 2012. Familiarity and comfort are two super important things in any romantic role, and I can already tell from these first look images that Zac and Nicole not only have awesome chemistry, but they're comfortable enough around each other to just have fun. And that's all we can ask for from a good movie!

What would YOU do if your boss and one of your parents hooked up? Let us know in the comments and on Facebook!

Lead image via Netflix

Some things just work together. Peanut butter and jelly. Coffee and a book. Stripes and… florals? That pairing may not be where your mind initially goes, but just hear us out. Mix and match fashion pairs the unexpected to yield a totally stylish and totally chic outfit. If you’re looking to break the wardrobe rules, try mixing and matching the patterned pieces living in your closet. Here’s how to embrace the chaotic clash of ginghams, spirals, zig-zags, and beyond.

How To Rock Mix & Match Fashion

1. Match bigger, bolder patterns with more subdued ones.
By matching bold patterns with quieter ones, you create a balance that’s pleasing to the eye, instead of being heavily doused in head-to-toe patterns. Unless that’s your vibe, then go for it! Personal style is just that — personal.

2. It’s never a bad idea to go back to basics with color.

There are lots of options, so funneling your choices by palette can be helpful. Glance at your closet for a more monochromatic palette, or aim to mix and match complimentary colors: yellow and blue, orange and purple, etc.

3. Invest in neutral patterned basics.
Having neutral, earth-toned patterned basics supply a sturdy foundation for you to build your eclectic outfits on. Think cream-colored trousers with small polka dots, or a cozy t-shirt with tiny stripes. From there, you can layer on your most striking explosions of color and pattern.

4. Break the rules.
What was once a fashion faux pas is no longer. As long as you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you’re doing the mix and match fashion trend right.

Patterned Tops For Mixing & Matching Your Outfits

RESA Ida Top in Sublime ($68)

We live for bold and thick patterns. This shirt wears well with smaller, more discreet patterns, like baby polka dots or flowers.

Nooworks Bug Out Turtleneck ($74)

Silly vibes only. You can definitely elevate this pattern as much as your heart desires, pairing it with a colorblocked mini skirt, or flowy silk pants.

Maeve Harmon Jacquard Sweater Tee in Pink Combo ($98)

This classy top has one request: a patterned trouser to be besties with. Your mix and match game won't be the same after sporting this sweater tee.

NA-KD Checkered Tube Top ($40)

These broader, wider checkered patterns partner up with small stripes seamlessly. This separate top also gives off a vibrant pop of color for all your spring and summer outfits!

Gorman Scrapbook Reversible Jacket ($289)

If the type of person to switch things up often, you need to take a peek at this jacket. It comes in a reversible design where each side exhibits a unique, colorful pattern for you to dress up or down!

Ksubi Transfer Ls Top Cyberflora ($140)

This top's see-through material makes a play on more patterns using a balance between positive and negative space. Take these darker colors a step further by pairing this piece with black pinstripe pants, or a pleated midi skirt.

ASTR The Label Tourist Abstract Print Button Down Crop Top ($78)

Sport some color this spring with this daring button down top. The multicolor palette is reminiscent of warm weather, so your seasonal wardrobe gets a taste of sunny days. Combine this top with vertical striped bottoms for an impressive mix and match outfit!

Eliza Faulkner 80s Stripe Venti Shirt ($219)

This breezy shirt is a one-and-done for a mix and match wardrobe because it features three different colors all at once. Play around with more patterns on the bottom with tailored pants or a maxi skirt.

RHODE Cassie Cardigan ($188)

Immerse yourself in all things wacky and wavy by flaunting this button-up cardigan. This piece mixes wonderfully with a subtly patterned jean and black pumps.

ASTR The Label Lin Floral Puff Sleeve Top ($88)

This structured top flirts with the floral patterns of spring. The range of colors gives you a good starting point in finding some patterned bottoms to mix and match with, too!

Helsa Oversized Rugby Shirt ($268)

Oversized fashion is all the rage right now, so why not take things a trendy step further by pattern mixing this rugby top? The thicker stripes make way for you to pair this top with dainty patterns like dots and florals on the bottom.

Farmrio Multi Stitches Crochet Blouse ($215)

Think of this daring crochet top as the centerpiece to your mixed and matched outfit. The multicolor palette alongside a striped pattern ensures all eyes are on you this season.

Mix & Match Patterned Bottoms

Dickies Drewsey Camo Wide-Leg Pant ($65)

Okay, we know how scary wearing camouflage sounds, but this style is everything. They've got perfectly subtle patterns, plus the wide-leg silhouette is nothing short of flattering for every body type, so you can mix and match them with almost anything.

Montce Helena Floral Micro Bike Short ($70)

Go all the way mini with these floral bike shorts. They're made from ultra soft material, so you don't even have to worry about comfort with your cute and crafty 'fit.

Jen7 by 7 For All Mankind Floral Kick Crop Jeans ($99)

The cropped hem on these flower-adorned jeans is just right for spring. This floral pattern fares flawlessly with a striped pullover...maybe even that striped rugby shirt we love so much!

NA-KD Wrapped Detail Midi Skirt in Leopard ($50)

This cozy wrap skirt helps you build a superior mix and match 'fit with its bright, bold pattern. The material is light and flowy, too, so you can move through spring fashion like a breeze.

Paradised Surf Printed Wide-Leg Pants ($275)

Color lovers will happily pull on this pair of patterned pants. These are definitely a statement in their own right, but you can take them to the next level and find another pattern to wear on top. We're thinking a navy cardigan with polka dots or a yellow tank with tiny stripes!

Vans Twill Range Print Relaxed Pant ($60)

We'll never deny ourselves a chance to wear comfy pant. This pair has a low-contrast checkered pattern that's just meant to be mixed with a chartreuse sweater, or purple baby tee.

Big Bud Press Lazy Daisy Jacquard Western Pants in Green ($150)

Florals are always in for springtime. These 70s-esque wide leg pants are bright enough to show off its daisy pattern, but won't distract from the other patterns in your wardrobe.

Old Navy High-Waisted Long Biker Shorts ($6)

Let a little leg out in the name of warmer weather. These stretchy biker shorts go so well with an eye-catching striped polo tee or sweatshirt for a chill day out!

Reformation Olina Silk Pant ($178)

Don't forget that you can mix and match different fabrics, too. This smooth, silky pant finds a friend in chunky, textured knits.

H&M Flared Pants ($30)

Play with a bold pattern like this with lots of contrast. On top, you can reach for a milder, monochrome blouse or sweater to balance it all out.

J. Crew Gwyneth Slip Skirt in Gramercy Gingham Linen ($128)

Staying within an easy-to-pair color palette like blacks and whites starts your mix-y, match-y outfit journey off strong.

More Mix & Match Outfit Inspo

Here are the ladies we look to for all our mix and match inspiration!

Sign up for our newsletter for more seasonal fashion picks!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

From running on 3 hours of sleep to constant diaper changes, mamas do so much. We've teamed up with @diapergenieofficial for a special Mother’s Day gift to make things easier for new moms: receive a FREE Diaper Genie Select Pail with square refill technology, plus enough refills to get you off to a great start! The giveaway will consist of one Select Pail + four Jumbo Refills for an associated value of up to $118. Say goodbye to diaper odors in style with this sleek, easy-to-use pail. The winner will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card to shop for all their baby and household needs. Check the deets below!

Enter to win a new Diaper Genie Select Pail and four Jumbo Refills here. Giveaway ends on May 31. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 5.

Good luck mamas! #DiaperGenie #MothersDayMagic

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading books in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.

Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.

Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 24 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 16 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Image via Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Image via Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

Be sure to follow our weekly newsletter for more updates!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Header Image via Amazon