If you’re tired of the same outfits that resurface year after year, it may be time for a wardrobe revamp.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you need to dig deep into your pockets.
Hidden gems may be buried in your closet already, waiting to be rediscovered.
How to Get Started
Take stock of every article of clothing and accessory you own.
“The best way to start being creative with new looks is to make sure your closet is well-edited and organized,” says Megan Evans, founder of The Well Coiffed Closet.
Start by pulling out the pieces you never wear.
“Then, you can determine whether it’s because they don’t fit, they are outdated, they have holes or because you just don’t know how to wear it,” she says.
Remember, these are the pieces that have the potential to be altered, so don’t immediately disregard them.
Versatile Pieces
You probably own a few pieces that essentially go with everything, says Evans.
Get creative and create multiple outfits with these multifunctional pieces:
- A black or grey blazer. Pair it with jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt to dress up a look, or wear it with a colorful skirt for added sophistication.
- A neutral pencil skirt in camel, grey, navy or black in a year-round fabric. Like the blazer, this can be paired with a tucked-in casual T-shirt or button-down blouse for a more polished look.
- A colorful scarf that complements your eyes and complexion. Scarves add pops of color to a neutral outfit.
- Fabulous pearls. No longer your grandmother’s jewelry, pearls can be worn over a loose flowy top, a cocktail dress, layered over a solid-colored sweater, or even worn backward with a back-revealing dress. Depending on how you wear them, pearls can take a look from casual-chic to polished.
Making Old Look New
Look for buried fashion treasure in your closet: The piece you never wear can always become your next favorite go-to.
“Altering a piece is the best way to give it new life,” says Evans.
“Remove shoulder pads from outdated tops and jackets, change the buttons to freshen up a jacket, or shorten a skirt that is drowning you out because it’s too long.”
Distressed jeans are hot for fall, and you can easily create them using a pair of older jeans.
Mixed fabrics and hardware — think patchwork to knees and zippers to pockets — can also be added to give a new look to plain pants.
If you’re extra crafty, transform a basic top by adding sheer fabric to the sleeves or neckline.
Mix and Match
When editing your closet, place like-pieces together: tops (with tanks, long-sleeve and short-sleeve as subcategories), skirts, blazers and pants.
“Once you see all your pieces, it’s easier to have fun and mix and match,” says Evans.
- Layer. Layering is functional and funky, and fall is the perfect time to experiment. Wear a short, flowy dress as a tunic over leggings and top with a cardigan and light scarf. Or layer a black T-shirt under a fun party dress.
- Play with trends. “A huge trend right now is black and white, which is easy to recreate because everyone should own those colors,” says Evans. “Rock an all-black look with a white jacket or mix up the black and white with various pieces and accessories.”
