Do you need a fashion fix-me-up?
If you've been coveting the latest looks online but don't have the time or money to shop, don't fret. There are tons of ways to spice up your look and revamp your wardrobe without heading to the mall.
You can easily assess what you have already and find new ways to make it work with these tips below. Check out the different ways to for how to style the clothes you already have!
Clean out Your Closet
This likely sounds counterintuitive since you aren't going to be purchasing any new clothes. You may be wondering "Why would I get rid of the ones I already have?". Trust us. A chaotic closet filled with stuff you don't even wear isn't going to up your style game.
You want to clear through the clutter to determine which pieces still fit you and what you actually like. Chances are if your closet is an overflowing and unorganized mess filled with old T-shirts from high school or those weird pants you bought on your last vacation, you're already resorting to wearing the same few pieces of clothing every day.
When things become chaotic, we can't really see what we have. We just end up rifling through the stuff we know we won't wear in search of those few go-to items we know won't let us down. With that, we aren't thinking creatively about how to style those outfits because well, we don't even know what else is in the closet.
Doing a closet cleanse can make you feel like a million bucks and have you seeing your clothing through new eyes. Suddenly, everything in your closet will be stuff you love and want to wear because you've removed everything else.
Here's how to approach the cleanse.
Keep
As you're going through each item, yes, each and every item, you'll want to separate them into categories. The first will be a "keep" pile. These are clothes you wear frequently, at least within the last six months, and are constantly in your rotation. Not only do you wear these items, but you like them and feel confident and cute in them.
If you have items that you wear a lot but they make you feel unattractive, messy or they're ill-fitting, that's not a good reason to keep them. You have to wear them, like them and love the way they make you feel. Then they're a keeper!
Donate
This is the pile of clothing that you no longer like, no longer wear or don't make you feel fashionable when you put them on. Items could range from something you've had forever and have simply seen their day to newer things that were maybe a mistake to purchase in the first place because you never wanted to wear them.
Unless the item is worn to the point of damage, you want to try to fit most items you're removing into this pile. Someone else can get good use out of them and you get a tax write off when you donate to most charities.
Trash
Exactly what you think. These are for any items that have tears, holes or have been worn to the point of no return. They should be in such bad shape that you wouldn't consider purchasing them from a discount or vintage store yourself. Just throw them in a garbage back and be done with it!
Tailor
This is a bit trickier but an important category. Let's say you love a piece of clothing but never wear it because it just doesn't quite fit correctly. This is your chance to take that item to the tailor and suit it just to you.
But wait one second. Tailoring costs can add up so it's important to determine the value of the item and see if the cost of tailoring makes sense. For example, if you paid forty dollars for a pair of pants but hemming will cost you another thirty, you're probably better of giving them away and putting that money toward a new item altogether.
On the flip side. Sometimes we love a piece of clothing and wish more than anything it fit like a glove because then we'd wear it all the time. If this is the case for any of your items, tailoring may be worth it.
Now that you have a system for pairing down what's in your closet, let's talk about what to do with the pieces you're left with.
Button Down Shirt
A crisp button-down, collared shirt is a staple in most people's wardrobe. Whether you wear it to work or for a casual dinner out, it's a basic piece that can do no wrong. There are several ways to style this classic that can mix up your outfit and make you feel like you're wearing something new.
Roll up the Sleeves
If you're wearing your button down shirt for a day at the office, chances are you're keeping it a little more formal and wear the sleeves down or cuffed. Make the look more casual by rolling the sleeves up just above the elbow and unbuttoning the top two buttons of the shirt.
This gives a more relaxed, nonchalant appearance and makes any outfit cooler by still using a formal, classic piece.
Pair with Denim
The buttoned-down shirt is not just reserved for the office. This can be a cute weekend shirt or a casual look to wear to dinner after business hours. Pairing the shirt with denim will up the cool factor, especially if you opt for some stellar high heels to wear with them.
With this look, you can tuck the shirt into the jeans or leave the shirt long on top for a more boyfriend, relaxed feel. No matter what, make sure you keep those sleeves rolled up and the first two buttons of the shirt undone to maintain that effortlessly chic look.
Cross or Tie It
Spice up your look by changing the functionality of the button down shirt. instead of buttoning it all the way down, stop at the last few buttons and tie the shirt together in a knot. This shortens the length of the shirt and automatically gives you a waist.
It's a fun and flirty way to wear a button-down and also perfect for the warmer months. You can also cross the panels of the shirt over one another, almost like you're tying a wrap dress around your body and then tuck the ends into your pants or skirt.
When styling the shirt this way, you won't see the buttons at all so it will feel like a completely different top without going shopping.
Blazer
Another classic piece that is typically reserved for the office but that has been making a huge splash in street style for the last few years. You can't go wrong with a well-fitted blazer in a neutral color like white, black or grey. Here are some ways to style it.
Pair with a T-shirt
There is something so chic about pairing a structured blazer with a casual, laid-back t-shirt. It immediately removes any office vibe from the picture but is still a professional, sophisticated and classy look. If you want to keep it simple, select a plain t-shirt or go for a graphic or rocker shirt if you want to make more of a statement.
With Sneakers
The dichotomy of a professional looking blazer and a fun, edgy pair of sneakers is a fun fashion statement that requires no work at all. Try to select a daytime sneaker as opposed to a running shoe or ones you use to go to the gym.
A crisp white, low-top sneaker like the Adidas Stan Smiths or Superga is a perfect choice. Or go a little edgier with Vans. Really, any cute and clean tennis shoe will work and create a cool-girl vibe that is right on trend.
Over the Shoulder
Perhaps the most simple way to change up your look is to drape the blazer over your shoulders as opposed to putting it on all the way. Wear it like a cape and all of a sudden your a fashionista. It may sound simple but wearing the jacket this way completely changes the way you look and feel in it.
Denim
There's no doubt your closet is filled with at least a few pairs of jeans. You probably have your go-to favorites, that fit you like a glove. If you've been wearing them the same way and with the same other pieces for a while, it will be refreshing to mix it up and pair them with some things you may not have considered.
Roll It
Once again, an easy and totally free way to change an already existing piece of clothing. By cuffing or rolling up the bottom of your jeans, you can completely modify the look. If you haven't tried it yet, you may be surprised to learn that some of your jeans may even look better when rolled.
Pair with Heels
Demin and heels may seem like an odd pairing at first. After all, jeans are usually an everyday casual item and heels are typically reserved for more formal occasions. Break the basic fashion rules and don't hesitate to take your favorite jeans and pair them with a fancy, colorful heel.
You'll feel like a model walking the runaway and it will add instant sophistication and style to your usual look. You can also pair your jeans with a neutral or dark heel and make the look business casual and perfect for the office.
Top It
Swap out the casual t-shirt that you may typically pair with your jeans. Instead, pick out your fanciest top that you usually pair with a nice skirt or dress pants. The balance of fancy and casual is a cool and stylish look that can take you from day into night without having to change clothes!
Accessorize
Accessorizing is often last on the list of things to worry about when you're rushing out the door to take on the day. You may notice you're not wearing jewelry or that you've been carrying around the same purse for months because you don't have time to swap it out for another sitting in your closet.
With some small touches, you can make your already existing accessories really work for you. They can elevate an outfit if you add thoughtful pieces that accentuate what you're already wearing.
Belt It
Belts are more than just a functional piece waiting to be put on when something is too big. Belts can add style to your outfit and help with the silhouette. Consider wrapping a belt around your blazer and all of a sudden, you've changed the way the piece appears.
You can also add a belt when wearing denim for some extra embellishment and to make the outfit less casual. Putting a belt on makes it look like your outfit was styled and thought out, which makes it seem more fashion forward.
Add a Statement Earring
Statement earrings are all the rage right now. From hoops to tassels there are so many to choose from. Take stock of what you already have at home. Has it been a while since you've worn earrings? They're easy to forget when you're dashing to the door but they can do so much to enhance your outfit.
Pick the Right Purse
The right bag can make your outfit pop. Before you head out the door, see if your purse works with what you're wearing or if there's another option in your closet that can take it to the next level. Don't be afraid to mix it up. Pair a fancy clutch with your white button-down shirt, jeans, and heels.
Be careful that the bag isn't stealing the show. If it's too big or drab, it can actually distract from your cute outfit and become the accidental focal point of what you have on.
Now That You Know How to Style the Clothes You Already Have; Get Started Today!
These tips and tricks on how to style the clothes you already have will give your style a makeover without having to spend a dime.
Just remember to keep basic pieces that can be mixed and matched with other items in your closet. There are some items that will never go out of style.
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