Hey pretty girl! Welcome back to the blog! In a world of fast fashion and ever-changing trends, it’s easy to feel the urge to constantly refresh your wardrobe. However, before rushing to the mall or your favorite online shop, consider the treasures you may already have tucked away in your own closet. Shopping your closet not only promotes sustainability but also encourages creativity and self-expression. Here’s how to make the most of what you already own.
TAKE INVENTORY
Start by pulling everything out of your closet and organizing it. Create sections for tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories. This process will not only give you a clear overview of your wardrobe but also allow you to rediscover forgotten pieces that hold potential for new outfits. This starts off being my least liked task, but I always feel better after I complete it. Decluttering can be very time consuming, but it allows you to kinda start with a blank slate, assess what you have (determine if it’s too old, doesn’t fit your body or style) and determine what gaps exists. These gaps should be the beginning of your wardrobe wish list for the year – what wardrobe essentials/basics do you need? Do you have all of the essentials and you’re looking for a good trend piece to add to your wardrobe or an elevated basic? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself while taking inventory in your wardrobe.
MIX AND MATCH
Once you have a clear inventory, it’s time to experiment. Mix and match items you wouldn’t typically combine. Pair a casual graphic tee with a tailored blazer for an unexpected twist, or layer a classic dress over a slim-fitting turtleneck. The goal is to create fresh looks that reflect your personal style. I’ve been working on this a little bit as of late. If you have a very classic style aesthetic, mixing and matching can be difficult. One easy way to do this is to add a pop of color with an accessory. Try wearing all black (which is probably easy if you have a classic wardrobe and style aesthetic) and adding a cognac colored shoe and/or handbag or if you’re wearing a monochrome look, try adding a shoe in a contrasting color.
ACCESORIZE WISELY
Accessories can transform an outfit in an instant. Consider how different scarves, belts, or statement jewelry can elevate your ensemble. A simple change, like adding a bold necklace or swapping out a belt, can make all the difference. Accessories are simply AMAZING! They are the unsung heroes in your wardrobe. From jewelry, to shoes, scarves and belts…adding the right accessories to your look easily adds interest to your outfit.
EMBRACE LAYERING
Layering is not only practical for fluctuating temperatures but also a stylish way to create depth in your outfits. Try layering a lightweight turtleneck under a dress or pairing a denim jacket with a more formal outfit. Don’t be afraid to play with textures and lengths for added flair. I’ve been layering for years! Before blogging and influencing was a “thing,” I remember being in my early twenties wearing tanks under halter dresses to make them more appropriate for the office. I also used to wear dresses over jeans with a blazer to get more wear out of my dresses. During the cooler months, layering is so important! Not only does it keep you warm, it also allows you to add that little bit of interest to your look without looking overstayed.
UPCYCLE AND REVAMP
If you find pieces that no longer work for you, think about ways to upcycle them. Perhaps an old pair of jeans could be transformed into trendy cut-offs, or a long skirt can be hemmed into a fashionable midi length. Small alterations can breathe new life into items you may have written off.
DOCUMENT YOUR OUTFITS
As you discover new combinations, consider documenting your outfits. Taking photos can help you remember what works and what you love, making it easier to recreate these styles in the future. This practice can also serve as inspiration for future occasions. I am a fashion and style blogger so I definitely document my looks, but this tip is such a good one! It works really well when you want to truly see what you look like in your clothes. Take a pic or a video and send it to someone you trust – style wise and get their opinion. On days when you just don’t have it in your to decide what to wear or on that random Wednesday when someone asks you to go out for drinks and you don’t know what to wear, you have an album of photos/videos in your phone for inspo!
STAY ORGANIZED
To make shopping your closet easier in the future, keep your wardrobe organized. Consider seasonal rotations, categorizing items by color or style, and regularly decluttering to ensure you only keep pieces that truly resonate with you. I have an Ikea Pax Wardrobe system which makes it easy for my clothes to be organized by type and then color. If you don’t have this system, it’s still achievable. Simply pair like items together and then start hanging/folding them by color. Also, don’t forget to only have the current seasons’ clothes in your wardrobe (if you have the storage space). Having my fall/winter clothes in my closet during fall/winter without the clutter of having spring/summer clothes in at the same time has saved me so much time and space in my closet. Also, if you have the space in your closet, add valet rods to showcase your favorite looks or you OOTD! This will not only make your closet look good, it will more than likely inspire you to play around in your closet a little bit more.
Shopping your closet is not just a cost-effective solution; it’s an invitation to rediscover your personal style. By taking the time to explore what you already own, you may uncover stunning outfits that remind you of your unique fashion journey. So before making your next purchase, dive into your closet and let creativity guide you. Happy styling!
I hope you enjoyed this post all about unlocking the hidden gems in your wardrobe! I hope it inspired you to shop your closet and wear what you have and only purchase pieces when needed! Did any of these tips resonate with you? If so, let me know if the comments below! I’d love to hear all about it! Also, did I miss anything? Add your tips in the comments.
’til next time!
xo, Robyn
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