We all, inevitably, walk into our closets and some point and think, “I have absolutely nothing to wear!” Now whether this is a true statement or, more or less, a gross overstatement, wanting to “spice up a wardrobe” is no new feeling. We all experience this yearly, seasonally, monthly, weekly…but really, who has the money to constantly renew a wardrobe? Not many of us. In fact, the average American household’s credit card debt load would suggest that most of us are on tight budgets.
So, what is the most effective way to revamp a wardrobe without dismantling the budget? Use the 5 principles of fashion freshness, and you’ll be well on your way to a “brand new” wardrobe whenever you like.
1. Build Your Basics
Whether buying a completely new wardrobe or just choosing pieces to lay the groundwork for an old one, having basic “staple” wardrobe items on hand and identified is vital. Using these pieces as foundational garments for layering, accessorizing, and fashion-izing goes a long way toward making the most of a preexisting wardrobe as well as the budget.
So, go to your closet and collect your basics—solid-colored tops and tees as well as skirts, trousers, and other pants. A few essential items include a black tank, crewneck sweater, jeans, long-sleeve white t-shirt, khakis, white button-down, black pants, a neutral cardigan, and a little black dress (or some variation of these). Once you have located these items, move them to the front of the closet, and it’s time to accessorize.
2. Accessorize
Adding accessories to a wardrobe is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to makeover a wardrobe. Choose an outfit from “the basics” part of the closet and think about ways to spice it up a bit. Going for black pants and a button-down? Then, look for a colorful scarf to go with it. Scarves come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and prints and are typically anywhere from 10 to 15 dollars—a steal! Or consider your favorite jeans and white tee. Pick up a pair of poppy red flats or get a little more bold with stilettos, and, instantly, you have a new look for half the price. Better yet, these can also double with your little black dress or your favorite a-line skirt.
3. Repurpose
Let’s say you have no money left in the budget to spend. Head back to the closet, and let’s repurpose. Have an old floral print skirt that you never wear? Decompose it by taking one of the side seams out and leaving the other. Decide how wide of a scarf you want, trim the skirt to size, and hem the ends. Pair it with khakis and solid tee, and you have a brand new outfit. Consider repurposing other items like jeans turned into capris, sweater made handbag and more.
4. Find “A Piece”
If you simply must go shopping, look for a single piece that can be used in a variety of ways. Find a skirt that you absolutely love and make sure it can be paired with a tank for a casual look, an embellished camisole for a little more class, or your staple blazer to be worn to work. Finding a piece and using it in a variety of ways helps you make a change but stay in line with the budget.
5. Make Your Money Work for You
Finally, as you do pick up different pieces, make sure to get the most for your money. Use the parameters of fashion freshness to build a multi-faceted wardrobe with staple pieces that work in a variety of ways. And, when you do go shopping look for easy ways to get bonus cash to spend to add to your budget like a credit card reward review or sales coupon. And, make sure if you are using plastic, secure your credit cards best rates before purchasing a thing.
Revamping a wardrobe is little more than finding the basics and building on those. With a little accessorizing, repurposing, and finding of statement pieces, you’ll wardrobe will be brand new in no time (and with very little expense).
About Sarah Zammit
