New year, new you, new wardrobe. Right? Not necessarily. Unless you’re made of money–or have a fashion-forward fairy godmother at your disposal–chances are you can’t afford to scrap all of your well-worn clothes every January. But that doesn’t mean you have to completely give up on getting with the trends and perfecting the New Year’s new you entirely. Check out a few of our tips on how you can build out your current wardrobe to start the year off right. Learn how you can put your most fashionable foot forward this new year without breaking the proverbial bank.
- Repurpose the old.
Take an objective look at some of your favorite pieces and try to imagine wearing them in new ways. Maybe your favorite sassy tee will look great with dress pants and heels for a change instead of your average skinny jeans and sneaks. Or, if you’re feeling frisky, give mixing patterns a try. It may sound like a bold step, but some patterns are just made to mesh. Stripes and polka dots or floral prints and big checks are just a couple of examples of bold patterns and prints that often look great together when given a chance. When all is said and done, living bold is a great way to get a fresh look from older clothes.
- Free yourself.
Since you’re already examining what’s in your arsenal, be honest with yourself in regards to what’s no longer working for you in your closet. Aside from clothes that are damaged or no longer fit, you should also have a long, hard think to get rid of the clothes you’re constantly passing up and intentionally haven’t worn in a while. If they don’t bring you pleasure to wear, there’s no sense in giving them valuable closet space. Instead of spending another season pushing them to the back of that lonely black hole you call a closet, enjoy a little goodwill and pay it forward by donating your pieces to a local charity or clothing drive. Not only will you feel good about helping others, but you’ll also appreciate the extra closet space on your next shopping spree.
If you’re tired of wearing the same old same old, try spicing things up by incorporating your favorite pieces into a fresh (and warm) layered look instead. Give a classic knit sweater a little bit of an edge by adding a hip leather jacket and cool animal print ankle boots for your take on a truly wild style. Or, if you’re missing those easy-breezy days of summer, take a favorite sundress out of hibernation for a bright and welcomed change. Try wearing an always stylish floral print dress under a V-neck cashmere sweater with tights and boots for a little fun in the cold winter sun. You can simply add a cozy cardigan and leggings for a warm and cheery look on an otherwise drab day. Once you get the hang of layering, your outfit potential is virtually endless.
- Keep trendy–kinda.
Staying on-trend season after season can feel like a full-time job–except instead of getting a paycheck, you’re most likely giving yours away courtesy of those runway whims. If you’re someone who appreciates staying trendy, then treat yourself to a few must-have pieces every season to show off your fashion chic know-how. Bonus points for stacking your wardrobe with pieces that have the potential to stay trendy as well. Think about it. It’s true that print dresses are in this season, but chances are good you’ll be modeling this glam look for years to come.
- Accessorize.
When it comes to accessorizing, try to think beyond the obvious sparkle and bling sitting in your jewelry box. Try tying a silk or knit scarf around your neck to add a pop of color or texture to an everyday look. Use a thin belt to cinch a tunic or sweater dress at the waist. Even crossbody bags with chunky chains or fringe can add a unique spin to any outfit. Truly, if you wear an eye-catching piece in the right way, it will check all of the boxes as an accessory and give those standard necklaces in your jewelry box a much-needed break until spring.
- Invest in the classics.
If there’s one rule that holds true in the fashion world, it’s that trends may come and go, but the classics always look good no matter the season. Start the new year off right and make sure you have a few of those essential and timeless pieces that always work in a pinch–a sultry LBD, crisp white button-down shirt, an elegant black turtleneck and a lush cashmere sweater, to name a few. Not only will they never go out of style, but it’ll be a lot easier to pair them with bolder pieces when you’re looking to make a personal style statement down the road (but still look like you have your act together).
- Outerwear.
It’s not always easy to stay fashionable when you’re worried about how you’re going to survive the arctic tundra on your way to work in the middle of a could-be-blizzard. Don’t let all of that good fashion sense go to waste in the name of warmth and comfort. Save the parka for the slopes and invest in a stylish wool coat and cozy knit gloves to get you through that Monday through Friday grind. Add a scarf and some sleek knee-high boots, and there’ll be no question that you are a woman capable of handling anything the wind blows her way.
Don’t waste another winter blending into the background. Break out of your shell and shop today for all of the must-have winter pieces guaranteed to let the new you shine through.
December 18, 2019
