In a world of constant fashion trends and endless shopping, it’s easy to forget the gems we already own in our closets. “Shopping your closet” is all about rediscovering the clothes, accessories, and shoes you already have, and reimagining them in fresh, creative ways. By mixing, matching, and repurposing what’s already in your wardrobe, you can create new outfits without spending a dime. Not only does this save you money, but it’s also an eco-friendly way to refresh your style and reduce waste. Here’s how you can make the most of what you already own and shop your closet like a pro.
1. Start with a Closet Cleanse
Before you start reworking your wardrobe, take some time to assess what you have. A closet cleanse doesn’t mean tossing everything out—it’s about organizing and rediscovering what you own.
- Take everything out: Empty your closet and drawers. Lay all your clothes out so you can see everything in one place.
- Sort by category: Group your clothes by type (jeans, shirts, skirts, dresses, etc.). This will help you get an overview of what you have and what you wear most often.
- Assess what’s missing: Notice if there are any gaps or staple items you might need to complete your outfits (like a plain white tee or a versatile blazer).
This is the perfect time to take stock of what you truly wear and what you could put to better use.
2. Create New Outfits by Mixing and Matching
One of the most fun ways to shop your closet is to think outside the box when it comes to pairing items together. You’ve probably worn a particular piece with the same go-to items for comfort and ease, but now’s the time to mix things up.
- Pair unexpected items: Try pairing your work blouse with casual jeans or a party dress with sneakers. The combination of formal with casual or feminine with masculine can create chic, new looks.
- Experiment with textures and layers: Mix different textures like denim with silk or leather with cotton. Layering is also a great way to reuse summer pieces in winter by adding a cardigan, jacket, or scarf.
- Use accessories to refresh outfits: Hats, scarves, belts, jewelry, and bags can completely change the vibe of an outfit. A simple dress can be transformed into something evening-appropriate with the right accessories.
Try creating at least five different outfit combinations from your existing pieces. You might be surprised at how many new looks you can create with just a few simple changes.
3. Repurpose Old Items
Sometimes, clothes that no longer fit or seem out of style can be given new life with a little creativity. Instead of letting go of those items, try repurposing them into something fresh.
- Tailoring: Take old clothes to a tailor and have them adjusted to fit your current style. A pair of old jeans can be transformed into trendy, custom-fit pants or even shorts.
- Upcycle: If you’re into DIY projects, try turning old T-shirts into a new crop top, or transforming a worn-out sweater into a cozy pillow cover or reusable tote bag.
- Alterations at home: If you’re handy with a needle, simple alterations like shortening hemlines, removing sleeves, or adding embellishments can breathe new life into a forgotten garment.
These upcycling projects not only save money but also reduce waste, which is perfect for sustainability-conscious shoppers.
4. Repurpose Your Seasonal Items
We all have those seasonal pieces that get tucked away after their time in the sun (think winter coats or summer dresses). One way to breathe new life into your wardrobe is to rethink how you wear seasonal items.
- Layer for cooler weather: A lightweight summer dress can work for fall or winter by adding a long-sleeve shirt underneath or pairing it with tights and boots. Similarly, a tank top can be worn under a sweater in colder months.
- Rework outerwear: A summer jacket or a lightweight blazer can be dressed up with warmer layers underneath when temperatures drop.
- Accessorize seasonally: A summer dress can feel winter-ready with a wool scarf, knee-high boots, and a thick cardigan. Swap out sandals for closed-toe shoes.
Seasonal clothing doesn’t have to be confined to the months it was originally intended for. By layering and accessorizing, you can get year-round wear from the pieces you already have.
5. Embrace the Power of Basics
Basics are often the most versatile items in your closet. Staples like plain t-shirts, jeans, blazers, and neutral sweaters are perfect building blocks for countless outfits. Here’s how to get more mileage out of these wardrobe heroes:
- Dress up or down: A basic white tee can be dressed up with a pencil skirt, statement jewelry, and heels or dressed down with leggings and sneakers.
- Create capsule wardrobes: Keep your basic pieces in neutral tones like black, white, grey, or beige so you can mix and match them seamlessly. These colors never go out of style and pair well with almost everything.
- Layer with style: Use basics as layers to add structure or warmth to other outfits. A fitted turtleneck or plain button-down shirt can become the foundation of multiple looks.
When you focus on buying quality basics, they’ll quickly become the core of your closet, allowing you to constantly refresh your looks without ever needing to buy something new.
6. Give Shoes a New Purpose
Shoes can have a huge impact on an outfit, and sometimes, simply swapping your footwear can create a whole new look.
- Turn casual shoes into formal wear: Those casual sneakers or loafers that you wear every day can become the centerpiece of an evening look when paired with a tailored dress or a chic jumpsuit.
- Reimagine worn-out heels: If your high heels are looking a little scuffed or dated, consider getting them repaired or revamped with new soles, straps, or a fresh coat of polish.
- Play with socks and shoes: Adding fun socks or tights under sandals or sneakers can create a playful look and extend the life of shoes typically worn only in warmer months.
By shifting your perspective on your footwear, you can create countless outfit combinations.
7. Think Beyond Clothes: Reuse and Repurpose Jewelry and Bags
If you’re feeling stuck in a style rut, look to your accessories for inspiration. Jewelry and bags can refresh even the most basic outfits.
- Layer and stack: Layer necklaces, stack bracelets, or mix rings to create a more personalized look.
- Switch up bags: A simple tote bag can be swapped for a bold crossbody or structured handbag to instantly elevate a casual outfit. Similarly, pairing an oversized bag with formalwear can add a touch of street style to the mix.
You’d be surprised how much of an impact these accessories can have on your overall look.
Final Thoughts
Shopping your closet isn’t just about being frugal; it’s about tapping into your creativity and maximizing the potential of what you already own. When you reimagine your wardrobe, not only do you save money and reduce waste, but you also unlock a world of endless style possibilities. So, next time you feel like you need to go shopping, take a step back, shop your own closet, and enjoy the thrill of discovering something new in your very own wardrobe.