5 Ways to Stretch Your Wardrobe
Photo: Artem Beliaikin
Hello my fashionable friends,
When I talk to women about style, I often hear two concerns:
“I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.” OR “I get tired of wearing my pieces the same way repeatedly. I have run out of ideas.”
It can be easy to get stuck in a fashion rut. With all our daily activities and busy schedules, it can be a challenge to think about ways to get the most out of our wardrobes, and I get it. In response, I have put together a list of 5 ways to help spark creativity and use your existing pieces to create the illusion of an extensive wardrobe.
1. DEVELOP A SCHEDULE
Developing a schedule will require an upfront investment of time, but will help keep you organized, reduce your morning stress, and save time in the long run.
Keep track of how often you wear your pieces and try to rotate them in such a way where:
(a) You’re not wearing an item too frequently.
(b) You’re able to change up the appearance of the item so it has a new look.
Below is a sample schedule for a business casual office setting that shows how you can potentially rotate your clothing. Your schedule will vary based on the number of items in your wardrobe and lifestyle.
2. REMIX YOUR PIECES
Creativity is the cornerstone of style, and when you tap into your imagination, amazing things can happen. Think about ways you can reinvent the items in your wardrobe to create new and innovative looks.
Think about ways you can pair a dressy item with a more casual piece, like wearing a pair of heels with a pair of joggers and a blazer
Layer a shirt under a strapless or spaghetti strap dress.
Wear a pair of skinny or fitted jeans underneath an unbuttoned tunic or dress.
Turn an old denim shirt or jacket into a vest
Tie a button-down shirt/vest over a flowy dress.
Get your pants or jeans hemmed to a shorter length for a modern feel.
Try a more relaxed look by rolling up your sleeves or cuffing your jeans.
Layer a short skirt over a longer skirt.
Use fabric paint to give your jeans a face lift.
3. TRY PATTERN MIXING
Pattern mixing may seem intimidating, but it’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s a great way to add interest to your ensembles and help stretch your wardrobe. If you’re just dipping your toe in the water of pattern-mixing, here are a few tips:
Use different patterns in the same color family.
Use the same pattern with different scales.
Use the same pattern and scale but with inverted colors.
Use two completely different patterns, and bring in a third that ties in elements of the first two. The black blazer picks up the black in both prints and ties everything together.
Wear two or more completely different patterns that don’t have any commonality. This is not for the faint of heart—your attitude and your intent have to be the anchor that makes this look work.
4. ACCESSORIZE
Accessories can change the look of your garments and bring them to life. Use items such as jewelry, scarves, handbags, shoes, tights, hats, belts, and ties/bowties, eyeglasses/sunglasses, to liven up your outfits. Here are some ideas:
Add scarves to your wardrobe for color and interest.
Cosmetics and bold jewelry can amplify your look.
Pair this dress with red, green, or black shoes. Also consider wearing belts of different colors and widths to cinch your waist.
Try a belt over a cardigan or trench.
Statement shoes are great for adding personality to your look.
Add interesting eye wear into your style repertoire.
Layer multiple belts to create a unique and interesting look.
Add a pop of color with a statement bag.
5. SUBSCRIBE
Clothing rental services are really popular right now. They’re a great option for people with limited closet and storage space and they work well for those who want to add variety to their wardrobes. Rent the Runway, Express, and Ann Taylor are a few examples of companies who offer this service.
Depending on the service, you can rent anywhere from three to eight items per month with prices ranging from $59.95 - $159. Options include the ability to swap out items for new pieces and the ability to purchase your favorite pieces at a discounted price. Free shipping and dry cleaning is also included in the cost.
Other services like Stitch Fix provide you with outfit and style suggestions based on your “style personality,” and send a box of items as frequently or infrequently as you’d like. You will pay a $20 styling fee, which gets credited towards any items you keep. Pricing ranges between $25-$500, and you can receive a 25% discount off your entire order if you keep everything in your delivery.
There are a number of benefits to these services including:
Reducing or eliminating the time you spend shopping at stores
Saving money on dry cleaning
Helping the environment by recycling clothing
Receiving expert styling help
Saving space in your closet
Using some or all of these tactics can help give the appearance of an endless wardrobe. The goal is to not have the largest closet but to have flexible and functional pieces that can be reworked to suit your lifestyle and many facets of your fashion personality.
For more ways to create the illusion of abundance and for other style tips, grab a copy of my book, Find Your Fabulous: The Fearless Fashionista Approach to Developing and Owning Your Style. Purchase your digital or paperback copy here.
Thank you for reading.
