Every time the seasons change, you get the urge to update your style. Then, you check your bank account. Rats. But you don’t need to break the bank or blow up your credit rating to bring some new life into your look. Here are seven fun and inexpensive ways to refresh last year’s wardrobe.
Upcycle Your Old Pieces
If you’ve got a shirt that’s truly beyond repair, cut it up and use pieces of it as patches on jeans or a denim jacket. While you’ve got your scissors and your thread and needle out, you could cut an old T-shirt into a trendy crop top. With a bit of creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can transform outdated garments into stylish new outfits.
Use Layering Creatively
Try pairing a long-sleeved shirt under a summer dress for a fresh fall look or a turtleneck under a blouse for added warmth and style in winter. Experiment with different combinations of colors, patterns, and textures to create unique outfits.
Swap Clothes With Friends
Admit to your friend that you’ve been coveting their bomber jacket or that unique midi skirt they wear. They might have similar feelings about one of your sweaters. Swapping clothes with friends is a cost-effective way to update your wardrobe, and it’s a fun social activity. Organize a clothing swap party where everyone brings items they no longer wear. You’ll be surprised at the gems you can find!
Use Natural Dyes To Add New Colors
If you’re tired of the colors in your wardrobe, consider using natural dyes to add new hues to your clothes. Ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, and coffee can produce a variety of colors. Using natural substances to dye your clothes is affordable, fun, and eco-friendly.
Accessorize Unexpectedly
Try wearing a statement belt with a simple dress, or add a colorful scarf to a monochrome outfit. You can also experiment with unconventional accessories like vintage brooches, bandanas, layered necklaces, or even hats.
Treat Your Closet Like a Clothing Store
Dive into your closet and pull out those pieces you’ve forgotten about. Then, pair them with some of your current favorites. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors, textures, and even seasonal pieces.
Organize clothes by type, color, or season, and regularly rotate them to keep your wardrobe fresh. You’ll be surprised by how many forgotten pieces you rediscover and how much easier it is to put together outfits when your closet is well-organized.
Surprise With Shoes
Try pairing unexpected shoe styles with your clothes, like wearing sneakers with a dress or boots with shorts. Refresh your favorite sneakers that you can’t do without to give them some new and unexpected flair. From new laces to patches, stickers, or even paint, you can make those old kicks dance again.
Refreshing last year’s wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. With these fun, inexpensive strategies, you can revitalize last year’s clothes and create a wardrobe that feels as good as new.
Dianne Pajo is a writer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.
