Well, that was tough! I know it happens every year but still January leaves me feeling pasty, lumpy and sun starved. My wardrobe too feels as stale as the mince pies left in the cupboard and desperately in need of a shake up. When we’re hibernating in winter it’s easy to constantly wear the same old thing and get stuck in a rut with our style. We can’t change the season but, thankfully, we can do something to refresh our tired wardrobes and boost our mood in the process. It works for me anyway.
Before you rush out to the shops, take a long hard look at the clothes you already own. Finding ways to make what you have work harder for you can make all the difference. Here’s how…
1. Accessorise!
The right accessories really can transform an outfit. I look at many wardrobes and often find people don’t wear accessories as they are piled in the bottom of a drawer. Choose just one or two pieces, a scarf, a pair of earrings or a necklace that you love and keep it somewhere handy. That way you’ll be likelier to wear them.
2. Rework an old favourite
Have you got a smart piece that has lost it’s shine because you’ve worn it so much? Can this now become a ‘posh’ casual piece and used to create new outfits with your other casual pieces? Can you layer a shirt dress over jeans or trouser or combine some knitwear over a dress for a different look?
3. Make friends with a tailor or seamstress
With the risk of sounding like a stuck record, I know I have mentioned this a few times before, but minor alterations can transform garments. I’ve chopped many a skinny jean during a wardrobe edit and taken up the hem of trousers that haven’t been worn for then to become a much used piece. There are also places you can repair garments, recondition handbags and completely rework items. You can find a details of these on my sustainable style guide.
4. Take my wardrobe challenge!
Sign up for my 5-day challenge and you’ll get simple daily tasks to nudge you out of your style comfort zone, and transform your wardrobe. You’ll be shown how to reinvigorate your ensembles, fall back in love with your old pieces and discover new ways to wear them (without spending a penny). Just click here to join and please feel free to ask a friend to join you.