6 Tips to Make Your Wardrobe Bigger

OK girlfriends, it’s time to get honest about our wardrobes. If you’re anything like me, you have been guilty of wearing the same outfit twice in one week, you have fallen victim to boring office styles, and you have admittedly worn outdated trends. So, it seems we are all lacking a little imagination when it comes to repurposing our wardrobes. Or maybe we are just missing the fashion savvy gene completely.

I have a secret to tell. I went from post-college slumpy-frumpy-dumpy to confident reborn fashionista after sorting through my closet from top to bottom. No shopping necessary. I reused some of my favorite pieces in new ways to expand—no double, my closet. If you’re like me, a 20-something living in a post-college world, struggling to keep a career rolling and aspiring to look like a million bucks without going shopping every week, read on for some of my most creative tips.

The Pencil Skirt

Raise your hand if you only wear your pencil skirt to the office? Keep it raised if nine times out of ten your skirt is paired with a crisp, tucked-in button down—yes, it’s a classic combo, but let’s switch it up with some pairings that are already in your closet. It’s true, I’ve been sucked into the boring habit of wearing drab office-appropriate styles too—snap out of it!

Try layering a loose piece on top but knotting it at the waist to create a look that reads boho. Maybe even use that crisp button-up mentioned above. Don’t go too loose, or it might read hobo—we’re not looking to emulate Mary Kate and Ashley circa 2006. Add a brightly colored clutch or statement heels—it’s perfection! Secondly, pair your workhorse staple with another workhorse staple—the white crewneck. With the right accessories this look is work-appropriate. Think chunky jewelry, a polished hairstyle and simple makeup with a bold lip. See, it’s easy!

The Dress

Have a closet stuffed with dresses that only make appearances for specific occasions like weekend brunch, spring weddings and corporate gatherings? I sure do. Being active in a sorority during college teaches young women a lot of valuable things such as networking skills, leadership, time management—the list goes on. One bonus of being active in my sorority was that there was always an event happening. These events provided the perfect excuse to throw down some major cash on new dresses perfectly suited to the theme of formals, networking events, mixers and more. So, what’s a girl to do with all of these worn-only-once dresses?

First, try layering them under a circle or A-line skirt. The key here is to make sure the skirt has enough volume to cover the extra fabric of your dress, and voilà—you have just expanded your blouse collection! Any shirt-dress owners in the crowd? Easily turn a fitted t-shirt dress or maxi into the skirt portion of your outfit by throwing on a knotted chambray shirt or boxy crop top. This outfit-hack is perfect for the girl on the go.

The Peplum Top

Did you try the peplum trend? This style of tops has taken a lot of heat from critics, but I actually love this super-versatile trend. You can make your own by re-purposing an older top.

If it’s a large shirt, you can just cut it a little above the bellybutton, tailor the top part in so it’s tight, then sew the bottom part you cut off back on, adding pleats so it’s ruffled. If it’s not a long or baggy shirt, just buy some fabric for the bottom and have a tailor (it’s a simple job, so the one at your dry cleaners could do it) sew the fabric around the bottom (show him/her a photo).

I promise you can pair these tops with more than just slim-fit trousers. The peplum can make any girl look Jessica Rabbit-esque, but I understand that the proportions can be a bit daunting. Dare to pair it with a flared skirt. If you’re petite, make it a mini. If you’re a taller gal, opt for something that hits right above the knee, like a pencil skirt. Try an unlikely pairing like pleated shorts with decorative sandals. This streamlined look is ideal for posh ladies who lunch.

The Crop Top

Summer concerts and festivals provide the most perfect opportunity to bare your midriff. This fashion piece has come and gone and come again. Now, there are even more ways to work this dare I say, classic, piece into your wardrobe. Forget one, let’s try two crops at once! Get creative and have fun with this look, pair a cropped hoodie with a contrasting color underneath. Don’t have the cropped hoodie? Just cut or pin yours up, no sewing required. If you’d rather not bare any skin, layer a t-shirt under a bustier-style top. It’s a casual ensemble that’s a fresh interpretation of a new—ahem—old trend. This fun style is second to none for girls who love casual chic.

The Concert Tee

Oh, the beloved concert tee. I had a drawer, no wait, drawers full of those things. Flex your DIY muscles and fashion your old t-shirts into a tank style that is new and fresh. All you need is a pair of scissors! Expand your workout wardrobe by transforming those unused tops into a twist back muscle tee. And, as a bonus, you can revamp oversized tees into a trendy tunic by snipping away the sides and then tying them together. To add the final touches simply alter the neckline with a swift swoop of your scissors. This style is perfect for gym junkies that like to look cute while hitting the weights.

The Accessories

OK, whoever invented the scarf deserves major accolades! The scarf has been one of my go-to accessories since my college days. I could practically roll out of bed, toss on a scarf and look completely put together—a little accessorizing goes a long way. One of the quickest and easiest updates you can make to your wardrobe is the simple knotting of a scarf. Try adding a corsage or chains for a layered look. You can also tie two corners of the scarf around your neck and the remaining corners behind your back for a halter-effect. Here’s an article we published all about how to tie a scarf.

Got any other tips to share? Let us know below, in the comments!