With the constant flood of advertisements we see everywhere, it’s no wonder we start to believe that a better life (and style) is just one more purchase away. Every glossy ad and influencer post seems to promise that the next trendy piece will be the one to transform our wardrobes (and our lives, of course!).
But take it from someone with years of experience in the fashion industry: You don’t need a shopping spree to create a unique personal style.
According to a WRAP study, the average UK adult’s wardrobe holds 118 items of clothing, and about a quarter of those (26%, or 31 items) haven’t been worn in at least a year. While these numbers might differ around the world, they still highlight a common issue: Most of us have closets filled with clothes that rarely see the light of day.
So, before you reach for your wallet, try making the best out of your current wardrobe with these tips.
1. Organise your closet better. When your closet is chaotic, it’s easy to feel like you have nothing to wear. If you find yourself repeatedly reaching for the same outfits, it might be because the rest of your clothes are so far inside the closet they’ve ended up in Narnia!
Before you rush to add new pieces, take some time to sort through what you already have. Start by categorizing your clothes into tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, occasion wear and accessories. Then inspect each category. Weed out items that no longer fit, are worn out, or simply don’t align with your style anymore. Invest in closet organizers like hangers, hooks, dividers, shelves and/or storage bins to keep everything in order. Arrange your clothes by type, colour or season, to make getting dressed a breeze.
A well-organised closet not only saves you time but also helps you see your full wardrobe potential without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Fix your favourite pieces. Now that you’ve cleared the clutter from your closet, it’s time to address those pieces you love but don’t wear because of fitting issues or minor damages.
Set aside a dedicated time during your week to tackle these tasks. Grab your sewing kit and take on the challenges you can handle yourself, such as sewing on a new button, fixing a loose hem, or removing that stubborn stain. You’d be surprised how a little mending can transform into reasons for you to rediscover your favourite items. For the trickier fixes or alterations, it’s time to pay a visit to your trusted tailor.
3. Upcycle and revamp. Even after organizing and fixing your clothes, there may be some pieces that feel a bit… meh. That’s where upcycling comes in. It’s a great way to add a personal touch and breathe new life into your wardrobe staples. Imagine adding studs to your jeans for an edgy vibe, painting over a jacket, or transforming a dress into a skirt. The possibilities are endless! And the internet is brimming with ideas and DIY tips to help you along the way. For more inspiration, take a look at these Indian labels that are taking upcycling to the next level.
4. Mix-and-match your outfits. Time to play fashion mad scientist! Experiment with wild combinations you’ve never dared to try before. What looks weird on a hanger might surprise you with its awesomeness when you actually put it on. Mixing-and-matching could help you create a winning look that becomes your signature style. Sure, not every combo will be a hit. But who cares?
As Coldplay wisely puts it: If you never try, you’ll never know.
5. Accessorize. Take that basic outfit from zero to hero by throwing in some killer accessories. Wrap a statement belt around your waist, drape a chic scarf, don bold statement earrings, or stack up those bracelets. Don’t forget the power of sunglasses or a trendy choker to add that extra oomph! It’s amazing how a few well-chosen accessories can transform your entire look from blah to va va voom in seconds.
6. Swap clothes with friends. Gather all those clothes you’re ready to part with and get your friends on board to do the same. Pick a cosy spot, put on your favourite tunes, and let the swapping begin! You never know what hidden gems you’ll uncover in your friend’s wardrobe. It’s like shopping but without spending a dime! Plus, it’s a great excuse for a get-together filled with laughter and music (and maybe some tasty snacks). This works like magic if you’re all close in size, but even if not, there are always ways to get creative with alterations or accessories.
Need more information on how to organize a kickass clothing swap? Check out these guides:
7. Change your hair. This may sound like a strange suggestion, but it works wonders. Sometimes, we fall into style ruts not because our clothes are boring, but because we’ve been rocking the same hairdo for ages. Consider trying a new haircut or experimenting with a daring hair colour. It’s a fun and relatively low-risk way to inject some excitement into your style game. Plus, changing your hair can inspire you to play with different outfit combinations that you might not have considered before. Who knows, you might discover a whole new side to yourself in the process!
What are your favourite tips to get the most out of your wardrobe? Tell us in the comments.
Author: Shahmeen Lalani
Shahmeen is a fashion professional with over 7 years of industry experience in various roles, including design, styling, and art direction. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Management from the University of Southampton and serves as the Country Lead for Slow Fashion Movement in Pakistan.
