Today I’m sharing a couple tips on how to get new looks & extend your closet for less. See below for STYLIST PRO TIPS. (Sorry, no shopping links on this one. Just pure outfit inspo today.) First, the outfit.
I took this pic a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t have time to sit down and write about it. Since it’s been consistently warmer and we’ve had less rain, I recently switched out these jeans for a lighter weight version. The skinny jean style is definitely holding its own even though among fashion folk, the wider straight leg jean is the trend de jour. As more people learn how to wear wider leg pants and feel comfortable with them, I think you’ll begin to see more of them in stores near you.
What I love about this outfit most is how I extended the use of my Old Navy sweater from 2017. Remember the lace-up design that was so hot the last year? I noticed that grommet details were starting to make an appearance on the retail scene when I purchased this tee from ThreadUp. I decided to cut the janky ties off the sweater and give it a new look. I think I’ve been wearing this sweater MORE this year than last, and LOVE the new design.
Yesterday I ran into one of my friends. (She also happens to be one of my clients.) She was wearing a maxi skirt I picked out for her as a dress. She belted the dress at her waist (great tip for hourglass figures), added a smart looking denim blazer (which I had also picked out), and finished with a multi-layered string of pearls. I wish I had snapped a picture because it was so Pinterest worthy! What a great way to be creative and wear the skirt in a new way.
STYLIST PRO TIP: Take a look at the current pieces in your closet. How can you re-wear them in different ways?
Here are some ideas:
1. Try adding a belt to a dress or skirt. Or swap out the belt it came with and add your own.
2. Shorten the length of the hem from a maxi to a flattering and modern midi style.
3. Redo an old pair of jeans or casual pants by cutting a couple of inches off the hem to make them into a pair of stylish “cropped” jeans. Then wear them with heeled sandals to keep your leg line long – especially if you’re petite or have shorter legs. (Use pins to determine the most flattering hem length on your leg – avoid having it hit at the widest part of your calf before you use scissors.) See my post on how to wear cropped and capri pants.
4. Tie a seasonal scarf/bandana on your handbag instead of your neck to give it a new look. You’ll be amazed how cute this looks on a classic neutral tote!
5. Give your dress, jacket or cardigan a fresh look by adding new buttons.
More Style Inspo:
My Spring Style Pinterest Board
Lady in Violet | Get Your Pretty On | Classy Yet Trendy | I Do DeClaire
Great idea! I have a shirt with grommets and ties that I bought a couple of summers ago. I still love the shirt but the ties are getting a little messed up after being washed. You’ve inspired me… I’m going to see how I can remove them or switch them out.
You ARE the pro at repurposing old pieces and making them new. Please let us know how it goes! xx-S
Such great ideas! I love to rework jeans or skirts by changing the length. The hardest part is getting myself to the tailor to get it done. 🙂
Hi, Stacey! Thanks for stopping by. I run into the same problem. It’s hard to make it to the tailor but when I do I feel like I have something new to wear! xx-S
Great tips! I have a few things that are in my pile to alter myself to make them new again…you inspired me to get to it!!
Hi, Leigh Anne. Yes, get to the tailor! I was there just yesterday picking up some jeans I had her alter at the waist. It’s so fabulous to have pants that aren’t slipping down all day. Happy Wednesday! xx-S
Cute outfit and great tips! I especially like the tip about cutting a longer pair of jeans to make them a crop length. 🙂
Thanks, Melissa. I was out for a girls’ night last weekend and got compliments on a pair of wide leg pants I had trimmed to make them into a cropped style. 🙂 xx-S
I did buy that sweater when you styled it last year and will be repurposing like you suggest! That’s a great idea for Spring!
So fun! I hope you like the new look, Lynda! I think it’s so cool. Chic with a hit of edge!! xx-S
Also, I’d love to see more posts about trends you are seeing as a stylist 😉
Great idea, Leigh Anne! I was just thinking about doing a trends post as I was on my evening jog. I’m been seeing lots of requests for jean skirts lately and I think the basket bag/purse is definitely on the rise as they were so popular in Paris last summer. I’ve seen high rise, wide/flare leg soft pants on Parisian bloggers/designers so be on the lookout for those. I just grabbed a pair from Uniqlo for $19.99 two weeks ago that I’ll be posting in the future. 😉 Here is the link if you’re interested in a sneak peek. Uniqlo Jersey Flare Pants I’m also crushing on these pants as the bow detail is also a popular trend. Belted Linen Cotton Wide Pants They weren’t available in my size at the store so I will probably order them to try on. I would say vertical striped wide-leg pants are also “in”. If you sign up for the Uniqlo email, you can get $10 off your first purchase. Oh, and one more trend, wedge espadrilles for spring and summer! One more style popular last year in Paris that’s hitting our market. LOL. If you want to be ahead of the trends in America you might want to start checking out Parisian bloggers and designers. The only problem is they are hard to find in a budget version till they hit our market. Hee Hee. I think I just wrote my post in this comment section….xx-S
Great ideas!
Hi, Lori! Great to hear from you. I’m glad you enjoyed this post and would love to hear if you have any ideas to add. 🙂 xx-S
Great ideas love how you extend your clothes …to many looks!
Great to hear from you, Janet! Being on a budget really challenges me to wear my old things in new ways. I’d love to hear about ways you “redesign” old favorites in your closet. 🙂 xx-S
Nice to meet you, Shannon! Your blog is amazing and very helpful! I love the idea to give a chance our items from previous years to survive in our closets. Great tips!
Tatiana
https://myfabforties.blogspot.com
Hi, Tatiana! Thank you for stopping by. I’m thrilled you enjoyed your visit and hope you come again soon! I’d love to hear how you revamp pieces in your closet! xx-S