“When you’re bored with your wardrobe, shop your closet.” Sounds easy, right?
Nope. Shopping your closet can actually feel harder than shopping. Because you’re trying to think of a new way to wear something (that you’re already used to wearing one way). And it may seem easy when you see cute outfits on Instagram. Or your favorite blogger posts about 5 ways to wear a slip skirt. Or you watch a Tiktok video that makes it look so simple.
But then you get into your closet. And you sit there. And you’re not inspired. So, what can you do when you’re bored with your wardrobe (and you don’t want to go shopping)?
First, let’s make something clear. ‘Shopping your closet’ is just making new combinations from what’s in your closet. The idea is that, instead of buying something new to infuse life into your wardrobe – you’re creating new outfit ideas from what you already have.
And yes, you can always Google some ideas. Or copy what you see on social media. Or use Pinterest to get inspired (read this article for a couple of Pinterest inspiration strategies). But if nothing feels right - here are 5 ways you can create something fresh and new from what’s already sitting in your closet.
PLAY WITH COLOR
Tell me if this sounds familiar - you start your outfit with jeans. And plan on wearing a black jacket. And black boots. And the only time you think about playing with color is with your top. Well, I have news for you – playing with different color combinations is one of the easiest ways to shop your closet.
Think about it – you can stick with your favorite outfit formulas. And just switch up which color you wear with what. If your go-to winter outfit is blue jeans and a cozy sweater and quilted vest – try your olive jeans with your orange sweater. Or your pink vest with your blue sweater. You really don’t know what you’ll like until you try. And if you need some ideas, click here for 10 of my favorite color combinations.
If you’re not into bold hits of color – don’t stop reading. Because you can create just as interesting outfits with a completely neutral palette. You’ll just depend more on print, texture and shine to add interest to your outfits (and you can still combine neutral colors in different ways). Here’s some neutral outfit inspiration.
And whether you’re into fun colors or prefer neutrals, monochromatic outfits (outfits based in the same color) always feel fresh and sophisticated. Check out 10 monochromatic outfits I created for my clients.
There are a bunch of ways to play with color. Pick a graphic t and add a blazer that matches a color in the print. Or go with colors that are adjacent on the color wheel (yellow-green-blue in this case). Or pair colors that are variations of the same shades (like fuchsia and eggplant).
If you’re reticent about pairing colors, start with a print piece - and then pull your colors out of it. This top and skirt reflect colors in the scarf, so the scarf acts like a ‘blueprint’. Which leads right into the next way to shop your closet…
PLAY WITH PRINTS
Can you believe I’ll sometimes meet clients who don’t like prints? It’s true! I think prints are an amazing source of inspiration. To continue the color conversation – prints already have multiple colors in them. So, if you’re hesitant about wearing certain colors together, prints give you total permission to do so.
So, here’s what you can do – pick a print item from your closet (top, bottom, third piece, accessory or whatever). Then go find other items in your closet that reflect a color in the print. Then make an outfit. The print basically acts like the blueprint for your outfit, so everything naturally goes together. Click for a handful of client outfits that started with a print piece.
And if you’re ready for the advanced style class, print mixing is next level. You can find a bunch of inspiration on my ‘print mix’ Pinterest board.
The simplest method to combine prints is starting with one print in your outfit, and then adding a print accessory. Keep the colors similar, but the scales different for a harmonious look.
Another low stakes way to combine prints is to have one print just peeking out - like how this plaid shirt peeks out from the bold stripe sweater.
This combination might be out of your style wheelhouse - but it’s a great example of sticking with similar colors and different scales. Both prints are based in black and brown neutrals, but the leopard coat is the obvious star of the show.
RETHINK WHAT YOU HAVE
I see this all the time when I’m in clients’ closets. You have trousers that you only wear to work. Or a top that’s only for girls’ night. Or your weekend jeans. But if you want to shop your closet (and come up with new ideas), it’s time to blur the lines between work vs. weekend and casual vs. dressy. Stop thinking of items as only functioning for one occasion (or one season) and explore their true versatility.
You know the blazer that’s been sitting in the back of your closet? Try it on with a striped t and cargo pants. You know the leather jacket that’s your ‘going out’ go-to? Grab it for everyday errands.
If you need some ideas on rethinking what’s already in your closet – here are 3 pieces you can quickly rethink. And here’s how you can rethink 5 pieces you wore over the holidays (so you can wear them all season long).
This client only wore these dresses in warm weather with simple heels (and without a third piece). But by adding a layer and boots, they’re now completely cold weather appropriate.
You may have skirts that you only wear with t-shirts and sandals in the summer. But how about rethinking them as a winter staple, with a moto jacket, sweater, tights and boots?
A sparkly top isn’t just for the holidays. The same top you wore with black pants (for holiday parties) works with jeans all year long.
PICK ONE ITEM
I love this exercise when you’re trying to shop your closet. Instead of coming up with a bunch of different outfits from a bunch of different items – pick one thing. And see how many outfits you can create with it. You may need to a little help to get your creative juices flowing (check out this article again). And if you want some concrete examples:
Here’s a plaid blazer I styled for the office, date night and weekend wandering.
Here’s a leather skirt, knit blazer and striped dress that I styled 3 ways each.
And here’s one dress that I created 10 different outfits with.
A pop color pant might feel risky. But this client has a lot of black and white in her wardrobe - so it’s a no-brainer with different tops and third pieces. You’ll never know how many outfits you can make with one item until you try!
START SIMPLE & ADD
Shopping your closet doesn’t need to be hard. And you don’t need to rethink your entire outfit each time. Similar to picking one item – you can start with one outfit idea. And then add different jackets. Play with different accessories. And suddenly your go-to outfit is completely transformed.
Let’s say you’re stuck in a jeans and t-shirt rut - and you always toss on short cardigan. Try a utility jacket. Or a non-blue denim jacket. Or a long cardigan. Or a tweed jacket. Or a vest. Or a shirt jacket. Or play with a new layering idea (click here for a few). And the options with shoes and boots and bags and jewelry are only limited by what’s already in your closet.
And this works with any go-to outfit – like a blouse and black pants. Or a thin sweater and corduroys. Or a button-down shirt and khakis.
But while we’re talking about a t-shirt and jeans – read this for 10 fall looks I created starting with a white t and blue jeans.
And if you have accessories that you love (that you wish you wore more) – you can always do this process backwards. Here are over a dozen examples of picking accessories and building your look around them.
Don’t think too hard about this one. Grab a sweater and jeans. And then play with different iterations of jackets, cardigans, shoes and accessories (and don’t forget to take pictures!).
So, did I do it? Are you inspired to shop your closet? Are you confident that you’ll come up with new outfits? Drop a comment to let me know (and feel free to ask any questions).
If you want more style inspiration from me on a regular basis:
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Click here to follow me on Pinterest. I update my boards constantly with ideas for clients (or just things I love).
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