This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests we could obtain a fee if you buy via our hyperlinks. Please learn our full disclosure right here.
This publish will present you free methods to enhance your fashion with out shopping for new garments.

Let’s be actual — these are robust monetary occasions for many of us, particularly as faculty college students. As a lot as we love to buy, the no-spend motion is gaining momentum for a cause!
At the moment, I’m right here to encourage you to replace your fashion with out shopping for new garments. (I promise it’s doable.)
Learn on for all of my suggestions and methods!
Are You in a Fashion Rut?
Everyone knows that feeling. That “I don’t have something to put on” feeling, standing in entrance of a closet with garments that aren’t inspiring anymore.
A mode rut is as widespread as it’s irritating.
We’ve all been there, and this sentiment is often met with the basic, “However your closet is filled with garments!”
We all know we have garments. That’s not the problem. Styling these things into an outfit that we love and really feel comfy in is.
Causes for a method rut fluctuate, however on the middle is nearly all the time a way of boredom, of feeling such as you’ve tried all doable mixtures. And that rut makes us really feel uncomfortable in our as soon as beloved and trusted gadgets.
What can we often do to repair it? We store.
We herald a brand new, shiny merchandise that brings all the things again to life with its newness.
It really works for some time.
Then, we’re standing in entrance of our closet once more, questioning what to put on. Purchasing didn’t assist and now our wallets are lighter with no progress.
So, what else can we do to repair it — with out spending cash?
How you can Freshen Up Your Closet: Ideas, Tips, & Hacks.
Earlier than I get into the guidelines, let me clear one thing up. You don’t want to find out why you’re in a rut to start out.
More often than not, we get caught on the why and find yourself much more pissed off. Get it out of your thoughts for now; that half comes on the finish of this publish.
Now, listed here are some simple suggestions and hacks on the right way to convey your closet again to life (and work out your rut within the course of):
- Accessorizing could make or break an outfit. So, concentrate on these particulars whereas sporting one in all your most worn appears. What accent are you able to add or change up? Possibly add one thing colourful, shiny, or patterned. Swap your traditional footwear for a extra stylized or shiny pair.
- Play together with your coiffure. All of us have that one coiffure we put on virtually daily. You possibly can strive experimenting together with your coiffure and equipment. Possibly add a ribbon or glossy gel, or simply change the way in which you half your hair.
- Swap up your make-up. Similar to our hair, we often have one make-up look we all the time return to. Why not strive a crimson lipstick as a substitute of your traditional nude or mauve? Or strive a enjoyable new make-up pattern?
- Layer it up. Once more, layers are your best to convey an merchandise again to life. Or two. Strive layering two items that you simply love however really feel a bit uninterested in. Possibly a tulle skirt beneath a silk skirt. Or layer two jackets collectively to provide them dimension.
- Flip it round. All of us have that one piece we love however don’t put on due to a tiny element within the entrance. Possibly the neckline is just too deep or too modest, or it has lots of particulars on the entrance which might be difficult to pair with different issues. Why not flip it round and put on it backward?
How you can Freshen Up Your Closet: A Trend Information
Decorate, Straightforward – Outfit #1
Let’s begin with one thing simple.
Whereas I really like a very good colourful outfit, I’ve to confess that on my laziest or busiest days, that is what I’ll in all probability land on. A easy T-shirt and my favourite denims.


For this instance, I’m sporting my favourite white cotton t-shirt. It’s not too unfastened or fitted, so I put on it lots like this. Then, I wore my medium-wash boyfriend denims and did a French tuck to the t-shirt.
The outfit on the left is sensible, sure. Impressed? Not a lot. Makes me really feel like me? Completely not.
Right here, you’ll be able to sprinkle some equipment and layers on, and it’ll change all the things. I added a silk scarf that has totally different shades of blue, golden, and a little bit of crimson. Then, because it was nonetheless chilly exterior, I threw on an outsized navy blazer. Lastly, to provide myself a little bit of form, I used a black crossbody bag.
As you’ll be able to see, I simply added three issues and remodeled one in all my most worn outfits.
The perfect half is, nothing is new!
I borrowed the blazer from my mother’s closet (in all probability from the 80s), the headband was my grandpa’s, and the bag I’ve had for years.
It’s nonetheless a cushty, sensible look, however now I really feel like myself and love how I look.
Decorate, Straightforward – Outfit #2
Now, let’s deal with an outfit that is a little more put collectively.
These are the appears that you already know you look good and are your go-to when you need to put collectively one thing *nicer* however nonetheless comfortable in a rush.
For me, that may be one thing like this:


I’m sporting a striped, boxy T-shirt with a pair of pinstripe, unfastened pants. You understand I really like a very good layer, so I’d in all probability put on a black biker jacket so as to add a distinct texture to the look, then end with Converse.
I really like this look. I’ve worn it numerous occasions, however not that always anymore as a result of I really feel uninterested in it.
To convey it again to life, I made a decision to add a little bit of colour. For this, I switched my traditional gold earrings for a pair of massive crimson and gold drop earrings. To complete the look, I made a decision to hold a crimson purse that has an fascinating form.
It’s the identical outfit, however including colour modifications all the things. It provides it a bit extra of intention since crimson pops when paired with black and white.
Now, as a substitute of a lazy selection on my half, black and white turns into the right backdrop for a press release piece like this purse.
Play With Your Hair, Medium – Outfit #3
Matching units are nice and straightforward to only put on. The issue is sporting them repeatedly with out feeling uninterested in the very same combo each time you put on them.
I’ve a few beloved units, however my absolute favourite is that this one:


When you’ve been studying my posts for some time now, then you definately in all probability acknowledge this inexperienced set. It’s a inexperienced shirt with a excessive neckline and loose-fit pants.
When styling this set, I often go one in all two methods for footwear: my Adidas Stan Smiths or a pair of off-white squared booties. At the moment, I went with the white and inexperienced Stan Smith Adidas.
The look on the left could be very comfy, I’d put on this any day and name it a day.
As a result of I put on this once I’m uninspired or in a rush, I don’t do my hair with it that always.
So, to improve this outfit, I made a decision to do some house buns. And so as to add a bit extra enjoyable, I modified my traditional gold earrings for a pair of inexperienced geometric ones.
These had been very small modifications, however they remodeled the outfit.
Once more, this consideration to element gives the impression of intentionality. I’m nonetheless comfy, however I don’t really feel uninterested in the set like I did earlier than.
When you have a set that you simply love, like me, however really feel a bit uninterested in it, consider it as a clean canvas so as to add to or to play together with your hair or equipment.
Play Along with your Make-up, Medium – Outfit #4
Now we’ve a highly regarded outfit combo that could be a staple in everybody’s closet: A white button-up, denims, and a black coat or jacket.


My model of this combo appears one thing like this. I’m sporting a white button-up shirt tucked into some loose-fit, high-waisted denims. Then, I layered on a black suede coat for a little bit of texture. I completed with my white Nikes.
Nice look, I put on it, or a model of this, lots. Particularly if I’m going to the workplace.
Once more, I simply want extra colour or pizzazz to spice this up.
First, I styled my hair in a half ponytail and added a crimson ribbon. Then, I added extra blush and highlighter to my cheeks and used a glittery eyeshadow. Lastly, I switched my on a regular basis mauve lipstick to crimson lipstick.
Hair and make-up are all the things it’s essential to change your outfit typically. They’re as vital as choosing the proper purse or footwear.
Do not forget that your face and hair are the primary issues we see within the mirror, so if you happen to really feel uninterested in the way you look, strive spicing up your make-up or hair first.
Layer it Up, Troublesome – Outfit #5
One other widespread outfit combo we would all share is one thing like this, particularly a striped button-up with denims and boots.


I put on one thing like this once I wish to give off that easy, cool look.
On the left, I’m sporting a blue and white striped button-up shirt tucked midway right into a pair of black, wide-leg denims. For footwear, I went with black platform Chelsea boots. If I’m going for easy, I’m for positive placing my hair up with a hair clip.
I used to like this outfit. It made me really feel precisely how I wished: easy, cool, stylish. Now, I simply really feel drained and uninspired.
How did I modify that for the outfit on the suitable? The artwork of layering.
For this instance, I untucked the shirt and unbuttoned it a bit. Then, I threw on a black denim jacket and buttoned it up. I popped the collar of the shirt and pulled the shirt’s cuffs over the cuffs of the jacket.
Are you able to see how one merchandise can change all the things?
The little peeks of the shirt beneath the jacket make this look so cool and new. Particularly since we don’t often button up jackets like this, you can additionally change the shirt with the jacket and make it a monochromatic denim look.
(For extra particulars on the right way to layer like a professional, learn my article on it right here.)
Layer it Up, Troublesome – Outfit #6
Once more, all of us have that one gown.
It’s the one which checks all of your bins: suits completely, goes with all the things, and is 100% your fashion. You’ve in all probability had it for years.
And now, you are feeling such as you’ve worn it an excessive amount of and have exhausted all doable mixtures. Me, too.


In my closet, that merchandise is that this one.
Once more, if you happen to’ve been studying my articles for some time, you’ll in all probability acknowledge it. I’m sporting my beautiful black and white floral midi gown.
I put on this piece year-round, with booties and sneakers, casually or dressed up. This time, I’m sporting it with a pair of black sock booties.
How do I convey it again to life after sporting it continuous for 4 or 5 years? Layer it with a latest favourite, after all!
I really like a very good mixture of patterns, so I layered a leopard print gown beneath the floral one. Then, I added a brown crossbody bag to usher in extra of the leopard print’s colour palette.
The mock neck of the leopard print gown, longer sleeves, and skirt are the right size for a peek-a-boo second. Since each gown palettes are impartial and share black, they work collectively.
I do know this isn’t a mix for everybody. However I like it. I believe it’s actually enjoyable and playful with out being too loud.
You possibly can strive one thing comparable with polka dots and stripes, for instance. Or a giant floral print layered with a smaller one.
(For extra particulars on the right way to combine patterns, learn our article on it right here.)
Flip it Round, Troublesome – Outfit #7
Now, let’s cowl these gadgets which might be *virtually* excellent. They might be if it weren’t for the neckline or particulars on the entrance.
Or possibly you simply really feel uninterested in how your piece appears.


For me, these gadgets often come within the type of a V-neck. I really like the thought of a V-neck, but it surely doesn’t swimsuit me very effectively. Since I’ve a small chest, I really feel like V-necks don’t fall the place they’re speculated to, and so they simply look awkward on me.
One instance is that this stunning crimson knit v-neck gown.
This piece is comfy, and I often put on it like this, with only a pair of white sneakers. Or I layer it with a sweater. As a result of it already has buttons on the entrance, I don’t love the way it appears with a button-up shirt.
To unravel each these issues, I simply turned it round. Now, I’ve the next neckline and a cleaner look to work with in entrance.
The gown’s new excessive neck is ideal for pairing with a striped button-up shirt. Then, to tie in with the stripes, I layered on a black suede coat. Lastly, I switched the sneakers with crimson booties to proceed the crimson theme.
Carrying gadgets backward can actually open up the probabilities of your closet. I really like a deep-V within the again, so it is a hack I take advantage of usually.
Loads of you is perhaps questioning whether or not the buttons on the again look bizarre, however I really feel like they’re an fascinating element to have within the again whereas having a cleaner, easier look within the entrance.
Flip it Round, Troublesome – Outfit #8
For my ultimate instance, I’ll deal with another difficult merchandise for me: wrap clothes.
Once more, I really like the *thought* of them, however they often don’t match me proper. I’ve the identical concern that I’ve with the V-neck gadgets: they often don’t wrap the place they need to, so I’ve to pin them the place I would like.


This beautiful navy and crimson floral wrap gown is a primary instance. Since it’s so fairly, I attempt to make it the star of the present and hold my footwear and equipment toned down. For instance, I’d usually put on it with black sock booties and a black purse.
I really like this gown, so I do prefer to put on it, however once I do, I’m by no means 100% comfy with the neckline and the place the ties finish.
To repair this, I wore it backward.
I really like how the open again appears; I really feel prefer it brings a sexier vibe to the look. Then, I made a decision to lean into the colour, added a pair of crimson tights, and switched the black footwear for a pair of crimson booties. Lastly, I swapped the black purse for a crimson purse to only actually make this a colourful outfit.
Once more, a tiny element modified my outlook on this merchandise. I’ve by no means worn it like this earlier than, and I can’t imagine it has by no means occurred to me. Carrying it backward opened up my creativity and made me really feel excited to put on it.
Remaining Ideas
A mode rut will be difficult. I get it. I’ve been via it numerous occasions.
Possibly you might be having a tough time in class or work, your private fashion has modified so you are feeling disconnected out of your wardrobe, your closet doesn’t match your life-style anymore, or your physique is perhaps altering.
Personally, I’ve gone via all these causes no less than as soon as in my life.
The most recent one (fashion rut associated to physique modifications) occurred for me a few months in the past.
Earlier than I noticed what it was, I attempted purchasing for new issues. They usually didn’t work like I anticipated. I used to be pissed off and a bit unhappy as a result of I couldn’t perceive what was occurring. I liked my garments, the colours, the patterns. However I simply couldn’t make them appear like I wished.
Then, I attempted all of the styling suggestions and hacks above as a substitute of purchasing, simply to really feel impressed.
Lastly, I noticed I used to be feeling this manner as a result of my physique has been altering and that made the garments match in another way. It was such a aid, as a result of after making it work with what I had, I knew what I needed to do.
Now, I may donate the issues I used to be positive didn’t work for me anymore, repurpose gadgets the place I liked the materials however not the match, and make an inventory of the gadgets I wanted to re-buy within the appropriate measurement.
As I’ve been repeating via this publish, it’s not essentially that we have to add new garments, or work out why you’re in a rut proper out of the gate. An important factor to do is to vary the way you have a look at the gadgets you have already got.
I promise that if you happen to strive freshening up your closet with the following pointers earlier than eliminating issues or purchasing for extra, it can enable you perceive your private fashion much more.
Give it a shot and let me know the way it goes!
How do you replace your wardrobe with out shopping for new garments?
Would you put on any of the outfits? What’s your favourite tip or hack to clean up your closet free of charge? Do you’ve got any styling questions?
Tell us within the feedback under!