Want New Fall Outfits? Don’t Buy New Clothes...Yet!
As soon as that crisp fall air hits, the temptation to rush out and buy new clothes is real. 🍁 After all, who doesn’t love the excitement of adding fresh pieces to their wardrobe for the season? But before you hit the stores, let me share a game-changing tip with you:
SHOP YOUR CLOSET FIRST.
Yes, you read that right! 🙌
You’d be surprised by the outfits hiding in your closet, just waiting to be rediscovered. Often, we get stuck in the habit of wearing the same combinations over and over, leading us to believe we “have nothing to wear.” But, in reality, your wardrobe likely holds countless pieces that you’ve either forgotten about or haven’t worn to their full potential.
Case in Point: My Beaded Camisole
Last year, I bought this stunning Eva Franco beaded camisole. It’s chic, unique, and I fell in love with it immediately. But here’s the thing—I’ve only worn it once since I bought it. Does that mean it’s time to toss it out? Absolutely not!
Instead of purging this piece simply because it hasn’t been worn, I’m challenging myself to style the camisole with pieces I already own. By mixing and matching items in my closet, I’m able to create fresh fall outfits without buying a single new thing.
Why this works:
The key to a versatile wardrobe isn’t having an endless stream of new clothes. It’s about finding new ways to wear what you already have. That beautiful, barely-worn blouse? Those forgotten pants? They still have life in them, and they can help you create a wardrobe that feels new—without spending a dime.
Here’s Why You Should Shop Your Closet First
Shopping your closet doesn’t just save you money (though that’s a huge perk!). It’s also a way to:
Rediscover Forgotten Gems:
Sometimes we buy something we love, wear it once, and then let it get buried in the back of the closet. Shopping your closet lets you pull those pieces back into rotation, often sparking new outfit ideas you hadn’t considered before.Challenge Your Creativity:
When you limit yourself to what you already own, you’re forced to get creative. That statement top you’ve worn the same way every time? Try layering it under a blazer or pairing it with a patterned skirt instead of jeans. You'll be surprised by how fresh your outfits can feel with just a few tweaks.Reduce Impulse Buying:
Let’s be honest: Fall shopping can lead to impulse purchases that don’t always serve our long-term style goals. By shopping your closet first, you give yourself time to assess what you really need, and you might even find that you don’t need anything new at all.Create a Sustainable Wardrobe:
Shopping your closet is a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without contributing to fast fashion. It’s all about making the most of what you already have, reducing waste, and making thoughtful purchasing decisions when you do buy something new.
WE WEAR 20% OF OUR WARDROBE 80% OF THE TIME.
How to Start Shopping Your Closet
You may be thinking, "That sounds great, but where do I even start?" Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a few simple steps to get you started:
Mix and Match:
Pick a lesser-worn item and start playing around with different combinations. Pair a summer dress with boots and a cozy sweater, layer tops in new ways or mix textures and prints for a fresh look. The goal is to create outfits you haven’t worn before using pieces you already own.Revisit Past Favorites:
Remember that one dress you wore to death last year but now feels overplayed? Give it new life by styling it differently. Add a belt, throw on a statement jacket, or pair it with unexpected accessories to make it feel brand new.Think Seasonally:
Transition your summer pieces into fall by layering them. For example, add a chunky cardigan or scarf to your favorite summer blouse, or wear a lightweight dress with ankle boots and a jacket.
Click the image to download my SHOP YOUR CLOSET CHALLENGE!
Ready to Make Shopping Your Closet Fun? Take My 21-Day Challenge!
Here’s the fun part: I’ve created a FREE 21-Day Shop Your Closet Challenge to help you get started. Each day, you’ll receive a new prompt to inspire you to create fresh, stylish looks from the clothes you already own. By the end of the challenge, you’ll have a wardrobe that feels brand new—without buying a single thing.
With love and style,
