I know every single person reading this can relate. A wardrobe rut. It happens to all of us and if you think it hasn’t happened to you, you’re lying! But, how do we get out of this?! Here are five ways I find inspiration and style outfits using clothes I already own, or spend little to no money for new ones.
Visit Retailers’ Websites, Without Shopping
When you visit your favorite retailer’s website, you don’t often think about how the item is being styled. Rather, you think about whether you like it enough to purchase. Take a look at the site from a different perspective. How are the models are wearing the clothes? Take inspiration from that adorable sweater that’ almost identical to the one you currently have hanging in your closet and mimic an outfit idea from there.
Recycle Old Outfits.
That’s right, copy yourself! Go on your Facebook or Instagram, scroll back a year and see what you wore. If the outfit is too cringe-worthy, update your look with pieces you may have purchased over the last year. Try doing this with celebrities or other peoples’ looks you like as well. Remember, you don’t have to completely copy someone. Just take inspiration and make the outfit your own!
Shop Second Hand.
Find a piece no one else will have! You can often find designer or well-made vintage clothing at thrift stores. If you don’t end up wearing it, you most likely spent less than $5 on it anyways! The only advice I have for you on this one is to not get sucked into the thrift store vortex. Meaning… if you’re at the thrift shop, try to keep fresh eyes. You don’t need to convince yourself to make a piece of clothing work. Know that if you leave empty-handed, it’s okay.
Try Things On.
You never know how things will look together until you try. I always have random ideas come into my head at the most bizarre times – like the middle of the night or a boring business meeting – but I always write them down. Even if it’s in your planner, on your hand, or setting a reminder on your phone, jot it down somewhere and remember to try it out when you get home! Another thing to do is to try your pieces in different ways. If it’s a button-up, leave it unbuttoned or try throwing a sweater over it. Try a tank top over a sweater. The opportunities are endless!
Lean on Accessories.
Alright. If all else fails, start with an accessory. Take it to your closet and pick piece by piece. If it’s a colored accessory, choose a piece of clothing the same color and build on it. Try layering necklaces or throwing a belt over a sweater. You never know what you will end up with until you try!
Now, with all of this being said, all I want to do is plan outfits now! You may have found, after reading this, you need some of those staple pieces. Add that great black blazer, a basic white tee or tank, a statement pair of jeans to your closet! If you have any tips on fighting the closet rut, I would love to hear them. Leave a comment below!
Shop my Look
Top – exact | Earrings – exact | Belt – exact | Jeans – exact | Hat – exact | Shoes – similar
Photos by Prairie Lynn Photography at the beautiful Milwaukee Mitchell Park Domes.
