Getting more out of your summer wardrobe
If you have high-end fashion tastes, but only have a tight budget, dressing as you would like is difficult, but not impossible! It’s all about getting the most out of each piece of clothing. The fact that, if you are selective with your choices, you do not need so many individual items of clothing means that you can afford to treat yourself to few luxury items.
Buy good quality items
That brings me to my first tip. If you are going to go down the minimalist wardrobe route it is best to avoid those retailers who sell clothes that are only designed to be worn half a dozen times and binned. You are far better off buying your summer tops from JD Williams. A retailer like this focuses on selling high-quality clothes that are reasonably priced. Most importantly, they always offer plenty of choice, which makes it easy for you to find something that fits in with your sense of style.
Focus on the classics
Whenever possible, buy classically styled clothes. These never really go out of fashion, yet often look good when combined with the very latest styles.
Mix and match
Before you buy something, stop and think about how you are going to wear it. If you cannot incorporate it into at least two or three of the outfits that you already own, the chances are you will be better off not buying it.
Invest in good accessories
Good quality accessories make it easy to change the look of an outfit. For example, wearing a dress with a belt gives it a totally different look and silhouette.
Read more fashion magazines
Reading more fashion magazines and paying more attention to how other women are dressed will also inspire you. If you see a clever way of wearing something save the image and try it out yourself.
Dress in layers
Layering the clothes you own is a good way to change the way you look. For example, a figure hugging lace top that looks super glamorous can be turned into something far more formal if you wear it under a classically cut jacket.
Push yourself to be more creative.
The best way to learn how to create a range of different outfits from a handful of clothes is to practice doing it. Taking the 7 x 7 challenge is a good way to do it. Essentially, the challenge consists of choosing 7 items from your wardrobe and only wearing them for 7 days. During that time, you are not allowed to wear the exact same outfit twice, but you can use as many different accessories as you like. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you learn to wear things in different ways.
Review your wardrobe regularly
Once or twice a year try on each outfit. Doing this reminds you of what you own, and helps you to weed out those items that no longer really work for you so that you can replace them.
Learn to sew
Being able to sew will allow you to adjust and transform the clothes that you already own. If you have a blouse that fits you perfectly it would be a shame to throw it away. Instead, you could update the buttons, maybe shorten it, and change the shape of the collar to bring it up to date. It is easy to find short videos on YouTube that show you how to do sewing tasks like these, I personally found that this is a good one.
Layering is so key, especially when it comes to transitioning from day to night wear . I like to layer in winter as well to keep warm x
Me too, I am always cold so I layer and layer and layer!! xx
Great tips. Layers and being creative, I really need to look at this more. I am so boring and never feel good about my outfits. Jeans and polo, how exciting. Thanks for the inspiration.
I live in jeans most of the time! They are just so comfy! xx
I’ve never considered myself a fashionable person not in the sense of clothing. in fact I think a lot of my clothing are boring and safe – not very adventurous! I like the way you describe tips to make an outfit better. I think I’m going to give these a go because lately I’ve been feeling that my wardrobe needs updating! Thank you!
My summer wardrobe is much better than my winter wardrobe, but still could do with updating! xx
I love your idea to get a classical style cloth and also mit and match idea . Why should we get a lots of outfit if we will never wear it or just hanging inside our wardrobe for collection .
Thank for sharing your tips
I have too many items of clothing in my wardrobe that I never wear! I need a clear out! xx
I agree it is best to go for quality rather than quantity. I need to review my wardrobe far more often I rarely do and have so much I don’t wear.
Me too! I have so much in there but then still feel I have nothing to wear! xx
I love some good accessories. I think they can totally make an outfit. Especially when you stick with simple outfits and colors then you make the outfit pop with awaesome accessories. Great tips here.
Yes I agree! Accessories can change an entire outfit. My summer wardrobe desperately needs updating! xx
I know I really could get better on the sewing end. I have done a little sewing before but I am really not good and would need a lot of practice at it to feel better about it. And this makes me think about all of the things for my daughter, as I know she loves accessories and I know I will need to understand those things as she grows more.
I would love to learn to sew properly, I’ve been watching videos on you tube and hoping soon I will be able to make something for myself to wear! xx
I guess I have not much clothes but I see to it that when I go out for some occasions, I go out in style. Thank you for sharing
I think that’s always a good thing, dressing up can make you feel great! xx
Great post, especially “invest in good accessories”! I’m always in a hurry and sometimes I forget to put any!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Me too but it makes such a difference to an outfit! xx
good post here, alot of us find it hard getting the best of our wardrobes but your post here has made good view to it all and am impressed. by the way, you have such a wonderful taste for nice clothes.
Thank you! I just hope that we have some lovely weather to enjoy summer dresses this year! xx
Excellent tips , I totally agree that you can mix and match and make new outfits by just doing this.
Mixing and matching is a great way to have a fab wardrobe on a budget! xx
Wonderful tips, I try to style with mix and match combo. Being creative without choices does work wonders. Layering up with summer clothes is something I haven’t tried yet. Will do so now.
Layering is a great one for me as I am always cold! Living up North it can be sunny one minute and freezing the next! xx
I am all about the classics! A few great quality pieces are all you need and styling them is endless.
I agree, although my wardrobe is still bursting with clothes I don’t wear! xx
Why oh why did I not read this before I bought the craziest pair of floral shorts last week?! I literally don’t know what I’m going to wear with them and I really shouldn’t have bought them. Great tips here Laura!
Haha I’m sure you will find something, a plain vest or cami is always a good idea with crazy shorts! xx
Classic pieces are a must. I have a lot of classic clothing and I just layer it on when it gets a bit too cold for me- better than buying new wardrobe everytime
Yes that’s so true, and with the weather being up and down it’s so necessary! XX