Did you know that there is a curated boutique made just for you and everything in it is free? I’m talking about your closet. It’s the one place I forget to shop sometimes, which usually results in me owning 6 little black dresses or 8 pairs of black booties.
I’ve been saying this for a while now – I am an online shopping addict. Sometimes, I get going and I just can’t stop. It feels good too – getting packages in the mail. I’m getting better, but every once in a while, I definitely pull the trigger on something I didn’t need. (My current obsession is bags under $50.) So, I pulled an old shirt out of the closet just for this post, because I want to talk about how to shop your own closet.
That’s right. Spend less and save more.
This shirt was old when I bought it. It was a Poshmark find. (Check out my full review on Poshmark HERE.) However, I don’t wear it nearly enough. And it’s cute too – just look at that wrap detail!
When I bought it, I was definitely feeling the fall colors. Today, I’ve totally revamped it for spring. Normally, I wear this shirt with high waisted jeans or a denim skirt. All I had to do today was swap the usual Levi’s Denim Skirt of mine for a white skirt I picked up a few weeks ago (it’s on sale by the way!) and pair it with some spring sandals to give it that much needed pick-me-up. In fact, I think I like it even better like this.
Questions to ask yourself before buying:
- How many ways can I style this? In general, if I can think of at least 3-5 outfits, then the item is a decent purchase.
- Is it a trendy item or a classic item? If it’s a classic: are you replacing something you already own or adding a new signature piece to your closet? For example, you might want to add a pair of nude pumps to your shoe collection if you don’t already have them. You might not need them, but they’re a staple. Alternatively, you don’t need two pairs of nude pumps.
- What do I own that is similar? I own three denim skirts, but I wear one. If you own something that is too similar, you will always pick your favorite over the others. Obviously, this is not an exact science, but if you can think of 3+ ways to style a new item, you can probably think of 3+ new ways to style your old similar item. Try replacing the new item in your head with something you already own to see if it works in the same combinations.
- How long will I be able to wear this? Is it seasonal? Is it age-appropriate? I recently stopped buying items that I don’t think I will be able to wear once I graduate college. My closet is slowly transitioning more to work-related attire and away from casual warm-weather attire since denim shorts are not too appropriate for a job at an accounting firm.
With these tips in mind, I challenge you to go forth and try styling some of your old pieces in new ways! You never know what you’ll come up with!
Denim Skirt: J Brand
Sandals: Steve Madden
Shirt: Free People (OLD)
