Fashion is ever-evolving, and staying stylish often means refreshing your closet to keep up with the latest trends. But that doesn't mean you need to overhaul your entire wardrobe every season. With a little creativity, you can breathe new life into thrift store finds, catching the latest trend without succumbing to a fast fashion store.
5 Affordable Ways to Style Last Year's Fashion
Updating your wardrobe doesn’t have to be daunting—or expensive. Thrifting is a great option for indulging in light (or heavy) wardrobe refreshes. While you can bag newer items in resale shops, secondhand fashions are typically a season or two behind. Fortunately, all it takes is a little creative styling to bring past styles up to date.
Here are just a few ways to transition vintage clothes from last year to now:
Break Up Besties
Finding new combinations for old favorites is a great way to update your outfit. Take a look at your most commonly worn outfits: why have you paired those pieces together? Take each element and pair it with a new potential mate. For example, the blouse you always wear with a black maxi skirt has a classy-casual vibe when knotted over a bra tank.
Free Association
Fashion is about taking risks. Consider using pieces in “crazy” ways. For example, try a button-front dress as a kimono over summer outfits or a cropped tee under overalls. Even looks that don’t work can inspire ones that do! With the affordability of pre-loved items, you can afford to experiment!
Make It Sew
Sewing might be a lost art, but it’s one of the key elements of sustainable fashion. High-quality clothing can be modified again and again, allowing you to change pant length, gain or lose weight, or even add pockets. If you find an item you love on the resale rack but don’t sew, consider getting them tailored.
Dye, Apply, or DIY
DIY projects and upcycling are sustainable ways to customize thrift store finds. Stand out from the crowd by adding patches to jackets, embroidering tops, or distressing denim. In a matter of minutes, an old dress can be transformed into a trendy, one-of-a-kind skirt. The only limit is your imagination!
Viva Vintage!
Choose a few classic styles for wardrobe staples (such as jeans, t-shirts, and jackets) to pair with resale finds that have a shorter shelf life. This juxtaposition of timeless and trendy elements creates a fresh, modern look.
