Once you’ve built a good wardrobe of staples, then each season, rather than buying a heap of new clothes, (unless of course, you want to) all you need to do is add a few of-the-moment pieces that will refresh your look, give you more outfits and make you feel modern.
Updating your wardrobe like this, also means that when you combine a new piece (maybe trendy, maybe not) with something you already have, it’ll feel like you. (As opposed to a whole new trendy outfit that can feel a bit overwhelming.)
In this photo, @jane_mcfarland shows us how we could give an old suit a fresh look by adding an on-trend piece – the waistcoat.
Along with great shoes, adding a beautiful handbag is one way to instantly elevate an outfit.
Before buying a new bag, here are a few things to consider…
What do you need to carry in it? Keep in mind – overstuffed is not chic! (I bought a small crossbody bag for work (for hands-free shopping) – forgetting I would often need two glass cases in it.)
Will it be a good fit for my lifestyle? (if you’re going to be walking home from work every day, maybe you need a nice backpack, rather than a tote.)
A bag that doesn’t have a lot of details on it (i.e., zips, buckles, studs, logos, etc) is less likely to date than one that does.
Does the bag fit your personal style? (i.e., If the bag is classic and structured, and your style is casual and relaxed, it might not work for you.)
How do you like to carry a bag? (Try it on! Make sure it feels comfortable. I made the mistake of buying a beautiful shoulder bag in Paris that I never use because it falls off and annoys me.)
Imagine you want to update your living space at home, but maybe you can’t afford an entire overhaul, or you’re not ready for one, or whatever, so instead of replacing your couch, you just buy a few new cushions, a rug, a lamp, and some plants, and things feel refreshed and modernised.
Glasses, handbags, shoes, jewellery, and even scarves, as you can see here, are what I’m talking about.
*I like how this scarf is being worn. It’s not too long, and there’s not too much fabric. It’s a modern print (as opposed to some daggy florals), and it’s sitting away from the neck in a V shape.
But, there’s something about the scarf. Can anyone see it? #attentiontodetail
You don’t need to wear all the latest trends – but at the same time, you also don’t want to look outdated and old-fashioned. (Which can be aging).
What I encourage you to do, if you want to keep your look modern and current, is be aware of changes in styles, shapes, and proportions so you can make some adjustments to your wardrobe if necessary.
Are current style jeans wide in the leg, or are they slim? Are the waistbands sitting low or high on the waist? Are shoulders big or small, sleeves narrow or wide? Dresses long or short? And are shoes pointy, round, or square? Boots long or short?
I know what’s in, and what’s not can be confusing – particularly if you’re not a keen fashion follower.
For example, you might have a pair of wide-leg trousers you wore to work 9 years ago, and you’ve noticed they’re in the stores again.
You might be asking yourself – “Does this mean my pants are fashionable again? Can I pull them out and wear them?” “Or have they had their time, and should I just let them go?”
More often than not, no! Wide-leg pants (or padded shoulders, or long-line jackets, etc..) might be “in” again, but they may higher in the waist, or narrower in the sleeve. Things will come around again, but shapes change…
If you’re unsure whether some of the pieces in your wardrobe are current or outdated (or if they could be altered and updated) book a Wardrobe Overhaul, and I can help you decide what should stay and what should go – and possibly show you how to wear some of your old pieces in a new, modern way. You can read what styling services I offer here
I'm a Personal Stylist from Melbourne who is passionate about helping real women of all ages, shapes and sizes with varying budgets and lifestyles, look and feel the very best they can. I love old things, am addicted to blogs and online shopping sites, have a weakness for happily-ever-after movies and dream of one day having my own apartment in Paris. I'm an avid collector of beautiful books, love a full-bodied glass of red, and could eat my body weight in French cheese.
