You trudge up the stairs with a large garbage bag in tow, moaning at the thought of cleaning out your closet. But what if you could just keep everything – even the stuff that's not exactly "in season" — and figure out new ways to wear it? Bring that garbage bag back down to the trash bin, sister, because we're about to shake up your look for Spring and Summer using clothes you already have. Ahead, find 21 great ideas for reinventing the beloved outfits already in your wheelhouse, free of charge. Yup, you heard us, no shopping necessary.
Adding a sleeveless turtleneck underneath your tunic will add a touch of modesty and plenty of dimension.
When your look is all about the back of the dress, tie your strappy heels into a bow in the back, instead of on the side or at your ankle in the front.
Wear your graphic tee year round, but in the Summer, pair it with a basket tote and bright skirt.
Create a whole new dress when you start with a white t-shirt underneath.
Slip into your mules and tie your sweater sleeves over your shoulders to create a light, effortless look.
Attract attention to a new bold pair of shoes when you style them with a cropped pantsuit, instead of something full length.
Incorporate sporty racing stripes and leather into a look that starts with a breezy Summer dress — they won't know what hit 'em.
Wear a boss lady tailored suit with chunky sneakers and complete with a beautiful feminine minaudière.
Style a crop top and biker shorts or bermuda shorts with an oversize blazer that you'd normally wear in the board room.
Jazz up your classic combination of a lightweight blazer and printed skirt with barrettes, long pendant necklaces, earrings, and tinted lenses.
Play with shapes when you wear geometric sunglasses and layer a structured bustier over a classic crewneck t-shirt.
Let your bra straps, or even bikini strings, peek out from under a tee when it coordinates nicely with the rest of your look (i.e., you're wearing a rope belt). The bra strap reveal is totally 2000s, and just one more way to tap into the trend this season.
Your classic khaki suit can feel more fun when you roll up the sleeves to reveal tons of beaded and braided bracelets.
Wear your most colorful shoes underneath a maxi dress that has a slit, and work your angles to reveal your footwear at just the right moment.
Try mixing prints and patterns that are similar in size and color palette. Don't be afraid to rock florals with snake, but do make sure your accessories work to balance out the bold pairing.
You can easily throw together totally different pieces that are the same bright shade. Think of extra ways to work the color from head to toe. You might add tinted sunglasses or a bag scarf, for example.
If you normally style a full suit with a pair of pumps, try kitten heel slingbacks this time around for something more functional.
Style white distressed denim with your fanciest white top and a pair of minimalist sandals. The outcome may surprise you.
You'll be amazed by what a simple, thin headband can bring to even the most simple look. It instantly adds dimension and makes you appear more polished.
A lightweight Summer dress usually doesn't call for all-black leather accents, but that's exactly why you should try to play up the edge and accessorize differently this time.
Utility jumpsuits are everywhere, and the throw-on-and-go look is so easy. But you can take your suit to the next level when you break it up with a playful belt — even a thin, delicate seashell one works!