Have you ever walked into your closet and just stared at your clothes wondering what to do to look special with what you already have?
We all know the feeling of buying a new outfit and feeling fabulous while wearing it. Let’s face it, though, buying a completely new wardrobe each season is impractical, so we need to learn some inspiring ideas to make what we do have work!
Dressing is of course partly your opinion, taste, and style, and partly what society is leaning toward for the season. Some clothes are timeless, and others need a time out. So, finding new ways to feel good in the same old clothes is what we are going to talk about. Is there one answer and one item that can change your wardrobe?
First, I like to live in a small bubble where I don’t worry about what everyone will say about my wardrobe. I want an overall look for an event without standing out or blending in. I must be confident in myself first, not just my outfit. Styles come and go, and some of the clothes in that closet may need to be retired or set aside for about 30 years until they come back in. For those of us who don’t have a lot of current designer clothes, we need to get creative. I find that this is easier with some basics.
For my first recommendation, I would say to clean out your closet and take away those items that just will not cut it – an old jacket with shoulder pads, a pair of too tight jeans, clothes that are too young for our advancing years. Hide them or give them away. I gave my short dresses to Dress for Success so younger women getting back on their feet could get use out of them.
Back to the closet: I find if I put away clothes that don’t work for one reason or another, I feel freer to make decisions with the clothes that do work. We all need the basics, such as a black skirt and tailored pants that fit well. Cute T-shirts and a beautiful blouse. Basic dresses that are flattering to your figure now. Jackets that are in style or even just a jean jacket that never seems to go out of style.
Once you have these narrowed down and front-and-center in your closet, then it is easier to put together new combinations. You can easily dress up or down with jewelry, a jacket, or a pair of funky sneakers.
Wearing more or less jewelry can make an outfit go from casual to super elegant. Another way is with a scarf in an odd color or pattern. It’s 2023, and it is OK to mix and match patterns and colors. Maybe this is where you splurge on a designer brand. Top designers have elegant scarves that people notice.
Probably my go-to item to change to make an outfit special is my shoes. This summer, I bought three pairs of very high-platform shoes that have color, chains and style. I can wear them with any outfit and feel special (and my feet don’t hurt). I also love white sneakers and wear them with summer dresses. And strappy, shiny sandals are a must.
I hope you feel inspired and walk into your closet with a new eye for what you can work with and what you may want to add. Getting back to having the basics and then playing with them by adding some type of accessory may be just want you need to spice it up as summer wraps up. We all want to feel special and look great, and it can be much easier than you think.
Kim Alexis is one of the most recognized faces in the modeling industry. She has graced the cover of over 500 magazines, including Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and six Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues.