Change aspects of your style when you’re in a rut. Sometimes it only takes a few changes to feel refreshed. Update eyewear, underwear, and hair before addressing your wardrobe. If that’s not enough, tackle the rest over time, starting with bottoms. 

Try a new colour and colour combination. Add a pattern and try pattern mixing. Try trendier bottoms or throw in some classics. Try a new silhouette to create updated outfit proportions. Juxtapose items. Wear fits tighter or looser. Add texture and shine.

Accessory and make-up tweaks can be effective and affordable. Instantly amp up your look with new specs, scarf, belt, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, mascara, or handbag. Elevating everyday looks or relaxing the dressy glam ones can feel refreshing too.

Greens can look great with true neutrals like black and grey. Throw Winter white and blue denim into the mix too. These outfits provide inspiration for the palette. The bottoms are jeans, but feel free to sub them with pants and skirts that are more to your taste. 

1. Slouchy

An apple green slouchy sweater is paired with wide and extra length charcoal jeans. Their roominess accentuates the slouch. Tailored black boots and oversized satchel add a dressy element to the look, and match the model’s hair. Big blingy earrings add a glam touch.

2. Flowingly Tailored

A sage green tee is semi-tucked Into a pair of cropped black skinnies. A plaid green maxi cardigan tops the lot. The black and sage in its pattern matches the black and sage in the outfit. Chunky black oxfords with matching belt add an on trend ‘90s touch. The black bag matches them. The black beret adds a charming touch.

3. Eclectic

A fluid black sweater with a high neckline is worn out and over a pair of blue wide cropped jeans. It’s topped with a drapey teal poncho that effectively showcases the layered black sweater. Multi-coloured heeled loafers add an unexpected integrity. The browns and golds in the shoes match the model’s hair. The black matches the sweater, and the red heels make a statement. The coral earrings are another unexpected touch.

4. Utility

A long sleeved black and white striped tee is tucked into a pair of relaxed blue cargo pocket jeans. It’s completed with dressier black western boots, and a belt to match. A long forest green puffer tops the lot. Its faux fur trim on the hood adds a textural element. Add jewellery, watch, eyewear, scarf and bag as desired.

I like or love every item in my wardrobe. The exception is an almost ten-year-old Philip Lim skirt. It’s a tiered navy scattered polka dot midi with a front and black slit, and jagged asymmetrical hemline. It fits perfectly and is in great condition. It swooshes when I walk and is a little longer on me than on the model. 

For years, this was my favourite skirt. I felt fabulous when I wore it, and much enjoyed the way it looked and felt. Now I feel annoyed and unpolished when I wear it. Visually, the jagged hemline looks chaotic, and not in a way that is energizing. I prefer simpler lines. The long points on the hem are a tripping hazard when I climb stairs several times a day, or bend down to pick up Yorkies Sam and Jo. I don’t remember these impractical aspects being problems before. Maybe I’m more aware of them now that I’m older.

For two years I’ve tried to like this skirt again. Yet every time I put it on, I take it off and opt for something else. Question is, will I rekindle my affection for this beautiful designer piece? I might. I might not. Should it stay in my wardrobe, or should I pass it on to its next great home?

Have you felt similarly about a favourite wardrobe item that over time became your least favourite item? If so, what happened to the item, and what do you think I’ve decided to do with the skirt?

Some Fabbers mentioned that they are “anxious duplicators” in response to my recent post on the importance of a shopping list. That means that they purchase multiples of items that they think will be in short supply in future. That way they have extra on hand when said items wear out, which relieves their anxiety. Some also mentioned that they sometimes over-duplicate. 

I relate to this.

I am an anxious duplicator of some wardrobe basics and footwear. It’s hard to find comfortable bras and knickers that look good, fit well, and launder well. It’s even harder to find great fitting and comfortable shoes that look current and go the distance. When I can afford to buy multiples of my bras and knickers, and duplicate a pair of hard to find shoes, I do so to prevent future stress.

The Tommy John panties that I love wearing have been discontinued, so I’m MUCH relieved to have anxiously duplicated them last year, and the year before. I’ve bought four of my new favourite bra too, just in case my size is hard to find again. These items go into rotation right away.

From time to time when I duplicate a pair of shoes, I wait until the first pair is worn out before I break out the brand new pair that’s conveniently waiting in the wings of my wardrobe. It makes me happy and relieved to have a pristine pair of tried, tested, and ready-to-go shoes that work for my fussy feet.

So far, I don’t think I’ve anxiously over-duplicated items. I think I have duplicated in the right amounts and I haven’t regretted any duplications. Quite the opposite! As far as wardrobe basics go, it’s been money well spent. I’ll continue to anxiously duplicate my undies.

Over to you. Do you anxiously duplicate, and do you sometimes over-duplicate?