Remixing, updating, refreshing

I have really enjoyed posts in the above areas and have been 're- reading many items in the archives as well as analyzing YLF WIWs that relate.

I also like random clothing purchase photos and styling, but what I'm talking about are discussions such as how to take some
existing wardrobe items or working formulas and turn them into new outfits that look, well,New!

Two.main themes are: here is this item I have and want to continue wearing ( insert item such as, these jeans, this pair of flats, etc)-- what outfit partners keep it in the past and what elements can give it some more life in style? And, here is a kind of item I like ( insert item such as pencil skirts, button downs)- for my next purchase in this genre, what to look for that shows fashion evolution. And third I guess is, if I were to get one new thing or change one thing this season, what is a list of options that would give the greatest impact?

I think these are so helpful because they just seem so approachable and so real- life in terms of how I could keep making small.changes overtime and have fun without feeling like I've missed the boat somehow. Plus it acknowledges that while updating is never "done", that's a good thing and again, a do- able thing , not that I need to toss my whole closet out every year or so. It does mean, for me, that I have to pay closer attention, since I don't think I'm a styling' natural and am not an early adopter and so I have to employ some deliberate changes, and follow several of the outfit formulas, along with some.lucky guesses or lucky eye for some updates.
Then too, YLF has given me more confidence in 2 different directions- both to try some very new looks and items, but also to say, wait, i still.like ( x,y, or z) and I want to.make those work for.me.

Do.you look for specific inspirations or styling ideas that let you keep using existing items without a total overhaul, or does that seem boring or too.safe?

11 years ago

Agnes

Active Member

I quite often think about why an outfit is working and try to replicate it with other outfits. Like normally I can't tuck, [Im rectangle] but if I wear my nipped in jacket I can and it looks good. What other outfits could I do that with to get more options with my tops.
I also buy new versions of something that has worked in the past. For example I like to always have skirt that is white and knee length. When they stop looing right afer a few years I will buy an updated version of it.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I think this way, too. All my purchases are considered in the light of what I already own. Very often, something new can give more life to an old item. Often that means adding a new silhouette, like I did with my denim jacket recently. Now my dresses and skirts will get even more wear.

Molly L-R

I think it would be too expensive to do a complete overhaul every couple of years! In the past I have often become disillusioned with my entire wardrobe and have attempted to do a complete overhaul on a bi-yearly basis - big mistake! I think the way to avoid this in future is to shop more regularly, say buy half a dozen items every couple of months and assess where my style is going and how it is evolving. Then I won't end up two years down the line with a bunch of clothes that no longer make sense to me. That's the plan, anyway!

harmonica

I like your thinking here. Getting the most wear out of an item is great and even better when you can remix, update and refresh as you put it. It's not just about cost, but about the environmental aspect, as well as creativity and the happiness factor. I love a redesigned airline wool skirt and I hope it will be with me for years and years - but I need to shake it up a bit once in a while. Sometimes adding a bright colour is enough to create a new feel to the "old" outfit. YLF has really helped me with shopping carefully so I don't duplicate unconsciously or end up with orphans + doing closet editing as often as possible.

unfrumped

Some of the challenges are great for this-- as people usually do some re- mixing to get there. Some times a challenge specifies reworking a specific item .

Lisa

I like to save inspiration photos off the web of outfits I like. Then I use those for ideas on what new items to shop for. For example, I currently own a lot of cardigans, yet in the past 6 months non of my outfit photos have a cardigan. Since outfits with cardigans are no longer catching my eye, when I shop in the stores I am trying to stay away from them.

CocoLion

There are things like wardrobe essentials which stick around for a while. Button down shirts, pencil skirts, sheath dresses / LBDs. But the majority of my closet is more trendy and I find after 2 years, sometimes even 1 year, I am sick of the piece so away it goes. This is not a cost-effective way to build a wardrobe.

I am still learning.

Category