How to Update Your Style *Without* Shopping

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Do you ever feel like you’ve changed or evolved, but your wardrobe is stuck in the past? Maybe it’s the season of life that I’m in (middle age, hi!), but I’ve been feeling like I might be outgrowing my daily uniform (white blouse, light jeans, sneakers). I’m yearning for a little style refresh (perhaps more structure, or a new color, fabric, or silhouette?) while trying my best to avoid being impatient and making impulsive shopping decisions.

My current white / denim uniform

Since I’ve had more than a few shopping mishaps in my day (a clown-like dress here, an elf shoe there), I’m challenging myself to experiment with my personal style primarily using what I already own. If you’re looking to elevate and refresh your style without breaking the bank or starting from scratch, put your wallet away and try these tips.

Try The Three-Word Method

This clever hack for clarifying your style was developed by celebrity stylist

Allison Bornstein

. In a nutshell, you select three words to identify and encapsulate your unique style - one practical, one aspirational, one emotional. Make sure to consider not just how you’d like to look, but how you want to feel. My words are effortless, elevated, and minimal.

I love having a shorthand to anchor my shopping and outfit decisions. Choosing a personalized “style statement” can help you refine your style, make more intentional shopping decisions, and build a cohesive wardrobe that reflects your personality and preferences.

Street style inspiration: denim on denim, tonal, structured

Edit Your Face Off

Over a decade of helping women streamline their closets has taught me that subtracting is often the best way to refresh and elevate your style. Editing your wardrobe gives you the chance to eliminate wardrobe dead ends—those items that never quite worked or are too hard to incorporate into a cohesive outfit. To build a closet you love, you need to be a ruthless editor, keeping only the best and brightest. Focus on the mantra, “all killer, no filler.”

Mediocrity has no place here. Don’t settle for items that are just “good enough.” Instead, identify and highlight the cream of the crop—the pieces that are both essential and add value to your life. The idea is to edit down your wardrobe so you can look and feel your best every day without wasting time and energy sorting through clutter. Note: if everything in your closet feels lackluster, keep enough to get by, and plan to build slowly and intentionally, one piece at a time.

While most people assume it’s best to have lots of options and variety, I have found the exact opposite to be true. A pared-down wardrobe means you only wear your favorite pieces. So, get your donation bag ready, and toss in anything that doesn’t fit, flatter, or help you show up as the best version of yourself each day.

Play Dress Up

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, and made those tough cuts, it’s time to experiment with new ways to style your favorite pieces. Try layering, accessorizing, or playing with monochrome and unexpected color combinations. Go for tonal looks—think all denim, soft neutrals, or even something bold like red and pink. Add an unexpected shoe, layer jewelry, play with mismatched patterns or textures, or mix high and low pieces for an elevated-casual contrast. Experimenting is a crucial step toward identifying your unique style.

Try a Clothing Swap

Swapping clothes or accessories with friends is a fun, low-risk way to step outside your fashion comfort zone. It’s a chance to refresh your wardrobe for free while giving new life to items you no longer wear. Gather a group of friends, set some ground rules, and enjoy an evening of style swapping. It’s a great way to part with those splurge items that never quite worked out while picking up new-to-you pieces that inspire fresh looks and keep your wardrobe feeling updated and exciting.

Bring New Life with Alterations

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with alterations to breathe new life into my clothes. I’ve chopped and frayed jeans that were too long, shortened oversized t-shirts for a more cropped fit, and tailored the sleeves of my favorite blazers to “bracelet length.” When it comes to clothing, fit is everything, so don’t underestimate the value of a good tailor to help you customize your wardrobe.

Shop Your Closet to Replicate a Look You Love

I love sourcing style inspiration on Pinterest—I often search for NYC or Paris street style—and have started challenging myself to replicate my favorite looks by shopping my own closet. Start by saving a few outfits that catch your eye, then take a closer look at what makes those outfits work. Is it the color palette, the layering, or a standout accessory? Next, dive into your wardrobe and see how you can recreate the look using pieces you already own. This approach not only saves money but also helps you discover fresh combinations and fall back in love with the clothes you already have.

Looks I'm loving: Structured, layered, oversized

Have you found a way of refreshing your wardrobe without shopping? Please share in the comments below.

Some things I’m reading, watching, wearing, or just enjoying. Take a peek and let me know what you’re loving in the comments below!

🎯 Exciting News: Just found out that Target has decided to sell Minimalista at 1,800 stores across the country starting October 1st. Pinching myself!

Watching: Hate to Love: Nickelback - A surprisingly tender doc about the dramatic rise and fall of Canadian rockstars Nickelback. Watch it here on Netflix.

Loving: This clean, fast absorbing hand cream - for your handbag, car, and nightstand. Linked here.

On My Wishlist: This gorgeous coffee table book - and also, I know I just told you not to buy any clothes, but this classic striped shirt feels like the timeless French-girl-essential that we all need. Linked here.

Get Organized Master Class: Learn how to edit, organize, and elevate your home like a pro. To the course

Work With Me 1:1: No-fluff strategy and support to help you tackle your large and small goals. Get support here

Curated Product Recs: My fewer better faves for your home, life, and wardrobe. To the recs

Get the Books: Actionable strategies to clear clutter, get organized, & elevate your home and life. To the books

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