As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve learned about dozens of new trends, brands, and It buys every single year. You’d think that the more I learn, the more purchases I’d want to make, but I’ve started to have quite the opposite experience. Seeing trends come and go so quickly has made me begin to really strategize my purchases.
One of my biggest takeaways from my years working in fashion is that I want anything I buy into to withstand the test of time regardless of whether the trend dies down. I am looking for pieces that speak to my love for quality and timelessness but are also fun. Right now, I am on the hunt for outfits that are intentionally worth repeating. If I’ve worn it before, I can wear it again the next day and feel like the cartoon character version of myself wearing an outfit that truly embellishes my personality.
This is the mindset that inspired me to write this story. For the people who have a limited shopping budget or always feel like they have “nothing to wear,” this is for you. Today is going to be all about revisiting the classic pieces in your wardrobe and giving them a new styling twist. Beware: This story might convince you to never throw anything away since these pieces are for life. Shop the 10 looks that I’m convinced you can re-create with items you already own below. Oh, and if you’re missing a key piece for one of these looks, trust me when I say I’ve only shopped out items that you can get plenty of wear out of. You’re welcome.
Blazer + Striped Shirt + Denim
This was one of the first looks I pulled for this story because I love how it takes pieces that I might have forgotten about in the back of my closet and makes them feel fresh. Plus, if you don’t have a black blazer or striped shirt, you know you’ll need one eventually.
Shop the look:
everlane
The Supima Cotton Boyfriend Shirt
H&M
Single-Breasted Blazer
Reformation
Cynthia High Rise Straight Long Jeans
Matching Set + Hobo Bag + Flats
I truly love a matching set, as they never fail me. Once fall hits, a blazer-miniskirt moment is always a good idea.
Shop the look:
Banana Republic
Vegan Leather Slouchy Tote
Sam Edelman
Kasey Square Toe Ballet Flat
ASTR the Label
Bellmere Jacket
ASTR the Label
Laudine Skirt
Slip Tank + Midi Skirt + Sweater
This is an outfit that has convinced me to put together unexpected color combinations to make for an elevated look. I usually wouldn’t think to put white, black, and brown together, but it can sometimes be a surprise when things just work.
Shop the look:
J.Crew
Cashmere Shrunken V-Neck Sweater
J.Crew
Gwyneth Slip Skirt
J.Crew
Scoopneck Tank Top in Textured Satin
Leather Jacket + Baggy Pants + Flannel
Flannels were long forgotten in my wardrobe, but I’ve seen them styled so creatively lately, and now I’m intrigued. Tying an old shirt that you’re kind of done with around your waist can make an old outfit feel new.
Shop the look:
Pilcro
Oversized Washed Faux-Leather Jacket
Mango
Camisa Aurelius Plaid Button-Up Shirt
Lioness
She’s All That Jeans
V-Neck Sweater + T-Shirt + Skirt
Who says a knee-length leather skirt has to feel outdated. I love seeing this one styled with a nice cardigan and layering tank—simply classic.
Shop the look:
J.Crew
Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater
Free People
Nina Crewneck Cotton T-Shirt
Knit Maxi Dress + Cardigan + Shoulder Bag
If you have a dress that feels more formal but are looking for an excuse to wear it in the fall, throw a cardigan over it and call it a day. It’s the easy update that never fails.
Shop the look:
Peppermayo Exclusive
Gracie Oversized Knit Cardigan in Brown
Quince
Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Long Sleeve Crew Midi Dress
Freja New York
Caroline Bag Black
Striped Tee + Jeans + Red Flats
Striped T-shirts are really great for styling in 2024. A cardigan around the neck and a cool pair of flats are the only finishing touches you’ll need to give your old outfit an update.
Shop the look:
COS
Striped Jersey Rugby Shirt
PAIGE
Harper Wide-Leg Jeans
Marc Fisher
Gunner Pointed Toe Flat
Maxi Dress + Belt + Clutch
This is my favorite way to make any dress in my closet feel new even if I’ve already worn it a few times. A statement belt does all the work for you, and it gets bonus points because it’s super flattering.
Shop the look:
Midi Dress + Leather Jacket + Ballet Flats
Unexpected combinations are truly the way to get the most out of your closet, which is why I’m obsessed with the idea of pairing a feminine midi dress with a more masculine leather jacket.
Shop the look:
Mango
Leather-Effect Jacket With Contrast Stitching
Free People
Midi-Kleid Free People Butterfly Babe
Cool Jacket + Straight Jeans + Slingback Flats
I’m a big jacket hoarder. It’s the first thing people see in your outfit, and a good statement jacket can do so much for you styling-wise. Pair your favorite jacket with straight-leg jeans and a great shoe, and you’re all set.
Shop the look:
Mother
The Hiker Hover Straight Leg Jeans
