Get a New Wardrobe for $30

Need new options?  You can revitalize your wardrobe with less than $30!

Instead of buying new things, we're going to work with what we've got.  You know how people miss obvious spelling and grammatical errors on papers they've read over and over?  With your wardrobe, it's the same thing!  We get into the habit of pairing the same colors and materials together over and over and we forget to change things up and combine things differently.  Your action plan is below.

First: Call a friend whose sense of style you trust. Tell her that you need her help (flattery gets you everywhere) and invite her to your place for wine and cheese (that's where the $30 comes in).  Set a date - you'll need two or three hours.

Second: Prep your closet in advance.  Do your laundry and dry-cleaning, and make sure everything is organized.  Get rid of things that are worn out or don't fit.  Click here for more advice on how to whip your wardrobe into shape.

Third: Fill in your friend - she's going to be your Wardrobe Consultant.  The goal is to bring a fresh perspective to your clothes, shoes and accessories.  Give him or her access to your closet, and let them get to work making suggestions on what pieces would go together nicely.  You’ll be surprised at how many new outfits someone else can pull out of your closet!

Finally: Swap with your friend!  Make a date to liven up her closet in the next few weeks.  Drinks on her this time!

Here are some fun pairings I’ve come up with in my own closet. 

At first I thought the bright and dark contrast of this skirt and sheer top would be too much.  But as I put the two pieces together, I noticed that the lighter yellow shades in the top paired really well with the bright hue of the skirt.  This will be great for Fall!

My Mom told me when I was younger, that when she was a girl, her mother gave her this piece of fashion advice, “Red and pink, you stink!”  I disagree.  I actually love putting together different colors within the same family, like this off-white top with navy polka dots and bright blue cardigan. 

Finally, this bright yellow top has been tough to figure out, but it actually looks great with this green skirt.  I especially love the way the feminine ruffle contrasts with the tougher look of the skirt's paneling and brass buttons.

A few more ideas before you go...

Tip: Reference a J. Crew catalog or the website.  The brand does an excellent job of pairing unexpected, bright colors!  Your style doesn't necessarily have to be as preppy, but you can take cues from their color and material match-ups.

Extra: Set aside five items that you love but have had trouble figuring out how to wear.  You can be your own Wardrobe Consultant be singling out these items and actively 

I do this all the time.  If I'm really stumped I will literally hold something up against every top I own until I see a connection.  If you love something, it'll be worth it!

One More Thing: Gray goes with everything!  And it's classic.