How To Shop Your Own Wardrobe And Discover Brand New Outfits Without Spending A Thing

Update your style with these clever tricks.

Street Style

by Charlotte Pavitt |
Updated on

At present, many of us may be avoiding shops altogether, while the financial uncertainly caused by the coronavirus outbreak has undoubtedly led to anxiety over what we're spending – and on what. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't enjoy the thrill of new clothes, however.

Here on the Grazia fashion team, we're taking this new found 'home time' and using it not only to give our wardrobe a Marie Kondo-style clear out, but also to breathe a new lease of life into our long-forgotten purchases.

We can all admit to having wardrobes bursting full of clothes that we simply had to buy, but for one reason or another, they lay forgotten and unworn. The fashion industry's contribution to climate change is undeniable, so it's imperative that we do our bit to reduce consumption when it comes to fast fashion and waste.

From new colour combos to clever styling hacks, we're looking to the street style set - back when they were allowed out - to inspire re-wearing in a bid to both do our bit and be ready to debut new outfits once we finally get to emerge back into the land of the outdoors.

New Colour Combos

Look-twice colour combos now have the street-styler seal of approval. If it makes you double-take, you’re on the right track.

Some of these shades you may have squirrelled away in your summer wardrobe, but this season we're encouraging you to switch things up by going tonal, or mix with colour popping brights at the opposite side of the colour wheel.

Raspberry & Emerald

Street Style

Beige & Pistachio

Street Style

Blue & Mint

street style blue and mint

Khaki & Nude

Street style khaki and nude

Chocolate & Tangerine

Street style chocolate and tangerine

Easy Formulae

When it comes to re-wearing, it can often feel like you're constantly reaching for your tried and tested combinations (read: jeans and jumper) or perhaps you're worried that everyone's seen that shirt a million times before. And breaking news: there's nothing wrong with it - these simple formulae can be racked-up into outfits that can be mixed and matched, and feel fresh. We're going back to basics.

Base Layer + Oversized Shirt

Layering is the best way to refresh an old favourite. A print clash or colour-pop is the way to work the base layer this season – keep your top layer oversized to balance proportion.

Street Style base layer and shirt
Street style base layer and shirt

Knitted Dress + Over-the-knee Boots

The knit dress is one of those things you've had knocking about for years. For 2020, we're pairing ours with tonal over-the-knee boots. Wear to work with a chic overcoat, or pair back with a denim jacket for Springtime day-to-night dressing.

Street style knit dress + over-the-knee boots
Street style knit dress and boots

Flared Jeans + Boxy Blazers

Neither are groundbreaking but, when styled together, make for a killer pairing. This can easily be worn at the office with a printed blouse and heels, or during down time with a band tee and stomper boots.

Street Style flared jeans and boxy blazer
Street style flared jeans boxy blazer

Floral Midi Dress + Trench Coat

Surely by now we all have an easy, throw-on floral midi that works great come rain or shine. Perfect for transitional dressing, we recommend layering with a lightweight trench for ultimate spring style points.

Street Style floral dress and trench
Street style floral midi dress and trench

Baggy Trousers + Long Boots

Boots over jeans isn't rocket science, but this season pair with your favourite cargo pants, mom jeans or even a wide leg leather trew.

Street Style baggy trousers & long boots
Street Style baggy trousers & long boots

Polo Tops + Blazer

Taking inspiration from men's wardrobes everywhere, the polo top is back for 2020 and best pared with a chic blazer and chunky accessories.

Street Style Polo Top & Blazer
Street Style Polo top and blazer

Repair, Repair, Repair

Lastly, take this time torediscover your favourite piecesthat could do with a little TLC. TryThe Restoryfor old bags and shoes that need repairs, or consider replacing old buttons or belts on your existing clothes or vintage pieces to give them a new lease of life.

If you do want to replenish your wardrobe to achieve these new season styling tricks, here are the buys to invest in...

Gallery

New Season Buys

LoveShackFancy, Carlton tiered floral-print Swiss-dot cotton midi dress, £376.191 of 16

LoveShackFancy, Carlton tiered floral-print Swiss-dot cotton midi dress, £376.19

Charles & Keith, Knee High Boots, £692 of 16

Charles & Keith, Knee High Boots, £69

Ganni, Double-breasted checked jacket, £2803 of 16

Ganni, Double-breasted checked jacket, £280

Sportmax, Combria coat, £8854 of 16

Sportmax, Combria coat, £885

Albus Lumen, Point-collar cotton-blend terry polo shirt, £1595 of 16

Albus Lumen, Point-collar cotton-blend terry polo shirt, £159

Weekday, Isa Trench Coat, £906 of 16

Weekday, Isa Trench Coat, £90

Frame, Le Pixie cropped high-rise flared jeans, £2357 of 16

Frame, Le Pixie cropped high-rise flared jeans, £235

Arket, Leather Blazer, £2908 of 16

Arket, Leather Blazer, £290

Frankie Shop, Cargo Jogger Pants, £136.769 of 16

Frankie Shop, Cargo Jogger Pants, £136.76

COS, Rounded Cotton Trousers, £6910 of 16

COS, Rounded Cotton Trousers, £69

Zara, Printed Satin Dress, £49.9911 of 16

Zara, Printed Satin Dress, £49.99

Ganni, Oversized leather coat, £1,09012 of 16

Ganni, Oversized leather coat, £1,090

& Other Stories, Ribbed Knot Tie Belted Midi Dress, £9513 of 16

& Other Stories, Ribbed Knot Tie Belted Midi Dress, £95

Zara, Split Suede Boots, £99.9914 of 16

Zara, Split Suede Boots, £99.99

Coach, Leather Trench Coat, £1,25015 of 16

Coach, Leather Trench Coat, £1,250

Proenza Schouler White Label, long buttoned up dress, £39016 of 16

Proenza Schouler White Label, long buttoned up dress, £390

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