6 Ways To Instantly Upgrade Your Wardrobe

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If you’re like me (working mom, living in leggings and T-shirts), you haven’t updated your wardrobe in years, maybe decades. Maybe you work from home and don’t see another adult human ever. Or, perhaps you just haven’t felt like stepping into a fitting room lately.

Turns out (no surprise) that millennials and single women spend more on their wardrobe than the rest of us. A study by LendingTree found that millennials spend an average of 3.2 percent of their budget on apparel, while baby boomers average 2.3 percent. If you’re not a millennial or don’t want to shell out a significant amount of money for a little fashion boost, do not fear. There are simple ways to give your clothing an instant refresh, stat.

Add a Belt

“They are often the forgotten accessory but have such a high impact when it comes to finishing a look,” says Risa Kostis, celebrity wardrobe stylist and co-founder of The Rescue Kit Company in Scottsdale. You can wear them high-waisted to cinch an oversized button-down with jeans and a tee to add interest to a basic look, or even as a necklace if they are a chain-style piece.

Statement Jewelry

A bold pair of earrings, a chunky bracelet or a set of delicate layered necklaces can take a simple outfit from plain to polished in seconds, says Kostis. For a low investment (Gorjana and BaubleBar have affordable selections of everyday pieces), you can take any neutral, basic look and make it swoon-worthy in seconds. Kostis recommends choosing pieces that feel personal to you, like vintage hand-me-downs from relatives or even an initial or name necklace.

Elevate Athleisure

Not ready to let go of your leggings and sweatpants because they’re uber-comfy? Try trading in your worn-out athleisure tees and hoodies for high-quality knit tops. “Swapping your tee for a cashmere-blend top (Quince is an affordable site for this), your hoodie for a chunky cardigan or your Lululemon long-sleeve for a Lycra-blend bodysuit are a few ways to get beyond the workout wear.”

A Blazer Will Fix It

“Out of every category in my closet, I have the most blazers because of their versatility,” says Jen Polt, an image and confidence coach at Glossed World in Washington, D.C. Add a blazer to your T-shirt and jeans to make it look timeless; pop on a hoodie with your joggers to go from casual to street-chic or try an oversized blazer belted to create a new silhouette. Polt says she’s purchased her favorite blazers in the men’s section of a thrift store for less than $10.

Fun, Functional Footwear

A fun sneaker elevates casual outfits while keeping them comfortable, and they can be paired with dresses, tees or just a denim look. We’ve been eyeing the Blowfish Malibu Leo Sneaker  ($80), the colorful Reebok Lifestyle Hammer Street sneaker ($100) and the Steve Madden Glint Silver Leather shoe ($100). Alternatively, says Kostis, slipping on a pair of stylish loafers or mules will make you look polished without sacrificing comfort. A leather or suede option is super versatile. “It’s a great transitional shoe for season-to-season and goes with just about every classic piece in your wardrobe,” she says. Look for loafers with a great lug sole or hardware detail, and they won’t go out of style.

A Statement or Classic Handbag

A structured tote or crossbody bag in a neutral or bold color adds instant sophistication, making even the most casual outfits look more intentional, says Kostis. “I especially love a pattern or pop of color in a crossbody that gives you enough space and allows you to be hands-free,” she says. “Choosing something that complements the majority of your existing wardrobe is always a smart choice, but I definitely think taking a risk with something different will not only boost your mood, but it’ll help take your capsule closet to the next level.”

 
What shoes do you tend to wear most during the summer? Let us know in the comments below.