5 Steps to Update Your Wardrobe
Are you staring at a closet full of (dare I say…? ) outdated clothes? Dated clothes do not equal modern, current style. While classic style has staying power over time, even a navy or black blazer will show its age. Silhouettes slowly change over time; clothes are not made or designed to “last forever.” Even the most classic pieces will carry notes of the time when it was designed. A dress you bought in the early 2000s will look like the early 2000s. Pants purchased in 2010 are 13 years old now. Design is in the details; it’s how style evolves. So, if you’re hanging on to a piece from times past, your outfit will reflect that era, not the new classic. Remember, you’ll never achieve the chic and sophisticated style you desire if your closet is full of dated clothes. Today, I have 5 Steps to Update Your Wardrobe.
TL;DR
Today Beth shares 5 steps to update your wardrobe
Including examples of outdated outfits and how to update them
Also, look for collage boards with ideas to modernize and add vibrancy your wardrobe
The updated outfits and collage boards are shoppable via text widgets
5 Steps to Update Your Wardrobe
Assessing Your Current Style
To begin your outfit overhaul, it's essential to assess your current style. By evaluating your wardrobe, you can determine what outdated trends need to go, making room for modern and stylish pieces. So, let's uncover the key elements that will help you evaluate your current style and set the stage for a fresh and contemporary wardrobe.
First, take a moment to reflect on your personal fashion preferences and the image you want to project to the world. Consider the occasions you dress for regularly, whether it's a professional setting, casual outings, or formal events. Understanding your lifestyle and your different roles will guide you in creating a wardrobe that suits your needs. I like to incorporate a 70/30 rule that reflects your lifestyle.
Next, assess the colors, patterns, and silhouettes that dominate your closet. Note any outdated styles that may no longer align with your desired modern look. Are there items that scream last decade's fashion or no longer make you feel confident? These are the pieces that should go.
Additionally, pay attention to the fit and condition of your clothes. Are there ill-fitting items, stretched out, or showing signs of wear and tear? These are indicators that it's time to part ways and invest in new, well-fitting pieces that will give you a polished appearance.
As you go through your wardrobe, consider your style icons and the inspiring trends. This will help you identify any disconnect between your current wardrobe and the modern fashion landscape. Look for gaps in your clothing collection and note the styles, patterns, or accessories that catch your eye. These insights will serve as your compass in building a timeless wardrobe foundation that reflects your personal style while keeping pace with contemporary fashion.
Identifying Outdated Trends
When identifying outdated trends, it's important to stay up-to-date with current fashion. Pay attention to fashion magazines, runway shows, and influencers in the industry. Notice the emerging styles and note any recurring trends from the past that may be coming back. This will give you a sense of what is considered fresh and fashionable today.
Another way to identify outdated trends is to evaluate the age of your clothing. Fashion trends tend to come and go quickly, so if you find yourself holding onto items that are more than a few years old, it's likely that they are no longer in style. Consider these older pieces' silhouettes, patterns, and colors and compare them to current trends. If they don't align with what you see in fashion today, it's time to bid them farewell. I took three outfits from 2015 to use as examples.
The first outfit is composed of a blazer, skirt, and sweater. I loved this outfit in 2015. The fitted velvet blazer was to die for, and I repeatedly wore that sequin skirt. And the jewel-encrusted sweater was so 2014/2015. It’s safe to say you don’t see me wearing any of these items in 2023 because they’re dated. While I will still incorporate all of those elements into an outfit in 2023, meaning a blazer, skirt (even a sequin skirt), and sweater, I will definitely have updated the overall look.
Next, let’s take a look at a sweater dress I paired with a faux fur vest and suede booties. It was very current and modern for 2015. While I still would pair a sweater dress and booties in 2023, we can all agree that the zipper detail on the suede booties is dated, so that I would opt for a more streamlined boot, and I would definitely ditch the necklace for a more modern look, maybe a dainty layered necklace in gold.
Noir Vivianne Dress | Signature Silk Scarf (draped over shoulders) | Yale Chelsea Boot | Slinky Long Necklace | Bettina Leather Clutch | Molten Gold Hoop Earrings
The last outfit is a variation of my style uniform, the 4Bs (blazer, button-up, blue jeans, and ballet flats). The cuffed jeans were definitely on trend in 2015, as well as the shrunken sweater blazer, but they’re both passè in 2023. I would select an oversized or boyfriend blazer and pair it with a straight-leg dark rinse denim. And I would forgo the round-toe ballet flat, favoring a sleek flat or loafer.
Additionally, assess the quality and condition of your clothes. Even if certain items might still be considered stylish, if they are worn out, faded, or damaged, they can instantly make your overall look outdated. In such cases, it may be time to part ways with them and invest in fresh, well-made pieces that will elevate your style.
By taking the time to identify outdated trends in your wardrobe, you lay the foundation for a successful outfit overhaul. You'll gain a better understanding of your style and be able to let go of items that no longer serve you.
Building a Timeless Wardrobe Foundation
Investing in key essentials such as a tailored blazer, a crisp white button-down shirt, a versatile trench coat, and a little black dress forms the backbone of a timeless wardrobe. These timeless pieces serve as the building blocks for endless outfit combinations. They provide a solid starting point from which we can inject modern elements to keep our look current and fresh.
As we assemble our timeless wardrobe foundation, it's essential to consider our personal style and preferences. While these classic pieces are universal in their appeal, they should also reflect our individuality. Whether we prefer minimalist elegance, bohemian flair, or bold prints and colors, our timeless wardrobe foundation should always be a reflection of who we are.
Injecting Modern Elements
With a solid foundation in place, we can confidently inject modern elements into our outfits. This next step allows us to stay in tune with current trends while maintaining our timeless style.
When it comes to creating a contemporary look, the key is to strike a balance between classic and trendy pieces. Experiment with trendy patterns like animal prints, florals, or geometric motifs. Incorporating a printed blouse or skirt into your wardrobe can bring a sense of vibrancy and freshness to your look.
Embracing new silhouettes is also a surefire way to modernize your wardrobe. Try swapping your go-to straight-leg pants for a pair of wide-leg trousers. Similarly, updating your dresses with asymmetrical hemlines or unique cuts can instantly transform your outfit into a modern masterpiece.
Accessorizing for a Contemporary Look
Embracing new silhouettes is just one aspect of modernizing our wardrobe. Another key element that can instantly elevate our look is accessorizing. Accessories have the power to transform an outfit, adding that perfect finishing touch to make it contemporary and fashion-forward. With the right pieces, we can take our ensemble from ordinary to extraordinary.
When it comes to accessorizing for a contemporary look, it's essential to choose pieces that not only complement our personal style but also align with current fashion trends. Opting for statement jewelry can be a great way to add that modern edge to our outfits. Chunky necklaces, oversized earrings, or stackable bracelets can be bold choices that instantly draw attention and make a fashion statement.
Ravena Triple Bangle Set | Ravena Link Necklace | Oversized Faceted-Crystal Stud Earrings | Ridged Cuff Bracelet | Chunky Links Statement Necklace | Tortoise Bangle | Tortoise Shell Cuff | Lagos Beaded Bracelet | Lagos Bangle | Olivia Plum Earrings | Mother-of-Pearl Langley Studs | Beaded Carrington Necklace
In addition to jewelry, bags, and shoes are crucial accessories that modernize our look. Swapping out our traditional handbag for a sleek and structured design can add a touch of sophistication. Opting for a crossbody or trendy backpack can provide style and functionality. Similarly, choosing shoes with unique details, like embellishments or unexpected colors, can give our outfit that modern twist.
Belts are another accessory that should not be overlooked. They cinch our waist, creating a flattering silhouette and adding a touch of modernity. Opt for statement belts with interesting buckles, or choose one in a contrasting color to create visual interest and make a fashion-forward statement.
Ada Skinny Leather Wrap Belt | Raina Lillian Belt | Double Row Belt | Kate Spade Pearly Leather Belt | Kate Spade Leopard Bow Belt | Reversible Leather-Blend Belt | The Blake Belt | Skinny Multi-Keeper Belt | Resin Chain Belt | Keeper Belt | Patent Letter Tortoise Belt | Plaited Italian Leather Belt | Raffia Wide Waist Belt
When it comes to accessorizing, it's important to strike the right balance. While we want to add modern elements to our outfits, we also want to ensure that our accessories don't overpower the overall look. The key is to choose one or two statement pieces and let them shine while keeping the rest of our accessories more minimalistic. This way, we create a harmonious and contemporary ensemble that reflects our style.
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, we discussed the benefits of dressing well. Click the title or image below to read the article.
This was an interesting post, Beth! I still have that exact Navy with pink piping sweater blazer in my closet. Eye opening for me! Some things I think may be timeless aren’t necessarily…
Same navy blazer with pink trim – I am not ditching it but pairing with a nice blouse – usually with jeans – buy classics and you won’t have to keep buying – would enjoy a post on using some already existing pieces you’ve featured from years past and how to make the most of them – thx for a great blog
I’m definitely a classics girl, but everything has a time and a season. But I’ll never tell you not to wear something. That’s completely up to you.
That little black sweater dress Beth features comes in cream, I believe. Maybe pair it with your blazer and a scarf that complements or covers the pink trim, and you have a more modern look. A trendy sweater tank in pink could be great too. There are some great ideas with the J Crew cropped Lady Jackets.
Blazers are defintely timeless as we reach for them year after year. But the silhouettes come and then go. It’s up to us and our personal style aesthetic that determines when we let them go.
Always love to hear from you!
Great week of posts.
Glad you liked this week’s posts! Thanks for stopping by!
Excellent post, Beth! This is exactly what I’m trying to achieve with my wardrobe. I’m now 62 and in semi-retirement and do not need nor want a massive wardrobe. This type of post helps me stay on track to achieve my scaled down but staying current wardrobe. Thank you!
It’s definitely possible to have a pared-down wardrobe that’s current, modern, and fresh.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you. I loved everything. You do a great job.
Thanks Rose Marie! xo Kelly
You have great style and I would love to see you do more posts on wearing your 2015 items in an updated way, maybe having it tailored or repurposed. Also a post on purchasing thrifted or sustainable style to update a wardrobe would be a very current fashion statement.
As mature women we are responsible to be better climate roll models for younger generations.