How to Refresh Your Style Without Shopping

A guide to creating new looks with what you already own

Lately, I've been in a bit of a style rut—my body has changed (as bodies naturally do!) and I'm feeling bored with my usual uniform. Rather than impulse shopping my way out of this slump, I've been exploring ways to rediscover and reimagine what I already own. Here are my favourite strategies for refreshing your style without spending a dime.

Try a Ruthless Edit

5 years of helping women streamline their closets has taught me that subtracting is often the best way to refresh and elevate your style. Editing your wardrobe gives you the chance to eliminate those items that never quite worked or are too hard to incorporate into a cohesive outfit. To build a closet you love, you need to be ruthless, keeping only the best and brightest.

Don’t settle for items that are just “okay.” Instead, identify and highlight the pieces that are both essential and add value to your life. The idea is to edit down your wardrobe so you can look and feel your best every day. So, get your donation bag ready, and toss in anything that doesn’t fit, flatter, or help you show up as the best version of yourself each day.

Reorganize your closet

Shift the way you’ve sorted things- Put the items you’re gravitating towards front and centre and move the lesser worn styles to the side. Sort by category, then by colour, make it easy for you to get dressed in the morning. If you want a more streamlined look get matching hangers and use shelf dividers or baskets to keep shelf piles neat. Get my closet organizing checklist here

Play Dress Up

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, and reorganized, it’s time to experiment with new ways to style your favourite pieces. Try layering, accessorizing, or playing with monochrome and unexpected colour combinations. Go for tonal looks—think all denim, soft neutrals, or even something bold like red and pink. Add an unexpected shoe, layer jewelry, play with mismatched patterns or textures, or mix high and low pieces for an elevated-casual contrast. Experimenting is a crucial step toward identifying your unique style.

Replicate a Look You Love

I love sourcing style inspiration on Pinterest—and have started challenging myself to replicate my favourite looks by shopping from my own closet. Start by saving a few outfits that catch your eye, then take a closer look at what makes those outfits work. Is it the color palette, the layering, or a standout accessory? Next, dive into your wardrobe and see how you can recreate the look using pieces you already own. This approach not only saves money but also helps you discover fresh combinations and fall back in love with the clothes you already have.

Bring New Life with Alterations

I love using alterations to breathe new life into my clothes. I’ve chopped jeans that were too long, adjusted dresses to give them a better fit, and tailored the sleeves of my favourite jackets for the right fit. When it comes to clothing, fit is everything, so don’t underestimate the value of a good tailor to help you customize your wardrobe.

Which one of these are you trying first? Leave a comment to let me know

Happy Organizing

Jocelyn