one thing i love about shopping second hand is that the stores i haunt don't discriminate against seasons. what most complain about (having to look through everything) is my big advantage. since i'm not a follower of fashion rules, i like to utilize my entire wardrobe all year round. and thrift stores usually organize by items: skirts, pants, sweaters, coats, etc. so when i find something i love? i take it home with me and find a way to wear it, not store it for later.
my favorite season is upon us. and with the weather cooling, that means one thing for my ensemble wear~layering. this doesn't take as much bravery as it sounds, just look inside your closet and mix things up a little bit. instead of putting away your summer clothes, keep them around and see what you can do with them. one way to get the full use of my clothing finds is to organize my closet by color, not style or type. we live in an old house with the tiniest closets i have ever seen! even the doors are extremely narrow and not standard size. i look forward to the day when we can have walk-in closets...but until then, i abide by an organized tip of a regular thrifter...once i acquire something, i get rid of an old item to replace it.
here are just some ways to mix up your clothes:
- use your favorite tank and wear over a long sleeve top.
- everything matches as long as it clashes. try it.
- yes to brown & black. navy & black. white accessories all the time.
- capris with boots in the winter, flats in the summer.
- use your floaty delicate spring skirts with tights & a jacket to anchor them for fall.
- boleros, shrugs, wraps all make a short sleeve top different for cold weather.
- wrap a leather belt around a top and pair with pants or a skirt.
- don't underestimate your accessories. a vintage cotton or silk scarf can wrap your hair off your face in the summer and warm your neck in the winter.
- keep out those cute shoes and see if some colored tights will change their look.
- select items by color and see how elegant monochromatic dressing really is.
- add some artistic jewelry to your most basic items, be bright and bold!
- try corduroy with silk, velvet with flannel, wool with cotton. be about texture.