




If you’ve ever stared at a wardrobe full of clothes and thought, “I have nothing to wear,” you’re not alone. The good news? You probably don’t need new clothes—you just need new eyes. Shopping your closet is one of the easiest, most budget-friendly ways to reinvigorate your style and fall back in love with what you already own.
Here’s how to shop your closet and rediscover hidden gems that deserve another day in the spotlight and to create new outfits from what you already own that you’ve never thought of before.
Step 1: Start with a Fresh Mindset
Instead of seeing your wardrobe as a graveyard of past purchases, look at it as a curated boutique filled with potential. Pretend you’re a stylist for someone who looks exactly like you. Would you style those wide-leg trousers differently? Would you layer that dress in a new way? For example, try on a dress you love and then experiment with different outer layers – cardigans, jackets and waistcoats/vests. See how different lengths look, is a shorter bolero style better than a waist length denim, how about a long cardigan or jacket? There may be outfits you’ve never thought about hiding in your existing closet that will be come go-to outfits for the coming months when you take the time to find them.
Step 2: Create a Mini Capsule
To prevent overwhelm, select 10–15 items you haven’t worn in a while and build a mini capsule around them. Look for colours that harmonise with each other so that it’s easy to try different combinations, then mix and match with staples you love. You’ll:

- Revisit forgotten pieces
- Discover new outfit combinations
- Get clarity on why some things do (or don’t) work
Add accessories to provide focal points. Select shoes to go with these new outfits and capsule, then photograph your successes and put them in an album on your phone so you can quickly be inspired in the morning and get dressed in a few minutes. Start wearing these new outfits. At the end of the day, notice how you felt in them, did they work as you’d hoped or was there something about the outfit that wasn’t quite right?
If it’s a fit issue, does the garment need an alteration or is it one that you now know isn’t for you (which is why you hadn’t been wearing it) and it’s time to let it go?
If you need more advice on creating a capsule wardrobe, read my Ultimate Guide to Creating Wardrobe Capsules for all my suggestions in one place.
This denim skirt has been in my possession for over 20 years. I’d put it away and then found it again when denim maxi skirts came back into style. It’s a more unique version of a denim skirt with it’s diagonal decorative seaming which is why I kept it for so long.
Step 3: Rotate by Season and Situation
Pull out items that feel “too dressy” or “too casual” and challenge yourself to style them for your everyday life. Can that silk blouse go under a denim jacket? Can those heels work with wide-leg jeans? Can you dress down that more formal dress with a denim jacket? Can you dress up your jeans and tee with a blazer?
When you shop your closet this way, you’re not just finding clothes – you’re expanding your styling creativity.
Step 4: Use Accessories to Refresh Old Looks
Belts, scarves, statement earrings, and shoes can dramatically shift an outfit’s vibe. A blazer you’re tired of may suddenly feel fresh when belted or paired with bold jewellery. Want to learn how accessories can completely transform your outfit’s tone? Check out my article, How to Choose Accessories to Match Your Personality and Occasion
Step 5: Document Your Discoveries
Take selfies of your favourite combinations. You’ll create your own personal lookbook to reference on rushed mornings – and it’ll remind you just how much your wardrobe already offers.
Bonus Tip: Do the Evolve Your Style Challenge
Want structure and inspiration while shopping your closet? The Evolve Your Style Challenge is a 31-day program that gives you easy daily outfit prompts so you can:
- Break out of your style rut
- Try new combinations with what you already own
- Learn what suits your personality, colouring, and body shape
It’s a fun, supportive, low-pressure way to build your style confidence – without buying anything new.
Many women say it’s life-changing. And all it takes is a few minutes a day and a willingness to play with your wardrobe.
Shopping your closet isn’t about settling. It’s about seeing your wardrobe with fresh eyes, honouring your past purchases, and uncovering new possibilities. You’ve already invested in your clothes – now it’s time to make them work for you.
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