Making the most of what you've got

Now and again we look through our wardrobes and the inevitable desperate wail of ‘I don’t have anything to wear!’ occurs. On the outside it may look like we have hundreds of items hanging up, folded up, thrown into a heap at the bottom. . .but deep down we know we will always crave new clothing. But of course this ideology is both delusional and damaging – to our bank accounts! So here’s a few, well thought out and practiced tips on making the most out of what you have.

Try something that’s not ‘you’ – This could be something as simple as a top you bought last summer and haven’t had the courage to wear since. Team it up with something you know flatters your body, and wear it out somewhere you feel comfortable. Once you’re used to being in it, any insecurities will fade and you’ll have a new item of clothing to go along with your new found confidence!  

Adapt trends so that they work for you – Some fashion isn’t for everyone, so if there’s an outfit you know goes well together, but doesn’t perhaps suit your frame – then by changing one aspect of it can result in a much flattering combination. Tall? Try a longer skirt to longer your torso. Curvy? Then by adding an extra belt at the waist can bring peoples eyes to the smallest part of your body.

Hold onto outdated pieces – Never before has vintage been more in style, and it’s simple to do! The beauty of wearing older clothes is that no one else will be out wearing the same outfit as you, and even more intrigued when you tell them ‘Oh this? You can’t buy it anymore.’ So keep that old jumper your Nan bought you two Christmases ago, because this years Marc Jacobs may be the perfect match!

Accessorize – The one simple word that can lift an outfit from drab to delectable. Outfits are easily changeable with just the addition of a few items, and these days more or less anything goes. So don’t be afraid to go that extra mile and include a few chunky bangles, or statement necklace – instant face lift for whatever it is you’re wearing!

Customise your winter wardrobe into a summer one – Don’t spend ridiculous amounts on the perfect pair of shorts when you can make your own cut-offs from an old pair of jeans. A little turning up and fraying is nothing to be scared of, so get those scissors and throw caution to the wind. Same goes for those long sleeves, if the top can handle it – make it into a stylish tank top that no one has seen before.

And if all fails – Raid the boyfriends wardrobe!




I spoke to Lianne Carpenter, a Canterbury Christ Church student, who voiced her opinions on making the most out of what you've got.