How to refresh your wardrobe (without re-mortgaging the house).

In seven simple steps.

A few weeks ago, I started to get sick of all my clothes.

I’d stare at my wardrobe full of decent but tired outfits and think, “I have NOTHING to wear”.

I just needed a bit of a change – so I decided to refresh my wardrobe.

I think it’s something everyone should do whenever they start to feel disappointed with their look, or when they find themselves wearing the same stuff over and over again. But don’t worry – it doesn’t have to cost you a mortgage repayment.

There are 7 simple steps to follow when refreshing your wardrobe that make it easy, affordable and heaps of fun.

1. Sort through your wardrobe.

Start pulling your clothes out. Anything you are sick to death of, is damaged in any way or you haven’t worn for two years should be given away. Make a pile of clothes you aren’t sure about and then rehang and refold the items you definitely want to keep. Once you’ve done this, take an inventory. Are there key pieces you’re missing? I found that I had heaps of gorgeous tops but only one pair of pants and one skirt to wear them with. Sort your shoes out too.

Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by Harris Scarfe. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.

2. Do some research.

Hop online and do some hunting around for styles. I normally check out what celebrities are wearing via Instagram and visit fashion websites for tips and tricks. Make notes, seriously. You have to do this properly if you’re going to buy the right stuff to supplement your recently refreshed wardrobe.

While you do this ask yourself two questions:

a. What clothes do I feel the most comfortable wearing?
b. What kind of clothes do I wish I felt comfortable wearing?

Include lots of those items on your list. When you go shopping, it can’t be for similar stuff to the clothes you just got rid of. You want to move on from that and try something a bit different.

3. Make a list, and choose classic pieces.

What items do you really need to buy to pull your wardrobe together? Whenever I do a wardrobe refresh, I tend to go for classic, stylish items that won’t date too quickly.

Related: “This is the best shopping advice I was ever given.”

Think crisp, tailored white shirts, gorgeous coats, jeans or black pants, a neutral coloured handbag or a little black dress. These items never go out of style, and always make you look effortlessly chic. They are also very versatile, which means you can pair them with items you already own to create a whole new look. It’s all about shopping smarter.

4. Devise a budget.

Figure out exactly how much you want to spend. Don’t go too nuts because you want to feel good about your purchases, not guilty. Because you are going to do this a few times each year, you don’t have to go crazy with your credit card. The whole point of this exercise is to make sure you don’t break the bank.

5. Go shopping, preferably to a store where you can get everything you need.

Instead of wandering aimlessly around your local shopping centre, visiting multiple stores for all the items on your list, head to a department store that is affordable and that stocks all the best brands. You want good quality clothing that will last and you want to find as much as you can at one location.

Related: Why you shouldn’t buy a cheap imitation wedding dress online.

Ask for help. That’s what staff is there for and they love a project. Tell them what your budget is too. They can get you started and help you with fit and sizes. They’ll even tell you what looks the best on you and if you don’t believe them, take pictures and send them to someone you trust for their opinion.

6. Try everything on.

As soon as you get home, start unpacking everything and then putting it all away. Try some of your new clothes on with your existing wardrobe and hang them up or fold them up in little sets to make your week easier. This is a good habit to get into each weekend when you do your laundry. Put little outfit ideas together and then you can grab and go.

7. Go out.

After all of that time and effort you may be feeling happy but exhausted. Don’t worry, you are almost done. Put on something new and meet up with friends for some fun. Your wardrobe is sorted and it’s such a great feeling. You deserve to celebrate.

Have you refreshed your wardrobe recently? What tips can you share?

Check out this new range affordable fashion, available now at Harris Scarfe: http://bit.ly/1ETNPYv

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Harris Scarfe is one of Australia’s leading department stores, retailing for over 160 years. With a collection of premium fashion, homewares and manchester, Harris Scarfe is the ideal one-stop-shop for quality branded product with exceptional value across the board for you, your family and home.