Shopaholics 101: Reinvent your closet!

Wardrobe essentials by Rva girl featuring Diane von Furstenberg

Items in this set:
Diane von Furstenberg Pivette ruffled crepe dress, $495
Diane von Furstenberg Georgette ruffle blouse, $285
See by Chloe Printed cotton tank top, $95
Back to School Hello Kitty Top, $18
Tweed waistcoat, 135 EUR

Is the recession digging into your pockets? Well, if you’re like me you’re probably going through withdrawals due to the lack of shopping. So, what’s a shopaholic to do? Well recession smart fashionista’s know. When you’re running low on cash, instead of blowing your last dollars on that new pair of boots go shopping in your own closet. Take some ideas from the runway and dig deep into your wardrobe. You might be surprised. Your clothes are more versatile than you think. Many of your clothes can be reinvented within a matter of seconds. And it doesn’t take being a designer to make it happen.

The first step is to determine why you don’t wear something in your closet, then try to think of a way to fix the problem. For instance, if a top is too revealing or short, wear something over or underneath. Or if a top is too loose, slap a belt on top. Experimentation is key!

Here are a few things you can try without using a needle and thread. Try:
- combining colors/patterns that you wouldn’t normally think go to together
- tucking a graphic tee into a pencil skirt
- wearing a top over a dress
- cinching your waist with a cute belt or even ribbon
- pulling up a low waist skirt and hold it up with a belt
- tucking a dress into a skirt
- layering items of different lengths

If you’re feeling really crafty you can also try cutting that old band t-shirt into a tank top. Or an old pair of jeans into a pair of short shorts. Now some pieces just won’t work and there’s no fixing them. For these pieces don't feel bad throwng it out, it’s just taking up space in your closet. When you finally do get some cash and decide to go out and replenish your wardrobe, remember to shop for classic pieces that you can mix and match. You’ve got to have a solid foundation in your wardrobe before you can really build on your style. That neon asymmetrical cut dress may look cute for next weekend’s party, but your little black dress can be worn just about anywhere.


Trends come and go, but classic pieces will never go out of style. Everyone’s list will vary to some degree, but wardrobe essentials generally include:
- a blazer
- basic tees/tank tops/camisoles
- dark and light jeans
- black dress pants
- a pencil skirt
- a little black dress
- black tights
- black pumps
- flat boots
- high heel boots
With these pieces in your wardrobe and a little accessorizing, you can create an abundance of different looks just by using what’s in your closet. Just because everyone has jeans and tees in their wardrobe's doesn't mean you should underestimate the power of this duo. You can get a variety of looks out of jeans and a basic tee. You could go casual chic be accessorizing with a decorative scarf and bedazzled pair of gladiators or go out for a night on the town and pair a leather jacket and some high heel boots. There are so many possibilities! You just have to play around with them and see what works for you.


Mixing and matching basic wardrobe essentials and trendy fashion accessories will allow you to take your wardrobe in different directions and make it appear you have more clothes than you actually do. So don't be afraid to try new outfit ideas. You might regret a decision later, but don't let that hinder you from expressing yourself. If you want, get a second opinion. Somebody else may fall in love with your style. But just remember, the best thing you can do is have fun with fashion. There really are no rules. Just express yourself, be confident in who you are and wear what you love.


This posting also appeared in issue two of VCU's magazine INK. Missed out on getting a hardcopy? Check out Volume 2, Issue 2 of Ink Magazine at:
http://issuu.com/ink_magazine