6 Tips For Finding Inspiration In Your Own Closet And Rewearing What You Own

Beginner's Guide

Aug 30

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I’ve said this here a billion times already, but I’ll say it again--the most sustainable clothes are the ones that you already own.

We all know that feeling of having nothing to wear and when you’re wearing the same clothes day after day, the process of getting dressed can get pretty dreary and uninspiring.

The journey to living more sustainably can definitely be an arduous process, but it’s the small consistent steps to doing better that make a difference in the long-run. Sustainable fashion is the process of relearning our consumeristic habits and of redefining joy and satisfaction.

As someone who has committed to purchasing fewer than 10 garments this year (that count also includes secondhand clothing and accessories), I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with repeat outfits.

Here are 6 tips for rewearing what you already own and finding inspiration through sustainable fashion.

1: Join An Instagram Challenge

This has by far been the biggest game changer for me. Joining in on an Instagram Challenge provides a sense of community while also challenging your creativity. The challenges can range from very typical 10x10 Capsule Wardrobe Challenges to more creatively-inclined challenges like the #StyledByFood Challenge a few months back (we had to create outfits around our favorite foods).

Instagram challenges provide you with a framework so that you can explore your style and also push your creative comfort zone. It’s also a great way to pull fashion inspiration from other individuals who have the same sustainability goals as you. If you’re looking to give this a try, the #SummerToFall2020 Challenge is starting tomorrow, Monday, August 31!

2: Create a Pinterest or Instagram Board For Garments That Are Difficult To Style

The idea of pulling from external inspiration has been around forever but I like to use this tactic specifically with garments that I bought but don’t wear very often.

Creating a mood board for outfits that inspire us in general can sometimes be overwhelming and leave us with too many ideas that we can’t actually carry out. When you use pinning (or bookmarking) with the specific intent to solve an issue that you have with your closet however, it becomes a valuable problem-solving strategy.

3: Take Advantage Of Accessories, Makeup, and Hair

Sometimes, all it takes to spice things up is a pop of bright lipstick (or eyeshadow). Changing the little details can have a huge impact on the overall feel of a look and it might just be the thing to snap you out of a rut.

4: Play With DIYs and Upcycling

I mean, there’s a reason that it’s trending on TikTok, right?

Upcycling is an opportunity to explore a different side of fashion and can be a smart way to reinvigorate garments that no longer bring you joy. Sometimes, just the fact that you worked on a piece can help you to develop a new appreciation for it.

I think that once we can redefine our relationships with clothing, we can learn to value them for what they offer, and ultimately reframe our relationship with consumption.

5. Actively Consult Styles Outside of Your Normal Aesthetics

I’m not saying that you should completely change up your style, but if you're feeling a little bored, switch things up. Look for inspiration outside of your normal aesthetic and see if you can incorporate those ideas into your own way or dressing.

Maybe it’s an appreciation for the silhouette of a flared A-line commonly seen in the e-girl aesthetic or maybe it’s a unique combination of prints and colors that you normally would not try. Actively pick a combination that you normally would not put together and then tinker with the colors, textures, pattern, and accessories with it until it feels good.

6. Pull From Your Own Feed

If you’re already sharing outfits on Instagram, scroll back in your own feed and remind yourself of all the incredible looks that you’ve already worn! Sometimes a little refresher can remind you of the outfits that really brought you joy or inspire you to better an outfit that you once put together.

Bonus: Raid Someone Else’s Closet

If you live with someone or are in the same quarantine pod as someone else that you can share clothes with, get together for an informal swap! I “borrow” clothes from my mom’s closet all the time and because her style is so different from mine, it allows me to diversify my wardrobe without actually spending money and increasing consumption.