Shopping My Wardrobe
Getting reacquainted and re-inspired!
I don’t think anyone is ever really free from the dreaded “I have nothing to wear” feeling, even if they have rails and rails full of clothes. There's probably always going to be something new you’re pining after, or some version of yourself that you want to try and become, but you can’t quite get there with your current wardrobe. I’m definitely guilty of throwing that phrase around, knowing full well I have a ridiculous amount of clothes (because it’s all I spend my money on). Yet, I never actually allow myself time to play dress-up or shop my wardrobe*. I mostly just lay in bed conjuring up an outfit in my head, get frustrated when it doesn’t translate IRL and then inevitably state that I have nothing to wear.
When I was younger I would spend every day dressing up, mostly in those scratchy Disney princess dresses from the early 2000’s that rustled as you walked and the matching plastic heels that loudly clacked on the laminate floors with every wobbly step. After that phase ended, I’d put on ridiculous outfit combinations and take photos on my pink digital camera just for fun. In my later teenage years I would set up the DSLR that I begged for as a Christmas present (I was convinced I would become a photographer) and turn on the self-timer. I’d take countless photos in American Apparel disco pants and Topshop slogan t-shirts, then upload them to Tumblr or my blog that had about 2 readers.
Sadly I don’t remember the last time I had a few hours spare to rummage through my wardrobe, rediscover things I forgot about and really get excited about my clothes again. So - I decided to block out a whole afternoon and give it a good go while also documenting the process, to see if it sparked that nostalgic feeling. Spoiler alert! It did, I absolutely loved it and had the best few hours (minus the fact it was a thousand degrees and constantly changing really takes it out of you). I find it easier to work towards a specific goal rather than just experiment aimlessly, so the challenge I set myself was to put together 10 new outfit combinations. Not specifically with the newer pieces in my wardrobe, just 10 outfits that I’ve never worn before.
Last year I bought this kids Sanrio t-shirt from a tacky gift shop on the Las Vegas strip, it’s adorable but I’ve been avoiding it for months because I’ve found it impossible to style without it coming off too ironic or cutesy. My initial thought would be to just throw it on with jeans, but for some reason that made me feel so young?? Turns out this Saks Potts skirt was the perfect companion - probably one of the most grown-up and fancy pieces in my wardrobe (scored her on Vestiaire for 1/5 of the price). I think it’s a nice juxtaposition and the flip flops make it seem effortless, even though somehow this seemingly very casual outfit took up a lot of brain power.
Another item that’s been collecting dust (only for two or so weeks…) is this dress I was recently gifted by Sezané. I haven’t had the chance to wear it out yet and wasn’t sure how I would even style it - again, without looking too cutesy. It’s super girly and I usually like to break up those pieces with something a little more boyish. Once again dark wash denim came to the rescue, along with these jelly wedges that I adore.
I wish I thought of this outfit back in June when I had about a thousand social events to attend vs now when my calendar is looking pretty dry. The top is definitely the star of the show, found on Vinted (sadly with no labels) and has filled a hole in my wardrobe that’s been empty for way too long. Frankly, I suck at buying tops. I have a thousand t-shirts and striped shirts but when it comes to times where “jeans and a nice top” is the unanimous uniform, I’m stuck. I find them difficult to buy because I try my best not to get sucked into too many micro-trends, as I get bored of tops very quickly, but this one is absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to wear it all summer long. Also, a special shout out to this pink sequin clutch that I bought specifically for a wedding, but can’t wait to style with more casual outfits.
In all honesty I have already worn this t-shirt and shorts combination, just styled with different accessories. I still wanted to include it because it’s important to rewear outfits and also remember to rotate our shoes and bags so that they all get their time in the spotlight! Plus, I think I’ll be living in these Adidas shorts until winter because they’re the absolute perfect shape and navy seems to go with everything.
Proof that a simple flower pin can really jazz up any outfit, and I will be taking full advantage of that going forward! Also return of the flip-flops because this is the first pair I’ve ever owned and I’m honestly into them. I put off buying them until this summer because I thought last year’s craze may have just been a trend, but I’ve learnt they’re a classic for a reason!
Rustling up this combo means that I now have something to wear to my fiancé’s birthday dinner, which means I won’t be stressing him out an hour beforehand and leaving half my wardrobe on the bed/floor! Wins all round. All second hand finds totalling less than £50 and I feel like I’ve stepped straight out of my Pinterest board. The majority of my summer wardrobe is vintage/second hand and they’re honestly the pieces I treasure the most, I think they’re always the truest reflection of your personal style. This vintage bhs dress was £3.50 and is so timeless, I know it’ll be hanging in my wardrobe for a long time.
Sorry to be a hater but the phrase “dopamine dressing” has really started to make me cringe, yet I don’t know how else to describe this outfit. What reason would you have to wear a tutu with trainers other than to bring you joy? Every time I pair something extravagant with a super casual piece like a grey t-shirt, it always ends up being one of my favourite outfits. It’s impossible to not feel good when you’re wearing a skirt like this!! It doesn’t need to be saved for a special occasion, otherwise you might never end up wearing it.
These trousers make me feel like I’m in a 90’s girl band and honestly that’s all I could ask for! I followed the same method as before and just paired them with a super simple t-shirt, but I’d also love to really lean into the vibe and wear like a sequin or fuzzy top! Maybe that's an outfit for an upcoming holiday.
This dress is one of my absolute favourites (I wear it backwards) but after wearing it loads last summer and then to a wedding back in February, I’ve found myself not reaching for it as often. Yet after trying it with these flip-flops I know I’ll be repeating this exact outfit a lot over the summer. I usually prefer to clash colours but the black shoe with the black dress works so nicely and looks super chic.
Ending with an outfit that I’m unsure will ever see the light of day, but felt very fun to prance around my room in. This £2 slip skirt is one of my best Vinted finds ever and I’ve worn it more times than I can even count, it works so well with literally everything and I love how sheer it is. The original inspiration for this outfit was pairing my tabi’s with white socks, because for some reason I’ve only ever worn them with black or fun coloured socks. Maybe I’m traumatised from school uniforms so my brain hasn’t been letting me see the cuteness potential, but I will 1000% be wearing them like this going forwards!
*all starred items are previously gifted with no obligation to post! just pieces i personally chose and genuinely love having in my wardrobe :)
Really enjoyed reading. Super inspiring as always ✨