Frugal Wardrobe: Shop Your Closet

No matter how frugal we try to be, every once in a while we crave new clothes. It’s no surprise, of course: with each change of season, magazines, retailers, and advertisers ply us with luxe images of the latest fashions. Whether they’re featuring tweed skirts in fall, cozy sweaters in winter, flirty dresses in spring, or cute bikinis in summer, the ads tempt us with a formula that never fails: novelty.

How can we resist their siren call? By finding novelty in our own closets. We may be embarrassed to admit it, but many of us have pieces lurking in there that haven’t seen the light of day for months (or even years!) Well…it’s time for a “shopping” spree!

Here’s what to do: take everything out of your closet. That’s right—everything. You’re going to need it all out in the open so you can experiment with new outfits and combinations.

Now try on each piece in turn, and attempt to find five other items with which you can wear it. Don’t be afraid to try something “bizarre”—you may inadvertently discover a very chic ensemble!

Using this method, you’re sure to find at least two or three items you can bring back into regular rotation. Perhaps your weight has fluctuated, and something that didn’t fit before is suddenly just right. Or maybe your bubble skirt or bohemian top is back in fashion this season.

So before you set foot in a mall, spend a few hours shopping your own closet. You may very well find you can put together that “new” look you crave—without spending a dime!