Have you ever shared photos of a particular outfit on social media and felt reluctant to repeat the same clothes in another photo? If yes, you’re not alone. Years ago, I used to feel that way. It didn’t help that many celebrities and influencers hardly re-wore their clothes. I thought it was something to be ashamed of. Until one day, I realized I was wrong. The hack was to know how to repeat your outfits without making it look obvious. And I resorted to learn that.
But come to think of it, what’s the point of buying a piece if you can’t wear it multiple times? This unspoken rule of never repeating your outfit is worrisome. It’s hinged on the idea that it’s embarrassing to wear the same clothes to another event when you’ve worn them in the past.
And that’s a lie.
If we truly want to reduce the harm the fashion industry has caused the environment, then we must embrace repeating outfits with confidence, not shame.
The Art of Outfit Repeating
Beyond the personal liberation outfit repeating brings, re-wearing your favorite pieces offers more benefits. First, it’s eco-friendly. Repeating outfits is an excellent way to reuse your items, which is one of the 3Rs of sustainable fashion. It allows you to extend the life of your clothing, making them wardrobe staples instead of furniture.
Re-wearing your clothes also reduces the need to buy more. In return, it saves you from overconsumption and also slows down clothing production. Each repeated wear reduces your carbon footprint and helps tackle the 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions the fashion industry produces annually.
Furthermore, wearing the same pieces multiple times helps you save money. Instead of buying a new outfit, just restyle an old one and invest the money elsewhere. In the end, you get a sustainable wardrobe that preserves your pocket.
How To Wear the Same Clothes Differently
One of the joys of outfit repeating is discovering new ways to style your existing pieces. Even in the world of showbiz, the trend of repeating outfits is gaining momentum. Celebrities like Tiffany Haddish, Meghan Markle, and Michelle Obama have worn the same pieces multiple times, proving that restyling is anything but awkward.
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So, if you’re ready to take a break from constant novelty and embrace your old fits, use these tips:
Mix and match to repeat your outfits
Mix and match your clothes to create new looks with the same pieces. For example, take the pants from a co-ord and wear them with another top. Or tuck a white shirt into jeans or shorts, then on cold days, pair the same shirt with a flared skirt and layer with a sweater with the collar peeking out. The key is to combine different items to create fresh looks.
Invest in co-ords to repeat your outfits
Coordinated sets are two-piece clothing designed to be worn together. But if you don’t wanna wear both pieces together, rock either the top or bottom with another piece. For extra points, add outerwear like a jacket or sweater to the mix. This way, you repeat the outfit while looking different.
Invest in separates
Skirts, pants, shorts, jackets, and tops are easier to mix and match than when you buy only dresses and jumpsuits. So, get separates, then mix and match them to create multiple options for different days.
Repeat your outfits by layering
Is your closet filled with one-pieces, such as dresses and jumpsuits, that you’d like to wear differently? Not a problem—just layer. Layering your outfit is a great way to transform its look entirely. Whether you’re trying on a denim jacket with that blouse, wearing a corset atop your white shirt, or pairing a kimono with your tank top, layering is a game-changer.
Create a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe comprises versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Instead of cluttering your closet with new items every now and then, prioritize stylish, classic, and functional pieces that can give you great looks for different occasions, depending on your lifestyle. Examples include a white shirt, jeans, a blazer, black pumps, and neutral-colored pieces that go with almost everything in your wardrobe.
Change your hairstyle
Though often overlooked, your hairstyle impacts your overall outfit. And if you want to look different while wearing the same clothes, just switch up your hair. Say you wore that dress with braids the first time, when next you plan to don it, wear a bob wig or a high ponytail. It’ll give your outfit a refreshing look.
Switch up your shoes to repeat your outfit
Change the shoes you wore with that outfit when it’s time to repeat it. For instance, if you wore a red suit with red pumps for a monochromatic look, switch it up to open-toed gold heels. Or better still, use the wrong shoe theory, where you complete a look with the most unexpected pair of shoes. For example, dressing down a slip dinner dress with platform flip-flops instead of the usual heels.
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Turn your sleeveless dress into pinafores
After rocking the dress as it is, restyle it by wearing a top underneath. This transforms the sleeveless dress into a pinafore, adding more accents to your look.
Try new accessories to repeat your outfits
Changing your accessories is an easy way to make an outfit look different. Swap your hoop earrings with drop earrings. Keep the necklace away and tie a scarf around your neck instead. Wear a belt around that dress to cinch your waist. Whichever option you go for, switching up your accessories can create a completely different vibe for your outfit.
Carry a different bag
If you carried a clutch the first time, switch to a half-moon bag next time. Sometimes, all you need to refresh that outfit is a different handbag.
Experiment with how you wear
Feel free to experiment with how you wear a particular piece. For example, on day one, tuck your shirt into your pants and roll up the sleeve cuffs. Another day, rock the shirt untucked. Tweaking the way a particular garment works gives you refreshing options for days.
Give it time before you repeat your outfits
Don’t repeat that dress, top, or pants immediately. Instead, give it time, say two weeks to a month, before wearing it again. This will make the outfit look fresh in people’s eyes because of the time spacing. And when you wear the clothes, ensure you style them differently.
Don’t wear the same outfit twice
By outfit, I mean the same combination from top to bottom. Try a different look by restyling the outfit. Change the top, hairstyle, makeup, or shoes you initially wore them with. The tips we shared above apply—just use them.
Codedly repeat outfits with patterns and colors
If a particular item has bold patterns or colors, people may easily recognize it. The best way to repeat it is to wear it differently, or restyle it with the tips above. For instance, pair that polka dot blazer with a red maxi skirt and a belt, then afterward rock it with jeans. This way, you give people free style lessons and prove that outfit repeating is chic and functional.
Repeat Your Outfits with Pride and Confidence
Sometimes, the best way to build confidence when repeating outfits is to simply rewear them. Don’t be self-conscious while at it. Wear the same pieces with pride. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t mean you have few clothes. It instead means you shop consciously. Remember, if style icons and A-list celebrities can repeat outfits and share them on social media, you have no reason not to do the same in your everyday life.
You can look super stylish while at it with the tips shared in this post. Focus on styling the same items with different tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories. Who cares if people will see you in a dress multiple times? You’re wearing it for yourself, not them. So please, if you have pieces that make you feel chic, powerful, and comfortable. Wear them as many times as you’d like. They’re YOUR clothes, remember, not anyone else’s. So damn the stares and repeat those clothes.
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