“The right belt will give you a whole new lease on your wardrobe.”
Over the years, I’ve trained myself to be a more discerning shopper who (for the most part) avoids impulse purchasing when it comes to clothes. But without fail, every six months or so I find myself feeling completely feed up with my wardrobe.
How is it that I’m in my thirties and I still don’t own the perfect, flattering pair of jeans? Or a trusty boot to wear with them? Despite an ever-growing closet, nothing feels inspiring.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
This state of mind is dangerous for my bank account. I’ll start making a list of ‘a few essentials for winter’ and soon enough, it’s snowballed into a full wardrobe overhaul with an overdraft to match. This year, I’m determined to do things differently.
Inspired by FJ writer Hannah Kingsmill’s 75 Hard Style Challenge and the clever layering I observed from recent Fashion Weeks, I’ve been leaning on a few styling hacks for minimal investment, maximum impact.
Buy a belt
Admittedly, it’s not a very sexy item to shop for but a good belt is a game-changer. While it does require some investment, it’ll give you a whole new lease on your wardrobe. I went from having zero belts to now owning one leather studded belt and one beaded string belt.
Suddenly, a simple jeans-and-T-shirt looks intentional, and I’m inspired to reach for old dresses and skirts again, now with a beaded belt thrown over. It’s also an easy item to find secondhand, so hit the vintage shops or Depop first!
Layer your tops
Put the black singlet over a white long-sleeve top. Layer a baby tee or bodice over a collared shirt. Wear two singlets in contrasting tones, throw a dress over a silk mesh top and see what happens. The more you experiment with layering, the more intuitive it becomes. Same applies to dresses and skirts over pants.
Introduce one fun accessory
Inexpensive jewellery will scratch that itch without taking a toll on your wallet. Local brand Palm and Pearl have a cute range of beaded and pendant necklaces under $90, while vintage shops like PDA have stacks of chunky, wooden bangles at a similar price point.
I’m also a recent brooch convert. There’s a lot of joy to be found in piercing your clothes – it’s all in the placement. Go oversized, Carrie Bradshaw-style with a big rosette or go down the jewellery route with something silver or gold (or both). If you’re on a budget, try make your own brooch out of fabric offcuts or just raid your grandma’s jewellery box.
Upcycle a boxy T-shirt
‘Crafty’ is not a word I’d use to describe myself but you’ll be surprised what you can achieve when you dedicate a Sunday afternoon to some creative upcycling. I always rope in a friend who knows their way around a sewing machine, signing up to a local sewing class is another option.
There are endless T-shirt upcycling ideas on TikTok, so simple even I could do it. To make a top like this, take one boxy T-shirt, cut along the hem and sew the strip into a cord tie. Then make two small holes at the front near your waist, and thread the tie through, cinching to add some shape and interest. Voilà!
Socks and stockings
Again, sounds like a boring purchase but the right pair of socks can make or break an outfit. I love a sheer, knee-high stocking worn with tall boots. I also love a coloured cotton sock with open-toe heels – Korean brand Common Garden make the best, they’re stocked at PDA in Melbourne.
Coloured tights used to scare me but stylish people know to play with contrasting tones and patterns. Be prepared to feel a bit clown-like at first. Once you figure it out, you’ll rake in the compliments.
For more styling hacks, try this.