From The Straits Times    |

Although a leaner wardrobe is easier on the eye and heart, it can be pretty difficult working with just a handful of pieces from a capsule wardrobe. There are only so many ways you can wear the same pieces in various permutations until you get sick and tired of them. If you’re facing such a wardrobe rut, fear not.

With a simple trick called styling, you can take your “stale” clothes from zero to a hundred in less than a second. Here are some tiny tweaks you can introduce to your closet staples during your next dress-up to spruce your ensemble up.

1. Shirts

The new look: A crop top

Give your formal looking shirt a casual yet sultry spin by fastening the ends together, tying them at the front. Voilà, with these simple steps, your reliable shirt is instantly doubled up as an off-duty crop top that gives a hint of your hard-earned abs.

The new look: A shirt-under-dress

Another way to style your shirt is to wear it under a dress, preferably something that’s sleeveless, such as slip, spaghetti strap or strapless dresses. This way, your slinky dresses look more parent-friendly and your shirts can still get some air time. The result? Your overall ensemble comes across as quirky, preppy and visually appealing.

2. Blazer

The new look: The blazer top

Give your blazer a new lease of life by wearing it as a top instead. Wear it on its own with the buttons fastened or wear a bralet underneath. Pair with tailored trousers for work, or with a mini skirt or shorts for a girls’ night out. 

The new look: The blazer dress

Don’t go splurging on a new blazer dress. Your long-line blazers can easily work as well. Cinch your waist with a belt to accentuate your figure. If your jacket sports a plunging neckline, wear a bandeau top or rock a lacy bra underneath for a sexier approach.

3. Summer dress

The new look: A party-ready dress

Easy and comfortable, summer dresses are definitely a closet staple. However, you don’t have to restrict them to casual brunches on balmy days. These floral printed flowy pieces can easily be elevated for the evenings as well. How? Accessories. Swap the strappy sandals for some statement block heels and don some bedazzling jewellery. There, you’re good to go.

The new look: A casual or dressy top

Change your look by rocking a weekend-ready top. Match it with a pair of frilly, dancefloor-ready pants, and throw on some cheery sandals or sneakers for a mood-lifting effect.

4. T-shirt

The new look: A T-shirt dress

If the weekends are your lazy days, but you’re obliged to leave your cozy bed (because you know, brunch with the gals at 10am), an easy outfit to throw on is an oversized tee — but wear it as a dress instead. To avoid looking too sloppy, style your casual ensemble up with statement accessories; a bold belt and a pair of chic kicks will come in handy.