How to make your fall wardrobe last into the new year

Seasons mean little when it’s hot 24/7, 365 days a year, but as we all join in a collective eye roll at those European wardrobe transitions, it’s good to know that we don’t need to be left out. Whilst others continue to layer up into the New Year, there’s a few sneaky tricks we can use to distinguish our winter wardrobes from the fall – and it doesn’t involve adding sparkle to everything (although it’s definitely not going to hurt).

Before you go too crazy and enter into ‘I-have-nothing-to-wear’ territory, which will undoubtedly lead to a full-on shopping splurge, take a read of our top tips on making your fall wardrobe last well into the new year and beyond. The good news is, it won’t cost you a fortune and, you can have it sorted in one free evening. Win, win.

2017 has been the year of the statement earring, so what better way to say hello to the new year than with a couple of new pairs that you can swap in and out with your existing outfits? If you’re used to oversized hoops, try something more decorative like this oversized bolt. Or, if your jewellery cabinet is full of long drop-earrings, try a different texture, like fabric tassels.

Do the same with your necklaces; change from a gold chain, to layered silver ones; a delicate choker to a something chunkier. It’s the little changes like these that’ll keep your wardrobe feeling fresh and new, even though you’ll be rocking the same pieces you’ve been wearing for the past four or so months.

Jennifer Fisher bolt earring, US$412.55 (S$550), Net-a-Porter

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Be ruthless girls; we believe in you. Taking the time to get rid of the pieces you never wear pays off in the long run and allows you to see the things that you actually will wear more easily. It’ll also help you visualise what combinations you can put together more clearly, as you’ll be able to see everything at a glance without having to tirelessly rummage through a massive pile to find one item that might not even go.

If you’ve not worn it in the last year, put it in a pile for either storage, or to throw out completely. With your new, more streamlined wardrobe, you’ll be able to see combinations you may not have thought of before, giving you a fresh start for the new year without having to spend a single penny.

Photo: Pixabay 

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Sure, they can be a complete pain on a windy day, but never underestimate the power of a simple well-made hat. A black fedora is a versatile addition that can be swapped in and out of your wardrobe all year round, not to mention being a saviour on a greasy hair day.

Wear with a t-shirt and jeans to add an edge to a more casual day, or with a dress and boots to keep things cool and chic. Or, try a luxe cap to add a fashionably urban vibe to an outfit.

Rag & Bone wool fedora, US$267.75, Net-a-Porter

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Turns out the whole ‘it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it’ thing isn’t just a catchy phrase; there’s a lot of truth in it after all. Try layering your pieces in different ways over your basics. If you’ve only ever worn a blazer over a shirt for work, try a blazer instead. Or take that strappy dress and layer it over a tee or mesh top.

Cami tops aren’t just for wearing underneath either. Try them on top of a polo neck for a winter-inspired twist on a basic. It’s amazing what you can come up with when you take the time to focus on the clothes you have already instead of finding an answer to your wardrobe woes in a busy (and expensive!) shopping mall.

Leather biker jacket, S$525, Massimo Dutti

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Why not try taking that plain jumper and cinching it in with a waist belt? It’s a great way to add a new dimension to your outfits and mix up the way you wear them. A versatile sash-style belt like this will take you well into the new year and beyond, allowing you to change the silhouette on loads of existing outfits. Think dresses, long tops, shirt dresses; you name it, you can belt it.

Don’t neglect the waistband on your jeans and trousers either. Those belt loops are begging to be used, and a pop of colour, such as a deep purple or green, will introduce a beautifully seasonal element without breaking the bank.

Sash-style leather belt, $75, Massimo Dutti

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We talked a little earlier about the importance of decluttering your wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe goes a step further by taking that stripped back wardrobe and organising it into an even smaller, minimalistic collection of pieces. By doing this, it’ll not only eliminate the fifteen minutes of agonising indecision each morning when deciding what to wear, but also allow you to mix and match quality pieces, to create outfits that you love head-to-toe. You won’t be tempted to throw on that old baggy top, because guess what? It’s stored away somewhere out of sight.

Take the time to whittle your wardrobe down to 30-40 key pieces (including shoes) that can be interchanged to create new looks. Don’t be afraid to store away some statement pieces that you love; you can introduce these again next season, meaning you can keep your collection fresh and interesting.

Photo: Pexels 

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Yep, you heard us right. You no longer need an excuse to buy a new bag because, honestly, it’s just a smart decision. Having a collection of different bags that you can interchange throughout the year means you can keep your main wardrobe fairly similar throughout the seasons. We’re not saying go too crazy, but try building up a collection of bags in varying styles and colours, then rotate them in and out of your wardrobe to keep things fresh.

We love this velvet number that can look great both in the day and at night, adding a luxe finish to your ensemble, even if it’s just a shorts and t-shirt kinda day.

Manu Atelier velvet clutch, US$368.90, Net-a-Porter

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Use the sales to your advantage by stocking up on statement pieces for this season, which you might usually be hesitant to buy. The reduced price-tag means you can take a few more risks and afford to be a little more experimental, without the guilt of these less practical choices afterwards.

Key trends from 2017 A/W collections include ruffles, space age metallics, bold reds and florals, so try to find a couple of pieces that you absolutely love, which are still very much in season. Florals have the added benefit of being able to transition into spring too, so they’re a worthwhile investment.

What we’re trying to say is, if it catches your eye, GO FOR IT. This is your chance to grab some statement pieces for a fraction of the usual price. All you’ll need to do afterwards is mix and match with your basics to see what goes and what doesn’t. The bold pieces will breathe a new lease of life into your wardrobe and can completely change the feel of your collection.

Photo: Pexels 

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