How to wear your favorite things for years: upgrade your winter wardrobe without shopping

A cozy sweater tied by your mother: a scarf you bought once in Paris, comfortable shoes that passed with you more than one winter. Throwing them away is a pity, and it is not necessary. If you want your wardrobe to look relevant, you don’t have to run to the store for new purchases. It is quite competent to “upgrade” it.

Why your favorite things deserve a second life

First of all, it's about awareness. Fast fashion leaves a huge ecological footprint, and taking care of things is a quiet but important step towards a more sustainable style. Secondly, it's about psychology: favorite things give a sense of support. And finally, this is about saving money and time for endless fittings.

But there is a caveat: a thing can be loved, but outdated in cut, color or detail. The task of the upgrade is not to mask the age of the thing, but to emphasize its advantages and fit into the modern context.

Where to start: a wardrobe review

First of all, you need to understand what to work with. Pull out of the wardrobe everything winter: coats, down jackets, sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats, gloves, boots. Place it on the bed or hang it on the door, so you can see it better.

Divide things into three categories:

Tip: Don’t judge things by age alone. Coat 2018 with a modern silhouette and a good fit may be more relevant “fresh” purchase with an unsuccessful cut.

Upgrade without a needle: styling techniques

The easiest and fastest way to refresh a thing is to change its presentation. Here are the working techniques:

Color as an upgrade. If the thing is neutral, add a bright accent: hat, bag, scarf. If the thing is bright, on the contrary, mute it with a base: black trousers, a beige coat.

Working with details: important details

Sometimes small changes are enough to make things sound new:

If you are not sure about your sewing skills, contact the atelier: replacing buttons, linings or collars are standard services that are inexpensive and give a noticeable effect.

Transformation and transformation: giving things a second breath

Some things are worth not just updating, but real transformation:

Important: Not all things are suitable for reworking. Evaluate the quality of the fabric and stitches. If the fabric is loose or very worn, it is better to leave the thing as it is.

Care as part of upgrade

Even the most stylish thing will look untidy if it is not taken care of. Here's what matters:

Examples of upgrading specific things

Upgrading your favorite things is not about saving, but about a conscious approach to style. It’s about appreciating what you already have and finding beauty in it. We do not recommend to give up purchases at all, but we suggest that you first look in your closet. Perhaps it already has everything you need for a stylish winter look.