Curating your closet

It’s time to take a new look at your wardrobe.

As Christmas approaches, so does the dooming thought of what to wear to Christmas dinner. Us girls are frantically in search of finding an outfit that is stylish yet appropriate for a family outing. Cue the desperate hour-long rummage to find an outfit you are somewhat  pleased with. Then cue the statement that every girl has said at least once: “I have nothing to wear.” However true this may seem, your closet is practically overflowing  with options.

It’s time for something new. Not new clothes, but a new perspective and approach to your closet. Your wardrobe is constantly evolving — acquiring a new pair of jeans here and there, or maybe a comfy sweater that keeps you warm, and don’t forget about those cute shoes you bought a year ago that are jammed into the back of your closet. It’s time to look at your clothes through a new lens. It’s time to get creative.

First, promise yourself to dedicate time to go through your closet. Going through your wardrobe will give you the opportunity to peruse your clothes with a new set of eyes and to get creative with the plethora of items you already own.

“Going through your closet can be somewhat fun,” said senior Carissa Essex. “You find old clothes in which you can reinvent and make cute again.”

Be honest with yourself and let go of the pieces you never wear. If you are unaware of what to do with your undesirables, donate them to charity, hold a garage sale or even sell them back to a thrift shop.

Once you have had the opportunity to save the important pieces of clothing and get rid of the unnecessary, it’s time to mix and match. Select key items in your closet, such as a flannel, your favorite scarf or a great pair of jeans and match it with the other fabulous pieces in your closet.

Additionally, accessorizing can do wonders for any outfit. Put on some colorful earrings or a statement necklace to add some spice to your already stylish combo.

“When I am in need of accessorizing my outfit, I pull out a few of my big necklaces and see which one looks best,” said junior Victoria Parsons. “I love necklaces, for they give me an opportunity to make my outfit so much cuter.”

For a little while be shop free and let yourself run wild with the clothes that you already possess. Or, think out of the box and swap items with your best friends, raid your sister’s closet or even branch out and learn to sew your own clothes.

Senior Ally Carey has been sewing since fifth grade. She loves making her own clothes and getting creative with different patterns and colors.

“I truly enjoy sewing because it is such an incredible outlet for creativity,” Carey said. “I love the aspect in which if I have an idea of what I want to wear, I can just simply make it.”

By re-developing your closet and wearing your current wardrobe to your best ability, you will be surprised how much money you can save. If you are a big spender who regularly shops, this will allow you to save some cash for a while.

“I have never purposely not gone shopping for a certain amount of time, but thinking about it, I will be able to save my money and take advantage of the pieces of clothing that I have not worn in a while,” said senior Kylie Lyall. “I love shopping, but I think it’s time to just use the essentials I already own.”

So, as everyone’s favorite holiday approaches, dig deep into your already amazing closet and switch up certain outfits you oh-so-regularly wear. It is important to save as much as you can and utilize what cash you already have in possibly buying a little something for someone near and dear to you.

Take this challenge and spend 30 days of your life being resourceful with your closet. Not only is this a chance to bring vintage items back to life, but to an opportunity to practice being frugal with your hard-earned money. As difficult as it may seem to be, simply just wear your wardrobe!