I’m a Fashion Writer—Here’s How to Refresh Your Wardrobe Without Spending Money

Clean Out Your Closet and Dresser

The quickest, cheapest, and most effective way to do a budget wardrobe refresh is to purge it of all the items you only kind of, sort of (maybe don’t even?) like. It’s all too easy for us to allow our closets and dresser drawers to become overrun. Thoughts such as “I might wear that one day” or “If I change sizes I might want this” have a way of dictating the styles we choose to carry with us through life. Shut down the inner dialogue and ruthlessly part ways with anything and everything that doesn’t bring you joy the moment you pick it up.

If the joy tactic isn’t concrete enough for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it fit perfectly? 
• If it doesn’t fit perfectly, will I take the time to have it altered?
• Is it free of stains and rips? 
• Have I worn it during the past year? 
• Does this piece fit my current lifestyle?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” put the item aside. 

Be sure to also assess duplicates. If you have multiple items of the same style, be critical of which are actually being worn. For example, if you have multiple pairs of straight-leg jeans or black skirts, ask yourself if you love them all the same (i.e., wear them the same amount). Be honest! I’m willing to bet there are items hiding within your duplicates that would be better served beyond the confines of your closet or dresser drawers.

When you’re done going through every item (and I do mean every single one), determine which pieces can be donated and which are beyond salvation and should be tossed.   

Assess Your Hangers

While I’ve never actually watched her show, this year, I listened to Marie Kondo’s audiobook The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. In the book, she specifically calls out a common misconception that I, myself, had previously subscribed to. That being, keep as many clothes as you can on hangers. In the book, Kondo advocates for the opposite. She advises that readers fold as many clothing items as possible, displaying them so that all items within one category can be viewed at the same time. 

For example, I recently took this approach with my T-shirts by neatly folding them and standing them on their side within my dresser drawer. Since this mini reorganization, I can honestly say I’ve found myself reaching for that drawer more than ever before. Rather than dreading a wrinkled mess, I’m now excited and pleased to open the drawer and peruse the options neatly presented. They’re the same shirts—they just look a million times better.

If, after purging, your closet still feels overrun, consider cutting back on how many items you’re hanging. It’s amazing how much visual space (and mental clutter) an item can occupy when it’s displayed on a hanger. Turn to folding as a means of adding breathing room.   

Refold Folded Items

Recently, I realized I was dreading opening my closet door. My sweaters and pants had congealed into one gigantic sad, wrinkled mess. Once you’re done with your closet and dresser clean-out and have assessed which items should officially retire from their hanger homes, take the time to properly refold folded items in your wardrobe. It sounds simple, but simply refolding will reduce visual clutter and help your wardrobe feel instantly a hundred times more fresh.

Organize by Clothing Category and Color

If you haven’t already done so, organize your wardrobe by keeping items of the same category together. For example, all dresses should be hung next to one another and all workout leggings should reside in the same drawer. Doing so creates a sense of organization your mind craves and makes finding items much easier. Within these clothing categories, you can also organize by color. Creating color gradients within your wardrobe is visually appealing and lends your collection of clothing a fun, inspirational energy.

Toss Shoe and Jewelry Boxes

I’m among the group of people that has a particular habit of storing shoes and jewelry in the boxes they came in. In my mind, this is a great way to keep pieces protected and organized. In reality, however, doing so creates an enormous waste of space. 

Take a deep breath and recycle those boxes during this budget-friendly wardrobe refresh. I promise it won’t be as painful as it sounds, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up wearing those items more once they’ve been freed from their cardboard cages.

Do Some Wardrobe Maintenance

While it might take a smidge of time and energy, showing your clothing and accessories some love can go a long way in making your whole wardrobe feel fresher. Polish your jewelry and shoes, and take five minutes to sew the button back onto that favorite blouse you refuse to part with. While it may sound a little woo-woo, I’m a firm believer that positive energy can be cultivated. Channeling some love into your wardrobe can reinvigorate it with a sense of freshness that’s hard to put your finger on.

Host a Clothing Swap

Do you have friends that share similar clothing and/or shoe sizes? Consider hosting a clothing swap. Not only is this a feel-good way to part with some of the items that no longer serve you, but it’s also a fun way to get together with your friends. Plus, you’ll get to refresh your own wardrobe with some new pieces while sticking to your budget. Play music, encourage attendees to bring snacks, and enjoy refreshing your wardrobe in the most social way possible. You might surprise yourself with what you choose to acquire!