Should you ventured a guess, what number of little black attire are hanging in your closet proper now, that you simply nonetheless put on recurrently? Chances are high, you could have them and you like them – however when events seem in your calendar, you’d somewhat purchase one thing new than put on your tried-and-true LBDs.
I get it. Some events demand a brand-new costume. Then again, you may stretch your clothes price range a lengthy means just by being selective about if you store. And being selective will get simpler when you could have a number of model methods in your repertoire. I’m speaking in regards to the methods that assist an outdated costume really feel new once more.
Luckily, you’re about to get the obtain. Listed below are 5 enjoyable, new methods to revive and repurpose these LBDs you already personal.
Learn subsequent: The Price range Fashionista’s information to attire

Rework your LBD (visually) into separates
My fellow life-style blogger Alyssa Nelson of Wayward Weblog recommends two model hacks that’ll make your outdated LBD seem like a brand new separate. Should you love the underside half of the little black costume, high it with a t-shirt, shirt, or sweater.
Shorter tops are the best right here, however longer ones may also work should you’re artistic. Strive tying the longer high, or add a belt and tuck the shirt round and beneath. The belt gained’t be seen, however you’ll have a tucked high and a brand new search for that older costume.
Alternatively, you may put on a midi or maxi skirt over shorter, tighter attire. As Nelson defined, “that is nice choice if the costume has an amazing neckline, however the shorter size doesn’t suit your vacation spot for the night (or if it’s simply too chilly).”
Learn subsequent: Learn how to winterize your summer season garments: 4 enjoyable methods
Store and mimic with equipment
Should you’re craving a purchasing expertise, go forward and browse new cocktail attire, however with a unique aim. As a substitute of seeking to purchase, store to determine kinds you like. Then you may brainstorm accent updates to imitate that new model utilizing your outdated costume.
Right here’s an instance. Say you’re poking round on-line, and also you resolve you like this Princess Polly costume with the one shoulder silhouette. You’ll be able to nod to that model by including a wrap or scarf to a costume you already personal. Add a scarf clip to carry every thing in place and, identical to that, you could have a “new” costume for the price of two price range equipment.
Professional-tip: Select a scarf and clip you may put on with different items in your closet, so that you maximize their value per put on too.
Learn subsequent: Learn how to model a midi costume
Ask a tailor
Tailoring a costume to replace its form or size is at all times an choice if you’re impressed, however what you probably have no thought how one can enhance on an outdated costume? The reply is so apparent, chances are you’ll not have considered it: Ask your tailor for concepts.
Tailors are nice at following orders – shorten this an inch or let this out a bit – however they may also be loopy artistic. Even higher, the creativity comes from a spot of data. Tailors know the way material hangs, and so they know what flatters. Use that experience to your benefit.
If you wish to present up ready, carry some photographs of present attire you like to make use of as thought starters.
Add a button-down
Amy Basile, founding father of Scout Couture, suggests including a button-down high over or below your sleeveless black costume. Should you put on it over, you may tie the entrance or just put on it over your shoulders. Selecting a striped or patterned high will give the costume a daring pop.
Swap up the attitude
Generally you solely want to vary your perspective to repurpose an older costume. Do that: Pull slightly black costume out of your closet and take into consideration why you purchased it. Perhaps you wore it to a cocktail social gathering or date evening. Now take into account carrying that very same costume to a totally completely different event – say, a beer tasting or to the workplace. How would you model it?
Chances are high, your trend mind will generate some enjoyable concepts instantly. The beer tasting may contain a cardigan, bomber jacket, and even sneakers, relying on the costume model. Repurposing that LBD for work might encourage you so as to add a turtleneck, blazer, and tights.
Learn subsequent: Learn how to put on informal attire in winter
Keep away from over-trending
Now, for some Stacy and Clinton recommendation (if you recognize, you recognize). Resist any urge you might have to “over-trend” your costume with a number of fashionable equipment. LBDs are, for probably the most half, a traditional model. Play that up. Lean into coordinating items and equipment which can be polished and complex. If you wish to add one thing present, select one piece of bijou that may quietly make the pattern assertion – Basile likes vintage brooches for this proper now.
Store much less, model extra
The little black attire in your closet are very doubtless underused. With a number of sensible styling shifts and a willingness to see these outdated items in new methods, you may enhance value per put on and maintain your closet freed from one other “simply in case” costume. Store much less, model extra, and let the LBDs you already personal do the heavy lifting.