3 WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR STYLE USING THINGS YOU ALREADY OWN

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When it comes to shopping sustainably, there are a lot of options. From thrift stores like The Salvation Army and Goodwill, to online secondhand shops such as Depop and Poshmark, to the uber trendy, ethical brands with clothing that makes all the eco-conscious shoppers drool (read: Reformation), sustainable fashion has never been more accessible. But ultimately, the most inexpensive option when it comes to ethical shopping is to not buy anything at all.

Now, not only is that option incredibly boring, but it is unrealistic as well. People grow, clothing wears out, and sometimes you just need something new. That being said, the statistics say that the average American throws away around 81 pounds of clothing per year, meaning we could all probably cut back on the amount of new items we're buying and instead focus on using what we already have.

So on that note, here are...

3 Ways to Elevate Your Style Using Things You Already Own

1. Plan your jewelry. Wait! Don't click away. I know what you're thinking. You've heard this before, you've been told a million times that jewelry is the easiest way to change up an outfit, that it's an accessory worth investing it, blablabla etc. etc. But, I have a tip you may not have heard before.

The next time you have a free hour or so, sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, and go through all of your jewelry. Figure out what goes with what. Mix and match different sets. See which earrings work best with which necklaces. Decide which rings stack well together. As you discover new combos you like, snap a quick pic on your cell phone for future reference. Then, the next time you're feeling bored with an outfit, refer back to the photos you took for a quick and simple way to spice up the look.

2. Experiment with the waistline. My personal philosophy in life is that if it can be tucked in, then it should be tucked it. However, I've recently found that playing with the waistline of my outfits is another fun way to change things up.

Always wear that sweater tucked into high waisted pants? Swap out the bottoms for a lower rise and let the hemline show. Sick of looking frumpy in oversized t-shirts? Tuck them in for a more flattering look. Feel as though you're swimming in fabric whenever you wear a tunic dress? Add a belt to highlight your waist and show a little more of your figure. Adjusting the silhouette of an outfit can often make a world of difference.

3. Layering. This tip doesn't work as well in the summer, however it is one of the best ways to up your fall fashion game. It's easy to do, provides a lot of opportunity for experimentation, and can be incredibly functional during the colder months.

There are so many different things you can do with layering. It's no secret that a good jacket can really tie an outfit together, and everyone knows that a crewneck always looks good over a collared shirt. But there are so many other interesting combos to explore. My number one tip for this is to start with a base of a thin, monotone turtle neck, and then see how different tops look over it. Try a graphic tee for a 90s inspired aesthetic, a chunky sweater for a cozy look, or a buttoned shirt with the top few left undone for a casual, loose, cool girl vibe. You may be surprised by just how many different outfits you can create through layering.

These tips all have one thing in common, and that is the idea of "shopping your own closet". Ultimately, the best way to elevate your style using things you already have is to figure out exactly what you do have and how to make it work on you. If you don't have a true sense of what clothes you actually own and how they can be styled, you'll never be successful at creating interesting outfits, no matter how many new pieces you buy. Figure out what styles of clothes you actually like and that fit and flatter your body before you invest in anything new. Don't buy new items that you'll only wear once just because it's on trend. After all, fashion fades. Instead, learn to work with what you have. This is the simplest way to elevate your style, and both the planet and your wallet will thank you for it.