Gorgeous Me: Experiment to find a whole new look

Avoid having clothes sit in your wardrobe unworn by mixing up different styles and colours with accessories to see what works.

I had a panic call from a woman concerned about doing away with some of her clothes. "Why do you have to do that?" I asked. "Because the experts tell you to regularly clear out your wardrobe."

I'm with this woman. I find it really hard to part with my clothes -- they're part of me and I love them. Instead, I swap over my summer and winter wardrobes ) and sort them according to clothing type. By going through each item, I am reminded of what I have and what I might need to refresh my overall look.

Get the most out of your wardrobe

By mixing and matching the clothing and accessories in your wardrobe, see how many combinations you can come up with. Be experimental. Don't pre-judge anything until you've tried it on. Try on "whole" outfits, complete with accessories; you can't possibly get an appreciation of an outfit's full potential without doing so. Invite a friend along for advice. Here are some suggestions:

* Mix up colours.

* Mix up styles.

* Layer clothing.

* Try wearing tops back-to-front.

To refresh the look of your wardrobe

* Look at changing the buttons on an outfit.

* Add embellishments, e.g. beads, epaulets, braiding.

* Add accessories -- colourful jewellery, shoes or a scarf in cooler months.

* A new top can give your skirt/trousers/jacket/suit a new lease of life. I tend to buy "fashion" pieces from mainstream brands to give me the "in" look but without the hefty price tag.

* Can an existing garment be altered to give it a new look -- hemline lengthened or shortened or angled, taken in at the sides, totally reconstructed?

A number of these ideas can also help when you're given or buy pre-loved clothing. Think about a garment's potential, what can you do with it.

Take a photo

If you think you'll struggle to remember the different combinations you've come up with, take a photo. One of my makeover models now organises her wardrobe as "outfits" to make it quicker to get ready in the morning.

Don't be embarrassed

I've spoken to so many women who are embarrassed about having clothes and accessories in their wardrobe that are years old. Don't be embarrassed -- congratulate yourself for choosing well in the first place and that you obviously look after your clothes so well that they last. I have a few items in my wardrobe that are going on 15-plus years.

It is pointless... Keeping clothes that you haven't worn for years and can't see yourself wearing again. Instead, wouldn't it be wonderful to give them a second life with someone else - charity, clothes swap, selling them.

Freshness

This is also a great time to actually clean your wardrobe, wiping down the walls with a fragrant spray and airing it out.

Lack of storage?

We recommend vacuum storage bags - a very efficient, space-saving form of storage that protects your clothes from insects, dust and mould too.

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice. www.gorgeousme.co

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@nzme.co.nz

Get creative with what's already in your wardrobe, says Lisa Lyford