Countless times I’ve looked through my closet, flipped through every single piece of clothing I own, and stomped out of my room, defeated, exclaiming ‘I have nothing to wear!’ Of course, there are things that I could wear, but the sweater I reached for is so out dated, and I can’t remember if skinny jeans are in right now – or whether it even matters.

If you can relate at all, it’s time for a closet over-haul. Fashion faux pas these days work at lightning speed - only true Superwomen can keep up with what’s in style this second and what isn’t. And with the current economic downturn now is not really the time to go on a spree and flip your closet. Instead, let’s divide and conquer, find the faux pas hiding in your closet, and re-work your clothes so they can see the light of day once again. Clear some space on your floor, to donate, keep, and store.

Faux Pas #1: The Nostalgia Trap

A large number of fashion faux pas result from a nostalgic act of pack-ratting possessions from decades past – I mean, admit it, a great number of us still actually owned a scrunchie when the Sex and the City episode aired that caused a record-number of pouffy, velvet hair elastics to be thrown in the trash for good. And I don’t care who knows it, but I still have a faded Kurt Cobain concert t-shirt - and I don’t think I will be throwing it away any time soon. But the lesson here is that if you really can’t part with your keepsakes, for cripes-sake keep them in a neatly labeled storage container - not proudly on your back.

Once these items are placed out of site, scan your closet. The next things to pull out are all of the clothes that – now be honest – don’t fit properly. This brings us to...

Faux Pas #2: The Reality Blinder

Whiskered jeans are not flattering...

Forget the saying ‘ignorance is bliss’ - plain ignoring reality is never a good idea when picking your outfit.

Skinny jeans that are too tight, shirts that are boxy, the dress you are saving for the day you fit into it again, the whole lot – if you realize that the clothes in your closet really don’t work on you, send them to charity – life is too short to spend your days in uncomfortable jeans. Wardrobes need not be about quantity – a small closet stocked with the right pieces can be mixed with multiple items for a new life.

Now marvel at your newly spacious closet. The good news this winter is that many of the items you may have purchased last spring will translate easily into winter wear and continue on into spring 2009.

Gladiator Sandal

We're lusting over these Steve Madden Maddiee Sandals

The ever-popular gladiator sandal from last spring continues to be all over the runways – so hold on to them. Look to Ann Demeulemeester’s Spring 2009 collection for inspiration.

Statement Necklace

We love this Dries Van Noten necklace

Statement necklaces are fortifying their stronghold on necklines. So the jewellery from the past two seasons is still relevant. Look to Dries Van Noten for inspiration, and consolation that while it may look too large in the store, it can elevate an otherwise simple look.

Black & White

We love this trend from Chanel, but leave the chandelier head pieces for the runway

The colour palette of black, white, and nudes – seen on the runways of Chanel, Ann Demeulemeester, and Dries Van Noten - will transition from fall into spring (perhaps a reflection of the sombre economic mood these days? Or perhaps I’m reading into it).

Chanel’s latest collection retains the air of last season’s Mad Men craze. If you look in your closet and see that you already own a pair of black trousers or a knee-length pencil skirt, consider purchasing a bow-tie top, and you’ve just created two new stylish looks.

If you have a selection of basic jeans, blouses, and t-shirts already, update your look by adding new and affordable accessories, like the latest boots from Costa Blanca ($39.50), or a chic and cheap scarf ($15.50).


What to do if you spent all your savings on last season’s super saturated garb? Shelve it until the recession worries are over, or pair bright accessories sparingly with neutrals. The silver lining is that in a time when money is tight, fashion trends are moving forward in a gradual progression, rather than making a complete departure from seasons past – so, with a few small tweaks it is possible to stay in fashion and stay on budget.

by Heather Loney

*Necklace and runway images from Dries Van Noten and Chanel