If you’re looking at your clothes wanting a total wardrobe overhaul, but have now tightened your spending budget after Christmas, you’re certainly not the only one.
The New Year brings resolutions and updated shopping habits, so here, industry experts share how to craft a chic, sustainable and practical wardrobe for 2025.
Refresh without overspending
“Look for pieces which are transitional and core capsule items you can wear year on year such as neutral colours and staple items like blazers, jeans and transitional tops.”
It’s important not to underestimate the power of basics. “Underpin your wardrobe with a selection of versatile basics that you can easily mix and match,” says Seasalt Cornwall‘s CCO Laura Watson. “I love long-sleeve cotton T-shirts in stripes and plains, which form the starting point of so many outfits.”
Seasalt Cornwall Rosenannon Crescent Drop Earrings, £19.95 (were 25.95)
Shop your own wardrobe
The New Year calls for a clear out, and whilst you’ve probably been putting it off since last January, there may be some hidden gems waiting to be worn.
Holly Watkins, the founder of pre-loved boutique One Scoop Store, recommends a hands-on approach: “Make a ‘keep’ pile and a ‘donate/sell’ pile. Reorganise your wardrobe so you can see the pieces you want to wear more easily.”
A good way to see how much you’re actually wearing your clothes is to use the ‘hanger hack’. This method comprises of having all your hangers facing one way, then each time you wear a piece of clothing, hang it up the other way.
This way you can tell which are your most worn and liked pieces – it also helps figure out your true style.
How to repurpose old clothes
It’s no problem if you’re not a sewing-whizz, as updating and repurposing your old clothes doesn’t have to mean hours of stitching and pattern cutting.
“A new trend we’ve seen is pyjamas outside of the home and underwear as outerwear,” says Johnson-Smith. “If you have lingerie or glam sleepwear, you can layer the top over a T-shirt for different occasions.”
Strapless tops are 2025’s ‘going out’ staple and repurposing an old favourite is a fun way to create more looks out of fewer garments.
Watson also suggests layering as a creative solution, “a favourite old shirt gets a new lease of life worn under a knitted vest or pop a warming cord waistcoat over a maxi dress.”
It’s also worth combining new colour combinations you’ve never tested before to created outfits you never knew you had. This can be added through accessories like bags and boots along with clothes.
“If you’ve never worn the pink blouse with the dark red cords – try it – then you have a whole new outfit!” says Watson.
If you want to totally rework something but lack the skills – this could tie into your resolution of starting a new hobby (again).
“Basic sewing skills can save you a surprising amount of money,” explains pre-loved fashion expert and founder of Faircado, Evolena de Wilde. “Hobbies like darning can be both therapeutic and give your clothes unique elements.”
1.
Pour Moi Dusk Satin Lace Trim Cami and Short Set, £36
2.
Oliver Bonas Elera Purple Velvet Bow Barrette Hair Clip, £14.62 (was £19.50)