Wardrobe lurkers. We all have them. Pieces that we impulse-bought on a lunch break after seeing Kate/Cara/Beyoncé wearing something similar – but never actually got around to wearing.
But enough is enough – it’s time to bring these awkward customers out of fashion purgatory and make them earn their keep. Either that, or send them to the jumble sale – nobody has space to harbour malingerers.
Here are some simple styling tricks to make those never-been-worn pieces feel right for right now.
Leather Leggings
So you purchased a pair of leather leggings back in 2010 because you had an irrational urge to dress like Kim K strutting through LAX looking implausibly glam after an eight-hour flight, but never acually had the nerve to wear them? Fret not, leather leggings can be an everyday staple. Trust us. Just swap the platform heels and pointy-shouldered blazer of yesteryear for a pair of boxfresh Stan Smiths, add a slouchy grey sweater (Jenna Lyons’ failsafe, get cashmere if you can) and stride forth in your comfy, stretchy leather leggings. They’ll work in the park or out to dinner, promise.
Adidas Stan Smiths, £65, netaporter.com; Gap Sweater, £14.99, GAP
READ MORE: Seven Stylish People Who Prove That All You Need This Autumn Is A Perfect Grey Jumper
**Patterned Tights **
Patterned tights are one of those faffy accessories that seem like a good idea at the time but never quite work in real life. Untangle the forgotten pair at the back of your sock drawer and put them to good use by layering them under a long, floaty maxi dress with a bold winter floral. The bohemian mix of prints will pin down the ‘Bloomsbury’ trend instantly. The spliced skirt on this Topshop maxi will flash a glimpse of your fancy hosiery with every stride.
Topshop Pussybow Maxi Dress, £68, Topshop
READ MORE: There's A New Micro Trend In Town: The Side Split
The Mac
Do you have a mac or trench sitting forlornly at the back of your wardrobe, bought while dreaming of emulating Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's, but that actually made you look like a prissy office girl? It's time to do something about it. And by 'something' we mean 'pretend to be French'. Toughen it up with indigo drainpipe jeans, a polo-neck jumper, ankle boots, shades and a snarl. For further instructions see Caroline de Maigret’s How to be Parisian.
Le Skinny de Jeanne mid-rise jeans,£245, Frame Denim; New Wayfarer Sunglasses, £113, Ray-Ban; Lambswool Blend Polo Neck Sweater,£19.90, Uniqlo; Soho Ankle Boot, £129, Boden
Camel Coat
Ah, the camel coat, that trusty winter stalwart. If yours has given you several year’s service (and let’s be honest, who can afford to buy a new coat every winter?), we wouldn’t blame you for being sick of the sight of it. So how to make it as good as new? First, show it some love: coats travel on filthy tubes and buses every day. Get yours dry cleaned – it’ll be the smartest money you spend this season. Camel makes a surprisingly good partnership with bright red so jazz things up with some statement trousers in tomato or cherry – like this natty cropped pair from Zara. Add a simple grey sweatshirt and you’re done.
Cropped chinos,£25.99, Zara
READ MORE: Here's How To Customise Your Old Coat And Make It Look New
Leopard Print
Leopard print has become so ubiquitous it’s practically a neutral these days. Let’s say you’ve got a sheer leopard-print shirt stuffed in your wardrobe that hasn’t seen the light of day since it came home in a shopping bag three years ago. It’s time for a change in mindset: put a black cami underneath it, roll the sleeves up, wear it with your favourite black jeans (the more battered the better) and brogues. It’s a bit rock and roll, a bit preppy and perfect for a night in the pub.
Jeeves lace-up brogue, £165, Russell & Bromley; Cotton spandex jersey camisole,£3, American Apparel
READ MORE: How To Rock The Sixties Trend Without Looking Like You're In Fancy Dress
Lace Skater Dress
You couldn't move for lace skater dresses with flippy skirts 'inspired' cough by Erdem’s beautiful S/S ‘11 collection at parties a few years ago. They stuck around for years and always seemed to be worn with black opaque tights and heels. You can make yours the heart of a cute winter weekend outfit by teaming it with woolly tights, chunky boots, a sloppy knit and an oversized parka. Think early ’90s grunge with a more romantic edge.
Hooded Parka Coat With Shearling Lining, £290, Fjallraven; 2-pack ribbed tights, £14.99, H&M
**Skull Scarf **
The McQueen skull-print scarf has to be one of the most popular – and most imitated – accessories in years, so if you invested in one you want to get maximum mileage out of it. This season try wearing it Burberry-style by draping it around your neck, letting the ends hang down the body and belting it at the waist. Of course this works with any scarf – it’s a great way to show off the print and give your entire look an instant update with minimal effort and spend.
Classic leather belt, £19.95, Gap
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Follow Phoebe on Twitter: @PhoebeFrangoul
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.