Lupita Nyong'o's stylist shares tips and tricks to make your old clothes feel new again.
As the seasons change so does your wardrobe. However, while we all have moments of wanting to revamp our entire closet with new pieces, not all of us have the luxury of spending hundreds on new clothes.
That's where Micaela Erlanger -- celebrity stylist to Lupita Nyong'o, Michelle Dockery, Diane Kruger, Ana de Armas and more -- comes in handy! The New York native recently released her book, How to Accessorize: A Perfect Finish to Every Outfit, an everyday style guide filled with tips and tricks to complete any outfit with the perfect accessories. Apart from sharing her knowledge about the must-have bags and jewelry every woman should own, the rules of seasonality (which fabrics work for each season) and more, Erlanger also touches on how to reinvent your wardrobe using three fantastically simple accessorizing tricks.
"Sometimes it can feel daunting or complicated when you’re putting together an outfit and, as a stylist and expert in this area, I know that it doesn’t have to be so over complicated," Erlanger tells ET over the phone, adding that her book "gives an overview and simple step-by-step process of how to add a perfect finish to every outfit."
According to the style pro, giving new life to your favorite pieces is completely doable.
"You can absolutely re-wear a dress and make it feel totally brand new!" Erlanger explains, "It doesn’t have to be so complicated. You can use your accessories to reinvent any look, [which] I think is empowering."
So how do you make the old feel new again and instantly update your wardrobe?
1. Swap Out Your Bag
Erlanger notes that switching out your everyday bag for a newer version or special purse you don’t normally carry "instantly makes your clothes feel fresh by association."
2. Add a Colorful Shoe
An easy way to make any outfit you've worn before feel modern and brand new is by adding a shoe in a bold color or print. For example, recycle an old dress and pair it with a bold boot!
3. Add Statement Jewelry
Adding the right jewelry can have a major impact on your look. Erlanger suggests pairing unexpected jewelry with everyday attire, like big crystal earrings with your favorite shirt.
Meanwhile, selecting an outfit does not have to be a grueling chore -- it's all about knowing what your purpose is.
"I always approach [getting dressed] with the same thing: understanding where you’re going, what’s the occasion, what’s the message that you want to send?" Erlanger explains. "You’re building a story around your outfit. Your accessories are super important."
"There are different formulas for the way you accessorize, whether you’re choosing to highlight a certain colloquial point, maybe it’s a neckline or a shoe is the focal point," she continues. "Are you building your outfit around a certain accessory or are you using your accessories to complement your overall look? There are different ways to approach it."
And if you're feeling bored of your everyday look, Erlanger shares that the "easiest way to take risks is with your accessories."
"Try a statement shoe or a fabulous evening bag," she says, stressing that above all else, "being comfortable also equates to being confident. Because if you feel confident, it radiates, and that is all that matters."
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