There used to be a time when you could repeat wear outfits at different occasions with different crowds without fear of having the offending repeat outfit identified as such. Enter the age of social media and we are now faced with a world where every outfit can end up on Instagram, seen by most people you know, thereby immediately outing itself and limiting its ability to dazzle and amaze a new crowd at some future event.

My philosophy is that true style is not about always buying and wearing something new. Everyone has the building blocks of a stylish wardrobe already in their closets. Before we add to the excess waste created by our fashion habits, let's maximise what we already have before we identify the gaps that need to be filled with a strategically chosen piece here and there. It also involves creating a working wardrobe for my clients where each piece can be worn on repeat in a way that won’t get boring or tired.

It’s understandable that we grow bored with the pieces we have in our wardrobes, especially these days with the rise of the influencer. These fabulously stylish women on Instagram make it seem almost normal to wear a different outfit every day. All of a sudden, you fall out of love with your latest purchase and crave something new and shiny that will satisfy your quest for newness as well as keep you from getting bored with what’s already mounting up in your wardrobe.

This constant craving for newness is not only a drain on finances, but it contributes to the increasingly sizeable carbon footprint left by the fashion industry.

I am not immune to these fashion cravings, and am guilty of spending far too much of my hard earned on fashion. However in my own defence, to counter the pressure of constantly wearing new outfits for my fashion work, I have mastered the art of the re-wear. Basically, I stealthily repeat pieces of my wardrobe in each outfit to maximise (hopefully imperceptibly) the different ways they can be worn.

Over the years I have come up with a few guidelines that I live by that make it easier to shop my own wardrobe, strategically re-wear and not get bored with what I already own.

1. FOCUS ON SEPARATES

To maximise the different ways you can wear pieces in your wardrobe, focus on separates. These are the interchangeable pieces like skirts, blouses, trousers, tops, blazers etc rather than "full-look" pieces such as dresses and jumpsuits. The different combinations you can create with separates are so much more (creatively speaking) compared to what you can do with a single piece.

2. PURCHASE STRATEGY

Before I buy a new piece, there are so many soul-searching questions that go through my head. What fabric is it made from? What are the washing instructions? What message am I communicating to the world in this item? Can I dance in it (don’t pretend you haven’t danced in a changing room when trying things on). But more importantly, I have to make sure it will go with at least four other pieces I already own.

I also have to make sure that there are places and occasions I know I’ll wear it to. As much as I love a good sequinned evening cape with the word “Luxury” embroidered on it, there are not that many occasions where I will actually wear it.

3. AVOID TRENDS AND PRINTS (UNLESS…)

To ensure longevity of your outfits, generally avoid trends and prints. With good classic, basics in neutral tones and block colours (e.g. the red satin skirt in the head image), the more they are interchangeable and the more outfit configurations you can come up with, for longer.

BUT there is always an exception to every rule, and the exception to this particular rule is that trends which work for you and that you can see lasting you for years to come are worth considering.

And prints that could be considered perennials are always worth investing in. I’ve made this argument before in favour of animal print and gingham, for example.

A statement print is also worth considering, particularly when it’s in the form of something like a coat which can transform an outfit (see below).

4. THE STATEMENT PIECE

The idea of a statement piece or print runs counter to the concept of the repeat wear. People will always clock it with each outing. I would argue, however, that a good statement piece can be just as versatile as your wardrobe basics.

For instance, I have a statement leopard print coat that really stands out. I get a lot of comments on it (all good). And it goes with everything. Each outfit brings out a different side to the leopard coat. Over a conservative pair of trousers and button down shirt with stilettos, it’s work apropos. But with jeans, graphic tshirt and trainers, it’s the height of casual cool.

5. ACCESSORISE ACCESSORISE ACCESSORISE

Which brings us neatly to the subject of accessories. To maximise your wardrobe and create as many different looks as possible with what you have, it all comes down to the accessories.

Think about the transformative power of a different shoe. Take a satin midi skirt. Pair with a sophisticated heel and you have an outfit that’s office-worthy. But swap the heel for a pair of trainers and you’ve got an outfit you can run around town in, with several coffee shop pitstops.

Beyond the shoe, the possibilities are endless once you consider what you could do with a strategically placed scarf, statement earrings, the tuck of a jumper, a wide belt or chunky necklace.

6. EXPERIMENT WITH COLOUR

Maximise the different outfit combinations you can make by mixing up pieces that are tonal or contrasting colours. Are there any colours in your wardrobe you’ve never thought of combining? Take a fresh approach from a colour perspective and you might be surprised at the new outfit combos you come up with if you try out new colour combinations.

7. THINK OF THE REPEAT WEAR AS A POWER MOVE

If you do find yourself straying into the shops, whether in real life or online, just remember that by repeat wearing, you’re in the best of company. Laura Dern, Arianna Huffington and Kate Middleton are all renowned repeat wearers. Ditto the queen of fashion, Anna Wintour, who recently repeat-wore her Prada navy “flower power” print dress for the third time to the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne.

Keep in mind that influencers are paid or gifted outfits to promote brands. Try following influencers like Alex Stedman who re-wears her pieces, and often wears pieces that are several seasons old. And focus on the how rather than the what: in other words, how the influencer has styled their outfit rather than focussing on what you think you need to buy.

It is not realistic to think you can keep up with the rate of costume changes most influencers make. You’re not Beyonce. True style lies in the creativity you can bring to what you already have.

If you would like a professional eye cast over your wardrobe and advice on how to make the most of what you have and what you can do to build on it, find out more about my personal styling services here.