Try this 7-day challenge for a week of outfit ideas using what's in your closet — *Click the “pin” button on the image above to save this idea for any time you need a little fresh energy injected into your outfit rotation!*

There’s a certain kind of creativity that comes alive when you’re not just clicking “buy now” on your favorite store’s new arrivals, but instead staring down some of your (and maybe forgotten?) favorites in your very own closet.

As a teenager, there was nothing I loved more than trying to recreate outfits from high fashion magazines with what I had to work with in my family’s little farm house. Let’s just say…creative was putting it generously for some of those outfits! 🙂

But there was always something so energizing and satisfying about looking at what you have differently and making it work for your vision.

This week’s challenge is about rediscovering that magic.

Seven days, seven outfits, zero shopping required.

The goal isn’t to look perfect every day — it’s to see your closet with fresh eyes, play a little, and maybe even uncover your true signature style hiding in plain sight.

Here’s your 7-day plan to breathe new life into your wardrobe…without buying anything new!

Day 1: Forgotten Favorite

Flip through your closet and pull out something you haven’t worn in months (or years). That dress you always save for a “special occasion”? The sweater that just got buried in the back? Build an outfit around it and see how it feels to bring it back into rotation.

💡 Pro tip: If it doesn’t spark any joy or confidence when you wear it around for the day — maybe it’s time to finally let it go.

*Forgotten Favorites: Forget the trends! What has been hanging out in your closet that you still love (or haven’t given any love in a while?)*

Day 2: Mix High & Low

Take something elevated — a silk blouse, a structured blazer, your favorite heels — and mix it with the most everyday basic you own. Think jeans and an elegant top, sneakers with tailored trousers, or a basic shirt dress adorned with ornate jewelry. Life is all about balance!

*Pairing polished pieces with casual items = unexpected but effortless look*

Day 3: Monochrome Mood

Pick one color and go all in. This is one of my favorite outfit approaches! Head-to-toe black for chic minimalism, all-cream for that elegant yet effortless weekend look, or soft brown with caramel for a warm autumn vibe. Pairing similar shades is not a natural inclination for most people, but when you try it out, it opens doors to so many new outfit combinations. When you commit to one palette, even the simplest outfit looks intentional.

day 3 of outfit ideas using what you already have

Day 4: Old + New

Combine your oldest piece with one of your newest. Vintage jacket + brand new loafers. A tee you’ve had since college with tailored trousers you just bought. It’s a reminder that style doesn’t have to be about “the season you’re in” — it’s about reflecting the pieces of your identity (and clothing items) you’ve collected along the whole journey of life so far.

*Make what’s old new again by pairing a reliable, longtime favorite piece with a new accessory*

Day 5: Place-Based

Style an outfit inspired by a place. This can be aspirational (What would you wear if you were walking around Paris today?) or literal (What do you love to wear for a Saturday morning at your local farmer’s market?). Dressing “in honor of” a place can unlock a whole new perspective on your closet.

Ideas for putting together outfits without buying anything new — *“Places” are one of my favorite sources of inspiration when it comes to style!*

Day 6: Moodboard Match

Pull up a saved outfit from Pinterest or Instagram. Instead of buying new pieces to copy it, re-create the vibe with what you already have. You might not have the exact pieces or shades from your inspo photo. But, the colors, the silhouette, the mood is what you’re after. You’ll be surprised how close you can get!

Ideas for recreating pinterest outfits with what you own — *Focus on the “feeling” of the outfit — the colors, silhouettes, fabrics, or vibe — to recreate a Pinterest outfit using what you already have in your closet.*

Day 7: Signature Formula

Finish the week by leaning into your personal go-to outfit formula. For me, it’s jeans + blazer + sneakers. For you, it might be wide-leg pants + a tucked-in knit. Whatever makes you feel most you — wear it proudly, and let that guide future closet decisions.

Outfit formulas are a great way to use what you have in your closet — *Try this outfit formula: simple top + jeans + statement earrings*

I hope this “Use What You Have” Outfit Challenge shows you that repeating outfits, and using what you have isn’t about deprivation or limits — it’s about creativity.

It’s proof that you don’t need a bigger closet to have better style. In fact, sometimes the chicest thing you can do is wear what you already own with confidence.

Want to play along? Try the challenge this week and see what you discover. Snap a photo, write down your reflections, or just notice which outfits actually made you feel good.

P.S. Want more inspiration for refreshing your style without buying anything new? Check out this post on 6 Ways to Refresh Your Home Without Buying Anything New.