The Thrifted Black Dress, Styled & Restyled
It's Monday morning, and you're rummaging through your closet with a feeling of despair. Somehow it's all the same stuff and you don't want to wear any of it. It takes some practice, but if you change your mindset a bit to shop your closet and restyle the clothes you have, adding in a few new-to-you thrifted pieces, you might see a whole new wardrobe emerge. In fact, it can be rather thrilling.
I started thrifting exclusively to replace buying new in September. I had been a thrifter before, dating back to my teenage years, but I had always thought of it as something supplementary to my new purchases, instead of as my main source of clothing. There are still some pieces I will continue to buy new, such as undergarments, socks, and shoes (my poor, old feet have their own problems!). For the most part though, I'm realizing that not only can I get quite a good bang for my buck, but I can also lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Through thrifting, I have access to amazing contemporary and vintage pieces I wouldn't otherwise have access to. I love how it stirs up some styling creativity, too.
Today, I'm presenting some looks with the same thrifted black dress I found at SF Goodwill for $9 in a size medium. I picked it up on a rare 90 degree scorcher. You never know what someone might pass up when you shop out of season. I like the way it has a mostly loose fit and is a super soft, machine washable fabric. I posted many of these looks on Instagram, but I have plenty of unpublished bonus looks here that I experimented with further. Let me know what you think.
THE THRIFTED BLACK DRESS
Just so you know what we're dealing with here. Here's the thrifted black dress paired simply with booties and a hat.
Dress is thrifted, booties and hat were shopped from my closet.
THE THRIFTED BLACK DRESS + BLAZER
I mean, could this styling get any easier? Single or double breasted blazers, in silk or wool. Paired with booties, hat optional.
Dress and all of the blazers are thrifted, booties and hat shopped from my closet.
THRIFTED BLACK DRESS + DENIM JACKET + BLAZER, OR YOUR FAVORITE BUTTON DOWN
You can tie any of your layers around your waist for some cinching action, or keep adding layers for warmth. A long button down is the perfect light layer that can be buttoned, unbuttoned, or waist tied.
Dress, blazer, shirt, and necklace are thrifted, booties, denim jacket and hat are shopped from my closet.
THRIFTED BLACK DRESS + SKIRTS
Let it all hang out (or don't) for an unexpected layered look. Add volume with a skirt to change up the dress silhouette.
Dress and skirts thrifted, boots, bag, and hat shopped from my closet.
THRIFTED BLACK DRESS + ANOTHER THRIFTED BLACK DRESS OR A PAIR OF JEANS
Wait...what? We'll just let that sink in.
Dresses, jeans, and hat are thrifted, booties shopped from my closet.
THRIFTED BLACK DRESS, BELTED
Need to belt it? I hear you. Try a tiered silk knit tank top for some texture and volume play, and a blazer for warmth. Or just some extra shiny gold accessories for all the pop!
Dress, blazer, tank, belts and necklace are thrifted, booties are shopped from my closet.
THRIFTED BLACK DRESS + JACKETS
Add a leather bomber, or belt your blazer. Oh, and sneakers welcome!
Dress, jacket, blazer, and belt are thrifted, sneakers are shopped from my closet.
THRIFTED BLACK DRESS + SWEATER
Go for a sweater and straw accessories for a texture shock--that's always fun!
Dress, sweater, and bag are thrifted, sneakers and hat are shopped from my closet.
You can certainly stretch your closet with some time and creativity. There's zero right or wrong, just wear what you love and it'll all come together. Now start digging through the old closet, or get out to the thrift shop!