How to Dress Cooler Without Buying Anything New

We’re about to reach that point in the season where we get stuck in this weird place of feeling like we have nothing to wear. Maybe it's because we've used up all our creative outfit ideas, or maybe we are just sick of all our winter clothes but don’t really want to buy anything new. After all, spring is coming (eventually), and we all have our sights on the light, bright, and most importantly not remotely wintery pieces in all the new arrivals sections of all our favorite sites. Spending anything additional on a coat or boots just feels redundant.

So what’s one to do? Well, as I've pointed out before, one solution is to look to what your favorite celebrities are wearing and essentially copy their outfits. Since then, however, I also remembered that street style is abundant with inspiration. Below I highlighted six easy style tips to help you dress cooler throughout the rest of winter without having to buy anything new. Of course, if you’re still in the market for anything—no judgment—we’ve included a little shopping to help you get the looks, too.

1. Combine All Your Neutrals

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(Image credit: Timur Emek/Getty Images)

This works especially well with of-the-moment beige and white.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

But your black, navy, gray, and brown pieces will also definitely do the trick.

2. Give Grandma Dressing a Go

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Does the name make a bit more sense when you see this picture? Think combining all your most eccentric pieces and it somehow coming together perfectly. 

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Oh, and a silk scarf is non-negotiable.

3. Add an Un-Seasonal Item

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Surprise your fellow winter warriors by adding a non-seasonal item such as a summery straw bag into the mix.

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(Image credit: Timur Emek/Getty Images)

Don't wait until spring to sneak some tie-dye into your look.

4. Try Wearing Two Bags

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Because two bags are better—and more eye-catching—than one.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Courtney Trop's big and tiny Jacquemus bags make her outfit all the more interesting.

5. Mix Your Prints

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Leopard and logo is a great place to start.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

If you're into a more subtle look, combine different versions of the same print for equal appeal.

6. Double Up on Outerwear

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Assuming you have two blazers lying around, why not layer them?

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Another option is styling the structured piece under a long trench.

Up next: These are the best spring 2020 trends, period.

This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.

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Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.