9 Outfits You Can Re-Create With Classic Pieces You Already Own

Here at Who What Wear UK, we know how much you, our lovely readers, love a bit of fashion escapism, advice on investment buys and updates on the latest and greatest runway trends. But it's not always the most useful—often it's the more realistic, affordable—outfit ideas that hit the mark more pertinently. And in recent times, with everyone understandably tightening their purse strings a little more, one of the requests we get a lot is about how to shop your own wardrobes without spending a penny. Well, you ask, and it shall be given.

We know just as well how easy it is to become apathetic to those old faithfuls that have been hanging in your wardrobe for years. Once they've lost the shiny appeal of newness, they can fade into the background and become part of the sartorial wallpaper. However, in our experience, all these items need is a little recontextualising, something to take them out of their stagnancy and reinvigorate them with a newfound appeal. Trust us—even the most run-of-the-mill basics can look fresh with the right styling.

I did a bit of digging and found nine outfits in particular that I'm going to be re-creating this year with items I already have in my wardrobe. I have purposefully stuck to simple pairings so you can easily adapt to your own wardrobes and added links below in case you're missing the odd piece and feeling inspired. Really, it's all about being creative and trying out new combinations. Highlights include easy double denim, a simple top-and-skirt duo, chic co-ords and smart-casual tailoring. Scroll down to see my full edit.

1. Striped Shirt + Mini Skirt

Style Notes: Striped shirts might look chic paired with tailoring but their potential goes way beyond trousers and blazers. Take Lucy, who has styled hers with a mini skirt and crossbody bag for a casual errands run. 

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2. Leather Jacket + T-Shirt + Jeans

Style Notes: Leather jackets never go out of fashion, especially when worn with other wardrobe basics, including staple jersey and blue jeans. 

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3. Linen Shirt + Maxi Skirt 

Style Notes: When it comes to warm-weather fabrics, linen simply cannot be beaten. Try wearing a linen shirt with a linen maxi skirt, and finish with gold jewellery. 

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4. Black Sundress + Strappy Sandals

Style Notes: There's seldom a chicer dress choice than a black sundress. For a look that can carry you through from afternoon Aperols to evening sundowners, just add minimal sandals and a coordinating bag. 

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5. White Shirt + Tank Top + Wide-Leg Trousers

Style Notes: If you're looking to give your outfits that extra edge, try layering an unbuttoned shirt over the top. With a vest top and tailored trousers, it's an ensemble that looks way more polished than its effort levels would have you believe. 

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6. Knitted Co-Ord + Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: Co-ords take all the effort out of assembling an outfit. Plus, the fact that you can mix and match the pieces to make new outfits makes them a hardworking choice. 

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7. Dungarees + Floral Top

Style Notes: Dungarees are an excellent throw-on outfit option as they require pretty minimal styling, save for whatever top you choose (if any!) to wear under them. I'm enjoying Monikh's take, which features a floral blouse. 

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8. Blazer + White Jeans + Trainers

Style Notes: For days when you need to look polished in a flash, a black blazer is the answer. I think it looks particularly sharp with a Breton-stripe and ecru denim. 

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9. White Dress + Cowboy Boots

Style Notes: White dresses go with a multitude of shoe options but one of the coolest pairings is cowboy boots. 

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Up Next: The 9 Pieces That Caught My Eye This Week

Opening Image: @taffymsipa