How to revise and repurpose little black dresses for higher cost per wear

If you ventured a guess, how many little black dresses are hanging in your closet right now, that you still wear regularly? Chances are, you have them and you love them – but when occasions appear on your calendar, you’d rather buy something new than wear your tried-and-true LBDs.

I get it. Some occasions demand a brand-new dress. On the other hand, you can stretch your clothing budget a long way simply by being selective about when you shop. And being selective gets easier when you have a few style tricks in your repertoire. I’m talking about the tricks that help an old dress feel new again.

Fortunately, you’re about to get the download. Here are five fun, new ways to revive and repurpose those LBDs you already own.

Read next: The Budget Fashionista’s guide to dresses

Transform your LBD (visually) into separates

My fellow lifestyle blogger Alyssa Nelson of Wayward Blog recommends two style hacks that’ll make your old LBD look like a new separate. If you love the bottom half of the little black dress, top it with a t-shirt, blouse, or sweater.

Shorter tops are the easiest here, but longer ones can also work if you’re creative. Try tying the longer top, or add a belt and tuck the shirt around and underneath. The belt won’t be visible, but you’ll have a tucked top and a new look for that older dress.

Alternatively, you can wear a midi or maxi skirt over shorter, tighter dresses. As Nelson explained, “this is great option if the dress has a great neckline, but the shorter length doesn’t fit your destination for the evening (or if it’s just too cold).”

Read next: How to winterize your summer clothes: 4 fun strategies

Shop and mimic with accessories

If you’re craving a shopping experience, go ahead and browse new cocktail dresses, but with a different goal. Instead of looking to buy, shop to identify styles you love. Then you can brainstorm accessory updates to mimic that new style using your old dress.

Here’s an example. Say you’re poking around online, and you decide you love this Princess Polly dress with the one shoulder silhouette. You can nod to that style by adding a wrap or shawl to a dress you already own. Add a shawl clip to hold everything in place and, just like that, you have a “new” dress for the cost of two budget accessories.

Pro-tip: Choose a shawl and clip you can wear with other pieces in your closet, so you maximize their cost per wear too.

Read next: How to style a midi dress

Ask a tailor

Tailoring a dress to update its shape or length is always an option when you’re inspired, but what if you have no idea how to improve on an old dress? The answer is so obvious, you may not have thought of it: Ask your tailor for ideas.

Tailors are great at following orders – shorten this an inch or let this out a bit – but they can also be crazy creative. Even better, the creativity comes from a place of knowledge. Tailors know how fabric hangs, and they know what flatters. Use that expertise to your advantage.

If you want to show up prepared, bring some photos of current dresses you love to use as idea starters.

Add a button-down

Amy Basile, founder of Scout Couture, suggests adding a button-down top over or under your sleeveless black dress. If you wear it over, you can tie the front or simply wear it over your shoulders. Choosing a striped or patterned top will give the dress a bold pop.

Switch up the perspective

Sometimes you only need to change your perspective to repurpose an older dress. Try this: Pull a little black dress out of your closet and think about why you bought it. Maybe you wore it to a cocktail party or date night. Now consider wearing that same dress to a completely different occasion – say, a beer tasting or to the office. How would you style it?

Chances are, your fashion brain will generate some fun ideas right away. The beer tasting might involve a cardigan, bomber jacket, or even sneakers, depending on the dress style. Repurposing that LBD for work may inspire you to add a turtleneck, blazer, and tights.

Read next: How to wear casual dresses in winter

Avoid over-trending

Now, for some Stacy and Clinton advice (if you know, you know). Resist any urge you may have to “over-trend” your dress with multiple trendy accessories. LBDs are, for the most part, a classic style. Play that up. Lean into coordinating pieces and accessories that are polished and sophisticated. If you want to add something current, choose one piece of jewelry that can quietly make the trend statement – Basile likes antique brooches for this right now.  

Shop less, style more

The little black dresses in your closet are very likely underused. With a few smart styling shifts and a willingness to see those old pieces in new ways, you can boost cost per wear and keep your closet free of another “just in case” dress. Shop less, style more, and let the LBDs you already own do the heavy lifting.