Huge thanks to Kohl’s and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post
The beginning of the new year is a great time to focus on your wardrobe, and if you’re looking to freshen up your wardrobe without breaking the bank, this post is for you! You’ve heard me say that a great closet has a solid mix of foundational items and filler items. Foundational basics are the cornerstones of your outfits and pull everything together. “Filler” items are the pieces that add flavor with interesting details, prints, and colors. Today I want to share 5 types of pieces that you can focus on to spice up a boring wardrobe, and I’m partnering with Kohl’s and ShopStyle Collective to do it!
Kohl’s is one of my favorite places to shop, especially for the interesting “filler” pieces because they carry so many different styles and have super affordable prices! Kohl’s has relaxed, casual, tailored, and dressy options, and they carry tons of prints and colors so you can definitely find something to help you spice up a boring wardrobe. I also love the variety of sizing Kohl’s offers, from straight to plus to petite options and some pants in regular, tall, and short lengths. On top of that, you can shop conveniently at Kohl’s by placing your order online and opting for the in-store or curbside pickup!
And, right now you can get 15% off with code USAVE15 through 1/29!
Let’s talk through 5 different types of pieces that you can focus on that will help you spice up a boring wardrobe this year!
SIZING: I’m 5’6” and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Printed Top
Break out of the solid neutrals and go for a print instead. It adds a ton of visual interest, but it’s just as easy to wear as a solid neutral top.
Kohl’s has plenty of printed tops, including both super casual options and nicer tops, like the one I’m wearing here. I’ll link to options below!
The top I’m wearing is lightweight and comfortable with a loose fit. It doesn’t cling to you and instead floats over your midsection. The material is a huge step up from a t-shirt but not quite as dressy as a blouse, so it’s great for nicer casual outfits and relaxed work outfits. You’ll look polished without being overly fancy or dressy. This top comes in 4 prints, which you can see HERE. And, it’s just $32.99 right now! I wear it in size S. You can find it in straight, plus, and petite sizing HERE.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Cardigan: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 6 in Linden)
Shoes: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 8.5; similar)
Bag: (similar)
Another option that is also between a t-shirt and a blouse and drapes really well is THIS top that I’ve shown several times before. I love that top, and it’s still available in 4 prints! Find it HERE. I wear size S. Find it in plus sizes, HERE, and petite sizes, HERE.
Check out a few more printed tops by scrolling through the widget below. Adding one of these is a very simple way to spice up a boring wardrobe!
2. Statement Blazer or Layer
Another option for adding visual interest is by wearing a statement layer! Whether it’s a cardigan, a blazer, or a cozy zip-up fleece, it doesn’t matter. Wearing one with a print or one that’s in a fun color will completely elevate your outfit and liven up even your most basic pieces.
In the previous outfit, I’m wearing a cardigan in a neutral color. It doesn’t make a huge statement, but it does have some texture and cute buttons which add visual interest. It’s subtle, though.
With the outfit here, everything is the same except that I swapped the cardigan for a pink blazer. The pink blazer makes a much bigger statement and kicks the whole outfit up another notch!
BTW, this blazer is very lightweight, drapey, and easy to wear. It’d be a really fun piece to have come spring or if you’re headed on a warm-weather trip anytime soon! You can dress it down by throwing it over a graphic tee and adding jeans and white slip-on sneakers for a cool, casual outfit. You can also wear it over a spring floral print dress! It comes in 4 colors, HERE. I wear size S. See it in plus sizing HERE and HERE, and petite sizing HERE.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Blazer: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 6 in Linden)
Shoes: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 8.5; similar)
Bag: (similar)
Necklace: (similar)
3. Statement Pants
Don’t overlook pants! Trading basic pants for pants in a fun color, with a different silhouette, or that have a print is a really great way to liven up outfits! Seriously. Wearing statement pants gives you INSTANT style!
These pants have a modern wide leg silhouette and a high waist, and they’re really lightweight and comfortable to wear! Really fun addition to workwear that help you look professional and super stylish. You can also dress them down with a t-shirt, open-toe heeled sandals, and a denim jacket come warmer weather.
One note is that these pants have pleats under the waistband which will add volume around the hips. If that’s not your preference, these might not be great for you. But if you don’t mind pleats, these pants are a fun addition! Find them in 4 colors, HERE. I wear size 4.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size M)
Pants: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: (similar)
Bag: (similar)
Necklace: (similar, similar)
If you really want to spice up a boring wardrobe, statement pants will absolutely do the trick. Check out some more statement pants in the widget below:
4. Elevated Basics
Another more subtle way to help your wardrobe feel fresh and interesting without making a huge statement is to go for elevated basics. The top I’m wearing here is a great example of an elevated basic. It is in a sold neutral color, just like most basics, and it’s in a plain t-shirt-like material. But instead of basic sleeves, this top has ruched sleeves which add detail and visual interest and elevates it just a bit from your typical basic piece. Elevated basics are great options if you aren’t looking for lots of prints or colors but want pieces that are a step up from basics.
This top is really comfortable, BTW. It’s made of a t-shirt-like material and is stretchy. It’s fitted, so I would personally reserve this to tuck into high waisted bottoms. (I like my tops looser and more relaxed fitting, otherwise!) It comes in 8 colors and is just $32.99 right now! Find it HERE. I wear size M.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size M)
Pants: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: (similar)
Bag: Kohl’s (similar)
Necklace: (similar)
5. Colored Sweaters
Last up is a simple option that I think is pretty easy to pull off—a colored sweater! Yes, something as simple as a colored sweater can revive your wardrobe. Trade your neutral basic sweater for one in your favorite color, throw on your best-fitting pair of dark wash jeans, and you’ll feel like a new woman! 😄
The sweater I’m wearing here is cozy but fairly lightweight, and you can wear it throughout the rest of the winter and into the spring. It comes in 10 colors (!!) and is only $21.60. Check out all the colors in straight sizes, HERE. Find it in plus sizes, HERE. I wear size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 6)
Shoes: (exact—wearing size 8.5, similar)
Bag: (similar)
Necklace: (similar)
Those are 5 types of pieces that you can focus on that will help spice up a boring wardrobe instantly. Wear any of these pieces in place of the solid basic that you would typically wear and you will feel a renewed sense of style!
Want to be able to mix and match your wardrobe easily? Grab your copy of my free Wardrobe Staples Mini Guide to set your closet up for easy outfits. You’ll get a checklist of 16 wardrobe staples that will turn your wardrobe into a mixing-and-matching machine and 6 outfit formulas to help you make outfits with them!
Click HERE to enter your info and download your free copy!
