10 Ways to Update Your Wardrobe

I found this at Kaboose.com a while ago....

With new trends popping up each season, it's easy to get lost in the world of fashion. For quick and easy ways to update your "look," check out 10 style tips that are guaranteed to make you look and feel better about yourself.

1. Purge! Before you can begin thinking about creating a new personal style or look, you must evaluate your current wardrobe. Go through each item of clothing in your closet and dresser. If you have not worn a particular item in the past 6 months – or if it does not fit well – then you should get rid of it. When you are finally free of your old wardrobe you will be mentally prepared to start anew. And the bonus is you'll now have space to fill your closet with brand-new pieces that flatter your figure.
2. A Clean Closet Is a Happy Closet. Organize your wardrobe by type, and then by color within each type. For example, arrange your closet as follows: dresses, skirts, pants, blazers and jackets, sweaters, blouses, long-sleeve shirts, and short-sleeve shirts. Organize items within each clothing type according to color, such as: black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Once your closet is organized you will be more likely to arrange complimentary pieces of clothing into a beautiful outfit.
3. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes! For a quick wardrobe fix, change your shoes. Imagine the look of jeans, a white button-down shirt, and ballet flats – cute, right? Now take the same clothing and throw on a pair of stiletto boots – sexy, right? This tip can be used to take a look from day to night, or casual to dressy.
4. Swap It! Either organize or attend a clothing swap party. At this event you and other women of the same (or similar) size trade clothing and accessories. (Now you know what to do with the items you purged from your closet.) This is not only a chance to have a girls' night, but you will essentially score a new outfit or two. Once you get home, feel free to play around with your new finds and add or remove embellishments from the garment, if you wish.
5. Layers. Another quick tip to update your look is play with layers. Layering is fun to do, and even allows you to wear warm-weather clothing in the winter! In addition, it is a great tool for women who are trying to hide a rounder belly. You can use layering in two ways – start with a little and pile on the clothing until you like your look, or start with a lot and take it off until you like your look. Essential layering items include: cardigan, thin long-sleeved t-shirt, blazer, and even a beautiful scarf or poncho.
6. Make Do With What You've Got!! If you have these four key items – the little black dress, trench coat, dangling earrings, and high-heeled pumps – you can look great for any night out. These four articles, when worn separately, can be the basis of four completely different looks. Don't get stuck in a fashion rut; experiment with your clothes.
7. The Basics. Now that you have rid yourself of that broomstick skirt and beaded neckline blouse, head to the store and invest some money into your new look. You should purchase the following basics: tanks, camisoles, crew necks, V-necks, and scoop-neck tees and tanks in neutral colors, such as brown, black, grey, and/or white. Pricey versions of these items can be found at high-end specialty stores, but try hitting up a superstore (e.g. Target) or retailers like TJ Maxx, Old Navy, and the Gap, instead. You can get quality items for a fraction of the cost.
8. Pants/Tops Ratio- We are sure that you have heard this numerous times, but we will gently remind you once more – there is no need to have an equal number of pants and tops in your wardrobe. People will look at your tops more often than they will take notice of your pants. For this reason, you only need a few trouser staples in your wardrobe: black pants (professional looking), brown and/or tan slacks, a great dark-wash pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down, and a pair of pants that fits your style (completely your choice, but make sure that they are flattering). When you shop, pay more attention to great tops, as they usually make or break the outfit.
9. Underneath It All. If you want to look (and feel) better about yourself, you must start inside. Yes, looking and feeling good comes from within, but we are talking specifically about your inner wear (or undergarments). A great bra and panty can take your look from frumpy and lumpy, to smooth and sleek. Purchase panties that not only provide you comfort, but show no visible lines when worn under clothing. If you are still feeling a bit self-conscious, invest in some shape wear, such as Spanx.
10. Signature Piece. Everyone is known for their signature piece, whether it is your grandmother's earrings or your favorite blazer. Whatever you do, don't lose yourself in the current trends and end up not having a style to call your own. Borrow ideas from celebrities and fashion magazines, but don't follow blindly. Sometimes the most beautifully dressed woman is the one who stays true to herself.

I found this article browsing around- it's by Deirdre Uria at Kaboose.com

I am working on "loving the skin that I'm in." This is a good start. When I feel good about my clothes and the outfits I wear, it makes it a tiny easier. I'd love to have a swap party (refer to # 4)- doesn't that sound like fun! Everybody cleans out their closet and then we get together and swap it. I have assorted sizes from my skinny days at 4- to my eat whatever you want size 12... who's in?