9 genius ways to update last years clothes for this season

Buying a new wardrobe every season is expensive and not always practical.

Taking inspiration from royals, who arent averse to recycling an outfit or two, we asked experts Alicia Kite and Kay Davidson of Alicia Kay Style how we can update our existing wardrobes to work for any season without spending a fortune!

Heres what to do to recycle and transform your wardrobe…

Visit your local tailor
Adding darts to jackets and shirts or extra buttons to a blouse can make a world of difference. These small changes can make your clothes fit your unique shape better, giving them a whole new look. Clothes should be tight enough to show you have curves and flattering to show you have style, explains Kay. If youve lost weight since last season, have clothes taken in to show off your new figure.

Buy some polish
Invest in some leather polish such as Colinol to clean up shoes and handbags. If you have suede shoes, Russell and Bromley Suede Revive will give them a new lease of life and make them last another season, explains Alicia.

Go for a fitted top
If youve got palazzo pants or flared jeans at the back of your wardrobe that you thought youd never wear again, think again. Wear these trousers with a fitted top, shirt or jacket for a fresh new look. Make sure you wear heels with your wide-legged trousers to give the illusion that your legs go on forever, says Alicia.

Try some shapewear
Its not just a good bra that can make your clothes look good, if youre going to invest in anything this season, buy some shapewear. It will make old clothes fit and feel better, helping them to hang in more flattering ways and making the fabrics look more expensive, says Kay.

Get measured
Rather than go out and buy a wardrobe full of new tops, go and have a bra fitting. Replacing worn out old bras that no longer fit means your tops and dresses will sit comfortably on your body, looking much sleeker for this season.

Get out your sewing machine
If theres a dress in your wardrobe that doesnt quite work for you any more, take a second look and see what it would be like if you transformed it to a top, suggests Kay.

Wear layers
Layering is a great way to give your existing wardrobe a boost. Wear a vest top in the same colour as your bottoms and add a completely contrasting top. You can also layer fine knits and T-shirts and youll notice layering your clothes helps make you look taller too!

Mix and match
Mixing and matching your wardrobe really makes your clothes work hard for you. Take an outfit you wore for a special occasion and pair the formal jacket with your jeans. Or, take a posh occasion dress and team it with a leather biker jacket and a gladiator sandal. Mix it all around and let the mirror be the judge.