Yesterday, it was very hot in New York, and I had an in-person client meeting in Upstate NY. I decided to wear an old shirt and a skirt I love, both 100% cotton—perfect for the heat.

I thought it would be a good idea to share how I create an outfit by mixing old pieces with others to keep it current. Plus, I have a tip that I find important, especially when shopping at fast fashion stores.

Both the shirt and skirt are very feminine. I’m pretty sure I’ve worn this outfit with mules or flats before, but this time, I opted for sandals with "visual volume"—they look chunky but are light as a feather. I don’t like heavy shoes. This visual volume breaks the femininity and softness of the clothes, adding some edginess, which is part of my style.

There’s no right or wrong here; it’s all about looking in the mirror and seeing what works for you.

My tip for you: When buying clothes with prints, especially stripes, it's better when the pattern matches at the side seams in a continuous way. This is the case with this skirt I bought at Target years ago. One reason it looks like it’s from a more upscale store is the way the stripes align at the seams.

How much do you struggle when creating outfits with old clothes? Do you find it easy to mix them with newer pieces?

If you have many clothes you love but have no idea how to make them current according to your style, you can schedule a Styling Hour with me. Just send an email to hello@marciacrivorot.com

Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.