Rules? What rules!
Sometimes, it’s important to follow rules, such as when operating machinery or performing medical procedures. However, in the world of fashion, you are free to ignore these “rules”. The purpose of clothing is not limited to its traditional use, a skirt can be worn as a dress or a hat. You can even layer multiple skirts at once. Don’t limit yourself to traditional uses of clothing, a button-down pajama top can make for a unique jacket. Get creative and try wearing a dress backwards or upside down. Michelle encourages people to “look at things differently” and not be restricted by how clothes are “meant” to be worn. Thrift stores are a great place to experiment and express your individuality without feeling self-conscious.
Up the ante with accessories
Accessories are essential to completing an outfit and elevating it, according to Michelle. Changing your shoes, headwear or sunglasses can transform your entire look and these items are easy to find and often inexpensive at thrift stores. Michelle believes that “almost anything can be worn as an accessory,” and has made creative use of items such as a bendy reading book lamp as a necklace, a snake stuffed toy as a scarf, and a grater as a purse. She says, “if you can put something in it, and it’s got a handle, it’s a bag.”
Experiment with alterations
You don’t have to be an expert seamstress to make changes to your clothes, basic sewing skills such as knowing how to thread a needle and use a sewing machine will do. And when you’re working with thrifted clothes that are inexpensive, the pressure is lower. According to Michelle, “no one looks at things that closely.” She doesn’t get rid of clothes that have holes, tears or stains, instead, she finds ways to repurpose them. “The garment might have a fabulous print or texture, and that one tear? You can cover it up with a button or fake flower.”
When in doubt, try again
Get inspired by the leading lady in a romantic comedy who is given an unflattering dress to wear to a crucial event. You can alter it, add a belt, and you’ll be impressing your love interest with style and a great outfit. Don’t let the style or color of a garment discourage you, small changes can make a big difference. Michelle suggests, “If something looks bad on you? Maybe you’ll like them styled a different way, or with a fun accessory. Swap things around. Try again. That’s what makes it fun.” She also adds that, “Young people love air-conditioned clothes; there’s bloody cutouts and holes everywhere,” but you can always wear something underneath to cover the holes. She even used two halves of a mask to cover the waist cut-outs of a green sequined dress, which now looked like cute little wings!
