The Outfit Repeater

Tag: Inspiration

Restyling My Favorite ’80s and ’90s Clothes For Today

Wearing Vintage Clothes in Modern Times

One of my most popular blog posts is titled “Clothing Labels I LOVE From The 1980s & 1990s,” so of course, it only makes sense to follow up with how I style those clothes into outfits for the modern day.

Combining modern and vintage styles is not a new concept for me, but I love an excuse to play dress-up in my closet and share some fresh outfit inspiration with you.

In this post, I will be showing off a giant roundup of newly styled outfits featuring some of my favorite clothes from the 1980s and 1990s that I thrifted and have worn and loved in my closet for years. If you feel like digging through my archives, you’ll come across other ways I’ve worn these pieces, too.

Let’s dig in!

Restyling a Contempo Casuals Graphic Button-Up

Hands down, one of my most worn vintage pieces is this Contempo Casual button-up that features mixed prints.

For this new iteration, I styled it with thrifted wide-leg pleather pants, a vintage purple cardigan, and my favorite pork pie hat.

Grounding vintage with neutral pieces (i.e., black) is an easy way to approach styling loud pieces that you may be unsure about.

Restyling a Floral Blazer

Long-time blog readers will instantly recognize this floral blazer as my “Pretty in Pink” blazer. I call it that because it feels reminiscent of something Andie wears in the movie Pretty in Pink.

I matched the pretty color palette with a modern (thrifted) checkered maxi dress to give it a funky vibe. I think Andie would approve!

Restyling a Vintage Cat Vest

If you’re new here, hi! I love cats. I once shared this vintage cat vest on my Instagram and was surprised to see it circulating really hard on Pinterest in the last few years. I thought it was fellow cat people appreciating it, but it turns out Freddy Mercury owned one with a similar pattern and people thought I had his. Who knew!? (Clearly not me! And it’s not his!)

I normally wear this vest over a basic black dress, but I took a little styling nod from Gucci and mixed it with a garish green and orange combo. It’s kind of weird, and I love it.

Restyling a Vintage Striped Skort

This red sweater vest was heavily featured in a Valentine’s Day outfit post, but this outfit is actually focused on the skort. Yes, skort! I found it last year at a garage sale and was already smitten with the red and white striped pattern. It’s just an added bonus that it’s a skort!

I paired it with a splashy 1980s short-sleeve button-up and a Y2K sweater vest. This outfit is the ultimate lesson in mixing decades!

Restyling a Sequined Parrot Shirt

One of the newest additions to my closet is this long white top with colorful sequined parrots. I love all things parrots, thanks to Claudia Kishi of the Baby-sitters Club, so thrifting this shirt was a no-brainer. Funny enough, it’s by the brand “Emo.” I’d argue there’s nothing sad about this shirt!

I styled it up with lots of colors to really make it shine. Should I tone it down, or do you like the bright look?

Restyling a Vintage Sweatshirt

I thrifted this 1990 “Fashion University” sweatshirt many years ago, and somewhere along the way, I decided to chop off the banded bottom. I low-key regret that decision because I started wearing it less as I grew away from cropped shirts. (Even the ones done tastefully!)

So when I had the idea for this post, I knew I had to include this shirt because I need to motivate myself to wear it again in fun ways. Pairing it with lots of pink is fun, right?!

Yesterday’s Clothes Are Tomorrows Vintage

Thank you for joining me for this fashion time hop! I hope this inspires you to go thrifting, try out some wacky new vintage pieces, or dig through your clothes to wear an old favorite you forgot about.

If you loved these outfits, please be sure to Pin them to try out later!

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

March 9, 2026
Styled by Strangers: I Let the Internet Create Looks From My Digital Closet

One Year On The Whering App

Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s been one year since I digitized my wardrobe in the Whering app!

I did it partly out of curiosity, but also in anticipation of a bunion surgery I had last February. I wanted a way to feel connected to my closet, even if I wasn’t dressing up.

I can say for certain that it has paid off. I love using the app, seeing my closet, and creating new outfits. Best of all, I love the social aspect. So many of you have created looks for me using pieces from my digital closet.

I recently had a chance to scroll through and try out some of the looks in real life. If yours didn’t make it into this post, no worries. There was A LOT, so please don’t take it personally if I didn’t get to yours. I will try to get to it next time!

But without further ado, let’s check out some fits styled by strangers on the internet!

Styled by Strangers

The creativity this time around was off the charts! (See styling of previous Whering outfits on my blog, as well as a full review of the Whering app.)

There were a lot of looks to sift through, but I did my best to pick a variety, as well as outfits that were seasonally appropriate. Coats and sweaters were high priority!

Styling My Thrifted Fuzzy White Jacket

I thought it was funny (and also fun!) how many outfits were styled around this thrifted fuzzy white jacket. I don’t wear it often in real life—in fact, I can’t remember the last time I really did wear it!—so I appreciate all of these ideas for how to wear it with things in my closet.

Other Outfits Styled By You

I think it’s awesome how everyone sees something different with the same pieces in my closet. Your unique vision really came through!

Here are just a few more looks that were styled by strangers. Though considering you were digging in my closet, we may need to become best friends!

What Are You Whering?

Now that you’ve had a look inside my closet and some of the fun dress-up times I’ve had with it, I’d love to see your closets! If you’re also on Whering, let’s style one another!

What do you think of these outfits? Would you have styled something different? Sound off in the comments!

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

February 2, 2026
Your Guide to the Monroe Theater Guild Annual Gala & 5 Vintage-Inspired Outfit Ideas

[su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

This post is in collaboration with Monroe Theater Guild. No compensation was provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[/su_note]

You’re Invited: A Night on Broadway (In Wisconsin)

Who doesn’t dream of getting dressed up for a night out at a Broadway show or taking part in a gala or award ceremony?!

Well, here’s your chance to support the local arts AND wear your fanciest frocks!

Being from the Midwest, those opportunities are few and far between, so I’m excited to share one coming up that I think many of you will be interested in!

The Monroe Theater Guild will be hosting a special Open House and gala with the theme “A Night on Broadway.” All are invited to attend and, of course, encouraged to dress up.

I’m currently costuming my second play with MTG, so I dug through the costume closet to pull out five outfit ideas you might want to recreate for the big event.

Keep reading to learn more and get inspired!

What Is The Monroe Theater Guild?

Before I share the gala outfits, I want to back up and tell you a little more about the Monroe Theater Guild.

The Monroe Theater Guild is a theater company local to Monroe, Wisconsin, that was started in 1970. It regularly delivers seasonal shows to the region, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and everything in between. There are also classes, special events (like the gala!), and the space is available to rent for your own private gatherings.

I have personally been involved sporadically since I was younger, acting in shows here and there, then took a long break and am back using my talents in the costume department!

The Monroe Theater Guild is a huge asset to Monroe and the surrounding areas. It’s a creative outlet, a platform for important issues, a thriving space for the arts, and a great place to meet the most interesting people!

5 Vintage Inspired Gala Outfit Ideas

The costume closet at the Monroe Theater Guild is filled to the brim with decades of the most amazing vintage clothes. As a fashion lover, I’m like a kid in a candy store when I walk through those doors.

I channeled all that excitement into pulling looks that felt like they could be worn to an award show, especially the Tonys. There are a lot of fabulous archival photos to be found online, and I found myself drawn to many looks worn by entertainers in the 1970s and 1980s.

Funny enough, Carol Channing came up over and over again while I was building my mood board. Her sparkles and sass left me inspired!

Hopefully, these looks get your creative gears turning, and you can pull out something similar from your closet or visit a thrift store to buy something totally unique!

Learn More & Get The Hottest Ticket In Town

Now all that’s left to do is RSVP on the Monroe Theater Guild website and get your outfit together!

You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes experience, including a silent auction, games, and prizes. It will be a great free community building event!

Let them know you’re coming, and I hope to see you there!

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

January 12, 2026
What I Wore To Work At Maurices: The F/W Edit

[su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

[/su_note]

Recent Fashion Trends at Maurices

It’s that time of the season when I make a roundup post of what I’ve been wearing to work lately.

As a social media manager at maurices, I get first dibs on seeing new arrivals and playing dress-up with them in-store.

Here’s a look at what I styled in-store, what I wore from home, and what I loved trying on!

Ready for some outfit inspo? Let’s dive in!

(Please note: any sale signs featured in the photos are from the past and do not reflect current sales or prices at maurices. Follow our page @mauricesmonroewi for the latest deals at our location!)

Dark Feminine Styles

While I don’t reach for black clothes a lot in my everyday life, I do mix them in here and there. With recent holiday styles arriving in luxe textures like velvet, lace, and sequins, of course I had to try them on!

Below is a blend of outfits, either from home using thrifted or old Maurices pieces, as well as current pieces still for sale at the store or online!

Lots of Layers

If you don’t layer your looks, then what are you even doing?! I love finding new and strategic ways to add another layer to my outfit, whether that’s a vest, a cool cardigan, or a fun jacket. Most of these looks are styled from pieces on the floor!

Homebound Style

As the title suggests, these are all the looks I wore from home (where I do a bulk of my weekly work on my laptop!). You can definitely see a theme with some of my favorite thrifted pieces. Nothing is new in these photos!

In Clothes-ing

Which look caught your eye? I’d love to hear your favorite in the comments!

I hope these outfits spark some inspiration for your own wardrobe or give you the confidence to try out a new trend. If you need a style number or more details before your next shopping trip, don’t hesitate to ask—I’ve got you covered!

And if any of these looks stood out to you, don’t forget to save them to your outfit inspiration board on Pinterest. Your support means the world—thank you for reading!

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

December 22, 2025
Summer Outfit Inspiration From Maurices

[su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

[/su_note]

Now Trending At Maurices

Fashion is heating up at maurices as we head into the summer season. As the social media manager for the Monroe, Wisconsin store, I get a first look at new styles arriving and get to play dress-up in them! What a dream, right?

In this post, I’m going to show you how I’ve been wearing and having fun with all the new clothes we’ve been getting.

Ready for some outfit inspo? Let’s dive in!

(Please note: any sale signs featured in the photos are from the past and do not reflect current sales or prices at maurices. Follow our page @mauricesmonroewi for the latest deals at our location!)

Safari Chic

It seems only natural that we take fashion inspiration from safari adventures – they’re known for being hot, so you have to be clever with your styling to beat the heat!

Some recent pieces we’ve gotten help with do just that. Open-weaved crochet, short shorts, and straw hats will keep you feeling and looking cool!

Pattern Play

Maurices is really coming in clutch lately with fun prints – from dainty florals, rainbow stripes, and even a paisley patchwork. There’s something for every style!

All Dressed Up

Spring and Summer are peak dress season because of the amount of celebrations going on. Maurices has a dress for every party, wedding, graduation, holiday, or casual Sunday brunch that you can think of.

Also, not pictured, but there are a lot of fun jumpsuits and short overalls this season. They’ve been going too fast for me to try them on in my size!

In Clothes-ing

Which look caught your eye? I’d love to hear your favorite in the comments!

I hope these outfits spark some inspiration for your own wardrobe or give you the confidence to try out a new trend. If you need a style number or more details before your next shopping trip, don’t hesitate to ask—I’ve got you covered!

And if any of these looks stood out to you, don’t forget to save them to your outfit inspiration board on Pinterest. Your support means the world—thank you for reading!

[sibwp_form id=2]

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

June 16, 2025
21 Valentine’s Day Outfits You’ll Wish You Had Thought Of Yourself

The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Outfit Round-up

Think you need to buy a whole new outfit for Valentine’s Day? Think again!

Set up a date with your closet and give your old clothes some love by styling them in fresh ways!

Here are 21 outfit ideas for wearing all the red, pink, and frilly pieces you ghosted in favor of other clothes.

Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas: Hearts and Flowers

No date? No problem! Don yourself in floral patterns and take yourself out! And if you’re feeling particularly open, you can wear your heart on your sleeves.

Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas: Oh What A Frill

Dressing up has got to be one of my favorite thrills in life, so of course I’ll take any excuse to throw on cherry prints, a fluffy tutu, and ALL THE PINK!

Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas: Classic Pink and Red

When you think of Valentine’s Day, pink and red immediately come to mind. And while these colors can be worn together year-round, I think they really look their best during the season of love! Why not be obnoxious and wear them as much as you can during this short month?!

Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas: Pattern Play

I’d be ~line~ if I said I never met a stripe I didn’t love! It’s such a classic pattern and looks really great in Valentine colors.

Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas: A-more Looks To Love

Clearly, Valentine’s Day is more than just a one-time thing for me; it’s my whole personality in February. While my real-life closet isn’t getting quite as much love as this post would make it seem, it definitely inspired me to be more playful with what I already own!

Now to decide what to actually wear on February 14th….

Wrap Her Up

Please let me know what your favorite Valentine’s Day outfit was from this post or what you’re planning to wear for the big day! (And if you have a date, please spill the details.)

If you found this post helpful, it would mean A LOT if you could share it on Pinterest! I’ve even got a handy image all ready for you to add to your outfit inspiration board. 😉 Thank you!!

[sibwp_form id=2]

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

February 10, 2025
Winter Capsule Wardrobe Idea: Thrifted, Colorful, and Cool

Colorful Winter Capsule Wardrobe

Winter is both the best and the worst time to get dressed. On the one hand, it’s cold enough to layer your outfits and create interesting looks. On the other hand, you’re freezing, and everything ends up covered by a coat.

Despite these pros and cons, I still love playing dress-up in winter—even if it’s just for fun while working from home. To keep things exciting while stuck indoors, I created a colorful capsule wardrobe to gamify my winter style.

For this capsule, I asked my Instagram followers to help me choose a color palette. Then, I pulled 10 pieces from my closet that matched the vibe. From there, I experimented with different combinations and came up with some really fun outfits!

As you scroll through this post, I hope you embrace the same playful spirit. Some outfits turned out better than others, but they all came from the joy of experimenting with what I already own.

Enjoy this little burst of winter wardrobe inspiration!

How I Chose My Colorful Winter Capsule Wardrobe

As I mentioned, my Instagram followers were the ones behind choosing the color palette for this capsule wardrobe. I offered them a choice of four different color combos, and this is the one they chose:

It’s a cool, dusty situation. A little different for me, but I love a challenge!

After learning about the color palette, I went through my closet to find 10 pieces (10 is always my favorite for capsule wardrobe challenges) and pulled a selection of tops, bottoms, basics, and statement pieces.

Essentially, I wanted a well-rounded wardrobe that I could really play with and not get bored of. It was just a bonus that almost everything was thrifted!

Altogether, this is what I picked out and used to make the outfits in this post. Coats, shoes, and accessories were all bonus items that I didn’t count towards my 10 items!

Colorful Winter Capsule Wardrobe: A Sequin Skirt

Nothing can get you through the long, dark days of winter like sequins! For me, I chose this beautiful vintage teal skirt that I thrifted last summer.

The color is very reflective of freshly fallen snow, while the sparkles keep my spirits bright. It’s also a great transitional piece to go from the holiday season into the winter months.

If you’re in a cold climate like me, remember to layer up with tights if you have a skirt or dress in your winter capsule wardrobe. 😉

Colorful Winter Capsule Wardrobe: Fun Pants

Fun pants are just a staple of my life year-round, but for the purpose of this challenge, I chose a powder blue pair of trousers.

These can be dressed up with luxe tones or high heels, or dressed down with a graphic tee and jeans.

I’m obsessed with the color and can’t wait to remix them with more hues in the future! What color should I pair them with next?

Colorful Winter Capsule Wardrobe: Classic Denim

Finally, we have a classic pair of denim. I’m sure these are a staple in most people’s wardrobes, as they’re easy to pair with almost anything.

I tried a few styling tricks, like tucking, adding scarves, and layering, to add interest to an otherwise ordinary article of clothing.

In Clothes-ing

What would you include in your winter capsule wardrobe? I’d love to hear your take on this challenge!

If you enjoyed it, please be sure to Pin it to try out later or send it to a friend who could use the inspiration.

[sibwp_form id=2]

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

January 6, 2025
12 Thrifted Outfits That Defined My 2024 Style

12 Best Outfits Of The Year

Let’s end the year on a stylish note! Here’s a look back at the 12 outfits that defined my personal style this year. Did any of your faves make the list?

Best Spring & Summer Outfits

Who doesn’t love getting dressed in the warmer months when the sun is shining? I definitely brought out all my best thrifted colors and patterns and played dress-up like never before.

Best Fall & Winter Outfits

Fall turned into a string of somber months, so I once again chose a color palette to match the season. That included warmer tones, nostalgic details, and at least one fun element to keep it light during some dark times.

In Clothes-ing

I’d LOVE to hear about your best outfit of the year! Share it with me in the comments!

Thank you all so much for joining me for another fashion-filled year! This year had a lot of ups and downs, but I was glad to have dopamine dressing to fall back on and put a smile on my face.

I’m wishing you all the happiest New Year!

[sibwp_form id=2]

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

December 23, 2024
Everything I’ve Styled at Maurices Lately

[su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

[/su_note]

What I Wore At Maurices

Working at maurices isn’t just a job; it’s an excuse to play dress-up every single day!

How many people can say their closet is an entire women’s clothing store?!

While I work behind the scenes as a social media manager, I still get to go on-site and try on clothes to learn more about how they fit, feel, and the styling possibilities. And now I get to pass that information on to you!

Let me take you behind the scenes to share the trends I’ve been loving lately and how I’ve styled them for work, play, and beyond.

(Please note: any sale signs featured in the photos are from the past and do not reflect current sales or prices at maurices. Follow our page @mauricesmonroewi for the latest deals at our location!)

Trending at maurices: Big Bags

maurices has been out of the purse game for a while but is slowly making a comeback with canvas totes for the holidays, large carryalls for trips, belt bags (or fanny packs, as they used to be known as), and even a faux leather handbag.

They’re one of our most requested items, so I’m glad to see them on the floor again—and I’m even more excited that I get to style them with outfits. I think a cool bag can really make or break a look. Don’t you agree?

Trending at maurices: Unique Jeans

Trends come and go but denim never goes out of style! It just keeps reinventing itself with new washes, technology, cuts, and colors.

My standouts from the season are the return of colored denim and the Silver wide legs jeans (as seen in the first photo but already sold out!).

Trending at maurices: Holiday Outfits

We’re almost done with the holiday season but it’d be a shame not to share what I’ve been wearing!

The first outfit is my own thrifted outfit that I wore to host a live video on Black Friday. All the other images are head-to-toe maurices that I tried on in-store. My takeaway? Comfort is truly king during the holidays!

In Clothes-ing

Which look caught your eye? I’d love to hear your favorite in the comments!

I hope these outfits spark some inspiration for your own wardrobe or give you the confidence to try out a new trend. If you need a style number or more details before your next shopping trip, don’t hesitate to ask—I’ve got you covered!

And if any of these looks stood out to you, don’t forget to save them to your outfit inspiration board on Pinterest. Your support means the world—thank you for reading!

[sibwp_form id=2]

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

December 20, 2024
What I Scored on ThredUp: My Best Finds of the Year

[su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

[/su_note]

Best ThredUp Finds of 2024

If you love fun fashion finds, then you’re reading the right post!

It’s the end of the year, and I’m looking back at what I accomplished in my closet and how the world’s largest online consignment store, ThredUp, helped add to my personal style.

Let’s be real: I’ll never be a “zero-buy” girlie, but I am always conscious of my buys and the impact they have on my wallet and the earth. For me, thrifting isn’t just about shopping—it’s about conscious choices, personal expression, and giving clothes a second life instead of sending them to a landfill.

So, while this post might seem like a celebration of consumerism, it’s really about embracing sustainable style, experimenting with fashion, and creating a wardrobe that feels uniquely mine.

Now, let’s break down my best finds of the year and how I styled them.

Best ThredUp Finds: Cozy Essentials

When you find a secondhand basic in good condition, you KNOW it was meant to last! Considering how often I wear my comfy favorites, it’s a wonder an oversized hoodie and cropped graphic tee could make it out of my closet in wearable condition.

It’s nice to be able to upgrade those worn-out pieces with new-to-me ones. How often do you end up replacing pieces in your closet from getting too much use? Or do you get creative with mending and upcycling?

Best ThredUp Finds: Fancy Frocks

I love thrifting fancier pieces because I’m never sure how often they’ll get worn and want to spend modestly in case it just sits in the back of my closet, y’know?

ThredUp did not disappoint this year with a sequin duster, a blouse version of my favorite dress, and even some platform clogs from my thrifting wishlist.

Best ThredUp Finds: Pretty Little Pieces

I’m not immune to an impulse purchase, and thankfully some of my late-night shopping produced some really fun pieces from ThredUp! With the exception of the pink platform sandals that just arrived (I’m just shopping off-season for the really good deals), everything else has already gotten a few moments in the spotlight when I wore them this year.

The Future of (Secondhand) Fashion

I can’t wait to see how these pieces continue to earn their place in my wardrobe and what new frocks I’ll discover on ThredUp in the coming year.

If you’re ready to embark on your own style journey, ThredUp is a great place to start! Use my ThredUp affiliate link to save 45% on your first order and get free shipping.

New ThredUp customers can get 45% off AND free shipping on their first order.

Happy thrifting!

[sibwp_form id=2]

ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

December 16, 2024