The problem with everyday clothing is that you can’t repeat an outfit too soon. I know a lot of friends who are quire conscious about this, even keeping a clothes diary just to make sure they don’t repeat any set of clothes. An amazing thing about my sister is that she doesn’t seem to repeat clothes at all even if she only has a small wardrobe. Not that it’s packed with clothes but she’s just a mix and match wiz. Here are some tips on how to get a different (or new) look from your basics.

An empire-cut silky top. A girl can’t get too many cute tanks and there are so many blouse styles out there. An empire-cut blouse looks really relaxed. If you have a bit of a belly bulge, the full cut around the belly is perfect for that. You can pair these types of blouses with a pair of cropped corduroys or a pair of fitted pants.

Jackets. Forget the black and brown ones you usually buy. Buy a jacket that’s more vibrant and bold – try them in hues of orange or pink. Opt for jackets that have belts. They generally have a nicer fit which is great for your figure.

A-line skirt. Wear your classic A-line shaped skirt. This is perfect for office or dinner. You can opt for a skirt that’s not so vibrant so you can wear it on most days. Choose those with lovely prints and light fabric.

Blazer. There are more kinds of blazers than the ones you typically see. You’ll be surprised how a single-breasted blazer with a lovely pattern can add pizzazz to your over-all look. Blazer tip: choose a blazer which has a neutral and a bright color on it; two hues generally make for a sophisticated design.

Cargo pants. Think you can only wear these during jogging? Not anymore! Cargo pants can look great even with a feminine blouse as well as a lot of nice-fitting tops. Just use strappy heels instead of sneakers.

Lace and embroidery. Your basic clothes will look a lot more sophisticated and interesting if they had lace trims or cute sequins. A plain boring denim skirt for example can be dressed up with a pretty lace trim on the hemline.