Get a New Wardrobe This Spring - for Free!

Getting a new wardrobe for spring doesn't need to be expensive. In many cases, you can get a new spring look without spending a dime. Get creative! You may be able to reinvent your look just by switching up what you wear together. If you've got a small wardrobe or just can't make your clothing work differently, don't worry - I'll also give you some tips on how to get new clothes free!

Spring Cleaning

First, go through your closet. You should be doing this each spring anyway! Separate any items you no longer want or need. Items with holes, broken zippers or other damage should be thrown away unless they're within your sewing skill to quickly fix. Missing buttons are okay - larger repairs aren't (you'll probably never get to them). Items that are in good condition, but that you no longer want, should be set aside. These can be donated to charity, but before you donate think about reusing your clothing in other ways.

DIY

Are you handy with a needle? Some of your items might seem new again with a little DIY. Jeans can become cutoff shorts or capri pants, or even just worn with a sewn in cuff. Tops can get an update by ruching the sides, adjusting the sleeves or altering a collar. Fixing up your old clothes doubles your fashion dollar - you can get a whole new wardrobe without spending any more money.

Clothing Swap

If alterations aren't your thing, why not get involved with a clothing swap? Get together with friends to trade off unwanted items - one woman's trash is another's treasure, right? Clothing swaps are a great excuse to have a party, and you could walk away with a few new additions to your spring wardrobe for free. If you don't have anyone to swap with in your life, you can still become a clothing swapper. Go online to Clothing Swap to see about upcoming large-scale clothing swap events, or hit SwapStyle to swap clothing with other women online. As the recession continues, the clothing swap is likely to become even more popular. Do it annually or even seasonally to fake a new wardrobe.

Consignment Shop

You can also get cash for your unwanted clothes at a consignment shop. In most cases, you won't get very much unless you are getting rid of a lot of designer items. Consignment stores resell used clothing at a deep discount. If you decide to take your clothing there, you may be able to reinvest the money you get towards your new wardrobe. It will still essentially be free, since you won't have to spend anything. Many used stores will also give you more value if you're trading in, so ask at the counter. If they'll offer you a certain amount of store credit, use that instead of accepting cash directly.

Charity Donations

If you still have clothing to donate when you've exhausted other options to trade your unwanted clothes, go ahead and donate it to charity. If you're making a large donation, you'll receive a receipt for the estimated worth of your donation. This is money that will be returned to you at tax time - why not reinvest that in your new wardrobe? So long as you don't spend over your donation amount, you'll still break even.

In Your Own Closet

After dealing with all your unwanted clothing, go through the remaining items in your closet. Think about how you could wear them differently. Are there certain color combinations you've been afraid to try? Have you stuck to using certain accessories or jewelry with only one particular outfit? Mix it up! The button down shirts you wear under a business might look sweet with a knee-length full or bubble skirt. Adding a belt can change just about any outfit, and will create the illusion of a smaller waist by cinching you at the narrowest part of your torso. For dresses you normally wear with pantyhose, try a pair of leggings or go bare-legged with sandals. Just changing one element of an outfit may be enough to make it feel brand new. Perhaps some of your clothing swap or consignment shop finds will match well with things already in your closet, creating brand new looks for you. Enjoy your new wardrobe!