Mixing and Matching Clothes: Ideas on How to Wear Your New Spring Wardrobe

Achieving the latest look doesn't necessarily mean buying an entire new wardrobe. With a few tricks and the art of mixing and matching, you can create a stylish new look for spring 2010 with a few new pieces as well as items you already own. Here is a style guide for women on how to incorporate the latest spring trends with existing clothing already in your closet.

What's Old is New Again

Before you plunge into your closet to do some spring cleaning, take inventory of the items you own. Do you happen to have some wild print mini dresses from the early 1990s that haven't seen the light of day in almost two decades? Keep those, because floral print mini dresses are hot this spring. Do you have a massive collection of cinch belts leftover from the 1980s that have been collecting dust for years? Save all of those, because the cinch belt is a must have accessory item this spring. When you are going through your clothing items, take a look at the latest fashion magazines to see if any of the looks match items you already own. Keep any classics such as the little black dress, black slacks, and capri pants and toss out anything that is very outdated with no chance of coming back in style (i.e. puke green acid washed denim or parachute track suits) or anything that does not fit.

Incorporate New Pieces

Now that you have pared down the items in your closet, it is time to start mixing and matching. This spring, invest in a large black 'boyfriend' blazer or a fly-away cardigan, as these look great with print dresses, jeans and mini skirts and will instantly update your look. The fly-away cardigan is one of this springs hottest tops, and many can be found for sale at Express.com for reasonable prices. I'm sure many of you still have a pair of two of white slacks, skirts, or capris leftover from previous years, and since these are a classic spring wardrobe color staple, they will work well with trendy tops and over sized blazers. Invest in one or two new tops this spring from a popular, cutting edge website like Modcloth or Tulle to go with your classic bottoms. Shoes are also a great fashion investment, and the hottest styles for this spring are peep-toe booties, chunky high heel pumps, ballet flats in vibrant colors, and flat 'goddess' sandals. The right pair of shoes can literally make or break an outfit, so invest wisely!

Update with Accessories

I swear by fashion accessories. Literally. There is no better way for a woman to update her look instantly and cost efficiently than with accessories. Many of the hottest fashion accessories this spring are very inexpensive, and can be found at many online retailers such as etsy or overstock. A few must have accessories that will give your wardrobe a make over this year are feather earrings, lace gloves, chokers, hair fascinators, and cinch belts. All of these items will go with just about anything, and if you are creative and handy with a glue gun, you can make quite a few of these accessories yourself.

Updating your spring wardrobe in the midst of a recession is as easy as investing in just one or two trendy clothing items. Follow these tips for updating your wardrobe and your style and pocketbook will be overflowing with greatness!