How to Add Interest to Your Wardrobe with Unique Clothing Pieces

As you develop your own sense of style, you may start to feel like your wardrobe looks just like everyone else’s. You follow the seasonal trends, and your closet is full of popular attire, but nothing you wear really makes you stand out. It’s time to put a stop to wearing boring pieces day in and day out!

Surprisingly, you don’t have to completely overhaul your wardrobe to infuse it with a different energy and aesthetic. Just a few unique and interesting pieces are enough to transform your everyday attire into something a little more you. Check out the top ways you can add interest to your wardrobe here.

What Are Interest Pieces?

You want to add just a few pieces to your winter, fall, and summer wardrobes that showcase your personality and make the whole ensemble just a little more interesting. Interest pieces are just one item you can wear that enhances your outfit and offers a focal point to your look. Some of the things you want to look for in an interest piece include:

• Color
• Pattern
• Texture
• Sheen
• Construction
• Details

Your interest piece doesn’t have to make a huge statement. Even small details can make an outfit interesting. Find items that truly help you express your sense of style to ensure you’ll actually wear the new clothes you’re buying — no point in making an investment if you won’t wear what you buy.

Examples of Interest Pieces

If you’re looking for interesting pieces, yoga pants and baggy sweaters aren’t it. While you don’t have to go all out if you prefer classic, relaxed pieces, you should still find something a little more creative that helps you stand out; some little construction detail in a skirt, a scalloped edge on a jacket, or a subtle stripe in a sweater.

Fun Sweaters

Everyone loves a good sweater! They’re great for layering, and depending on their style and quality, they’re a good choice for everything from a day at work to a holiday party. As you’re shopping around for an interest piece, consider artsy sweaters that have something to say. Whether you find some unique colors, lively patterns, or unusual structures, look for something funky that speaks to you.

Throwback Hats

From the timeless cloche to the retro bucket hat, headwear can say a lot with very little. Unique hats are easy to find because most stores carry a selection to match their current season. You can also shop in stores that exclusively sell hats to find a wider variety of styles. Does a braided pattern in a bold color complement some of the more neutral ensembles in your wardrobe? Will a velvet newsboy cap put a finishing touch on your look before you walk out the door?

You might think that hats are only appropriate for specific types of weather—beanies for winter, sun hats for summer, and baseball caps for casual days—but there are so many different types of hats and materials out there that there’s something for every season.

Casual Tops

Often, it’s easy to find interesting blouses and cardigans because they’re already made with premium materials and thoughtful design. If you’re looking for a casual top that can help you stand out, a graphic tee is a great choice. These wordy tops are a little more on the nose when it comes to expressing yourself, but they infuse a sense of fun into every look.

You can find graphic tees that say nearly anything, from band names and holiday phrases to references to your favorite hobbies. Even better, if you can’t find the perfect graphic tee, it’s easier than ever to create your own through sites that offer custom graphic designs.

Where to Find Interest Pieces

Whether you’re trying to be frugal or you’re sick of the way fast fashion harms the environment, you don’t have to shop at all the usual places when exploring unique clothing options. Some of the most interesting finds are those from flea markets, vintage shops, and secondhand stores. You’ll be surprised how many special, forgotten pieces are left behind in the places you least expect!

If you’re ready to add just a few new pieces to your wardrobe, consider a day of bargain hunting at thrift stores and flea markets in your local area.

How to Build Your Outfit

Building an interesting outfit depends on the showstoppers you end up having in your wardrobe, but it’s easy enough to start. First, put together one of your go-to outfits for work or errands. Looking a little boring, right? Now, swap out just a single item for one of your new statement pieces. Instead of that button-down blouse, wear a piece with an unusual construction or pattern. Bored by your slacks? Choose a pair of paper bag pants in a pastel shade instead. If you still feel like that’s not enough? Add in a pair of statement shoes or a bright hat in an unexpected print or color to complete the look.

Using Accessories

Many people start out a little shy when varying their outfits. It can be tough to break out of the mold and wear something truly bold! If you feel uncomfortable swapping out big pieces like sweaters or pants, you can start with something smaller—an accessory! Accessories are the easiest things to add to your outfit, and they can be extremely subtle.

Maybe you want to add just a chunky necklace? How about a unique pair of shoes? Ready to pull out all the stops? Play with hats, purses, belts, and more to add a bit of pizzazz to your everyday favorites.

Experimenting Is Key

It’s rare that you’ll find exactly what you want right away. It’s even tougher to find your voice when it comes to fashion, as your preferences and mood change from day to day. Experimenting is key here and will help you determine what’s a reliable favorite and what you should only wear when you’re in a very particular mood. Explore for a few weeks to get more comfortable with your choices, and don’t keep anything you haven’t actually worn at least once a month.