How to make outfit repeating cool with six Tāmaki Makaurau stylists
For far too long, outfit repeating has been considered a fashion faux pas or, by some people, even "uncool" or "boring." When reaching for new outfits and tempted by more consumables, it’s the perfect time to check in and evaluate what we already have–taking stock of our unique wardrobes that already hold so much exuberance. Plus, playing with your pieces and getting creative is sustainable for your bank account and the environment. Who says you can't have fun without unwrapping something new? Have you ever considered wearing jeans under your favourite dress or using your blazer as a headpiece? Sometimes, a simple accessory can completely transform your look.
Here is a collection of six Tāmaki Makaurau-based stylists who show us how they incorporate outfit repeating into their lives in many cool, creative ways. I promise these outfit repeaters are nothing but boring.
Words & Photography: Rosa-Lee O'Reilly
Helena Murphy Reid, Fashion Stylist, Vintage Curator and Actor
I have no problem with outfit repeating. My belief is: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! If you know something looks good on you, why feel ashamed to wear it twice or ten times? All I need is a good pair of black boots (below the knee), a dress and a jacket or cardigan.
As an actor and vintage collector, I love to dress up in different characters and aesthetics. Trying on different personalities and styles doesn’t mean NEW and SHINY. Vintage is taking over the future. Out with the new, in the old. I sell all my unique and cool clothes to my customers on @summerflingvintage.
Estelle Schuler, Fashion Stylist
I most definitely hyper-fixate on specific clothing items, and I often find this obsession means I frequent one item of clothing daily. I will happily wear the same t-shirt three days in a row; I don’t care, lol.
And I think this is where learning to style your clothing becomes really important because an oversized jersey doesn’t just have to be an oversized jersey! It’s fun to let your creativity flow. Outfit repeating is cute x
Levi Tan, Fashion Stylist
My tips for repeating outfits are layering, accessorising and topping it off with a pair of nice shoes. Wear clothes inside out. Wear items the wrong way and use versatile pieces, like button-ups and neutral clothes, to layer on each other to create new looks.
Accessories are essential, as they complete the whole look! Use bold statement jewellery, hats, gloves, and ties to tie the looks together. I just love mixing and matching genres of accessories. Shoes determine the whole look that you are going for. Have staples shoes to rotate.
Troi Atkins, Multifaceted Māori Creative
For me, outfit repeating is a way to challenge the conventional ways of wearing any outfit. It is easy to assemble an outfit that is still you, yet the pieces are all styled differently. That’s when you are truly bringing something new to the table.
My approach to styling comes from a minimalistic standpoint. I lean into clothing that focuses on unconventional silhouettes and high-quality fabrics, such as Entire Studios and Le Febour. However, it is never about the brand–it is how you wear their clothing to express who you are and inspire others to do the same!
Connie Hutton, Model Agent
Outfit repeating is like having your own uniform. It’s personal–like having a signature scent. Outfit repeating makes getting ready silly easy when your pile of clothes is what you will wear again.
Right now, my fave outfit is these second-hand Zara mini shorts and my black Uniqlo cardi with tights. I switch up the shoes and accessories for different vibes since black is easy to pair. I’m really into my Tough Auto belt. And with my mini shorts, I can show that baby off.
