Last Year's Clothes, This Year's Styling: An Editor's Guide to Getting It Right

Nothing more satisfying than using old clothes to create new fashion tricks. If you're in the market for some cost-friendly updates for your autumn wardrobe, welcome to the correct story. We've had a long, hard think about what we were wearing this time last year and tried to uncover ways that the same pieces can still work well for 2017. It's savvy, smug-making business, this recycling lark—and we're always here to encourage you to spend wisely, buy items that provide longevity, rework what you love and maintain your personal style throughout.

The good news: Many of 2016's key purchases are still viable options. Some you can copy and paste into your new-season wardrobe as is, while some require a little update here and there. So with payday still around the corner (will it ever get here?), we present to you below some cost-effective ways to restyle your existing wardrobe.

Last Year's Item: Frayed JeansThis Year's Styling: Add a Checked Jacket

Style Notes: Frayed jeans probably dominated your denim collection last year, and they're still just as hot-to-trot now. Up the slick-girl ante and pair them with a checked blazer—vintage or new, this one piece of tailoring will update almost everything you already own.

Last Year's Item: Midi DressThis Year's Styling: Combine With White Boots

Style Notes: Who doesn't have a collection of midi dresses? If any of yours feel dated, simply pair them with white boots—that unexpected choice will throw any frock into the here and now.

Last Year's Item: Trench CoatThis Year's Styling: Make It a Dress

Style Notes: Trench coats were particularly popular last year, but now it's time to repurpose yours as a dress. Yes, really. Make sure it's fully buttoned up and belted, and then try it with bare legs and statement shoes.

Last Year's Item: Slogan TopsThis Year's Styling: Sandwich With a Suit

Style Notes: You know how we just mentioned that checked jacket? Well, it does the trick for updating 2016's slogan tees too. Add in matching trousers or a skirt, and we'll be particularly impressed.

Last Year's Clothing: The HoodieThis Year's Styling: Toss It Under a Smart Coat

Style Notes: Athleisure really had a strong grip on 2016, but don't throw away your hoodies yet—there's plenty of mileage in them, and we'd recommend taking a smarter route by layering under a grown-up coat and pairing with heels.

Last Year's Clothing: Slip DressThis Year's Styling: Toss a Sweater on Top

Style Notes: Last year the slip dress reigned supreme, with many girls then layering roll necks and shirts underneath them for the winter months. We'd recommend switching things up a smidgen and trying a cropped knit on top. Very '90s.

Next up, the best winter coats for every budget.