Street style photos make us want things we can't, or simply don't currently, have. The subjects dripping in Chanel and Vetements kind of have us wishing we'd skipped every Zara trip and saved our money for designer duds. But before we get down in the dumps about those luxury wares that were probably gifted or borrowed in the first place, let's remember the real reason we love looking at these outfits in the wild: The styling ideas we get from them can give new life to pieces we were about to retire and donate to Goodwill.
From new ways to wear a plaid, fringed scarf to repurposing a damaged sweater, the street style pics ahead got us thinking about how to spice up our everyday dressing. These are the kind of tips only fashion people would even think of in the first place, and now they're yours for the taking.
Got a sweatsuit that's a little bit worn out? Dress it up with a bright, faux-fur topper and a dad hat, and no one will be the wiser.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Make an old crossbody bag feel new again by wearing it higher and tighter across your torso for a whole different look.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
It can be difficult to get your money's worth from an evening gown or dress you wore once to a wedding, but with a white button-up and some sneakers, that floor-grazing number can feel effortlessly cool.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Change up your trench by piling on the layers and topping it off with a ribbon instead of the matching belt that came with that jacket.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Try wearing a summery, dressy dress over a neutral turtleneck with knee-high boots instead of just sandals and sunglasses for the ultimate transitional outfit.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Got a stain on that striped button-up? Use it as a layering piece to peek out from under a cut-out sweater (with no stain in sight).
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Remember that scarf your mom got you on Canal Street a few years ago? Make it look oh-so-expensive by tying it like a sash and letting the ends hang loose.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
That red cocktail dress gathering dust in your closet: Try it with boyfriend jeans and a camel coat.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Spruce up a chunky knit that's seen better days with a pretty lace top underneath and a fancier velvet skirt.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
You thought you'd wear that red blazer a lot more than you actually have — but it becomes way cool again when layered under an on-trend bomber, with just the blazer's lapels peeking out.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Dress up a worn-in, sporty logo tee with a black turtleneck underneath and a statement coat on top.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
If you're over the skinny scarf trend, try tying yours as an oversized pussy bow instead.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
If you get graphic socks for Christmas every year, stop relegating them to the bottom of your intimates drawer; they'll look cool worn under a pair of neutral sandals on a not-quite-warm day.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Don't toss that denim miniskirt quite yet — get crafty with some DIY embellishing, then dress it up with a ladylike cropped jacket and a quirky purse.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Don't think khakis can be trendy anymore? Think again — with a graphic sweater, neck scarf and socks-with-sandals combo, they're way cooler than any pair of skinny jeans.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
You thought you could never wear that logo hoodie out of the house again, but if you punk it up with a midi-skirt, black tights and heavy boots, it actually makes for a pretty rad statement piece.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
If the moths got to your sweaters this year, cover up any holes or pulls by wearing that chewed-up knit as a scarf — it looks awesome, hides any damage, and keeps your neck extremely cozy all at once.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Experiment with a button-up shirtdress by wearing it as a tunic over jeans, rather than going bare-legged.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
How To Wear This Season's Plastic Fashion In Real Life