The three pieces of fashion recycling

I’ll be totally honest: For the fashionista I aspire to be, I am guilty of breaking the outfit repeat rule.

Single-use fashion is a ridiculous aspiration put on a pedestal by celebrities with bottomless bank accounts.

I’m a college student with financial limits who likes what she invests in and enjoys wearing it a hundred times.

Assuming that your audience is not made up of hotel heiresses and multi-platinum recording artists, I think it’s safe to say you feel the same way.

The copy-and-paste clothing technique is a big money-saver.

Basics such as a white T-shirt, dark-wash jeans and the little black dress are the perfect jumping off points for some great outfits.

Exciting add-ons take these ubiquitous pieces up, down and even a little far out.
White T-shirts have been a clothing staple ever since James Dean’s surly sexy appearance in “Rebel Without a Cause.”

To take this blank cotton canvas up a notch, wear it tucked into a high-waisted black skirt with some black opaque tights.

Add bright heels that really pop against the black-and-white combination.

The T-shirt is already a pretty low maintenance item, but to keep it chic, pair it with black liquid leggings, studded ballet flats and a giant boyfriend cardigan. It’s perfectly effortless just-rolled-out-of-bed with a touch of style.

For a white T-shirt idea that’s a little far out, try wearing it with a bubble skirt or something with lots of ruffles.Something with volume and texture plays well against the blank canvas of a plain T-shirt.

Dark-wash jeans are another piece that almost everyone owns. These sleek slacks can be dressed up with a sequined blouse, matching clutch and a bomber jacket.

Add a platform peep-toe pump and you have the perfect date-night look.

Heels with a platform or a wedge are surprisingly more comfortable because of their extra support, keeping you happy and saving your date from listening to inevitable complaints about your painful shoes.

Take your jeans to everyday chic by pairing them with flat knee-high boots and a funky flannel top.

Flannel is already pretty down-home, so choose something with fun accents such as ruffles to make it more runway.

For a jeans look you’ve never thought of before, wear them cuffed at your ankles with a ruffled blouse tucked in. Add platform sandals for a touch of class.

Fun ankle socks earn you style bonus points.

The ubiquitous little black dress is so classically classic on its own.

Statement jewelry takes the little black dress to the next level. An oversized necklace stands out against a black background.

Silver heels make the perfect accent. Metallic shoes elongate the leg more than plain black ones.

Downplay the little black dress by wearing flats with no tights. Add a bright cardigan for a fun feel that’s not so stuffy, and cinch it with a studded belt.

Make the little black dress a little more high-fashion by putting it over a blouse with a stand-out collar. The bigger the collar, the better the outfit.

Bright tights add a touch of fun if the collar gets too Queen Elizabeth for you.

I enjoy the creativity that comes from reinventing staple pieces and using their versatility to come up with something completely new.

Those never-fail items that are already in your closet are the building blocks for a stellar wardrobe.