On a budget this Valentine’s Day? Still have nothing to wear? Get creative! I love the versatility of styling basic pieces. When I’m on a budget I do three things:

 

1. I look through my phone, lookbook (play the video below on how to create your own), or on my Pinterest boards for style inspiration.

2. Next, I evaluate what I already have in my closet. It helps that your closet is organized so you can actually SEE what’s hanging up in there. My closet is organized by type and color, meaning for example, all dresses are together and organized by color and sleeve length (sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve). The rest of my closet is the same way, and it makes it so much easier to get dressed in the morning.

 

3. After I do a mental run down of what I already own to make this inspiration a reality, I decide how much I want to spend on the missing item(s). If it’s classic and timeless, I may invest. If it’s something trendy, I won’t spend much. And if it’s red (i.e. for Valentine’s Day), I won’t spend much either because that just isn’t a color I wear often. Be honest with yourself.

 

Let’s set the scene. You have a white tee, a white tank, and a white blouse. Here are three ways to style these pieces on Valentine’s Day with something you already own, or just need to go out and pick up!

 

First Look: White Tee

Valentine-white tee

(Alexander Wang cropped top, $534, farfetch.com ; Missguided Mircia PVC Midi Skirt in baby pink, $27, Missguided.co.uk ; Forever21 standout chain necklace, $11, forever21 ; Lace Bralette in black, $9.99, spottedmoth.com ; Paisley Jacquard Bomber Jacket, $50, Mango.com ; Faux fur stole, $25, sheknows.com ; Space Out clutch, $48, nastygal.com ; Nine West Robyn Peep Tow Studded Booties, $70, ninewest.com)

 

Second Look: White Tank

Valentine-white tank

(Helmut Lang Jersey Muscle Tank, $140, harveynichols.com ; Topshop Muse PV Leather Trousers, $61, topshop.com ; Topshop Wool Boyfriend Coat, $196, topshop.com ; Pris Necklace, $28, nastygal.com ; Lucite Gold Chain bracelet, $49, pixiemarket.com ; ASOS clear clutch with internal glitter purse, $39, asos.com ; Zara leopard lace up sandal, $100, zara.com ; Zara Trf Wraparound Sandal, $60, zara.com)

 

Third Look: White Blouse (edgy & girly options)

Valentine-white blouse

(Helmut Lang Oversized Mist Blouse, $295, intermixonline.com ; High Waist Leather Shorts, pinterest ; Fever Dream Faux Leather Shorts, $25, nastygal.com ; Intricately Exquisite Tights, $15, modcloth.com ; Damsel in a dress Lagoon Coat in pink, $271, johnlewis.com ; Steve Madden ‘Mysterii’ Ankle Strap Sandal, $130, Nordstrom ; Topshop Circle Lace Bralet, $36, Topshop.com ; House of Harlow 1960 Aegean Treasure Earrings, 448, houseofharlow1960.com ; DJ by Dominic Jones Rose Gold Black Enamel Claw Ring, $45, my-wardrobe.com ; MAC Creemsheen & Pearl Glass, $20, MAC Cosmetics)

 

Which of these three looks are your favorite? What do you plan on wearing for Valentine’s Day?