My closet's benchwarmers

Last week I talked about the items in my wardrobe that I considered my most used and most reliable pieces, my MVPs. In doing so, it made me evaluate some of the pieces that never get used. Since I like to make the most of what I already have, I don't see getting rid of them as an option yet, but I am open to getting things tweaked or altered to get them to work more. Here are my closet benchwarmers, why I think they don't get used, and how I can get out of this functional fixedness mentality (i.e., think more creatively about their uses). Maybe it'll be of inspiration to you as well?

Banana Republic blue silk top

Purchased in 2008. Worn only a couple times since start of blog. I used to wear this top all the time when I first purchased it, and used it as a closet staple during my internship last year. Now, not so much. I think this is probably because I can't see past it being paired with wool trousers and a sweater, which was my go-to uniform back in my conservatively-dressed office days (I know, I've done a 180 since then!). The ruffle detailing is too sweet to just idle by in my closet. Could this be paired with a skirt? As a vest to a dress? Underneath a sweater with the ruffle sticking out?

Giorgio Kauten mint green floral dress

Purchased this summer, and only worn once. I don't seem to have any problems with wearing dresses all the time, except this one always eludes me. I think part of the problem is that I don't think the drawstring empire waist design is very flattering on me. I may have to resort to "eye trickery" by wearing a sweater over it and belting it at where my natural waist is. Perhaps it would look good with colored tights and boots as well?

Liz Claiborne red shift dress

Back when I did The Dress Project, this was one of the dresses I held off from wearing until the very end, because I wasn't sure of how to wear it. I'm not sure I like the length of it -- perhaps a snip-snip to the hemline will do the trick? It might also look good with a patterned sweater...

How do you make your closet benchwarmers work for you?

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