A Guide to Costume Bin Dressing, the Confusing But Joyful Trend That's on the Rise
It can be easy to talk yourself out of wearing something, whether it feels too different from your everyday style or seems extreme for whatever you have planned. But, quick reminder: fashion is allowed to be fun, and can be a form of self-expression or an outlet for creativity. Not to mention that, if celebrity street style photos have taught us anything, it's that it's perfectly fine to experiment and wear outrageous outfits just because. In fact, in 2022, it's downright encouraged.
In recent months, our favorite fashion follows have been stepping out in over-the-top outfits that, to us, look as if they've been pulled out of a costume bin. A multi-colored fuzzy hat paired with coordinating glasses? A long-sleeved maxi dress complete with matching gloves? These chaotic combinations are now the norm, and have sparked a brand new, pile-everything-on aesthetic that strikes us as the adult version of playing dress up.
That's kind of how you can get started with costume bin dressing, too: one piece at a time. Ahead, we've gathered a few ideas to use as a jumping off point to take your outfits from meh to wow.
An Unexpected Hat
We're partial to Fan Bingbing's eared option, but adding a muppet hat or a bedazzled beanie works, too.
Gloves and Glasses
Tulle
Carrie Bradshaw is the queen of costume bin dressing, and years after the original Sex and the City, we still turn to her old outfits for inspiration. Seeing her step out in a long tulle skirt on HBO Max's And Just Like That reminded us that we love these over-the-top choices, and showed us that the perfect way to balance out a bold piece is with a closet staple, like an everyday sweater.