How to Wear the Pieces You Forgot You Had in Your Closet

A cut-out bustier doesn't have to be relegated to one night of the year (like, say, Halloween). Elevate it to eveningwear status with a silky pair of high-waist, wide-leg pants and contemporary accents for a dressy occasion.

Shop the look: Boohoo caged bustier, $16; boohoo.com. Zara trousers, $100; zara.com. Capwell + Co. choker, $42; capwell.co. Kate Spade New York clutch, $298; katespade.com. Loeffler Randall pumps, $350; loefflerrandall.com.

Tiered ruffles were such a hit in the early aughts. But instead of an equally sweet top (which could read too twee), give it an on-trend '70s-inspired spin with warm neutrals and cool midi boots. 

Shop the look: J. Crew sweater, $98; jcrew.com. Rebecca Taylor skirt, $295; modaoperandi.com. Coach coat, $1,995; coach.com. Alexander Wang boots, $695; net-a-porter.com. Sophie Hulme bag, $765; shopbop.com.

Ever since Proenza Schouler brought tie-dye back from the '70s a few seasons ago (see celebrity proof: Miranda Kerr), and most recently Altuzarra for spring 2016, the free-spirited pattern has found a fanbase beyond the hippie crowd. Skip the fringe and flares, and toughen up the look with black leather and lace-up boots. 

Shop the look: Current/Elliott tee, $178; barneys.com. Banana Republic leather jacket, $450; bananarepublic.com. Wilfred skirt, $60; aritzia.com. Milly bucket bag, $365; shopbop.com. & Other Stories boots, $275; stories.com.

That skin-tight, bodycon dress left over from clubbing days? Treat it like a top—layer it under a full midi-length skirt and style with statement accessories for an elegant evening look. 

Shop the look: H&M dress, $35; hm.com. Tibi skirt, $525; tibi.com. Asos clutch, $33; asos.com. Joie sandals, $171; joie.com.

Jncos were the jeans of choice in the '90s and early aughts. Dig yours up and balance the exaggerated wide-leg silhouette with a sleek off-shoulder top and fresh kicks. 

Shop the look: H&M top, $30; hm.com. Jnco jeans, $60; jnco.com. Ariel Gordon necklace, $450; arielgordonjewelry.com. Vince cross-body bag, $265; vince.com. Ash sneakers, $228; ashfootwearusa.com. 

Cords are making a comeback—commit to the '70s movement with a burgundy turtleneck, a saddle purse, and block-heeled midi boots.

Shop the look: Trademark turtleneck, $188; trade-mark.com. Madewell flare corduroys, $135; madewell.com. Rebecca Minkoff purse, $295; shopbop.com. Givenchy boots, $1,350; ssense.com.