A: Usually, I say purge long-neglected items, but in some cases you (or your tailor) can give them a second life. Crop trousers into feminine ankle-length pants, and add side slits to straight-legged styles. Hem a midcalf skirt to a more flattering knee-length. You can update a cardigan or coat by replacing neutral plastic buttons with colored, enamel, or rhinestone ones. And some updates are free: Wear a minidress, for instance, as a more age-appropriate tunic top.

Learn how to transform an old blazer into a stylish new vest Have your tailor cut off the sleeves and an old blazer becomes a vest. If the jacket was part of a suit, match it back up and the set will feel brand-new.

Tee, Market, $32; Market-Ts.com. Scarf, Me & Kashmiere, $165, Babette, San Francisco; 415-837-1442. Skirt, MaxMara, $445; 212-879-6100. Belt, $78; KennethCole.com for stores

Adam takes a formal gown, and turns it into a wearable new skirt Formal gowns are often too over-the-top to wear again. Transform yours into a floor-length skirt for night, or shorten to the knee for day.

Shirt, George, $12; Walmart.com. Necklace, $35; LoftOnline.com. Belt, Devi Kroell, $445, similar styles available; 212-644-4499

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