With Christmas quickly approaching every magazine, website and blog is broadcasting the top must-haves of the season. Grab a sequin pair of heels and a tutu-inspired skirt. Don’t forget a cape to keep warm and a hardware-heavy tasseled purse. After all they are MUST HAVES.

The constant barrage of these types of articles begins to get into your subconscious. That thing you didn’t like three months ago is suddenly looking better and better. And then you might be trying it on and dreaming of ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe. Then, suddenly that perfectly good black purse that has served you so well for the last 6 months becomes ugly, old and unstylish. Suddenly it’s not good enough anymore and you are a little annoyed every time you slip it over your shoulder.

The more I read those articles the more annoyed I become with the idea of must-haves. What will happen if I don’t own a single one of these things? Will I be relegated to the unfashionable crowd? Will the world end if I don’t put down $200 on a pair of sparkly heels? (I really would like a pair, they are so fun. But I don’t have the money for that kind of purchase.)

Instead of must-haves why don’t we look at the few little things that could be added to our wardrobe to update it? Or, better yet, focus on repurposing what we already have? Take that old oversized sweater sitting in the back of your closet, can it be pulled out, belted and made to look new? Or what about that faded pair of jeans can you dye it a dark blue color and avoid buying a new pair of dark-wash denim?