When overhauling your new wardrobe is as easy as an Asos spree, it’s easy to lose track of the things you already have.

’Make do and mend’ seems like a mid 1900s sensibility but in the 1800s, it was common for women (at least those less well-to-do) to ‘make over’ their gowns, incorporating the latest fashions into their existing outfits to make them look brand new.

A set of new statement buttons (take a cue from Zara’s last few seasons) on last year’s must-have cardigan can take it to a whole new level and your conscience can rest easy knowing you’re not feeding the fashion monster.

It’s much easier than it looks, and you’ll have a wardrobe that looks brand new for less than that pair of boots you’ve been drooling over.

5 positive things we can learn from the 1800s