Good quality clothes cost a lot of money. You likely wonder how you can ever build up a good wardrobe without going into debt on your credit card. There are several strategies that you can utilize, so don’t despair.
The first step is to carefully analyze what you have. Take everything out of your closet and match up pants and skirts of neutral colours with tops that go nicely together and fit you well. Save these items. Anything you haven’t worn in the past year or that doesn’t coordinate with those you’ve decided to keep, bag up and take to a thrift shop. And while you are at it, look closely at what you decide to keep. It may be your favourite sweater, but if it’s got pilling and the elbows are thin, you better consider replacing it for a newer one.
If you need good clothes for work, you will want to buy simple classic designs of good quality that never go out of style and that will stay looking good for several seasons. Purchase wrinkle-resistant items to save on ironing as well as stay fresh and crisp throughout the day. Before you head out to the mall, keep in mind the pieces you kept in the closet on purging day and try to buy new items that will go well with several pieces you already have – a blouse that matches one or two skirts and pants, for example.
Consignment shops and charity second-hand clothing stores offer a place for you to purchase slightly used items at greatly reduced prices. And buying out of season is another good strategy as winter jackets are marked down drastically in March. Pretty summer blouses and skirts go on sales, as much as 50 or 60 percent off, in September. This is a really fast way to build up your wardrobe, as you can buy two or three items with the same money it would cost to buy one at the height of the season. And it’s a great time to buy some fun and exciting tops to brighten up the neutral colours of navy, camel and white that are your basic pieces.
Browse through fashion magazines or go online before you head out to shop so you have decided on the look you are trying to create. Often the discount stores such as Walmart carry lines of clothing that are based on these trends but are priced considerably lower than the fashion outlets in the mall. Be aware, however, of anything too trendy, as it may be already out of style by next season and you’ll have had little wear out of it. And just because it’s the latest style, consider your body type, height, weight, and colours that look best on you, because it may not compliment you.
Take your time. Don’t go shopping with a big long list, but rather dedicate one leisure afternoon to picking out one piece of clothing. Try on lots in the store, experimenting with colours and styles. Then go home and try it on with the pieces you bought it to match, and decide what your item will be when you go shopping the next time.
Don’t forget to purchase a variety of accessories. Pick up one or two cute little handbags to use for evening events and leave the big utilitarian every-day purse at home. Change the look of a sweater or blouse with a bright scarf, tied at the neck or draped shawl-like over your shoulders. Purchase earrings and necklaces with specific outfits in mind too, picking out a dominant colour in your top or scarf.
If you spend the time to choose wisely, you will eventually find you can reduce your clothing budget and buy just a few new pieces each year. Step out with in a well-planned, attractive, but inexpensive wardrobe, and you’ll be full of confidence and know you look good.
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