Women of all ages can often use a few helpful hints on how to update their wardrobes. If you have a closet full of clothes, but you don’t feel stylish, don’t despair. There are some quick, easy and painless techniques to bring your wardrobe up to the moment.
Go through your closet and pull out some basic items in neutral colors. You probably already have most of the items on the list, but if you don’t, you can find most of them at all price points. Fill in the gaps to the basics before adding anything else.
Items you’ll need for a basic wardrobe:
One or two pairs of dark slacks (black or navy) in a medium weight fabric
One pair of evening slacks in a material that drapes
One pair of flattering blue jeans
Two skirts in neutral colors
One white button-front shirt
Two or three dressy T-shirts or tanks
One or two cardigans or V-neck pullover sweaters
One blazer that goes with other items in your wardrobe
Two coats – one trench coat and one coat that keeps you warm
Little black dress that is current and flattering
Three handbags – classic satchel, tote and evening bag
Three pairs of shoes – classic pumps, evening shoes and sneakers
One pair of boots
If you have the above items, you don’t need anything else. Only purchase items that will complement your basic wardrobe and stretch it beyond one or two more outfits. For example, if you own black pumps, and you find a pair of taupe sling backs, you can justify purchasing them because they will go with most of what you own. A button-front shirt in an accent color would also be an excellent addition because you can wear it with any of your bottoms, either closed or open with a T-shirt.
Avoid purchasing something just because it’s on sale. Even if something is 50 percent off, you’re still wasting your money if you can’t wear it. Everything in your closet should fit, suit your lifestyle, and make you feel confident. If you’re not sure if something is worth purchasing, ask the sales clerk to put it on hold so you can go home and think about it. Give yourself a day or two. If it doesn’t excite you, call the clerk and ask her to return it to the rack.
Shopping for many women is a social experience. That’s fine as long as you’re window shopping. Draw the line at spending money while with a group of friends because you’re more likely to bend to peer pressure and purchase something because your pals are offering flattering comments.
If you must shop with someone, make that person the one who will be honest, no matter what. She needs to let you know if it makes your backside look like it should pull into a truck stop.
You’ll need to try on clothes with the shoes you intend to wear them with. If you’re shopping for a special event, bring your dress shoes. Some formal wear can’t be hemmed without messing up a decorative hemline. When you go shopping for a business suit, make sure you have your business pumps with you.
In order to get the proper fit in clothing, wear the undergarments that lift what sags and firm what jiggles. A dress with a plunging neckline should be tried on with a low-cut bra. And you certainly don’t want a panty line showing beneath a fitted skirt or jeans.
When you fall in love with a seasonal trend, evaluate it to determine whether it’s true love or a fleeting crush. If you like the look for now but feel that you may tire of it later, opt for trendy accessories that don’t cost a fortune.
Trendy accessories to update your wardrobe include:
Scarves and pashminas
Belts
Fashion jewelry
Clip-on accents for shoes
Textured or colored hosiery
Up-to-date fashion doesn’t have to be trend heavy. As long as you start with the foundation of a basic wardrobe, you can add trendy pieces to give you a stylish look. Add more foundation pieces and trendy accessories as you see them and the budget allows. Try on everything before you buy it, and never shop with friends who encourage you to spend more than you need to.
Find this article helpful? If so, read Fashionable Hats, Caps and Scarves, Wardrobe Basics on a Budget and High-Low Fashion.
Start with a Basic Wardrobe
Go through your closet and pull out some basic items in neutral colors. You probably already have most of the items on the list, but if you don’t, you can find most of them at all price points. Fill in the gaps to the basics before adding anything else.
Items you’ll need for a basic wardrobe:
One or two pairs of dark slacks (black or navy) in a medium weight fabric
One pair of evening slacks in a material that drapes
One pair of flattering blue jeans
Two skirts in neutral colors
One white button-front shirt
Two or three dressy T-shirts or tanks
One or two cardigans or V-neck pullover sweaters
One blazer that goes with other items in your wardrobe
Two coats – one trench coat and one coat that keeps you warm
Little black dress that is current and flattering
Three handbags – classic satchel, tote and evening bag
Three pairs of shoes – classic pumps, evening shoes and sneakers
One pair of boots
Shopping for New Clothes
If you have the above items, you don’t need anything else. Only purchase items that will complement your basic wardrobe and stretch it beyond one or two more outfits. For example, if you own black pumps, and you find a pair of taupe sling backs, you can justify purchasing them because they will go with most of what you own. A button-front shirt in an accent color would also be an excellent addition because you can wear it with any of your bottoms, either closed or open with a T-shirt.
Avoid purchasing something just because it’s on sale. Even if something is 50 percent off, you’re still wasting your money if you can’t wear it. Everything in your closet should fit, suit your lifestyle, and make you feel confident. If you’re not sure if something is worth purchasing, ask the sales clerk to put it on hold so you can go home and think about it. Give yourself a day or two. If it doesn’t excite you, call the clerk and ask her to return it to the rack.
Be Careful Who You Shop With
Shopping for many women is a social experience. That’s fine as long as you’re window shopping. Draw the line at spending money while with a group of friends because you’re more likely to bend to peer pressure and purchase something because your pals are offering flattering comments.
If you must shop with someone, make that person the one who will be honest, no matter what. She needs to let you know if it makes your backside look like it should pull into a truck stop.
Bring Proper Shoes and Undergarments to Try On Clothes
You’ll need to try on clothes with the shoes you intend to wear them with. If you’re shopping for a special event, bring your dress shoes. Some formal wear can’t be hemmed without messing up a decorative hemline. When you go shopping for a business suit, make sure you have your business pumps with you.
In order to get the proper fit in clothing, wear the undergarments that lift what sags and firm what jiggles. A dress with a plunging neckline should be tried on with a low-cut bra. And you certainly don’t want a panty line showing beneath a fitted skirt or jeans.
Trendy Accessories
When you fall in love with a seasonal trend, evaluate it to determine whether it’s true love or a fleeting crush. If you like the look for now but feel that you may tire of it later, opt for trendy accessories that don’t cost a fortune.
Trendy accessories to update your wardrobe include:
Scarves and pashminas
Belts
Fashion jewelry
Clip-on accents for shoes
Textured or colored hosiery
Up-to-date fashion doesn’t have to be trend heavy. As long as you start with the foundation of a basic wardrobe, you can add trendy pieces to give you a stylish look. Add more foundation pieces and trendy accessories as you see them and the budget allows. Try on everything before you buy it, and never shop with friends who encourage you to spend more than you need to.
Find this article helpful? If so, read Fashionable Hats, Caps and Scarves, Wardrobe Basics on a Budget and High-Low Fashion.
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