What is in style in clothing this year may be out of style next year. Watching the fashion runways show us many styles that are outlandish and impractical for the average person to wear and afford. Continue to build upon your basic wardrobe by now adding unique pieces that match your personality and are within your budget.
Last month's blog featured tips for reviewing your current wardrobe to build a basic wardrobe with some basic pieces for both men and women. This wardrobe may sound bland with basic pieces in the colors of black, brown, navy, grey, and tan. If patterns were chosen, they were simple, like a pinstripe. Now is the opportunity to add more color and pizazz to your wardrobe, allowing you to show others your own signature look.
First and foremost, have a game plan when you go shopping. Know what you are looking for - what needs to be added to your wardrobe the most. Factors to consider are the season, the type of clothing you need for your professional wardrobe, your age, and the field in which you work. You may decide to limit your shopping spree to a certain part of your wardrobe such as shirts to wear for work.
Before walking into a store, take time to check out their sale ads both from the newspaper and online. Buy on sale whenever possible. After Christmas or season’s end sales are best. But don't buy something just because it is on sale or is a great deal. It should be something you want to wear and coordinates with your style. Also, if you find something on sale that may not have a perfect fit, don't be shy about considering buying it and having it tailored. Buy comfortable clothes that make you feel confident and fit your style.
However, flexibility may be needed if you find an unexpected sale or end up at a store you did not plan on visiting. Unless you are shopping for a something like a dress to wear to a wedding, you may find something that you can use within your budget limits.
Whenever you shop, look for clothes that are constructed well and need limited care. Remember that dry cleaning bills can add up quickly for those dreaded "Dry Clean Only" items.
If you find a brand you like, consider purchasing more items in their line. Many times, the material used is the same and you can mix and match pieces from something like a suit giving you additional options in your wardrobe.
Your body type can play a role in the style of what you should wear. Many people do not find it easy to stand and stare at themselves in the mirror, but doing so can identify what your shape is and allow you to more forward in your clothing choices. Look at the fit of the garment on your body. Here is just one site with more information on body types. www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type
Also consider the pattern and the length. If you are tall, a larger and bolder print is normally a good choice. However, vertical stripes will make you look taller than you already are, so avoid them. The opposite goes for someone who is shorter with vertical stripes, but stick to a smaller pattern. If you are short, wearing something very long may drown you. Likewise, if you are tall, do not wear lengths that are too short.
Shopping is not for everyone. Go into it with a good attitude and consider rewarding yourself afterwards. When you go shopping, wear clothing and shoes that are easy to get in and out of. If you are trying to find something to match a particular piece is clothing, wear it or bring it along.
Plan to take time trying on the clothes. Not every company makes their clothing the same. If you wear a particular size in one brand, you may wear a larger or smaller size in another brand. Also, as items are made, the manufacturer may cut them differently to make quotas from a bolt of material. A good quality item would be constructed with the pattern matching at the seams.
When you pick items to try on, be prepared to try it in different sizes for the fit. Look at yourself in the mirror, turning to see yourself from all angles. If you have a trusted family member or friend, so shopping together for that second opinion.
Go outside your comfort zone and try on different styles and colors. You may be surprised to find a new color that matches your skin tone and hair color or you may be surprised to find a new favorite color or clothing manufacturer.
Each store has their own approach to how their sales people will interact with you. Some are more helpful and will offer to locate a different size for you. Since most stores have a limit for the number of items you may take into a dressing room, ask the staff to hold items you have already selected.
Good luck in your search to dress to impress, and dress for success. Next month's blog will give you other shopping options to add to your wardrobe while saving money.
