Things You'll Need:
- wardrobe staples: basics in neutral colors: skirts, pants, shoes and shirts in blacks, charcoal grey, camel, whites and denim.
-
Step 1
Identify great wardrobe basics that you may already have in your closet: great fitting pants, jeans, button down shirts, tank tops and sweaters in some fairly basic neutral colors.
Neutral colors are those that can be worn with anything, colors such as: black, navy blue, tan, chocolate brown, and white. Denim is also considered a neutral for casual style purposes, since it is essentially a navy blue. -
Step 2
Clean your closet or any excessively faded or outdated clothing and donate these items to your local Salvation Army or reuse them in another way (rags, etc.). Outdated items would include stonewashed or acidwashed jeans, clothing that no longer fits, unfashionably wrinkled or holey items, sweaters with excessive pilling.
-
Step 3
Identify what colors look best on you, and what colors you feel good (and great!) wearing. Spend time window shopping at your local fashion outlets, the mall, etc. on a regular basis and look for these colors. Discover what colors you like by trying things on in the dressing room. The same thing goes for fit and style of clothing.
-
Step 4
Flip through fashion mags to see what styles of clothing are current. Look for similar styles at bargain outlets. I like stores such as Target, Old Navy, Payless Shoes and even Wal*Mart from time to time. Often these stores will carry variations on popular styles, in seasonal colors and at low prices! When you see something that fits you well at one of these stores, buy it before it's gone!
-
Step 5
Know you shoe size and width, and find stores locally and online that carry your size and width. Same goes for if you are misses, junior, petite, or plus size. Shop at places that carry clothes that fit your frame. Google search "petite clothing" or "plus size clothing" if you are having trouble finding the right fit.
-
Step 6
Do shopping cycles at these discount outlets at the beginning (and sometimes middle and end) of every season to make sure you are fashionably prepared for the weather and any upcoming social events. I typically spend $200/season and this supplies me with a multitude of fresh outfits!
-
Step 7
After a year or two of faithful seasonal shopping, you should be able to pare down your budget because you will have a large fashion reservoir at home. Be sure to keep your clothing and shoes organized so you don't lose any of your precious pieces!
Also, many pieces of clothing can be worn in more than one season with the addition and subtraction of clothing layers (tank tops, shirts and sweaters)! -
Step 8
Intersperse your seasonal shopping with occasional shopping for evening purses, day bags, dress and casual shoes, and fashion jewelery to be sure that you have versatile, fashionable and complete outfits. No one wants to see you out on the down with the same ratty handbag every Saturday night, and you don't want to go about your errands with a purse that won't hold all of your necessary possesions!
-
Step 9
HAve fun and knock 'em dead :)!!
Comments
pinkpickle said
on 3/14/2008 Check out fashion swapping websites like www.myfashionswap.com to swap out what you no longer wear for something fresh and new (to you at least). It's a great way to update your look without breaking the bank.
deetree said
on 3/2/2008 Ebay is a great place to get your money's worth, many sellers will give you shipping rebate for items bought with them, I' ve had great success adding to my wardrobe without the cost, great deals to be had, you just need patience and a computer ;) ... Please note* ask a lot of questions to the seller about items, and shipping costs, some do not offer great shipping, be sure to ask before you bid!
Happy shopping!