How to Update Your Wardrobe When Money is Tight

Who among us doesn't always want to look their best? We want to wear the latest styles and keep our wardrobe updated with the newest trends. In these trying times we may not be buying new clothes for the upcoming fall/winter season, but that doesn't mean we have to look like last year's rejects. There are many ways to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Creativity
• Some New Accessories
• A good seamstress

1. Take some time to go through your closet. Separate your clothes into 2 catagories. The first catagory is for work and professional functions. The second is for casual wear. Check to make sure all items are in good condition. Any clothing that looks worn or is damaged needs to be discarded. Any clothing that can be donated should be set aside and brought to a shelter or donation sight.

2. Look at the clothing that you have decide to keep. Does it need to be dry cleaned or pressed? If you keep your clothing clean and well cared for it will always gives you a fresh look.

3. Look at the fall issues of fashion magazines. See what the trends are. Just changing the length of a dress or adding a belt can give an outfit a whole new look. Try layering clothing that you normally don't. A great cami under a button down shirt will give you a softer look. Mix clothing that you normally don't. A suit jacket with a pair of jeans, a pair of slacks from a suit with a sweater, boots instead of heels. Just use youyr imagination.

4. Accessories are a great way to change the look of an outfit. Add a scarf, belt or chunky jewlery where you wouldn't have before and you will update your look. Play with your clothes. Mix and match items that you never did before.

5. A good seamstress can update an outdated outfit by changing the length, or the lines of your clothes. You may have to spend some money for this but it will be alot less than buying new clothes.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to have alot of clothes in your wardrobe. A few pairs of good slacks, a couple of pairs of jeans, tee shirts (for layering), 2 suits, 5 blouses, black heels, 2 pairs of flats, and a great handbag will give you the basics to work with from year to year.
• Try to buy the best quality you can. Better to have 1 great pair of slacks, that will hold up over time, than 3 pairs of cheap slacks that fall apart after a couple of washings.

[bossypants]

on 8/17/2009 Terrific tips for making the most of what's in the closet! Nice variety of updating techniques. Thanks!