How to Design Clothing in a Window Display
Do you want to show off some fabulous outfits in your shop window? Designing clothing in a window display is the best way to get your customers' attention. The better organized, coordinated and eye-catching your display is, the better the possibility is of making a sale. Use your best bags, shoes and outfits so your customer can see the quality of your products. Pique their curiosity, and change it up every so often. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mannequins
- Cloth
- Boxes of different sizes
- Fishing line
- Decorations
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Bags
- Accessories
Instructions
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Use an open space, and coordinate a few "perfect outfits." Assemble a casual outfit that can be worn in the daytime and an evening look. Put your looks together with accessories, bags, shoes and jewelry. Create one look for a man and one for a woman, or make both looks for women or men, depending on your merchandise. Choose the two that really catch your eye as you are looking the outfits over. Use a top, dress or sweater that glitters or shimmers for a woman's evening look if you can. This will attract some attention to your display.
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Use a backdrop to enclose your display. Choose a background that complements your looks. Choose a heavy fabric like velvet to add a touch of luxury. This will make your outfits feel expensive and luxurious even if the price is not high. Add some sparkly gems and glitter for the holidays. Use a lighter colored fabric for summer and spring; just make sure it is good quality, and consider using something a little shimmery.
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Arrange a few different-sized boxes on the far left and right of your window. Cover them with your fabric so they have a cohesive look. Use the small boxes in the front and larger ones in the back. Arrange them so they look like stairs. It is fine to leave space between them if you have room.
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Dress up your mannequins in the outfits you put together. Place them in the middle of the window. Place the jewelry on the mannequins. Place the shoes on the lowest box. Place a hand bag, briefcase or satchel on the second largest box. Add another tall box in the back for anything else you would like to show. Put a hat or other accessory on the mannequin if it goes with the outfit; if not, put it on the tallest box in the back.
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Add a scarf, jacket or anything you can show without the mannequin looking too overdone. Show off as much as you can; just don't put too much on the mannequin, or your display will start to look cluttered. Go outside, and imagine yourself as a passing customer. Ask yourself, "Do I need to add anything to create more interest, or should I take something out?" Use an objective eye, and edit until it looks cohesive and attractive.
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Add some interest to your display. Tie some fishing wire to some sparkly ball ornaments, and hang them high directly above your mannequins. Keep the balls at different heights, and use colors that go with the season and the outfits. Use spring colors like purple, green, pink, yellow for your spring display. Use silver, red, green and gold for the holidays. Use colors like copper for all seasons. Apply these color palettes to your clothing as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask for other people's opinion. This will ensure you are showing what the customer wants to buy. Add props to your display to make it really interesting.
Mannequins can be heavy, expensive and unwieldy. Ask for help when carrying them and setting them up, if necessary.
