Whenever I have to be `dressed` for some occasion, opening my wardrobe makes me sigh with frustration "God! I don`t have anything good to wear!" I`m sure this is a common reaction that most of us go through. Well, if you are one of those who has a wardrobe full of clothes and yet `nothing` to wear, believe me, it is time to take some drastic action.
Most of us know the golden rule - if you haven`t worn it in a year, simply give it away, for you never will! Also check if all the clothes in there fit you well. Does this mean you will have to spend a packet on refurbishing your wardrobe? You might be a total tightwad, hesitant to spend on designer clothes and overpriced accessories. But wait! You don`t have to overspend in order to look well dressed! You can put together a perfectly functional wardrobe without breaking your bank!
First things first. Write a list of what you have and of what you need. The key word here is `need` not `want`. As always, start with the basics. After all, each one`s basic needs will be different. For example, if you work in a corporate environment, your needs would be different from someone who is working in a small office. If you are a home maker, your clothes are going to be different from that of someone who runs a home-based business.
Invest wisely in your basics. This is what you are going to wear the maximum. It is not the brand but the quality that you have to check. If you have selected a piece of clothing, inspect it thoroughly and swap it even if you find a small flaw. Pay close attention to the stitching and the quality of the material used.
There are many `end of season` sales that you can visit and make your purchases for your basic requirements. However, do not g in for `seconds` as there may be hidden flaws in them.
Take good care of your clothes. Remember that your clothes are an investment. For example, you can avert a major disaster by just mending something like a loose button the minute you detect it. Who knows? Maybe you will even be forced to throw away the garment just for want of a matching button if that one falls off!
Try to avoid washing expensive clothes too often. Frequent washing and drying tends to make the colour fade. Dry cleaning only thins the material. Instead, try airing them immediately after you have taken them off. This helps to dispel any odour that might be lingering on the garment.
Clean and polish your expensive shoes after you remove them. This way, they will last much longer.
You do not have to buy all that you need at one go. Shop around till you find the right items. Fewer purchases at a time will make it that much easier on your wallet.
Most times, when you lose a lot of weight, you will find that your existing wardrobe is almost useless. Again, make a list and mark your priorities. This will make your purchase much easier. Also remember, a few good purchases are better than a lot of crappy ones. Never shop at the cheapest stores. You will land up with a lot of junk.
Credit car companies come up with a lot special offers. Keep these handy when you go shopping. Never take children with you when you are on a serious bargain-hunt. You will never be focused.
Be careful in your purchases. Never go in for something that is all the rage, but won`t suit you, or worse, that you don`t like.
Check out the Return policy in the store you make your purchase. Should you find a flaw, you should be able to return it to the shop.
Got all your basics right? Now just go out and have fun shopping to your heart`s content!