STRATEGY FOR A NEW WARDROBE IN 2010

Strategy is a systematic way to become a fashionable woman who is appropriately dressed for every occasion.
Many of us are adapting to new roles, and it is time to revamp our wardrobe with these changes in mind.
Some of us simply fell into our current look without giving it much thought. Over time, it’s become outdated or inappropriate for the lives we now lead.

Do you have clothing in your closet that you bought 10, 20 or more years ago? Unless these are fabulous designer fashions that cost thousand of dollars, this may be a clue that it's time for a new you.


 

Step One: Understand
Your Image

Whether you are a sophisticated urbanite, like Metis, or a gal who would rather be fishing, like Artemis, there are women’s clothes that feel comfortable and just right on you. Visit your closet and figure out what styles you love. This is the start of creating a coherent image.

Create Visual Illusions to Flatter Figure

A fashionable woman uses clothing lines, such as seams, stripes, belts, and the cut of a garment, to create visual illusions. Mississippi State University Extension Service has an excellent display of drawings that show how to use clothing lines to choose figure flattering clothes. There are also some good planning documents there.Another basic wardrobe planning document may be found on the page for this ultra-practical work wardrobe. Learn how to make $200 last for a week's worth of outfits.

Coordinate Colors for
Versatility & Value

Basic wardrobe planning includes knowing what colors look best on you. Limit yourself to a few colors and the neutrals that look best with these. This makes it easier to mix-and-match wardrobe pieces.
Shopping becomes a snap, too.
My eyes automatically focus on the jewel tones of blue, green, aqua, purple and deep reds look best on me. I go through a sale rack quickly, because I don't bother to stop to look at size, price, or garment care for all the other items.
The sporty wardrobe, right, for town-and-country uses black and tan neutrals for the main pieces. These are highlighted with neon colors to add pizzazz.

Step Two: Organize What You Own

List your daily activities. Decide what types of women’s clothes you need and how many hours a day or week you spend in them. This helps us see how to best use our clothing budget.
Some of us wind up with too many comfortable weekend togs and not enough for work, clubs, or church. Basic wardrobe planning brings balance into our closets and fashion spending.

Sort, Discard, and Declutter Your Closet

Now, it’s time to ORGANIZE. Declutter your closet. Be tough with yourself.
Identify figure flattering clothes that are in style and fit your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to split up suits. Jackets often outlast skirts and slacks, which receive more stress on the seams and wear on the seats.
Pile #two is clothing worth keeping that needs minor alterations or cleaning.
Bring a big box for the third pile – clothing to get rid of because it no longer fits your figure, your lifestyle, or is out of date.

Identify Outfits for Your Daily Activities

Here's the creative part.
Now that you know what you have, identify basic outfits for your lifestyle.Get creative. Try clothing items in new combinations. Experiment. Find new items that work together.
Discover what's missing. I end up with tons of colorful shirts, because they are cheap and easy to buy. Finding neutrally colored, reasonably-priced pants and skirts takes shopping commitment, persistence, and patience.
Figure out what you need -- such as that all important black skirt or navy blue shoes. How about the unusual textured blue shoes, above, from Beyla, at Zappo's to add zest to an ordinary blazer?
Every fashionable woman needs -- but too often we forget to buy -- a versatile white blouse.

Step Three: Shop Wisely for
Multi Use Women's Clothes

Make the best use of your women’s clothing budget by buying pivotal pieces of good quality that offer lots of wear. Never buy anything unless it’s figure flattering and you can wear it with at least two or three other items you already own.
Tuck the list of key items that you need into your purse. I often find a clothing sale when I am shopping for something entirely different. Carrying the list with you is also a chance to make thrift shop and garage sale stops super productive by looking for missing items.
To summarize, three principles of basic wardrobe planning are strategize, organize, then shop.
Now that your wardrobe is up-to-date and organized, find some fun activities to show off your great new look.


(Source: FashionAfter50.com)