Fashion is a major part of our everyday lives, whether we like to admit it or not. Each season, the fashion gurus tell us how to dress, and we’re constantly reminded of the season’s latest trends every time we turn on the TV or open a magazine. Whether we’re following the trends or putting our own spin on things, we all want to dress to impress. But, let’s face it: our wallets may not be all that impressive. For most of us, the mommy-daddy fund gets smaller each day and, as the real world settles in, eventually disappears altogether. What we have in our wallets starts to pay less and less for what we put in our closets. So how do we get the look we want for less? Follow these simple steps and it will take less than you think to update your wardrobe.
Back to Basics
Before you hit the mall or log on to your favorite shopping website, you must first consult your closet. There’s no use in spending money on the items you already have, and how will you know what you have until you refresh your memory? Your closet should consist of two types of items: trendy pieces and basics. Trendy pieces come and go and change with the season. These are the items you wore every day last year and wouldn’t dare put on this year. Basics, on the other hand, you’ve been wearing for years. These items include jeans, shorts, cardigans, trousers, long and short-sleeved t-shirts, pencil skirts, the LBD, coat and everyday handbag. All of these basics should be neutral colors of white, beige, taupe, gray or black so they can be paired with almost anything. Pull out your basics and try them on to make sure they still look great. Anything that doesn’t pass should be replaced.
Spot the trend
Do a little pre-shopping and note the trends that you like for the season. Pay attention to new colors, prints, silhouettes and accessories.
- Prints – Each new season has it’s own print. These prints may be anything from sweet florals to abstract graffiti. Think how the prints can tie into your wardrobe and decide whether they’re right for you.
- Colors – Color palettes change with the weather, and each season there’s a new hue being showcased. Buy pieces that will give your basics a little pop.
- Silhouettes – Each season we see so many different shapes on the runway: skinny jeans, oversized capes and parachute pants are just a few. Pay attention to the lines of the season and see if they work for your body type.
- Accessories – The easiest, and cheapest, way to add to an outfit is with accessories. A simple silk scarf or glitzy statement necklace can transform a basic tee into something fabulous.
Don’t Overindulge
Now that you know which trends have made your “Most Wanted” list, it doesn’t mean that you need to buy out the store with everything in your size. Depending on your budget, choose one or two items for each trend that you can incorporate with your basics. Always buy quality over quantity. Sale doesn’t necessarily mean you should buy as much as you can, and there’s no sense in spending money on a bunch of items that may fall apart with one wash. Instead, splurge on one item that you absolutely love.
Shop with a friend
The long hours spent in the dressing room and the racks filled with endless merchandise can sometimes cloud our mind and lead us to making poor purchasing decisions. It’s important to bring another pair of eyes, a friend you can trust that won’t allow you to buy items that will only see the inside of your closet. Sometimes another opinion can help you see an item in a different light. But, before you make your way to the counter, make sure the items you have in hand are items that you love and feel great in. After all, the key to looking great is confidence.
Once you know the basic steps, it’s easy to update your wardrobe. Keep building quality basic pieces that you know you will wear time and time again. Then have fun adding in some great trendy pieces in exciting new colors, prints and silhouettes. If your wallet is still too tight, just buy some great accessories. It’s the easiest way to pull together an outfit that will feel brand new.
By Kassandra Hannay
