“But I got it on sale …” has been the lament of so many women as Kathy and I pulled unworn outfits from the back of their wardrobes. Having a wardrobe with the “wow” factor is possible for any woman, no matter what economic restrictions, if you just understand a few of the basics and make a plan.
Divide a piece of paper into three columns and then determine the three main functions of your life, by time allotment. Where do you spend the majority of your time?
At work? At home with your children? Being with your significant other or casual activities with your friends? The next step is to put one word at the top of each column on how you want to be perceived in each of these activities. Then list the favorite outfits that you wear in each of these areas.
The second step is to look for similarities and differences in what you wear in the three primary areas of your life. What colors do you feel the best in? How many sweaters and tops do you have in the same colors? Are your clothes transitional from one aspect of your life to another? How do they enhance the image you have chosen for that life segment?
Try to look at your clothes from a different perspective. To have a “wow factor” wardrobe during times when less money is available for splurges, the key is to stop looking at clothes as disposable. The most important factor is fit. Try each garment on and if it fits, put it back into your closet separating the items by category. Keep all tops, pants, jackets, skirts, dresses etc. in groupings sorted by color. Then make a list of the items that need to be altered to fit. If you can sew, great; if not, perhaps you can trade off with a friend or take the clothes to the tailor. When the clothing fits you properly, you’ll find they look more expensive.
To get the most of your clothing, make a wardrobe plan: Start with any piece of clothing (most people find it easiest with a jacket) and then put outfits together for each category of your life, by listing all the pieces you have make it work. Then take your basic piece and list another outfit you can wear using it, find as many combinations as you can and transition them from one area of your life to another. At this point, make another list of things that you need to purchase to make an outfit work. In other words, the jacket would look great with these pants if you had a certain type of top, or belt, or accessory to add to the look.
