GLOSS Issue 22 JUNE 2015 | Page 24

ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS? Melissa Browne I f you’ve ever purchased a gorgeous cocktail dress, a dapper suit or a fabulous feathered coat (OK the last one may be just me) you’ll understand that buying your prized outfit is only the first step. That’s because you’re (hopefully) not going to take off your now slightly soiled outfit and leave it on the floor to be kicked to the bottom of the wardrobe where it will live for the next few months. The next steps are organising where you’re going to wear your new outfit, working out how you’re going to accessorise it and of course, the latest step, how it’s going to look its best in a selfie. You’re also (hopefully again) not going to throw your new suit or cocktail dress into the washing machine without checking first if it’s hand wash or dry clean only. Of course, once the outfit is worn, photographed and uploaded to your various social media sites, the most important step is still to come. 24 GLOSS JUNE 2015 Instead, if you’re wise, you’ll read the instructions on how best to care for your new outfit, follow them when you’ve finished wearing it, and then store your dress or suit appropriately