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Wardrobe Planning 101
Does this sound familiar ? You ’ re rushing to get the kids out the door to school , but you can ’ t find anything to wear . You stand at your closet door , staring into the abyss . It ’ s packed with options , but you can ’ t figure out what goes with what . So , you grab the same outfit you always wear and charge out the door , realizing you ’ ve spent more time and energy deciding what to wear than you did preparing your breakfast .
Consider wardrobe planning . While it does take time , it can result in a stylish , simple wardrobe that fits your lifestyle , making it easier for you to find outfits that make you feel good every day . Here are five quick tips on how to get started with your wardrobe plan .
Evaluate Your Lifestyle
What you wear should be in sync with how you live . A closet full of little black dresses and stiletto heels may work for a New York executive , but isn ’ t very practical for a work-at-home mom or elementary school teacher . Make note of your habits for a week or two . How do you spend your time ? How much time do you spend on each of your activities ? What do you wear ? Write it down .
Take an Inventory Make a list of all your garments – whether in your closet , your drawers , the dirty clothes hamper , or at the drycleaner . Divide your pieces into four piles :
• Clothing you wear often : Clothing that is figure-flattering and current , and that suits your lifestyle and personality .
• Clothing you wear sometimes : Trendy pieces or pieces that don ’ t fit quite right . Restyling or altering out-of-date or ill-fitting garments can make them more current and extend their wearable life .
• Clothing needing repairs or cleaning : worth saving , but need attention before they are worn . Getting these pieces professionally cleaned or altered is like getting more clothes for less money .
• Clothing you haven ’ t worn in a year or more : Be honest , these pieces are just taking up space in your closet and drawers . This pile can go right into the donation box to make room for pieces you ’ ll use and love .
Build a Backbone
Take the items you ’ ve decided to keep and mix and match them to make new combinations and outfits . Try these outfits on to make sure they really work . Take pictures of the outfits so you can remember what looked good . Do you have any orphans ( i . e ., pieces that really don ’ t go with anything else )? Consider whether they ’ re worth keeping or if you should get rid of them to make room for something more flexible . Organize your wardrobe by groups of items that can be mixed and matched to create a number of looks for a specific purpose ( i . e ., work , entertaining , casual ). Figure out the items you need to complete or expand these groupings , or identify entirely new groups you might require . Identifying the existing combinations in your closet creates a backbone for your new wardrobe plan .
Make a List Now that you ’ ve made an inventory of what you currently own , and put together some outfits with what you have , make a list of what you need to fill in the holes . Use your new awareness of your lifestyle to outline pieces that you love and that you ’ ll be comfortable in . Focus on core pieces like white blouses , black slacks and pencil skirts , a well-tailored blazer , or simple black dresses .
Go Shopping !
Stick to classics and pay for quality so your pieces will last . Create a cohesive color story by focusing on neutrals ; add color and create drama and flair with your accessories . Remember that fit is everything – a professional seamstress or tailor can make anything look amazing . Once you ’ ve bought the core pieces your wardrobe needs , splash out on some seasonal updates like a colorful bag , some trendy costume jewelry , or fun new heels . This is the “ fun stuff ” that adds a jolt of personality and life to your wardrobe , so let loose a little bit !
Once you ’ ve revamped your wardrobe with a little planning , you ’ ll find that your mornings are less stressful , and you feel great in what you ’ re wearing all the time . Remember to care for your newly refreshed wardrobe with professional cleaning , and consider reducing your stress further with free pickup and delivery of your garments by a quality drycleaner .
North Allegheny | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 41