Creating a Functional Wardrobe

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A positive attitude is the most appealing attribute you can add to enhance your wardrobe:

 

 

The guidelines for  building a versatile wardrobe is effective  planning and basic common sense.  Here are some important facts to take into consideration:

 

1: LIFESTYLE

 

As our lifestyle evolves so will our wardrobe.   When I worked in the corporate arena  my style was much more conservative since I had to adhere to the dress code of the company 

 

I am no longer in the work force and my wardrobe has changed drastically, the “dress for success” theme no longer apply.  I am now a full time fashion blogger/stylist and sewing instructor.  With some creativity, alterations, mixing & matching I was able to adapt my corporate wardrobe to fit into my new world.

“Smart Shopping” is the best way to extend the life of  our wardrobe.  When purchasing pieces always think “will I be able to wear this ten years from now”.  There are “fun” pieces we can buy that may be a passing “fad” for the season but keep those purchases few.

 

 

 

My wardrobe now consists of more creative pieces, even my social activities have changed and I have adapted the “corporate” items by mixing and matching them with creative pieces to fit my new lifestyle.

 

CHARTING YOURSELF A VERSATILE WARDROBE

 

I created a personal wardrobe chart that I can refer to when I go shopping that keeps me focused on what I really need without going on an emotional roller-coaster shopping spree.

 

I created a wardrobe planner for my personal use, which I found very helpful in planning my wardrobe.  It helps me keep track on what I have so  there will be no duplication and keeps me within budget

 

 

 

 

BUILDING YOUR WARDROBE:

 

Black, navy, brown and grey are the perfect colour palette to begin building your wardrobe.  These basic colours will allow you more flexibility when adding colour and accessorizing.  Throw in a beige or white skirt and  trousers for more mileage.  Don’t forget the little black or navy dress that can dressed up or dress down for any occasion. If in doubt of mixing and matching or have limited resources to work with keep shoes and handbags neutral, however when it comes to scarves and accessories the sky is the limit.  A scarf and accessories can change the personality of an ensemble.

 

Most important, when shopping for wardrobe basics it’s best to shop alone. The disadvantage of taking your best friend when clothes shopping is that she may influence you to purchase clothing that looks fabulous on her but does nothing to compliment our personality plus we are more likely to go over budget without getting the items we planned on purchasing.   Shop by your gut instinct.
We instinctively know what suits us, all we want is validation.  Sometimes the sales person may not have our vision or receive commissions on sales so be firm – We want to avoid returns or have items hanging in our closet that we never use.

2: CAREER

 

Creative mixing and matching will create the illusion that we have an extensive wardrobe  

 

 

Mixing and matching is the secret of a limitless wardrobe

 

 

Eliminate the “NOTHING TO WEAR” Syndrome  by taking inventory of your lifestyle:

Wardrobe content is different for every woman.

 

Our career more than any other area in our lives affects our clothing choices because it determines our economic status and how much we can afford to spend on clothes.

Successfully analyzing our lifestyle is the key to building a practical wardrobe and helps us to eliminate a closet filled of “NOTHING TO WEAR”

This era of working from home will automatically change the lifestyles of many women and will give us the freedom of expression to be our unique selves since we do not  have to follow a rigid dress code.  Those of us who do not enjoy the advantage of working from home will  have to chart our wardrobe to adapt to the professional image outlined by the company.

 

You don’t have to be rich to dress well just sensible.

 

 

 

 

 

3: BODY TYPE AND SHAPE:

 

See the page on Dress to Enhance You

http://www.quiricofashiongenre.com/dress-to-enhance-you/

 

 4: IMAGINATION

 

Using creativity and imagination when putting different looks together  can be a lot of  fun.  Just a word of caution always keep within the realms of your personality and be comfortable in whatever you are wearing.

Take life and other people seriously but have fun with your clothes and smell the fashion roses along the way.

 

 

5: WILL I WEAR IT?

 

 

 

 

Resist purchasing items just because they are on sale.

 

Ask yourself these questions before purchasing:

1:  Will the item coordinate with what I already have?

2:  Does it suit my lifestyle? Career or Social Activities

3:  Does it enhance my body type?

 

Creating a Wardrobe Planning  Chart will help you answer these questions because it will give you a clear idea of what you already have in your wardrobe.

 

6:   ACCESSORIES

 

We can change the entire look of an outfit by effective accessorizing.

 

Accessories are an important part of any wardrobe.

 

The right accessories can make an otherwise drab outfit look sensational.  Shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry can work miracles to an ensemble.

 

7:   IT’S IN THE BAG!

 

A few words about handbags.

 

Handbags like everything else in our wardrobe should be in proportion to the rest of us and functional as well as fashionable.

There should be enough room to hold what we NEED.  If one handbag is all our budget allows invest in a good quality handbag not necessarily a designer bag, select a neutral shade that will compliment the colours in our wardrobe.

A handbag is an indispensable item in our wardrobe. It is the best investment we can make.

 

 

 

8:  WINTER DRESSING

 

One word on purchasing winter apparel:

Winter coat and boots are a major purchase. Coats and boots should be classic and simple so they can transcend from one winter to the next without looking dated.

 

 

If your budget only allows for one coat for the seasons invest in a brown, grey or black coat that can blend with the items in your wardrobe.

It may be wise to invest in two coats/jackets, one for winter and one for the changing seasons Spring/Fall.