Here are some tips to get maximum workout from your wardrobe and not spend a fortune on clothing.
One Item Three Ways
Before you purchase an item of clothing, consider the ways it can be worn, and where to. A white shirt can be worn underneath a suit for work, with jeans and boots for the weekend and with capri pants and sandals for a casual summer barbeque. A black t-shirt can be teamed with the suit for another business look, with the jeans for weekend and with denim shorts for summer. Make sure that the item you are considering buying can be worn several different ways, and can be dressed up or down.
Dressing Up and Down
The black t-shirt is a great example of something that can be dressed either way. Dark denim jeans, black pumps and a silver clutch teamed with sparkly statement jewellery is a perfect outfit for a night out with the girls. The same black t-shirt with a floaty skirt and a scarf, worn with ballet flats is a great outfit for coffee or garden party. To dress up the little black t-shirt for work, wear underneath the suit, with the black pumps and sophisticated jewellery. Add a structured tote bag and you have raised the bar.
Mix and Match
Having the basis of your wardrobe as core pieces extends the versatility of what you own. Core pieces are the basics, the black pants and the dark denim jeans, the cotton chinos and the grey suit pants. A denim jacket, a grey suit jacket, cardigans and fine-knit jumpers in various colours, basic t-shirts and button front shirts are tops to consider when creating a core wardrobe. It is what you add to these core pieces that makes the look your own. Being able to create a number of different outfits from basic pieces is the essential part is a versatile wardrobe.
Cheap and Chic
Accessories are the way forward when you want to update your look. Buy a scarf in this winters hottest hue, add a few cheap co ordinating bangles, and you have a look that is up-to-date and modern. Change the belt from skinny and simple to wide and chunky; wear the belt lower on your hips or on your waist for a different look. Handbags can be expensive, so unless you are willing to purchase one that will have a lifespan of a few years, buy a cheap and cheerful one in the current style. Or even consider tying a silk scarf your current bag or attach a flower to the handle. There are shoes that you will want to have last, like the black pumps, the beaded evening shoes and the knee high boots. Others, like ballet flats and flip-flops are more disposable and can be purchased for next to nothing.
Chunky cocktail rings, necklaces or varying types, like strings of beads, pendants, chokers or chains, bangles and scarves are all cheap and great at extending the contents of your wardrobe.
Having the core pieces and the accessories to change the look is the secret to a versatile and owned wardrobe. It is easy to change a look from day to night, from casual to dressy or fun to sophisticated just by changing the accessories and your makeup.
At the end of the day, clothing is not the be all and end all, so have fun with what you wear and don’t take dressing perfectly to seriously.
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