Are You Fashion Savvy? Ten Tips for Dressing Well

"Within each new challenge there are always hidden gifts, for these are the times that strengthen our resolve and allow us to build new dreams." - Flavia Weedn

With the costs of buying clothing today and the constant change in styles, bargains are a treasure. Especially on a limited budget, and for working women this is a definite challenge. Yet, dressing well can be done.

Since it takes money to build a wardrobe, the key is in the planning. Here are ten tips, tidbits, and ideas to get you started. . .

* Get to know your own particular fashion styles including the strengths and weaknesses of your figure type. Make a point to focus on a clear image of what you consider being well dressed. Get to know exactly what you like, want, and what looks well on you. Buy only what suits you best without relying on the opinion of someone else. Nor should you base your final decision on what is popular at the current moment.

* Learn to stretch your fashion dollars by saving any clothing you already have. Make an inventory of what you have in your closet by separating your wearable items into two main categories. One is your spring-summer wear; the other is your fall-winter wear. Then you can easily see what needs to be replaced when each season begins.

* Shoes complete your outfit and are major items that must be frequently kept clean and in shape. When you constantly walk along cemented sidewalks the heels and soles of your shoe take a beating. So, remember to have them repaired as frequently as possible and discard them when they are unsalvageable.

* Accessories add the crowning touch to any outfit and often may be the central aim of the way you dress. Sometimes your outfit is planned around your choice of accessories. As such an important part, give them your full attention. Keep your jewelry in a sparkling state by giving your pieces a frequent beauty bath. Just using soap and warm water, or a commercial cleaner is good.

* When shopping, plan to make trips only for items you need that will meet your personality and uniqueness. No matter how much you wish to follow the majority by purchasing what is advertised and offered in the stores, or what is popular at the moment, if you are not a glamorous entertainer, a closet full of after-five outfits will be a waste of money. Buy clothing for what you spend most of your time doing. This is where the biggest part of your money goes.

* Decide what you can afford to spend. If, like most people, you have a limited amount to spend on clothing, make the most of each purchase. Plan well and with good values in mind. Avoid trendy fashions and fads that go out of style within three to six months. For longer lasting value, classic styles in dresses, suits and coats are always a good investment.

* Choose a special place for everything and keep everything in its place. That way you will know where to look when you need it. Fold knitted sweaters and put them in a drawer or on a shelf. Keep jewelry, belts, hose, gloves, and hats in their own special place.

* Learn from past shopping mistakes. When your fashion budget is limited, set aside a clothing allowance. Try to keep a log of everything you spend for the month and plan ahead for emergencies. Allow half of your budget for your fall and winter wardrobe; the other half for spring-summer wear. Be sure to buy the best you can afford in your coats; the same applies for your dresses and suits. Quality is more important then quantity.

* At times when your social life is full or more active, an ideal wardrobe should include fashions that are suitable for special occasions. In this case, your clothing may be geared to a specific type of activity. For example, if you were active in sports, your wardrobe would reflect more sportswear. If you attend parties, entertain, or attend upscale events, then your wardrobe would have more eveningwear fashions.

* Keep up with fashion trends and what goes on in the fashion industry. Study fashion magazines. Go window-shopping before planning your wardrobe. Know what looks best on your figure and plan outfits, accessories, and shoes that you can wear and coordinate into several different ensembles.

These ten tips, tidbits and ideas are just a tip of the iceberg. Follow your own insight, know how much you have to spend, and buy only what matches your unique style. These wise and savvy fashion choices lead toward your pursuit to dressing well.