Wardrobe Planning
Purchasing clothing shouldn't be a
haphazard thing. It's fine to indulge in
impulse buying once in a while, but that isn't how you achieve a useable wardrobe.
We recommend getting the basics first, and building from there in a
thoughtful way, determining the pieces you're missing and shopping for those items only.
This method will save you time and money, and if you find the perfect
piece you've been looking for for ages, consider buying two. This method is
very similar to how chic French women shop. For more information refer to
our 'Dressing like a French woman' article on the Features page.
'Think of your wardrobe as a Collection'
Use the information below to guide your
planning and shopping:
De-cluttering Clear out those things you
don't wear, that don't fit and don't flatter you (you may need help from
a friend whose advice and style you trust to help you with this), and repair or
alter the items that might still work for you. Alteration services (such as
Rose's, Auckland) can breathe
new life into clothing e.g. shortening skirt hemlines, taking in (or
out) jackets, removing or shortening sleeves, and ultimately save you
money. After you've been through the clearing out process take
a good look at what you have left. How do the remaining pieces combine with
each other? and what do you need to complete your wardrobe. You might find
that you already have a clothing capsule in your wardrobe, hidden among
all the things you didn't wear.
Underwear It is essential that your
bra and underwear fit you well. A professionally fitted bra will
make a huge difference to how well your clothes fit. Underwear
that is too small or poor fitting will create bulges under your clothing
when you're after a clean line. Nude/skin colours will work best in most
situations. Body shapers are great for smoothing away bulges, and 'Magic Knickers',
by Trinny and Susannah, are a comfortable and flattering example (visit
bras.co.nz for more information).
Essential Pieces Use our 'What
should I buy?' guide to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. These
essential pieces will combine to create the outfits you need for any occasion.
Clothing Capsules A clothing capsule
is an essential part of a stress free stylish wardrobe, to learn more use the
Clothing Capsule page.
Colour Limiting the colour palette of your
wardrobe to 3 or 4 main colours will add sophistication to your look and make
clothing easier to combine. Only purchase clothing in colours that flatter your
skin, hair and eye colours - if you're finding it difficult to determine which
colours suit you best, consider obtaining professional advice from a colour
consultant. Before buying, check how potential purchases
look on you under natural lighting if possible, as store
lighting can be deceptive.
Layering Layering pieces and accessories
bring your wardrobe to life. For example, a white shirt on its own is
simple and elegant but lacks personality - adding texture using pieces such as a
vest, a waist belt, or beautiful statement necklace will create your individual
style. Layering short sleeve and long sleeve tops under short sleeve/sleeveless tops
and dresses creates different looks and extends your wardrobe. If you can't layer
under, layer over with cardigans, vests, jackets.......Stripey tops are
fantastically chic and will add interest to your wardrobe.
Shopping
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Go shopping with a list of pieces to purchase that will enhance your existing
wardrobe and stick to it
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Consider taking some of your own pieces (including shoes and accessories if necessary) with you to try with
potential purchases
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Check clothing colours in natural lighting if at all possible
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Check store return policies before you buy
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Wear clothing that is easy to change out of
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Only shop with friends and family whose style you admire
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Remember that store lighting, mirrors and sales staff can be deceptive!
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If it doesn't make you look and feel wonderful and combine with at least 3 other pieces in your wardrobe, put it
back
Fashion Use seasonal trend
pieces to give your wardrobe a lift and further increase the
possible combinations. It's difficult to create a workable wardrobe around
fashion items only, and can leave you with an 'I've got nothing to wear'
feeling.
Care A key idea is to start thinking of your
wardrobe as a collection - and treat it well. Appropriately cleaned, ironed, repaired (professionally
when necessary) and correctly hung clothing will last longer and give you
greater pleasure. If you are machine washing fine gauge clothes that don't require drycleaning
or handwashing, use lingerie wash-bags (with clothing turned inside-out) on
delicate machine cycle, as this will reduce piling and stretching.
Storage Consider having your wardrobe space re-designed to
correctly store your clothing. This will prevent crushing, exposure to dust and
grime, and susceptibility to mildew and moths. If this is not possible
consider changing to wooden hangers and specialty hangers that provide correct
support without causing damage.
Hangers, Howards Storage World, visit
www.hsw.com for more information
Recommended reading
Chic Simple Womens' Wardrobe, published
by Thames and Hudson
What you wear can change your life,
Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Recommended websites
runwayreporter.co.nz
instyle.com
elle.com