Inevitably, in the course of organizing your wardrobe, you will dispose of items that need to be replaced in colours and styles that suit you. To help you in this next phase, make a list of what you need to complete your wardrobe.
Overcoats
Jackets
pieces should form the core of your wardrobe
It’s not the cost of an investment buy that matters, it’s how often you wear it. A bargain garment that you wear only once is a costly purchase compared to an expensive item that you wear a hundred times. Investment pieces will vary according to your lifestyle and personality, but they will generally consist of overcoats, jackets, skirts and trousers.
These are the items that you buy every year to keep your core wardrobe updated and that are fun to wear. It could be anything from a current colour or the latest style in tops or dresses.
y Sizes will vary depending on where you shop and the cut of the item.
The looser the fit, the slimmer you look - and you’ll undoubtedly feel more comfortable.
V You should be able to fit a finger underneath a waistband.
y Side seams should hang straight with no horizontal creases.
y Zips should lie flat.
y Allow some give in the sleeve around the upper arm.
/ Skirts and trousers should hang straight from the buttocks and not curve under.
y Sleeves on jackets and coats should finish at the wrist.
X Pockets shouldn’t gape.
X There should be no pulling around the bust on jackets, blouses or dresses.
/ Seams should lie flat and not pull or wrinkle.
y Hemlines should be flat and even.
y Linings or facings must lie flat and not show.
X An expensive price tag doesn’t always mean a quality finish.
X Buttonholes should not have loose threads.
y Make a list but don’t be overambitious about how much you can achieve in one trip.
/ Wear appropriate underwear.
y Take with you the shoes that you’ll be wearing with the garment you're buying.
y Look first for the right colour: go to pages 34-105, then ensure the style suits your body shape, proportion and scale: go to pages 106-137 ; and, finally, your style personality:
go to pages 138-155.
y Take only three or four pieces at a time into the changing room.
y Make sure the item fits and feels comfortable.
y Do you like yourself in it?
y If it’s over your budget, is it really worth it?
y Beware the overenthusiastic sales assistant.
y Clothes that crease easily, such as linens, need laundering after each wearing; tailored suits need to be hung up in order for them to air.
y Shoes absorb moisture when they're worn, which needs to evaporate before you wear them again.
y Keep dry-cleaning to a minimum, as the fluids will damage and weaken the fibres.
y Repair any damage to your clothes (loose hems, missing buttons or snags) immediately.
y Clean shoes regularly, and use shoe trees.
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Making your wardrobe work