Although the New Year is traditionally the time for fresh starts, September is actually a great month to make changes, especially when it comes to your wardrobe.
With the kids back to school and the new season’s collections in the shops, it’s tempting to rush straight out for a dose of retail therapy. But if you take a little time to plan, you’ll find you can make the most of the things you already own and enjoy shopping all the more.
Research suggests that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.
That means it’s more than likely that you have all sorts of things hidden way that you don’t wear, perhaps because they no longer suit or fit, or maybe because they’ve been forgotten at the back of the cupboard. Going through things before you shop will mean that you know what you have and haven’t got, and in the process you may rediscover some hidden gems!
So set aside some time when you’ll be undisturbed, take a deep breath and turn out your wardrobe and drawers. Make piles for dresses, trousers, tops etc and then take a good hard look at each in turn.
Be honest with yourself and ask these questions:
Does it fit you?
If not, it shouldn’t be in your wardrobe. If you’re keeping things in the hope that one day you’ll lose those extra pounds, ask yourself if that’s realistic. Even if it happens, there’s a good chance that the clothes will be out of fashion by then, and in the meantime they sit in the wardrobe as a constant dispiriting reminder of the weight you haven’t lost. Much better to let them go and make room for things you love.
Does it suit you?
Stand in front of a full-length mirror and take a realistic look at yourself from all angles. If you find that hard, ask a friend whose taste you trust to lend an objective eye.
Does it work for your lifestyle?
If you’re a busy mum, a wardrobe full of cocktail dresses isn’t going to get much use! If you have several, why not keep your favourite for parties, sell the others and then buy something you’ll enjoy wearing more often with the proceeds?
When was the last time you wore it?
If it’s more than 18 months ago, think carefully about keeping it (unless it’s something that’s only worn on infrequent occasions such skiwear).
How does it make you feel?
This is a really important one. The fact that we have favourites, that some things just make us feel better than others, does much to explain why we regularly wear such a small proportion our clothes. If it doesn’t make you feel good, don’t keep it!
Have you more than one of the same thing? Most of us have a weakness for one particular item of clothing, whether it’s jeans or red tops (which I’m ashamed to admit always exercise a magnetic attraction for me when I’m shopping!) If you do have multiple versions of the same thing, keep only those you really like and use and then start you shopping list by writing in big letters ‘NO MORE BLACK TROUSERS’ to help keep you on the straight and narrow!
And that brings us to that all important list. Once you’ve edited your wardrobe, look at what’s left and think about how everything works together. Having gone through everything, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised at the number of outfits you’ve got that already work. Other may just need small finishing touches to bring them together, such as a necklace or new belt, so add accessories to your list.
What you will also be able to see are the gaps that need filling, whether that’s a pair of smart jeans to replace the ones you’ve now realised have seen better days, tops which coordinate with a favourite skirt, or a new dress for that special occasion that’s coming up. Note down the things you need and then you’re ready to head out to the shops.
Shopping is always fun, but buying things that you know you’ll wear gives you real value for your money so you can enjoy a guilt-free splurge!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Karen Storey is founder of Homespace. Her Projects range from making sure a property looks its best for sale, to editing and updating a wardrobe or reorganising a crowded house. Whatever it may be, her aim is not simply to create order, but also to make sure my clients’ homes work for them and their lifestyles. you can find out more about Karen and Homespace here
_______________________________________________________________________________
Submit your review | |