Whether you’re headed back to school,
the office, or you simply want to prepare for fall – September is the perfect time to
refresh your wardrobe. However, purchasing a closet full of clothes is an expensive
endeavour. It can get even pricier, if you’re shopping for the whole family.
Hence, there are some key ways to look smart as the weather cools, without
tapping out your bank account.
Dump
the Bumph:
·
Cull
your closet. Be ruthless. If it’s worn-out, ill-fitting, unflattering or dated – get rid of it.
Zero in on what works for you, and ditch the junk.
·
Give
gently used items to family or friends, or donate them to charity. It’s good karma
and great for the environment!
·
Store
out-of-season clothes elsewhere (in extra closets, or bins). It’ll simplify
your wardrobe search and precious items will be less likely to get lost in the
crush.
·
Hang
and fold clothes in an orderly fashion. Sort by colour, garment type, etc., and
selecting and coordinating outfits, will be a breeze!
Tune-up
Your Togs:
·
Wash,
iron, and dry-clean items that need a bit of spiffing up.
·
Replace
missing buttons, mend tears and take-in or let-out any pieces that require
minor adjustments. Not handy with a needle and thread? Dry-cleaners provide these
services for a nominal fee.
·
Dye
or bleach old favourites, to revitalize colour. For best results, dye clothes
to similar or deeper shades. Some jewel tones can be transformed to pastels,
through bleaching (note: exercise caution and follow clothing tag instructions).
·
Give
shoes and boots a little extra TLC. Polish, repair and waterproof seasonal
footwear, before temperatures start
to fluctuate.
Mind
the Gaps:
·
Perform
a wardrobe inventory. Ensure core items are stocked sufficiently (neutral pants,
shirts, sweaters, suits, etc.). Prioritize any obvious gaps on this year’s shopping
list.
·
Focus
on one or two basic colours initially (navy, brown or grey). Expand with time. Mixing
and matching maximizes your wardrobe potential, at minimal cost.
·
Splashes
of design create interest. Prints, stripes, checks, polka dots, etc. are terrific
in small doses; Just don’t overdo it.
Pattern, on pattern, can be rather dizzying.
·
Source
fashion magazines for current trends. A few carefully selected, cutting-edge
pieces can bring your wardrobe up-to-speed, in no time.
·
Knit
the look together with complimentary accessories – shoes, belts, purses, jewellery,
scarves, ties, etc. Once again, simplicity reigns supreme.
Buy Brilliantly:
·
Explore
discounted clothing stores, such as Winners and/or Marshalls. The quality is
unsurpassed and prices are reasonable.
·
Regularly
browse clothing aisles in grocery, or big box stores (Costco, Joe Fresh, Target,
Wal-Mart, etc.). When you come across a good bargain – grab it!
·
Visit
preferred outlet store/s seasonally. Jones New York and The Shoe Company are
personal favourites.
·
Be
flexible. If you only shop for specifics, you narrow the field. Keep an open
mind and be an opportunist. You’ll build a more impressive wardrobe, for less.
·
Don’t
by-pass an excellent bargain, when you see it (i.e. a party dress). If you
delay purchasing until the perfect occasion arises, you’re more likely to pay
top-dollar.
·
Purchase
extreme bargains in bulk. I recently found leather pumps for $10 each and
bought them in five different colours.
·
Buy
off-season. Take advantage of deep-discounts at the end of the quarter. It’s not
only thrifty, but it’ll be a delightful surprise in 12 months’ time!
·
Premium
items can significantly elevate an outfit. Can’t resist those high-end stores? Wait
for sales and buy sparingly.
Whipping your wardrobe into shape may take a bit of
effort; But it’s time well spent. Follow these steps you’ll save a bundle – and
still make the best-dressed list, this fall!
Do you have any clothes shopping secrets? What great
wardrobe buys have you come across, this month? Please share your purchasing
victories, with the rest of the group. And for more great ways to save, please
follow http://champagnelifebeerbudget.blogspot.ca/.