The holidays are behind us and that means it’s time to buckle down and focus on New Year’s resolutions. For many, this means sticking to a budget and saving money. While the prospect of shopping less can be unsettling to some, it is possible to save money without sacrificing style in the process. By planning ahead and looking deep inside your closet, you can build a new ultimate wardrobe.
Let Your Shoes Loose
Everyone surely can relate to tucking away your best shoes in their rightful shoe boxes only to be let loose for special occasions; after all, shoes matter and almost always get noticed. This should be even more of a reason to wear them on a regular basis! You want to look and feel your best more than once or twice a year right? Don’t baby them. When shoes need a little TLC, take them to a shoe repair shop and get them shined up, de-spotted and resoled for a low price. You’ll be able to wear these gems time after time.
Wear Summer in Winter
Of course you know how to wear winter pieces in summer, like throwing on that cozy cashmere cardigan on a cool summer night. But what many don’t realize is you can layer on the inside. In the dead of winter when you’ve had all you can take of your wardrobe, instead of being tempted to hit the shops, take a look at your summer collection and see if anything can be paired with a fitted black turtleneck and a good pair of thick leggings. This is a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit and your colleagues and friends, turning their heads, will think you bought something new.
Stick to the Classics
It’s so tempting. You become tired of your clothes and are seduced by those outlandish, trendy items from low-priced retailers. This may seem like a good idea at the time for the economical and “something new” factors, but the clothes won’t last more than a few wears and will most likely hit the trash before the year is out. Instead stick to your classic, tailored pieces in great fabrics that will stand the test of time—like tweed, cashmere, wool and even soft cotton. Rifle through your closet and make sure you haven’t forgotten about quality pieces that need just a touch of tailoring or professional cleaning.
Unusual Accessories
It’s amazing what a chunky necklace or cool headband can do to a boring outfit. Accessories are key, and you can usually find lost items in the back of the closet or jewelry drawer that you’ve totally forgotten about. When you’ve had enough of your own options, check out your boyfriend, husband, or close male friend’s closet as well—sometimes a colorful tie or handkerchief can perk up a feminine dress and jacket outfit. When you’re with your gal pals, browse vintage stores or flea markets for low-priced, one-of-a-kind finds. Just adding a pin to your coat lapel can turn a totally simple outfit into the talk of the office.
Less is More
Remember, it’s not the amount that counts. Keep things to a minimum—it doesn’t take Carrie Bradshaw’s walk-in closet to look fabulous. Every few months, go through your clothes and give away pieces that you will never wear again; in fact, why not try and sell old clothes at a consignment shop, possibly earning you some cash? Once you pare down your closet, make a mental note of key items you still need, and save your pennies for that occasional special item that will last year after year!
More tips on how to magnify your wardrobe!
- Tired of spending hundreds of dollars at the dry-cleaners? Invest in a steamer to keep your clothes clean and pressed!
- Organize a clothing-swap party with friends! Have all your guests clean out their closets and bring their unwanted clothes to the gathering. Sort them out into piles of shirts, scarves, sweaters, etc., and in an orderly fashion, guests can tackle the piles for new and exciting pieces.
- Check out local thrift shops, consignment stores, flea markets and garage sales for new finds with great prices.
- Purchase items in bulk such as socks, simple t-shirts and scarves from a wholesaler. As a group, the cost-per-item is reduced; thereby, savings for all!
