10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars

1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your money buying two-piece suits if you work in a warehouse! Take your job responsibilities into account when purchasing clothing for your career. If you work outdoors, buy clothing fit for your environment. Don't buy items that you won't feel comfortable in, because you won't wear those items and that's wasted money!

2. Stick to your best colors - Have a professional Color Analysis done to determine what the most flattering colors are for you. By sticking to those colors, you'll be assured that you'll always have mix and match capability and you'll always look great! One of the foundations of Capsule Wardrobing is the selection of 3 basic colors to build a wardrobe on. Make sure they are the right ones for you!

3. Buy the right size for right now - Clothing manufacturers are not known for their adherence to standards. Don't get hung up on what size the clothing is tagged as, get hung up on proper fit! If the article of clothing feels tight, pulls or seems stressed at the seams, it won't last as long, and it will make you look heavier in the process. Buy clothing that fits you well and it will not only make you look better, it will last longer.

4. Purchase for Multi-season use - Try to purchase fabrics that are multi-seasonal. A heavy, textured wool jacket is only good for the coldest of weather, whereas one made of mid-weight or lighter weight wool or wool blend could be worn with a sweater in cold weather and with a shirt or blouse in warmer weather. You'll get more use from multi-season garments than those with a single-season focus.

5. Remember the basics - Suits and separates can form the foundation of a great working wardrobe. Single and double-breasted long-sleeved blazers with matching skirts for women or pants for men or women are essential basics. Save the novelty items for your casual days at home, or for accessory pieces. Don't try to build a wardrobe around the "trend of the moment". When the trend passes, you'll look dated. Purchase basic building pieces to build your wardrobe and you'll be able to mix and match pieces to create lots of different looks with a minimal investment.

6. Accessorize with style - Every wardrobe needs a certain investment in accessories. The considered use of scarves, jewelry and pins, ties and pocket squares, and even hosiery, shoes and hats can transform ordinary clothing into something extraordinary. Determine whether your coloring is cool or warm and let that guide you in choosing accessories, especially metal jewelry. If your coloring is warm, gold will emphasize the glow in your skin. If your coloring is cool, choose more silver, platinum or white gold to emphasize the contrast of your skin. Combining smart accessories with a basic wardrobe ensures you'll always look coordinated and polished, not thrown-together or haphazard.

7. Buy quality over quantity ? When purchasing clothing, consider buying items that are fully lined versus only partially lined or unlined (the clothing will "hang" better and last longer). Purchase items with a good feel and drape to the fabric, and choose clothing distributors that have a reputation for quality. It's not necessary to only buy wool, when a better grade wool or polyester blend will work as well initially. Buying a $400 suit for $175 on sale is a really good deal, considering the fabric and construction of that suit will be better than the $150 suit purchased on sale for $80. The more expensive suit will be worn more often and cost you less per wearing. A less expensive piece won't be worn as often and won't last, thereby costing you more per wearing.

8. Compatible shoes and hosiery - For a work wardrobe, shoes and hosiery are the finishing touch. Purchase quality shoes and take care of them. Shoes that are run down, scuffed and showing wear make you look the same way, no matter how polished and professional the rest of your outfit. Job interviewers have been taught to check out a prospective employee's shoes, and for entrepreneurs, prospective clients do the same thing! If they don't look their best, it will reflect badly on you. When you find shoes that fit well and feel good on your feet, buy several pair in your foundation colors, and two pair of your most often-worn color so that you can give one pair a rest while wearing the other. Avoid fads in shoes and stick with classic designs like pumps and sling backs for women, and wingtips or oxfords for men. Ladies, stick with a heel no higher than 2 ¾", and no lower than ½" for ease in walking and a reduced chance of injury.

9. Organize and categorize - Once you've determined your foundation colors for your wardrobe, you can organize and categorize your clothing for easy selection and wearing. Hang jackets by sleeve length, color and garment length, or combined with matching pieces to create ready-made outfits. Keep similar fabric weights close together to avoid putting a heavy wool jacket over a lightweight chiffon or silk skirt. Put mix-and-match items near their foundation counterparts for easier selection. Move items that need cleaning to a specific area for easy pick up and removal.

10. Take notes for future use - Whenever you are shopping, take along color swatches of your basic colors and those determined to be right for you. Make a promise to yourself to stay with your correct colors, and keep notes of what basic foundation items you already own. No one really needs 10 virtually identical black dresses or 10 identical black suits! One of the guidelines of Professional Wardrobing is to make sure that any item you purchase must either be compatible with at least two other items in your closet, or it must be a foundation garment that could be combined with other pieces to create many other outfits. In this way, you'll be sure to maximize your clothing dollars and create a terrific wardrobe.

Make the most of your clothing investment by using the principles outlined above, and you'll always be impeccably dressed!

About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com

---

Gemstone Earring: One Small Way to Express Your Individuality

Some people have specific color preferences while some people also... Read More

Looking Good Doesnt Have To Cost A Fortune ? Buy Estate Jewelry

When it comes to estate jewelry there is always much... Read More

Buying Shoes Online - The Benefits

I love to buy shoes but I hate to shop... Read More

The New Wedding Band Styles

You've decided to tie the knot and now you've got... Read More

Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history... Read More

Menswear ? Putting Together A Business Wardrobe - Part 3

It's easier for men to build a professional wardrobe, but... Read More

Looking Fashionable At The Beach

It's that time of year when we pack up our... Read More

Teen Jewelry Fashion Exposed

Teenagers are a fickle bunch. At that stage of physical... Read More

Rhinestones Have A Glittering Past

Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to... Read More

Turn Boring Reading Glasses Into Fun With Color, Shape And Design!

There is no use fighting the fact that at some... Read More

Anne Klein ? the Past and the Future Extraordinaire!

Fashion designer Anne Klein was born Hannah Golofski in New... Read More

Sterling Silver Jewelry -- Classic Simplicity

Sterling silver jewelry is synonymous with class and style in... Read More

How to Find the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Type

Finding the best swimsuit is something that we all struggle... Read More

Travel With Style

Your heading out for that vacation you've been waiting sooo... Read More

Parrot Jewelry: Colorful, Exotic, Fun!

Parrot jewelry is the mark of a bird-lover, someone who... Read More

Spice Up Your Style with New Exciting Eyewear ? A Wonderful Fashion Accessory

Eyewear without a doubt has become a wonderful fashion accessory,... Read More

History of the Watch

The earliest mention of the watch was in Shakespeare's play... Read More

A Couture Fashion

Haute Couture is a French phrase for high fashion. Couture... Read More

A Country Boys View on Fashion

I still can't understand it. After all these years, I... Read More

Get in the Fashion Loop with a Brighton Handbag!

Brighton handbags come in many extraordinary styles and designs making... Read More

Shopping Tips: How to Make The Right Choices

Spending a lot on clothes or wearing designer labels does... Read More

Your Wild and Crazy Side with Zombie Contact Lenses

Zombie contact lenses are a whole new concept in the... Read More

Womens Sandals Add a Touch of Elegance and Sex Appeal to Your Feet

Womens sandals are no longer simply the rubber thong style... Read More

Flattering Swimwear for Everyone ? Yes, Even YOU!

"There are so many styles of swimwear to choose from,... Read More

Fashion Tip: Dont Make These Fashion Mistakes

1. Wearing the Wrong ColorsTo look your best wear clothing... Read More

The Brand of Ugg!

There are few trends that last longer than one season.... Read More

Do My Ugg Australia Boots Put Me Ahead of Fashion or Behind?

Ugg Australia boots are not just for winter anymore. These... Read More

Does Your Make Up Bag Work?

Having our makeup at our fingertips is a number one... Read More

Fashion After 40

With so many designers and trends targeting the svelte body... Read More

Turn Back the Clock with Throw Back Jerseys from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and College Sports

Throw back jerseys are all the rage across the United... Read More

The Marc Jacobs Handbag is a Reflection of Style and Sophistication

The Marc Jacobs handbag is a reflection of style and... Read More

Why Fashion Matters

Fashion has suffered its share of browbeating and scorn. To... Read More

Eyewear Frames - Catch the Wave of Fashion

With so many eyewear choices it can be difficult to... Read More