Wardrobe Choices When Budgets are Tight
What’s important for your wardrobe when budgets are tight?
Choosing Correctly — this is the time when everything you buy should make sense for your needs. You don’t want to make a lot of those “oops” purchases and you don’t want to overbuy the same unnecessary pieces that are forever hanging in your closet.
- Make certain that your work wardrobe is up-to-date, approriate and says the right things about you, your position and how you feel about yourself.
- A great suit should be in everyone’s closet, especially one where the pieces can serve as separates, i.e. the jacket looks great over dresses, with other skirts and pants.
- A go-to dress for daytime is important and one that makes you feel great, any day of the week. I like a black sleeveless one in a great fabric so you can wear it three seasons or maybe more — just add tops under it or jackets/cardigans over it (see the top picure of a Michael Kors perfect daytime dress). Or, I like something like this Diane Von Furstenberg which can be worn with a jacket or sweater as well and is perfect for just about anything.
- A go-to dress for special events and evenings that is smart, simple and comfortable so it can give you the confidence needed to be yourself — and the center of attention — at any upcoming affair, meeting, or party. See the black Milly dress picture above, but don’t be afraid to wear color — a red dress is a stand out for any event and can be classy and alluring, all at once.
- A great trench coat for over jeans, dresses, suits and casual pants. The Banana Republic Coat, pictured at top, comes in cream and black and is wool, so it can be both your trench and overcoat for winter.
- A simple winter coat that can also go over anything, dressy or casual. (See my last bullet point.)
- A white blouse that is flattering to your figure. If you can’t find one off the rack, buy it a size that’ s a bit larger and have it tailored to fit you perfectly. Wear it with jeans, slacks, and put it under sleeveless dresses for an updated and more seasonal look.
- Black pants that fit well and are a fabric that can go at least three seasons, such as a light wool or poly blend. Department stores, such as Macy’s and Bloomies women’s departments (not the designer brands) are the best places to find pants that fit real women. Ann Taylor Loft, as well. If you can afford the better brands, try Ralph Lauren for truly beautiful fitting slacks.
- A pair of black tall boots (can go over jeans, under pants and be worn with dresses/skirts), daytime pumps (see J. Crew Safari Print Pump at top — these go with everything!), evening pumps (maybe a satin pair, ones with a bit more sexiness to them or open-toed — see the pink-bowed, J.Crew pair pictured at top), and a casual shoe that is flattering for jeans, pants and even skirts/dresses.
- Some cardigans in colors you like to add a bit of oomph to your dresses, pants, etc… Ann Taylor Loft has some great ones this season in a zillion sizes and colors.
- An everyday purse/tote bag that holds all that you really need to carry but isn’t too heavy or too trendy. I still will choose a Prada nylon bag — worth the price — over anything else for a great look, washable fabric, good pockets and lightweight functionability. Other options include, Marc by Marc Jacobs bags, Chinese Laundry (see their website for great priced options), Tory Burch totes for a more unique but still practical look, and MK Michael Kors purses.
A wardrobe and fashion consultant can help you make the right choices, spend correctly and save you much in the long run. With the right pieces in your closet, you will feel less harried in the morning and more at ease in your clothing. Then you can concentrate on your work, your family and your personal needs knowing that you are projecting the image you want.