Invest In Your Wardrobe Like It's Your Retirement Savings

We are bombarded with information and marketing that scream "Attention Shoppers" "buy this" buy that" "you must have this" you must have that". So how do we determine what we actually "must have" to get through a fashion season. My answer is this - Invest in your wardrobe like it's your retirement savings. Spend your money on items that will continue to deliver for years after you've purchased them.

The times they are a changing. Not so long ago all you needed is two or three suits and everything to go with them and you'd be set. But today modern life is more complicated - now we seem to have a closet full of clothes yet nothing to wear.

If you are on a budget it's very important that you plan your long term wardrobe. Choose pieces that are versatile and treat yourselft to those few "just gotta have pieces." Avoid buying a lot of one season items. A few trendy pieces are fine but don't go crazy.

Solets start with the basics.

Basics are about fit and functionality - lets start with a pair of well cut black pants. They are the cornerstone of any good wardrobe. If you attend fancy events quite often then you should make sure your wardrobe has one good evening skirt. A cashmiere sweater is a must have. It can be mixed and matched and provides great versatility. Your basic wardrobe should have one comfortable quality pair of heels. Now we've got the basics - but wait theres more to it than that - a wardrobe full of basics and nothing else simply has no soul. Now we need to add "you"

Versatile wardrobe items - here's where you pick items that are unique to "you" This is where your creativity and personality gets to shine. This is where you "Make Your Fashion Statement." Your versatile items should go from day to night or night to day. Your versatile items should be items you can dress up or down. How about that embroidered coat you've been eye balling - add a chiffon dress and you've got the makings for a summer wedding outfit. Add a pair of pants and your ready for a casual party. So have fun choosing your versatile items but choose them with the expectation that they will serve you well.

Now every wardrobe also needs to have the classics. These are the items you don't wear every day but you know they are in your closet when you need or want them. These are timeless wardrobe pieces that never go out of style and only get better with age. Every wardrobe should have a tuxedo evening jacket. Elegant enough for the most formal outfit and perfect to dress up a simple denim piece. You also need to have a trenchcoat that will serve you season after season - pick a favorite - leather, suede, wool - whatever your favourite is. Your wardrobe must have a couple of belts and a couple of purses. Now you found that piece that you believe is a true classic but the price is making you run. Stop! Apply the dollar test per wear to determine if its worth the money. Then decide if you can afford a big ticket purchase and will it go the distance. That will determine whether you run or buy.

Signature pieces are the "key" to your own personal style. They are "you." What's important here is that you have the will power to purchase a couple of "prime time pieces" and then stop. So perhaps a signature dress or pair of heels. Signature longevity can be determined by how effortless the piece is to wear and how easily it is incorporated into your wardrobe.

Then of course we have to invest some into current trends. We don't want to look frumpy or out of date. Set your budget and stick to it. Remember these are disposable items - usually one season is all you get out of them. Watch for sales and reduced pricing.

Each spring you should clean out your wardrobe and get rid of those items you don't wear. You should also decide what your maintenance level is - whether it is low, medium, high? This will determine to a large extent what type of items you'll need in your wardrobe. It's also important to know your body type and size. Do you have long legs, fair complexion, large hips? Knowing your body will help you determine what will or will not look good on you.

What are your favorite colors - what colors make you happy or sad, what colors uplift you? What makes you feel sexy or good about yourself? What colors look best on you? What kind of jewelry do you like - dainty unnoticeable? bold and colorful?

If you know "you" and you know your fashion statement then you will have no trouble investing in a wardrobe that will go the distance. Spend some time checking out boutiques, catelogues, and online stores to find the best pricing for the items you seek. And don't forget to add the accesories and jewelry - they are like the icing on the cake adding the finishing touches.

If you invest in your wardrobe like it's your retirement savings you can't go wrong!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved – Feel free to use this article provided an active link to our site is included.
About the author:
Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International

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