Guest Author - Norma Shephard
We all want to add new, exciting items to our wardrobes, but according to Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker, “the age of excess is over.” And ever since Melanie Charlton Fascitelli wrote on the subject of “shopping your closet”, designers and style authorities have weighed in on the subject, encouraging us in these tough economic times to sift through our own closets looking at our fashion stash with new eyes before purchasing brand new items.
Michael Kors suggests that our fashion spending should now be limited to pieces that are ‘seasonless” (no more reckless impulse purchases), but “wow” items that can be worn a number of ways are a good investment.” He recommends pairing classics with “wacky” items, such as a neon fur over a black cocktail dress or an old jacket with a pair of new skinny jeans.
Many of these wacky, wow, and classic items are already in our closets (even if they’re at the back). Here are some tips on how to resurrect those goodies for summer dressing that’s fun and inexpensive.
• Pair pieces that are timeless with those that are ‘of the moment’ only.
• Edit your closet, regularly. If you eliminate pieces you will never wear, it’s easier to recognize the potential of the items that remain.
• Consider your lifestyle, body type and wardrobe storage limitations when determining what to keep and what to discard.
Pants: We all know that elastic waist and pleat–fronted pants are way out of style because of the unflattering way they “pouch” the tummy area, but if you happen to have a good quality pair in a great fabric, consider wearing them under one of the 1960s-inspired tunic dresses we see everywhere now or have the waist altered by a tailor.
Shoes: If the shoes you fell in love last summer just don’t do it for you this season, by all means, invest in something new, but if you already have cute summer flats or white wedge sandals there’s no need to spend money on footwear. Save your fashion dollars for a great pair of boots to take you into fall.
Beachwear: A flattering bathing suit that fits well is a keeper no matter how long you’ve had it. Surf your closet for a fresh cover-up or dive into your scarf drawer for a colorful pashmina to wrap around your waist.
Jackets: Suit jackets cut long in the torso may seem outdated, but look great when the waist is cinched with a contemporary or vintage belt.
Blouses: These never go out of style, and can be teamed with skirts, capris, and blue jeans, or worn open over a dress or t-shirt and shorts.
Dresses: Details like collars, sleeves, pockets, and necklines are what date a dress to a particular era. We all have great dresses that we don’t wear anymore because they look a little bit like yesterday’s news, but with some alterations — removing sleeves and collars to make a classic shift, for example —we can have a whole new look.
Jewelry: Don’t forget to shop your jewelry box for some great heirloom treasures or colorful summer pieces to change the mood of an outfit you already have. Do you like the look of stacked bangles? Go for a similar effect by grouping several vintage or dollar store brooches on a hat, jean jacket, or handbag.
Shop the Closets of Friends and Relatives
Once you have weeded out your wardrobe, throw a party to “trunk show” your unwanted items to friends and relatives —they can buy or swap your discards— then invite them to do the same for you.
Whatever your summer wardrobe choices, remember to paint your toenails, put on some lipstick, and have a good time!
