Summer clothing tends to self destruct as a result of the cotton clothing containing heavy dyes which fade out with continuous washing and drying. Our favorite items get a worn look which happens gradually over the summer and is less noticable until we pull them out of storage months later. The good news is that summer clothing is not as expensive to replace as as winter clothing.
It is important during hot summer months to present a clean, fresh look, but that doesn't necessarily mean we have to toss out last year's favorites. Something which is comfortable but a bit worn, can be saved to wear when hanging around the house or working in the yard. When it comes time to go shopping and replace the worn pieces, a little organization before hitting the mall will help stretch the dollars.
A Systematic Approach to Updating Your Summer Wardrobe
Step 1 - Separate Trash from Treasures
Separate your last years clothing into three piles:
- Fabulous
- Maybe
- What Was I Thinking?
Bag up the bad items for charity and never look inside the bag again. Try on the 'Maybe' items and make certain that they warrant keeping. Do they still fit? Are they stain free? Are the colors vibrant or washed out and dull?
If the fit is just okay or they have stains and are washed out but you still like them, fold them up and put them in an area of your closet specifically for "home only" clothing.
The next step is to try on all of your "Fabulous" items and see if they fit as great as you remember and if the styles are such that they will blend with this season's great looks. These will be the core items on which to build this year's summer wardrobe around by looking for the least expensive ways to give them an updated look.
Step 2 - Time to Head to the Mall
Put on one of your favorite summer outfits from last year and head to the mall.
- Pay attention to colors and fabrics, lengths, and styling on displays as you walk the mall.
- Select new fashionable styles to try on even if you think the style will not look good on you. This way you can get a feel for how the new styles really do fit you.
- Every year new colors are introduced so be sure you experiment with colors and color combinations you do not normally wear, but which make current fashion statements.
- Browse the accessory and shoe department and get a feel for what is being shown this year. Try on sandals, belts, visors, and jewelry.
Now that you have a good feel for the current fashion styles and how they fit you, lay out your favorite old clothing and make a shopping list of items that you will need in order to update what you already own. A great pair of new sandals with matching bangles and a tank top for layering may be all you need to bring last year's looks right into line with what is happening now.
Step 4 - Hit the Discount and Outlet Stores
Your goal now will be to find look-a-like items that can punch up the look for this season at budget prices. Items to look for at discount stores that do not scream discount include:
- Costume jewelry
- Scarves
- Cloth sash belts
- Colorful visors and hats
- Straw hats
- Tank tops for layering
- Basic cotton t-shirts
- Sandals
- Linen shirts
- Hint: Look for inexpensive alternatives, for example fabric stores or fabric departments are a good resource for finding cool looking fabrics for making a sash belts, straw hat sashes, and knotted bows. Using iron on hem adhesives makes this a very simple cost-effective project.
Last Step - Choosing Key Fashion Pieces
- You know from Step 2 what styles from this season look good on you.
- You know what colors you need to enhance your current wardrobe.
- You know the key pieces you need to achieve mix and match balance.
- You know the accessories and shoes that you have to complete the look.
Congratulations!
It is now time to head back to the mall to make your purchases. I just know that you will look great this summer.
Have fun shopping and saving money!
Donna Montaldo
Coupons and Bargains at About.com
