Wednesday, August 18, 2010

How to Cultivate a Stylish Wardrobe

How to Cultivate a Stylish Wardrobe



It's easy to fall behind the times when balancing career, home and family, but no fashion-conscious woman wants to become what Oprah calls a "shlumpadinka." If you find yourself running errands in pajama bottoms or eating out in dirty jeans and

T-shirts


, it's time for a closet makeover. With some patience and careful planning, you can cultivate a stylish wardrobe and get back into the swing of things.









Step
1



Take a look in your closet. Before you start shopping for new clothes, get rid of everything you don't or shouldn't wear. As a general rule, eliminate two items of clothing for every new piece you purchase. This is a great opportunity to give to charity.




Step
2



Remember undergarments. Find properly fitted

bras


, panties and hosiery to increase daily comfort and establish a good foundation upon which to build your wardrobe.




Step
3



Start with the basics. You must have at least two pairs of nice jeans, a pair of black pants, a classic black dress, a tailored suit and several simple blouses and T-shirts. To cultivate a well-rounded collection, add some fashionable sportswear for exercising and running errands.




Step
4



Buy a few pair of nice shoes. Have at least one nice pair of heels, some sandals, a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of comfortable footwear for work. Quality, not quantity, is key.




Step
5



Purchase timeless outerwear. A well-made, classically tailored trench or leather jacket can stay in style and hold up for years. If you live in a cold climate, coats may get more use than any other component of your wardrobe, so budget accordingly.




Step
6



Accessorize to stay current. Your classic pieces will likely not go out of style, if you stay away from trends like skinny jeans. Update staple wardrobe items with stylish scarves, belts, sunglasses, jewelry and handbags.







Tips & Warnings









Certain jewelry never goes out of style. Pearls look great with T's or formals and actually gain luster over time, if worn regularly.








Buy a few trendy pieces each season, but realize that they may not have much longevity. To cultivate a stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank, spend most of your budget on practical pieces and look for sales when purchasing faddish fashions.








Buy to suit your lifestyle. If you haven't worn a formal dress in years, you may not want to spend a fortune on cocktail dresses.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2240538_cultivate-stylish-wardrobe.html

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