Clothes make up a significant proportion
of every woman’s spending, and for the busy modern mother, it’s vital to have a
wardrobe that works just as hard as she does. Here fashion blogger Jo offers tips
on how to build a wardrobe that won’t date.
The first task when looking to
transform your wardrobe is to edit down your existing collection of clothes.
This will no doubt be the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s
imperative that you start with a good base and clear away anything you’re
unsure of in order to streamline your wardrobe.
Start by trying on your clothes by
type – you may have ten pairs of black trousers, but only a couple that still
fit or flatter your figure, so that dead weight has to go. Try to organise
items you’d like to keep by occasion – for example, work clothes, evening wear
and casual weekend items - as well as by season. If you have limited space, it
may be a good idea to store away clothes that you’d only wear in the height of
summer or the depths of winter until you need them.
If you’re unsure about a certain item,
ask yourself honestly when was the last time you wore it and why it’s been
neglected: It could be because you no longer feel comfortable in it, it’s damaged
or it was an impulse buy. If this is the case, it’s probably time to let it go.
Once you’ve rationalised your existing
wardrobe, it’s time to go shopping for those all-important updates. Of course
you needn’t buy all the items in one go, but making a list before you set out
to the shops should help reduce the likelihood of ‘shotgun buys’ that don’t
have a place in your newly organised clothing collection.
Keep in mind how your time is divided
and the type of clothes you reach for the most. For example, if you spend long
hours in the office, you’ll need to build up a collection of smart yet
comfortable separates such as a couple of pairs of trousers, a pencil skirt, a
few shirts and smart tops, a pullover and cardigan and a dress or two for
business meetings or events. This base collection can then be updated with
statement shoes – just make sure they’re comfortable – and accessories, such as
jewellery, scarves or patterned tights.
For most mums, comfort and
practicality are key concerns when spending quality time with the kids, but
that doesn’t have to mean pulling on old jeans and shapeless jumpers. Take the time
to try out different styles of jeans to see which best suit your shape – flares
can often work wonders when it comes to balancing out pear and apple shapes.
Rather than buying several cheap and cheerful styles, it may be worth spending
that little bit extra on a couple of pairs cut from quality, resilient material
that won’t lose their colour and shape so quickly.
Dresses can be just as comfortable and
easy to wear as jeans and a T-shirt, but will make it look like you’ve gone the
extra mile. Choose simple, flattering shapes, such as those with flared skirts
that will make your waist seem smaller, or shifts that can be worn with
leggings and boots in the day and tights and heels for an evening out.
The key to a streamlined wardrobe is
clever layering, so a neutral-coloured vest, tee-shirt and long-sleeved tops,
as well as cardigans, jumpers and jackets, are essential items in any smart closet.
And if you’re going to remember just one piece of advice, make it this: each
time you buy an item, make sure you have an idea of what you can pair it with,
so you don’t end up with that age-old problem of having hundreds of items of
clothing - but nothing to wear.
Paying
by credit card could be a convenient way to purchase those wardrobe
investment items, especially if you've got a card that offers a 0% period on
purchases or rewards your spend. Remember - not clearing your balance by the
end of the month will mean you'll be charged credit card interest rates
(outside any introductory period).
This is a sponsored post
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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