Wardrobe Wisdom: Why Quality Beats Quantity

When it comes to a woman’s closet, there are often more clothes represented than are ever worn. Why is this? We fall for the fashion advertising instead of following the conventional wisdom that served our mothers and grandmothers well. Go for quality over quantity.

Wardrobe 101

What is your motivation? Most of us head out to do a little “retail therapy” without any idea of what we will bring home. Some of the items get a head shake when we pull them out later. What were we thinking when we bought that? The idea is to plan your wardrobe first and then shop.

Quality costs money but it doesn’t have to cost all of your money. One tip is to find what you need in a high end store and then search for the same items in a store that you can afford. Quality clothing lasts longer when properly cared for and can serve you well. Buy pieces that can be interchanged to make new outfits.

Before shopping, pare down your closet. Remove clothing that is:

* The wrong size for your current body
* Too trendy and not trending now
* Worn, torn or faded
* Scuffed (shoes)
* Not to be worn again (bridesmaid dresses for a start)

This should eliminate half of your wardrobe. We often hang on to favorite outfits that we haven’t worn in years and hope to wear again. Let someone else have it. It’s time to move on.

Everything in your closet doesn’t have to be the same color. Without a wardrobe plan, you may buy five black blouses that are all similar. Black is not the only color that looks good on you. Find colors that complement your skin and hair color. Start adding those to your closet.

Wardrobe Essentials

Every woman needs the following articles in her wardrobe:

* Three-piece suit
* Knee-length skirt
* Basic black trousers
* White blouse
* Basic black dress

Stick with a power color like black or navy for the suit. These basic items can be paired with sweaters, colorful blouses, various shoes and the like to form other outfits. In a pinch, you always have something for a job interview, a party and a funeral if you can’t afford to buy something else.

As you add to your wardrobe, keep in mind that anything you add needs to be versatile. Stay away from trendy pieces and don’t be afraid of adding color. For instance, to dress up your three-piece suit, try a gold blouse for night-time or a silky blouse of any color that can transition from day to night.

Always shop with an idea as to what you need to enhance your wardrobe. Match shoes to outfits instead of the other way around. This keeps things practical.