5 STEPS TO CREATING A WARDROBE THAT WORKS FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE 1. Sort Try everything on in front of a full length mirror. Make 3 Piles: Keep, Donate, Alterations. Store and revisit items that dont fit that you want to keep. Do a top-down check for a good fit and color.
2. Organize Keep visible in your closet only what fits you now, is up to date, and in season. Hang clothes by type, then color for visibility. Fold sweaters or jeans on hanging shelves if you half limited room. Use Velvet hangers to decrease fabric stretching for knits.
3. Inventory Make a list of what you have and what you need. Dont forget jewelry, scarves, undergarments, socks, shoes, etc.
4. Shop Always shop with a list, time limit, budget, and store plan. Make arrangements for child care. Try on clothes before buying. Start with great foundations. Get fitted for a bra at Nordstrom (then buy one at The Rack, if budget conscious).
5. Coordinate Do more with less; build upon basics; invest in quality. Dress hi-low (mix inexpensive pieces with investment pieces). Make accessories visible. Hang jewelry in or near your wardrobe.
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Size is truly just a number. You will find you wear different sizes in different brands. The right size is the size that fits best. No one sees the label, but everyone can see how well or poorly a garment fits you. This list is to give you a general idea of your sizes so shopping will be easier. Have someone measure you with a fabric measuring tape, then determine your body type based on the ratio between the measurements, not necessarily the measurements themselves. Women: Even numbered sizes reflect Misses sizing; avoid odd number sizes since those follow Junior brand sizes and usually run too small. Plus sizes come in Wide or Regular and sometimes Petite. Regardless of your weight, if you are 53 or under, highly consider Petite sizes in pants, skirts, tops, or jackets. If you are 54, you may try petite tops or pants. Men: Your waist and inseam measurements determine your pant size. In dress shirts, your neck and arm measurements will insure a good fit. However, many items will be S, M, L, XL or XXL, so ask the associate if that brand runs generously or if it is fitted. A fitted look is usually the best, however, get your suits/shirts tailored for a perfect fit. And watch those shoulder seams! Sizes: Blouse/Shirt .............................................. Neck/Sleeve (men) .................................. Sweater .................................................... Jacket ....................................................... Dress ........................................................ Pant/Skirt .................................................. Belt (men, usually 1 size larger from waist) ........ Shoe ......................................................... Bra ............................................................
Measurements: Shoulders (widest part) .............. Bust (rib cage) ................. (over bust) ................. Waist (smallest part) .................. Hips (upper hip bone) .................. (lower; widest) .......................... Inseam (crotch to floor) .............. Rise (crotch to waist) ............... Arm length (mid back neck to wrist) Neck (men; around base of neck) Review your numbers; compare your shoulders to your hips at the widest part. Then compare your waist to hip/shoulder ratio. Since this is based on your bone structure, your body type stays basically the same over time regardless of weight.
Body type: (based on bone structure and ratio): Women: Triangle (hips wider than shoulders), Hourglass (balanced hips & shoulders; >9 hip to waist ratio), Rectangle (balanced shoulders & hips; < 9 hip to waist ratio), Oval (waist = or > hip or shoulders), Inverted Triangle (shoulders wider than hips) ......................................................... Men: Barrel Chested, Athletic, Slim, Bottom Heavy, Oval.................................................... Frame: Slim, Medium, or Full (check wrist circumference) Height (women: 53 Petite, 54- 57Average, 58 Tall; men: 57 Short, 58 511 Average, 60 Tall) ........................................................... Hair Color ........................Eye Color ............ Skin Tone (coloring): Cool, Warm, or Mild ....................................... Things to keep your wardrobe organized: (i.e. shoe rack, full length mirror, velvet hangers, hanging shelves) .............................................. Special Needs: (i.e. sensitivity to jewelry/wool, narrow/wide feet, short/long waisted, etc.) ..........
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Mind Map Exercise:
Write your name in the center circle. Label the outer circles according to the roles you take on in your life. Next to each role, list how you want to be perceived in that role. Add as many roles as you wish. If there is a role you aspire to be in, write that in and start dressing for it!
You may dress differently out to dinner with your friends than you would at work or running errands with the kids, or on weekends. But wherever you go, you are still the same unique person that fulfills many different roles. For example, you could be a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, a volunteer, a caregiver, an expert in your field of work, or an assistant to your boss or team. Whatever your roll, it is important to dress for that part and do so effectively to portray the message you want to send. No one wants to look like a frumpy mom, much less a frumpy anything. And no one wants to look like they dont care about themselves, but if we neglect our appearance we may very well be sending the wrong message to our coworkers, children, friends and loved ones. Sometimes it is impossible to dress one way for all the different roles you take on in your life (for example if you wear scrubs to work or wear jeans on a daily basis you might change to go out to dinner or a PTA meeting). But there is always a way to dress appropriately for the occasion and still express the common thread of what makes you YOU, no matter what size, shape, age, budget, or profession you are in. Be specific in this exercise. For example, if one of your roles is being a teacher, then you might write that you want to be perceived as professional, approachable, competent, trustworthy, etc. By the way, if youre a mom, it may seem that this role defines you. But I want to challenge you to look at other interests and talents in your life. For example, you may be an artist if you like to create. Also, what kind of mom are you or do you want to be? What brings you joy? How does that play a role in your life? If you havent made room for that yet, make room for it in one of the circles below:
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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS What is a normal week like for you? Ex. Work, evenings, weekends, social activities, church, sports, workout? If you have to wear clothes for it, write it down. Think about what your wardrobe should look like to reflect your lifestyle.
Number one priority when buying clothescomfort, style, price, other? Special needs?
How do you want to look? What message do you want to send with your appearance?
What is your budget? What can you afford to spend on clothes/shoes/accessories per month? There is an option for every budget. How can you apply the do more with less approach to your wardrobe? What is the price per wear on every item you own? Ask this before you buy new.
What one thing will you do differently to improve your personal image? (ex. Wear a scarf, statement necklace, alter your pants/jacket, buy new jeans/boots/etc., update my hairstyle). Just start with one thing.)
What do you feel you need more help with regarding your wardrobe? How can you get what you need to look and feel your best?