Planning Your Wardrobe

            How many times have you said “I have nothing to wear!”.  I have heard that almost daily in my business.  There are different wardrobes—basic, working, casual and evening, however, you must begin with a basic wardrobe first.  The basic wardrobe is about the classic clothes you wear day after day, season after season, year in and year out.  The key to a wardrobe is the way to co-ordinate a number of separate items.  They are the foundation to your wardrobe.  Choose your favorite neutral color and work around that color.  Neutral colors are also the basic colors:  black, navy, brown, olive or camel.

            Basic wardrobe builders I recommend:

1. One jacket—a single breasted style with a plain collar is the best in your basic color.
2. Two skirts—one long and one short in your basic color.
1. If you have evening functions a longer skirt is appropriate but still can be worn for day time.
2.  If your wardrobe is primarily for work choose an above-the-knee length or just below the knee.
3. Two pants.
1. A tailored pant in your basic color.
2. One in a fine stripe or small herringbone to match you basic color.
4. Three blouses.
1. One crisp white blouse is a necessity—wear it tucked into a suit, open over a tank top or knotted at the waist with jeans.
2. One dressy blouse for a more formal occasion—it can be white also or a brighter color that works with your basic color.
3. One patterned blouse to compliment your suit or look appropriate on its own.
5. One great dress that you can dress up or tone down.  It should be in your basic color, simple lines so you can change the look with accessories and a fabric appropriate for all seasons.  It’s professional with a jacket, sexy with high heels and easy going with a cardigan.
6. Two sweaters—one in your basic color and the other in a lively color
1. One pullover.
2. One cardigan.
7. Two coats—preferably mid-calf length.
1. A winter coat in your basic color (a winter coat is the one item seen most in your wardrobe).
2.  An all weather coat preferably with a zip-out liner in a color that goes with your basics.
8. One handbag in your basic color—one that fits the items you need to carry most.
9. One belt in your basic color but pay attention to the buckle, whether gold or silver, depending on the jewelry you wear.
10. Hose in your basic color.
11. Three pair of shoes in your basic color.
1. Flat shoes or loafers.
2. Medium-heeled (1 ½  inch) shoes.
3.  Open toe day to evening sandals.

It takes time and patience to build a wardrobe.  Filling your closet with well chosen basics will enable you to “work” your wardrobe by mixing and matching.  Did you know 20% of your wardrobe is worn 80% of the time?

Facts from the past:

1. In 1917 America enters WWI and women gratefully donate their steel corsets to the effort.  The resulting 28,000 tons of steel are enough to build two battleships.
2. In 1922, a 3”x 5” plastic card revolutionizes the fashion industry and introduces a new phrase into the American language “charge it”.

Carol Knauf

Owner Rae Baxter’s Fashion Shop