The first step to building a fantastic wardrobe is definitely the purge. As we discussed in our post focused on that difficult step, it’s not as much about limiting yourself to a particular number of items, but simply about intentionally ridding your closet of items that don’t serve your (current) needs.
Once you’ve purged your closet of items you know you need to release to another purpose — perhaps consigning them with The Penny Pincher Boutique! —it will be time to evaluate the items you’ve chosen for your Keep and Consider piles and, afterward, your current wardrobe needs. (Yes, that’s right: We’re still doing some purging.)
Being Honest in Evaluation: What You Actually Wear
This statement provides a helpful reminder as we go forward and continue the purging process: “A woman doesn’t need a lot of garments to create a lot of great outfits, she just needs the right mix of garments.”
Chances are, you’ve already purged your closet of some items you fully realize you no longer wear. Perhaps they’re no longer your style or your size. But let’s talk about the others. Maybe you really like button-down shirts. But you have 24 of them. Really, that’s a bit much. Again, no one is judging you about the number of articles of clothing that you have. But be realistic about how many — even of your favorite shirt style — you will actually wear in your current stage of life.
Deciding According To Desire: Purge or Purchase
In addition to the number of items according to type, here’s another rule of thumb as you continue to pare away unnecessary parts of your wardrobe: “Every single item you own should be able to be paired with another piece to create a complete outfit.”
If a piece does not currently meet that criteria, you have two choices: either purge the item or make a purchase that allows it to become useful. Whether you choose to purge or purchase is totally your call — but whatever you decide, do not place one of these “misfit” items back into your closet without noting the plan to purchase a complementary piece that will allow it to become functional.
Finding Your Ideal Style: Your Individual Style
While some wardrobe pieces may be arguably unfit for anyone to wear in public or at least in the current decade, many look great on some people, but not on others. This is another part of the process where an honest friend will come in handy. Maybe you absolutely love how a certain style or color looks in a magazine or on a mannequin, but with your personal body type and coloring, it fails to flatter. Maybe you’ve already discarded some pieces that you realize fit into this category. Well, take note of what makes you look and feel good: you’ll need to remember that for the next step — which just happens to be our favorite one!
Penny Pincher Boutique
We’re Westchester’s upscale consignment store offering women’s designer clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes, and so much more. Visit our boutique at 184 Harris Rd in Bedford Hills, NY or shop online at www.pennypincherboutique.com. We also offer a selection of our items for sale on eBay. Shipping is available across the U.S.
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