Looking Great for Little...or Nothing!

Look Your Best for Less
by Mary Lafayette

Looking for ways to keep your wardrobe updated without spending a fortune, or any money at all? Shopping for items under $100, or working with what you have, is key during this difficult economic time. Here are a few tips that will help you hold on to your dollars…even post-recession:

1) Raid your closets and drawers to see what accessories and garments you already have that you can recycle. Donate the items you don’t need, and keep those you have worn consistently throughout the year. Ladies, for example, you can wear Spring or Summer garments in the Fall/Winter months. How? Layer, layer, layer! Wear a solid cardigan or oversized knit sweater over a knee length or ankle length print dress, add a thin or wide belt and compliment with leather or suede boots, and you’re ready to go! Be sure the sweater or cardigan is darker in color to give that Fall feeling, but the belt can be a bright color to add contrast and that “pop” of color to set the look off just right. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and prints!

2) Classic pieces that are essential to your wardrobe: For women, blazer, cardigan, 2 piece suit (skirt and trouser suit), basic button down shirt (solids and at least one with pinstripes), basic black dress that can translate from day to evening, trench coat (wool and/or cotton blend) that you can accessorize with a wide leather belt to make your look more fashion forward and trendy, a great pair of denim trousers (straight leg or bootcut), and a simple dress shoe that you can wear to work or an after work event.

And for the gentlemen…tailored suit and blazer (Black, Gray or Navy), argyle and basic v-neck sweater (cashmere), sweater vest and cardigan, ties (print and basic and a skinny tie, which looks great with v-neck sweaters and cardigans), straight leg jeans (dark wash) and trousers, and flat front pants, modern fit button down shirts (striped, color, print, for a more casual or trendy look), black casual pants (i.e. Dockers or H&M Man), trench coat, leather jacket, and at least a black pair of dress shoes for work and play.

3) Accessorizing is a great way to make your look versatile, “new,” and complete. On a unisex level and depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, belts, bags, scarves and hats are staple accessory pieces that will turn boring into “wow!” Also, ladies, don’t be afraid to layer necklaces and bracelets because they can be great for casual or formal attire.