New Year, New Wardrobe
Buy high quality clothes – and save money and the planet New Year, new wardrobe… well that is what the fashion magazines and stylists tell us because that is what keeps the industry turning. But why should my favourite chartreuse cardigan have to go, when last season it was the height of fashion – and more importantly it suits me?
Like many people, I have never been keen on throwing away clothes. I shudder when I see people walking along Oxford Street with huge bags brimming over with cheap one-wear garments. Fast fashion exploits overseas workers, contributes to the decline of the UK clothing industry and is environmentally disastrous as treating clothing as disposable is unsustainable.
Instead it makes more sense to buy one quality garment with your money. When people see you, they judge you on what you are wearing at that moment. My advice is always quality not quantity. That doesn’t mean buying designer or couture but just using the budget you have to gradually buy a few good pieces and add to them as and when you can afford it.
If you spend more on higher quality clothes these will not only look better but last longer – and because these pieces tend to be chosen carefully will mean more to you. The secret of this approach to dressing is to choose shapes and colours that suit you and forget constantly changing trends.
However the New Year is also a time when a lot of people make a resolution to lose weight – and if you are successful in sticking to a diet this could have wardrobe implications.
But before you throw anything away consider whether some garments can be altered. Beware as this could end up costing more than the original price so take advice and get a quote before committing to alterations.
That said if you do loose so much weight that new clothes are necessary, don’t be too quick to get rid of your previous size clothes because it is a sad fact that many people put the weight back on…
I have one client for whom I have made several pencil skirts. However her weight goes up and down enough to make a difference when wearing a very fitted item. She often asks me to take in or let out a skirt – but never throws any away as she knows it’s a shape that suits her and never goes out of fashion. If you are considering investing in couture and would like a chat please get in touch – I am always happy to discuss ideas.
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