Wardrobe Basics Buy classic styles – they last longer. Find good quality – it pays. Decide on a basic color plan that is becoming. Plan for variety. Plan for flexibility.

Wardrobe Basics 6. Make wise purchases – a well-planned wardrobe does not have to cost a fortune. 7. Consider maintenance and clothing care requirements. 8. Evaluate your present wardrobe. 9. Get organized. 10. Buy clothing that enhances and flatters your body type.

In planning a wardrobe… Identify your needs Analyze what you have Use what you have Plan for additional purchases

Wardrobe Management The following slides provide some basic steps in re-engineering the wardrobe. This outline will assist in managing your wardrobe and getting greater satisfaction from apparel purchases.

Wardrobe Management I. AUDIT or inventory your closet Sort all the apparel in the closet into three stacks. You like it; it fits well; and you enjoy wearing it. You like it; it fits well; but it needs altering or mending. You have not worn it in the last year. Analyze Why you like certain clothes. What constitutes good fit and comfort for you. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Wardrobe Management II. DEJUNK or discard Discard all garments not worn in the last year. Analyze why the clothes have not been worn. Give to Goodwill, women’s shelter, sell in garage sale, etc., but remove the items from the closet. Return to the closet clothes that fit and that you like to wear. Arrange items in the closet according to seasons and garment types to encourage mixing and matching. Women: Men: 1.) Skirts 1.) Jackets 2.) Jackets 2.) Trousers/Pants/Jeans 3.) Blouses/Shirts 3.) Dress Shirts 4.) Pants/Slacks/Jeans 4.) Leisure Shirts 5.) Vests 5.) Suits Do not return any garment to the closet until it is repaired. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Wardrobe Management III. REINVEST in your wardrobe. As a general rule, one will retain approximately 50 percent of the existing wardrobe as a base for wardrobe re-engineering. Develop a shopping list to fill in the needs of the wardrobe. a. Consider all the roles and activities which require specific apparel. b. Make a master shopping list including color, size, and fabric samples clipped from seam allowances or facings for use in matching or coordinating with existing garments. The list should be small and easy to carry around. Use index cards or a small spiral notebook to keep wardrobe records. c. Be specific about what is needed, i.e., red blouse, size 12, with an approximate cost of ____. d. Purchases should be determined in light of a clothing budget. Purchases may need to be spread over a period of time in order to stay within available funds.

Wardrobe Management III. REINVEST in your wardrobe, continued… - Shop using your shopping list. a. Keep records of expenditures to determine your buying habits. b. Avoid impulse buying by purchasing only what is on your list. c. Plan to buy versatile classic separates to extend the wardrobe. 1) Each item purchased should go with at least three other items in your wardrobe. 2) Plan to work with only two or three basic colors and neutrals. 3) Solid colors and geometric prints are easier to work with and have a longer fashion life. 4) Choose medium textured fabrics and fabrics that are suitable for wearing year round. 5) Purchase the best quality workmanship and fabric that you can afford. 6) Do not let fashion dictate to you.

Wardrobe Management III. REINVEST in your wardrobe, continued… d. Spend the most money on wardrobe basics in classic styles. 1) Comparison shop for the most for your money. 2) Figure cost per wear to determine value. e. Shop sales wisely! – It is only a bargain if you really need it and it fits into your wardrobe plan.