CHAPTER 14 Wardrobe Planning

Wardrobe Inventory An itemized list of all apparel, including accessories, that a person has. Should be done once or twice a year A wardrobe inventory should be include: 1. A list of all the apparel items in your closet, drawers, dirty clothes hamper, and at the cleaners; List all garments and accessories from your closet or drawers by category. Describe the garment, its condition, whether you like it or not, and the action to take with the garment (keep it or throw it out). Before returning your inventoried clothes to their places, you should wipe dust from your closet and drawers 2. A chart that tells you what to wear each day; 3. Act as a “blueprint” of action to update and complete your wardrobe

Sample Inventory After completing your wardrobe inventory, look at what action can be taken concerning the clothes in your wardrobe: Combine older garments with newer ones to create new outfits Get new accessories to perk up older garments Alter or restyle them

Group Your Clothes Clothing you wear often. Clothing is well-suited to your personality, lifestyle, and geographic location. Clothes you wear a lot are the most flattering to your body type/coloring. Season-less clothes can be worn during most of the year Clothing you wear occasionally. Identify reasons why some clothes are just “okay” rather than great. LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND STUDY YOURSELF! Recycle – Most outdated garments can be altered or restyled to reflect current trends. Clothing need repairs or cleaning. Clothes are probably worth saving but need attention before they are worn. Fixing these will give you more clothes for less money. Clothing not worn in the past year. Clothes you don’t wear are not worth the space they take in your closet or drawers.

Wants Versus Needs Want Need Desire for something that gives you satisfaction but is not absolutely essential Most people have many wants but only a few needs Need Something necessary for a person’s continued existence or survival Necessary for basic protection, modesty, comfort, or livelihood (example: coat for winter) Have PRIORITY over wants Items with high priority on the wardrobe plan are the most important and should be considered first

Accessories Items you add to wear with your garments. Can help complete outfits in a wardrobe. The accessories you choose should be in proportion to your frame. A good use of accessories: Extends your mix-and-match wardrobe; Makes your appearance look finished for a fashionable “total look”; Includes having appropriate items for different outfits and occasions

Categories of Accessories Footwear Handbags Headwear Belts Scarves Neckties Handkerchiefs Eyewear Gloves Hosiery includes panty hose, tights, knee-highs, stockings, socks Jewelry Store your out-of-style jewelry plastic bag; it might return to fashion EXAMPLES: cuff links, lapel pins, rings, necklaces, bracelets Categories Fine – expensive; usually made of gold, silver, platinum, or precious or semi-precious stones Bridge – made to look like fine jewelry but less expensive Costume – less expensive; sometimes plated with gold or silver and made with artificial stones

Disposing of Clothing You No Longer Wear Most old garments may be modified to reflect current trends Give the clothes to friends or relatives Give the clothes to charities

Wardrobe Plan A “blueprint” of action to be taken to update or complete your wardrobe in the best way. Helps you plan for several apparel items that will gradually pull together your existing wardrobe. Consider the following when creating your wardrobe plan: Basic Apparel Provides the core of your wardrobe Should not have faddish details or extreme silhouettes Investment Dressing Good quality garments, such as jackets, slacks, or dresses, that will last a long time without going out of style Resources Money, time, and skills you have to make wardrobe improvements Small clothing expenses are continuous for clothing upkeep and low cost extender and accessory purchases.

Wardrobe Extenders Extenders are less expensive garments and accessories that can expand your wardrobe. Versatile pieces that can “extend” a wardrobe include: Jackets/coats with neutral hues or low values of your best colors Slacks of an unusual texture Brightly colored turtlenecks Shirts with interesting trims Patterned or quilted vest

Sewing as an Option Advantages Disadvantage Economical because you can get more clothes for your money Select the colors and styles that are best for you Achieve a good fit Use quality workmanship Include creative expression in your apparel Disadvantage You must have the skill and the time to sew