Step 2: Making sense of
new season looks
Ok, so there are gaps in your closet and they need filling fast, but before
you hasten to the high street, take time out to do some ‘research’. New
seasons always bring with them bumper fashion issues of magazines, TV items
and fresh campaigns so flick through a few mags on the train or browse the
net in your lunch break to get a feel for the new fashion directions and
select any looks you may want to try. Remember, this is not about being
dictated to by magazines, it’s about being ‘inspired’ and looking fresh and
modern. The idea of this exercise is to find things that will already fit
into your own style ethos and flatter you- not to look like page 226 of
Vogue. Rip out bits of styling too to give you an idea of how to put outfits
together if you struggle
Step 3: How to avoid
expensive mistakes
With fashion being so fickle, it is probably
unwise to invest too much money (depending on your budget) on high fashion
buys unless you are really prepared to make a long- term commitment with
them. If you really want to experiment, faddy items like dungarees, faux-fur
leopard skin coats, cow boy boots and so on are best shopped around for, for
cheap, throw-away versions. As much of a bore it can be sometimes, make sure
you try on the garments if possible and take time really considering the cut
and fit. Trust your instincts; if you have reservations don’t buy it. Put it
on hold and think about it if you need to. Also, plan for ‘panic buy’
situations such as emergency parties or interviews.
Step 4: Where to shop
Besides the high street, try sourcing clothes from more unusual places.
‘Vintage’ shopping may have already had it’s moment but it’s still worth
rummaging around in charity shops and vintage stores. Markets are great for
picking up one-off pieces from obscure brands. The Internet has made
shopping easier for busy working women so don’t forget online stores and
auction sites like e-Bay for those special buys. Don’t forget men’s stores
(perfect for this season’s androgynous looks), children’s departments, party
shops and fancy dress stores for funky bits and pieces. Plus, if you really
do not have any time on your hands, you can shop whilst fetching the
groceries at Asda or Tesco’s!
Step 5: When to shop
If you have the will and temperament to
withstand boisterous shopping centres, then a whole Saturday dedicated to do
some serious shopping is a good opportunity to have a good look around and
compare styles and value. However, there is no need to rush your new season
buying. It is probably best for your blood pressure to shop as you go,
picking up pieces now and then. Remember to utilise the Internet and
supermarket if you really do struggle to schedule shopping.
Step 6: Key investments
and winter wardrobe staples
O.K., if you are a hopeless shopper and at a
loss at what to buy, here are a few suggestions. Make sure you are fully
equipped with winter essentials, versatile and good quality boots, coat, new
jeans and cashmere soft jumpers. To introduce your wardrobe to the new
season, try oversized chunky knitwear to keep you cosy. As far as jeans wear
goes, skinny is still smart, but if they are less than flattering to your
body shape try the new slouchy ‘boyfriend’ cut for a comfortable
alternative. The catwalk offered a multitude of coat styles from urban
parkers to classic trenches so you should be spoilt for choice. As far as
frivolity is concerned, go for something opulent like a gold brocade shift
dress, something unashamedly glam like a leopard print shirt and look to
eighties New Wave and Studio 54 for retro inspiration.
So there it is, a step-by-step guide to a
pain-free, calm and controlled winter shopping experience (in theory!) Have
fun! |
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