Like anything else, fashion trends change, and keeping in style is vital to social interaction. After all, your clothes say quite a bit about who you are and how you feel about yourself. When you're hoping to make an impression in the job market, what you wear can potentially make or break those important first encounters. While this may be an expensive endeavor, there are ways to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips:
Upgrading your wardrobe can be costly, but it's not something that needs to be accomplished overnight. Planning shopping trips once or twice each month will help keep the financial aspect from overwhelming you. If you purchase your clothing a few items at a time, you can balance the weight of the cost with the delight of a new look. Not only is this a great way to get your fashion sense back on track, it’s also a great way to make sure you stay up to date. A small budget for clothing every paycheck will go a long way.
The first thing you'll want to do before you set foot in your favorite department store, is to take a look at what's in your closet. Decide what fits your personality (which will probably exclude outfits you haven't worn in a few years) and how you want to present yourself. Toss out everything that doesn't fit the criteria. Go to stores and try on clothing to see what you like. Also be wary of clothing that is too trendy. Shoot for enduring styles or even multipurpose articles of clothing to get the most for your money. Knowing what you want and avoiding fast-fading fashion trends will cut costs and ensure you have a wardrobe that won’t need an update before you can afford it.
Next, decide how much you want to spend. Checking online to see how much department stores charge for the latest styles will give you a realistic idea of how much your new wardrobe will cost. Keep in mind, you will probably find numerous in-store sales and clearance deals that aren't advertised on the web. And don't limit yourself to one store or the same places at which you've grown accustomed to shopping. Online stores like Simple Addiction have a lot to offer and often have great deals to take advantage of. Take every opportunity to shop seasonal sales, online sales, or even second hand to save on your new digs.
Altering your wardrobe is not just about improving your look. Any dramatic lifestyle changes you've made over the past few years will probably demand a fashion tweak. If you've lost weight, matured, or switched careers, chances are your taste in clothing will have changed in the process. Having clothes that match where you are in life can help you to feel confident. Don’t be afraid to change things up when you find yourself in a new place in your life.
If you do your homework, save up, and shop smart, you can update your wardrobe with ease. Not only will this make you look better, it will also make you feel better. Better fashion can lead to more personal and professional opportunities as well! Start saving up and get ready to always be looking your best!
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.