Happy Autumn. Cooler days and crisp nights, leaves changing colors, and endless personalized marketing  fuel  a desire for  a new fall wardrobe. New sweaters, tights, jackets and dresses in new fall colors have us dreaming.

Changing seasons draw us in. We visit websites, we forgo the sale racks for the new impressive designs. Wearing new clothes offers a change, brings energy and gives a feeling of newness. For me personally, I feel beautiful and confident when sporting the newest and cutest!
But…..appreciation, new energy and confidence can fade away with no plan in place, and unfortunately, even more so if our budget was forgotten. Here are my quick and simple ideas for updating (and re-purposing) your current wardrobe without blowing your budget.
1. Browse. Look at the websites of your favorite stores. Take note. What colors are popular this season? Prints or solids? how are accessories like shoes, belts, scarves, etc. being used? Are layers in? What is the length and style of dresses, shirts, skirts, pants? What single outfits do you like and why? what would be flattering on your body? Which outfits would be most practical for  you?

2. Inventory. Do an inventory of what you currently own.  Take note of clothing items from the summer that can be transitioned into fall, or fall clothes from last season. What did you enjoy wearing, what will still work for this year? Also assess your accessories. What belts, scarves, shoes will work for this year’s style?

3. Build and Create. Lay everything out and study. In good light, and with time to be creative, place different items together. Mix and match. Are there new outfits that you can create? I have a goldenrod jacket and an olive turtleneck. I never wore those together, but those are two popular colors for the fall. OR do you have a throwback cowl neck sweater from the late 70’s? they are back in style! Ask you mom – she may have one! Seriously, what do you need to add some new style to your current fall wardrobe? Maybe one sweater, or a pair of boots? or could you get by with a few basic pieces?  Make a list of clothing items needed noting what colors and/or prints desired. Each new item should enhance and enlarge your current selection of clothes. Can one item be used to create two or three new outfits? Need help? Check out the many online tutorials, both video and written material. I get many ideas from capsule (30 items) wardrobe sites – making many outfits out of a few pieces.

4. Budget. If your list consists of several items to purchase, yet clothing money available is only $100, prioritizing is a must. Planned purchases should extend your wardrobe. Maybe one jacket could be used multiple ways creating several new looks. Investigate the option of re-tailoring a piece of clothing to make it more stylish. Or are there very simple pieces that could be purchased at a discount store?

5. Purchase. Take your prioritized list, and shop – in store or online, stick to your list. Shop around for the best price. If you have spent your clothing allowance and still need/want a few more items to add to your wardrobe, save and remember that fall clothes will be going on sale about holiday time – just a few weeks away. Watch your favorite store’s websites for online sales.

Within your budget and plan, you can have a renewed wardrobe that makes you feel good – not only because it’s ‘new’, but because you lived by a plan – that only is worth several hundred dollars!

As you re-style your current wardrobe into new outfits, share your pictures and stories with us – we would love to see your new wardrobe!

For the love of family,

Kristin