New Jersey Entrepreneur

An annual survey done recently by myGoals.com, found that one of the top New Year’s resolutions for 2008 is to "Update my Wardrobe". If the 500 users who visited the myGoals website are any indication of the majority of people in the US, that is a lot of people who are unhappy with their current clothing collection. I wanted to give some tips to those who will really follow through on their resolution and help them get started:

1. Spend time going through what you have and separate it into three groups: good enough to keep, needs alterations, donate or give away. Removing what no longer is flattering from your closet releases a psychological hold that may be preventing your wardrobe from reaching its full potential.
2. Think about what is making you unhappy with your current wardrobe. To be appealing clothing needs to work on several levels: fit, color, cut, style and fabric. Frequently it’s the fit and/or style that keeps clothing from pleasing you; these are the most difficult and time consuming aspects to get right.
3. Decide what style you’re after: you can flip through a magazine or focus on a well-dressed person that you know. Often it’s the minutiae that define a style; the button placement, the matching or contrast of accessories, the addition of details such as ruffles, pleats or layers. Determine if you’re looking for something creative, well-tailored, romantic or dramatic? Details such as unusual prints, soft flowing fabrics, angular designs and unusual color combinations will give the feeling of these or other styles.
4. It is difficult to emphasize the importance of fit in feeling comfortable and being well-dressed. Women especially can’t go by the size listed on the garment in the store, all designers size differently and beware of "vanity sizing", clothing that is sized one or two sizes down to flatter the buyer. Always try on the size above and below what you normally wear, then decide what is best. If you’re not happy with any aspect of the fit don’t buy it, unless you’re sure that a tailor can fix it.
5. Last but not least, especially if you’re on a budget, take another look at what you have and try to make new combinations. Most of us wear the same outfits over and over, but if you can recombine some garments that you already own, you will feel like you have something new although you haven’t spent a dime.

P.S. Don’t forget that the stores all have post-holiday sales, you will be able to get much more for your money but do your homework first! Decide what you are keeping and what you need before you go shopping, this will save you from making the same mistakes again!

© ImageDesign LLC

Sharon Kornstein is founder of ImageDesign LLC, an image consulting and personal shopping company based in Livingston. Sharon is able to help her clients reach their full potential by insuring that their image is consistent with their goals. She is also available for keynote talks and corporate programs and can be reached at 973-740-8767 or www.imagedesignconsulting.com.