Fashion Forward

Can’t find a thing to wear this summer?

Style File Pop Quiz – How do you shop for summer clothes?

• I shop on my lunch hour picking up tops here and there
• I don’t really think about summer until the weather is warm
• I only buy if it’s on sale
• I’ll make do with last summer’s clothes
• I’d love a dress but nothing ever fits me

I’m guessing most of us checked at least one of the above, if we’re slightly honest with ourselves maybe a couple more. Oh what the heck, most of us just think this way!

Let’s put a simple 3 step plan together. Prep, Shop and Look Fabulous. Follow the plan and you will love opening your closet doors each summery morning, better still you will love how you look and feel.

Step 1 - Prep

• If you’re still waiting for warm weather, bring out last summer’s clothes now.
• This should be done in March, April at the latest.
• Try each item on – does it fit, is it pilled, stained, need altering, mending. Keep items that fit or can be altered/mended; handle immediately – otherwise get rid of them.
• Think spring/summer is a short fashion season? March to September is six months!
• Check out the fashion magazines, internet fashion sites, fashions worn on TV, get your eye used to the current looks and trends.

Step 2 - It's Time to Shop!

• Treat yourself to a shopping day or weekend. (Yes, you can make time.)
• Stay a step ahead; shop early and take advantage of the best selections and sizes available. Try on new styles. Be adventurous. Have fun.
• Be happy to pay full price if you look fabulous in the outfit. You will wear it over, and over, and over, and…get the picture. Not like the sale item that turns into wasted dollars hanging in your closet.
• Purchase complete outfits – e.g. skirt, top to match, sweater or jacket to finish off, accessories, sandals, purse. Bits and pieces end up cluttering your closet and turning into dollars bills hanging on your hangers.
• Agreed, shopping for a dress is much like shopping for a bathing suit or jean. We usually come in 2 sizes and a dress comes in 1 size. Alter if necessary or have a dress made.

Last summer my client, Mary (not her real name) was shopping for dresses for both sons’ wedding. She found one dress but couldn’t find a second. We went to one of our city’s premiere dressmakers, Jillian Welch, and she made Mary the most stunning dress. The style, fit and colour were perfect. Mary had another casual summer dress made as she loved the look and feel of a pretty dress. I haven’t worn a dress for 20 years, this is amazing!” Kudos to Mary.

Step 3 - Look Fabulous

• Fussing and fuming because nothing fits, is not an option.
• Alterations are part of shopping for clothes - clothing comes in a standard size – we don’t.
• A staggering ninety percent of women need to alter; fifteen percent actually do.
• Take your alterations straight to your seamstress after purchase.
• Have a pair of capris made for you, and don’t forget the dress.
• Take care of your skin, update your hairstyle and show off your sexy sandals with the perfect pedicure.