Always give yourself the right to choose whatever you are most excited about.

If you are like most of us, your shopping habits may depend upon your budget and how much you can afford to spend at any given time. When this is the case it is important for you to make wise purchases and avoid costly mistakes.

For longer lasting wear in the clothing you purchase, plan your choices based on making good decisions. Learn from past shopping mistakes. Stay away from fads and trendy looks that go out of style in six months or less. When your fashion budget is limited, set aside a clothing allowance. Try to keep a log of everything you spend for the month and plan ahead for emergencies.

Allow half of your budget for your fall and winter wardrobe. A good part of that you may spend for a warm coat, which is your most costly investment. A winter coat should carry you through two or three years. So, be sure to buy the best you can afford in your coats; the same applies for your dresses and suits. Quality is more important then quantity.

The next half of your budget can be set aside for items that make up your spring and summer wardrobe. Out of this half, include a quarter for the spring and the other quarter for summer clothing. For each seasonal change, allow a portion of your entire budget for accessories, shoes and shoe repair, alterations and necessary cleaning.

Two other important factors that come into play in budgeting and buying fashions for your wardrobe are:

1.The area where you live
2.Whether you are socially active.

Every city, state, and country is influenced by climate changes. Climate changes may be more seasonal in one part of the country than in another. How often do you travel from state to state, or to other countries? When making your clothing purchases, keep in mind the climate changes in different parts of the state and country.

A certain amount of individuality is good, however, one usually adapts to the dress of other people in the same community. What is acceptable by one community group may look quite odd by those in another community group. When traveling to different parts of the world for extended periods of time, it may be wise to set aside a small budget specifically for purchasing clothing in the community where you are traveling and staying.

At times when your social life is full or more active, an ideal wardrobe should include fashions that are suitable for special occasions. In this case, your clothing may be geared to a specific type of activity. For example, if you were active in sports, your wardrobe would reflect more sportswear. And if you attend parties, entertain, or attend upscale events, then your wardrobe would have more eveningwear fashions.

Make a list of the clothing in your closet. Is there anything worth saving from past seasons? If any item needs to be altered, replaced, recycled, or thrown away, then make a decision to do so. Make an estimate of what your needs are and replace out-dated items with new ones, as they are needed.

Keeping up with fashion trends and what goes on in the fashion industry is a good habit to develop. Study fashion magazines, and go window-shopping before you plan your wardrobe. Know what looks best on your figure and plan outfits, accessories, and shoes that can be worn and coordinated into several different ensembles.

Even before you shop, think of a color scheme and build your new purchases around your favorite colors. You can always add different tops, skirts, and jackets that will work with each other. Then pair them to work with what you already have in one or more of your favorite color choices.


Make it a habit to plan and shop wisely. Give yourself the right to choose outfits that are uniquely you, and that you are excited to wear. Your wardrobe and your fashion style depend on it. Are your fashion habits perfect, yet?

About the author:

Gerri D Smith creates fashions for elegant evenings. Elegance connotes a sense of luxury, a matter of style, glamour, and sophistication; a regal, almost queenly bearing. Her fashions are where beauty and style intersect with your imagination. Visit, www.distinctiveimpressions-2.com

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