As women, our shopping patterns tend to swing from over spending on items we hardly wear to self deprivation, which is neither productive nor satisfying.
Here are some tips on how to spend your clothing budget wisely, leaving you looking and feeling fabulous:

 

1. I truly believe in the abundance theory.  Give away clothing that does not work for you in order to make space for more of what does. Find every item of clothing that you have not worn in the last two years and give it all away to a charity or a second hand shop. By clearing out your wardrobe you are saving on your clothing budget because you now know exactly what is in your closet and what you still need to buy. 
2. Re-arrange your closet, so that you can clearly see what clothing items you have. Hang one item per hanger, separate your winter and summer wardrobes and organise your shoes according to each season.
3. Make a list of the items you need for your spring/ summer wardrobe.  If you know what is already in your cupboard, this is easier to do.  Ask yourself when writing your list what you really need. A well fitted pair of neutral trousers or a statement piece for those up and coming events?  Perhaps a pair of gorgeous heels which you can envision will be ideal to dress up your favorite skirt or jeans.
4. Give some thought to your buying patterns.  Do you buy outfits rather than mix and match items?  Do you tend to be a fashion victim and then have to buy a new wardrobe as the fashion changes?  Do you tend to shy away from colour and often go for the safe black option? 

Here is a smart way to plan your spring/ summer wardrobe.  I call this the budget triangle. 

Basics:

These include items such as basic trousers and skirts, a jacket, a classic blouse, a pair of jeans that are the perfect fit. These are your investment pieces so be prepared to spend a little more on them. In order for these items to be your basics they need to suit your body shape and lifestyle. For example, a business woman may need a suit as a basic, but a stay-at-home mom will find that a pair of jeans and a casual jacket will best suit her lifestyle.

Fashion items: 

These include a range of items in fashionable colours, styles or prints.  However the item itself doesn’t have to be high fashion, for example you could have a classic style blouse in a fashionable colour that suits you.
These items are important as they assist you to mix and match; and dress up and down your basics for your lifestyle and wardrobe needs. For example, a purple satin blouse can be dressed up with a basic skirt to wear to a wedding, dressed down with a pair of jeans for a night out on the town, or worn with basic trousers to work.

Accessories:

These include shoes, jewellery, bags and scarves. Most women either spend too little or too much on accessories. Those who spend too much find it easier to purchase accessories than shop for a pair of trousers that fit well. Those who spend too little usually feel overwhelmed by the choice and are afraid of looking like a Christmas tree. The key is to spend wisely. If you prefer variety then purchase less expensive items. If you prefer a few good quality items then start with your basics first.  For example you should buy a pair of good basic sandals in a neutral colour that can be worn with anything before the red stilettos you love.

Although planning a wardrobe may seem time consuming, it’ll benefit you in the long run as it takes up much less time than standing in front of your wardrobe full of clothing feeling like you have nothing to wear each morning!  This is especially true when you have spent a lot of time and money on items that leave you feeling less than fabulous.

My philosophy is buy what you love and you feel fabulous in. A little planning will go a long way to achieving this.

Tracy Gold