he
Wants a precise collection of bits so that she can
Figure out what she has, determine what she
Needs, tick off the list, rather than worry about
When I tell her that no such list exists, she
Gets annoyed – as if I’m trying to be coy or’m
withholding vital information for no other reason
than to torment her. Truthfully, I’m not.
The Fact is that everyone’s needs are
different. Heck, your needs today are
Years ago, and what they’ll be ten years from
now. Lifestyles change.
needs.
Rather than asking yourself:”What should be in my
wardrobe?” Perhaps the more appropriate question
Is,”Can I go everywhere I need to go with what is
For most women, the answer is,”No.”
Most tend to invest the bulk of their clothing
Allowance on their job wardrobes and look
Many women who work at
Home or remain at home often short-change their
Own wardrobes and spend the money on their children
Or in other places instead. When either group is
Faced with a new situation like traveling, a special
Function, or even a dramatic weather change, they are
totally unprepared. That’s when they go looking
For a list so that they won’t be caught short again.
So how do you create your own list?
By taking a few minutes to jot down your needs
Then compare that list to what’s in your
closet.
away. Here’s how:
1. Write It Down
Jot down a basic list of actions you do in an
You might also
include occasional activities.
Here’s an example:
Weekly
Work
Church
Exercise
Take children to their activities
Errands
Eat out
Monthly
Volunteer at library
Association meeting
Host dinner party
Luncheon with friends
Proceed to the movies
Annually
Association Conference
Cross-country excursion to in-laws’ house
Beach vacation
Ski vacation
Occasional Activities
Parties
Going to the ballet or opera
Weddings, graduations, funerals
Seasonal stuff like swimming, hay rides,
2. Check Your Closet
With list in hand, go flip through your closet
And compare your typical activities to the
Or
Odds Are,
They’re somewhere in between.
3. Identify the Holes
Hard-pressed to come up with something decent to
Wear from what is in your closet right now. Is it
your casual wardrobe? The evenings out? The
funerals?
See any holes?
4. Brainstorm Mix and Match Possibilities
Before you visit the mall or start clicking
Away online, decide which pieces you have that
Could work for multiple activities. Could you
Pair some of your apparel work pants with a casual
Top for a great weekend look? Could you wear a
snazzy evening outfit? Could that dark suit also
work well at a funeral? Can you pair one of
Great fall weekend ensemble?
Up with, put it in a little clothing reference
Notebook, and keep that laptop in your closet
Or some other handy place for easy reference.
5. Confirm Your List
Now you should have an idea of what you REALLY
Need to fill out your wardrobe. Start with the
Items that will have the biggest effect FIRST
(weekend wear if you have no casual clothes, a
Winter coat if you have none), and then proceed
To the other items as your budget permits. Before
You know it, you’ll have everything you want to
Building a functional wardrobe takes a little
your needs change. Whether you’re in school, in
A demanding career, staying in the home, or enjoying
Your retirement, you will need to build the wardrobe
You need to go. There’s no magic”one-size-fits
-all” list. You alone can accurately determine
Your requirements, so take a little time to see what you
To Point B in the most cost-effective manner
possible. Remember: you do not need to have a
Lot to LOOK like you have a lot. You just need
The ideal pieces to get the work done.