Dress for Less

by Sheila Dicks, Image Consultant

You can look great without spending a lot of money if you use good judgment and follow a few simple rules. These tips will help you choose wisely, avoid impulse spending, and build a wardrobe you can be proud of.

• Shop at a variety of locations.
  

• Combine online, retail and secondhand shopping to get maximum choices.
  

• Price alone is not a good indicator. Don’t get caught in the trap of buying because the price is right. If the item does not fit into your wardrobe you will probably never wear it. It’s not a bargain if you buy it and just sits in your closet until you finally give it away.
  

• Make a list before you buy. Take inventory of what you have in your closet and find out what you need before you shop. Make sure the items you buy suit your body type, match at least 3 other pieces in your closet, and fit your lifestyle (for example, don’t spend a lot of money on fancy dresses if you seldom go out).
  

• Buy Classics. Spend your money on items that will not go out of style at the end of the season. You can always add a few fad items but keep them to a minimum. Invest in quality material and classic lines – sweaters, jackets, pants and leather goods.
  

• Check the return policy. Before you buy know that you can return for a full refund if you are not satisfied. It is especially important to know the return policy when you shop on the Internet in case it does not fit or is not the color you expected.
  

• Shop at the end of the season. You will get a lot of deals at the end of the season, if you can wait that long to shop. Again, as a word of caution, don’t get caught up in a good deal and buy something that you will never wear.
  

• Get Organized. Make a list of what you will need to complete or expand an outfit, know where you will find what you want and know how much you want to spend. Instead of shopping haphazardly, save money for time at the end of the season when you will do the majority of your shopping.

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at: http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe ebook, free.