I guess it's pretty obvious that if you try and keep up with

fashion, you will go broke. My goal is to try and keep up the

illusion of keeping up with fashion.

For instance- there are some colors that are just considered

dated. I try not to wear those colors. A lot of times it isn't

so much the color, but the fabric that it has been applied to

that makes it look so dated.

When a popular color from the past appears again, it is usually

with trendy clothing. If it regains popularity, it will soon

appear on the more classic pieces.

It is pretty easy to develop your sense of what is outdated. Just

go into a thrift store and look around. Most of the clothes will

be outdated. Take note of the colors, fabric, styles, and lines

of the clothing.

Look at the armholes. That's a dead give away. Older clothes have

very little allowance in the armhole. Today's clothing is more

relaxed, and while armhole sizes have been decreasing, they are

still larger than in most of the clothing you find in thrift

stores.

There are good buys in Thrift Stores, but it takes a good eye to

separate that which is fashionable and of value from items that

are hopelessly outdated. Clothing with classic lines can last for

years without going out of style.

If you always shop seasonal sales, you may be able to find new

clothing just as cheap in retail stores. In February and March

you will find Sweaters at give-away prices. Sweaters are a great

staple in your wardrobe. Since they are a separate they can be

worn in many ways. Try and keep them in neutral colors, and you

will find many uses for them, either dressy or casual.

If you want to save money on clothing, you need to develop your

own personal style, and stick with it. No matter how fashionable

an item of clothing , unless it looks good on you, you will look

frumpy.

It takes a bit of time in the beginning, but saves time and money

in the long run. Everyone is different. Learn which lines

flatter your figure and the shape of your face, and what colors

are flattering to you skin tone.

Learn which styles of necklines flatter you (such as a jewel

neck, v-shaped, rounded, square, cowl, etc). Look at yourself in

the mirror applying the squint test. Step back and squint at

yourself in a mirror to get an overall general impression of

yourself. Are you full of curves, straight lines, or both? If you

have a round face, you will not look good in clothing with bold

straight lines. If your face is angular, avoid clothing and

accessories with rounded lines.

Apply this to your accessories also. Don't carry a rounded

handbag if you have an angular frame. If you are straight lined

or angular, don't buy a pouch type purse.

There are many kinds of patterned designs. Some are rounded, some

are very geometric and full of straight lines. Everyone talks

about color- but wearing clothes that are in harmony with your

body type is just as important.

Once you know your style, another advantage is that you can shop

online with confidence- often saving you time and money.

If you do your homework, you can avoid costly buying mistakes.

Your wardrobe will go together better, and you will find that you

need few clothes.