It would have been easy....If you had decided earlier in the year that you were indeed going to celebrate in style; but because the climate was so unsettled you did not make any plans. Suddenly you have several invitations that you have to honour and of course you need to look your best at each event. The question therefore arises how do you accomplish this feat when you are totally unprepared?
The answer is simpler that you thought, and best of all you don't have to spend any money. To put together your party wardrobe - go shopping in your closet. With a little planning you will be able to put together several outfits to suit each occasion.
Steps to building your party wardrobe, from your closet:
- Check your invitations - What time of day and what are the dress codes required for each event. Make a note of the number of events and the type of attire necessary; this will give an idea of how many outfits you need to build.
- Shopping time - Carve out 45 minutes or more depending on your schedule and the size of your wardrobe - make sure that you are not interrupted.
- Trousers/Skirts - Select 2/3 good pair of dress trousers in black, brown or grey; along with a great pair of black jeans.
- Tops - Identify a minimum of five tops and a sweater set that can be worn with the trousers and skirts. Vary the style, fabric and colours of the tops.
- Foot works - Comfort is key for long evenings, and a lot of standing, so choose dressy shoes and boot jeans that are not only good looking but comfortable.
- Coordinating garments - Put together the tops that can be worn with the trousers and skirts; identify which shoes can be worn with which outfits.
- Accessories - Get out your baubles, beads, bangles, broaches, pins, earrings and scarves. When adding accessories remember a flashy top does not need to be over accessorized; also your hairstyle will determine what earrings and other accessories you will need.
- Makeup - Use make up to compliment the outfit you are wearing, well applied and subtle usually makes more of an impact.
- Scent - A hint of fragrance is sexy (too much can be a turn off).
Bonus outfit - That little black dress, with the right makeup, and accessories, you will steal the spotlight.
Place your coordinated outfits together in one area of your dresser, hang the accessories in bags next to the outfits for easier access. Now you are ready to make your entrance with ease and style...and best of all you know exactly what you can choose from and you have not spent a penny - Enjoy your parties!
Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Staging Expert; President, Durham Chapter - RESA (Real Estate Staging Association); member of SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) and a certified Senior Move Manager (cSMM) - she can be reached at joanna@effectivestaging.com
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