Line-up for minimal wardrobing

Autumn Cover of French Periodical Les Modes Showing Fashionable Woman Alone in Park

   Felix Fournery

 

Time for some Fall/Winter sewing ideas and wardrobe planning.

There are many considerations when it comes to setting up a wardrobe:

• Climate/Location
• Seasons
• Finances
• Time
• Stay-at-home or working
• Special Occasions
• Classic styles
• Shape and Size
• Special Needs

For those who live in climates that don't vary in temperature much, but do in weather, one could use a wardrobe year-round without a lot of expense.  For those of us who live in the northern temperate hemisphere where there are definite seasons we, for Fall and Winter now, use heavier wovens as well as knitted items for warmth and put our Spring/Summer wardrobe in storage.

Being thrifty helps all and many a good wardrobe can be built from visits to the Thrift Stores.  Even smaller towns can offer some decent clothing as well as some that can be remodeled.  Let your imagination inspire you.

Fabric for clothing is harder to find as the choices of natural fibers rather than synthetics is dwindling in many areas since most fabrics are woven overseas.

Once you have figured out what your basic needs are for a wardrobe, you can purchase or use patterns you have for basic styles that look good on you.  If in doubt go to the clothing store and try on things that appeal to you to see how you look in them, if a certain style is good for you.  Check out color as well.  Don't be afraid to try something different as long as it meets modest standards. 
We want to look good but not to be envied or lusted after.  Take someone along when unsure.

If you prefer dresses to skirts and tops, you can make one for every day of the week.  Don't forget to have some good sturdy aprons handy.   They are easier to clean than whole garments.  For moms with babies and toddlers, you will have to increase the amount of  dresses or tops obviously.

Fall 2012 Trends-Red

Remember there are styles that last and there are fads that fade fast.  Take a good look at what styles are offered for the seasons.  Sometimes they are variations of classics and sometimes they are quite impractical.  The model on the left is wearing a classic blazer with a gathered skirt.  The model on the right has one extreme style .  No doubt as to which one would get more miles of wear.

For the time being, work out a paper plan that meets your needs.  Be thinking of colors you like.  Check out what basics you already have and what you could add to make the ensembles you need.