Building a wardrobe that expresses your own individuality takes a bit of magic. Your mission is to put together clothing you can wear with confidence, and with an attitude that makes each of your choices into your very own style. This includes everything from the tip of your hair to the tip of your heels.



Use every magic trick you know to create your own look. Stamp everything you own with your distinctive personality. Know what looks good on you. A well-rounded wardrobe does not mean that you have spent the most money, or by how many expensive garments you own. It means that you must take care of what you do own.

By caring, you must plan and shop carefully and sensibly. Then after buying your clothing, you must treat them with care when you are not wearing them, and with respect when you are. The magic comes in when you can improvise something that is old, and add to it, or change it into something new. This is an accomplishment that will give you pleasure every time you plan your wardrobe and create your look.

Whenever there is a major change in your life, your wardrobe may be greatly affected. A new job, relocation to another state or even another country, or a divorce has a dramatic influence on your life and the way to dress during those times. Learn to recognize what kind of shopper you are and whether there are any major challenges affecting your life.

Here are three main types of shoppers. Discover which one fits you and your personality.

A. Shopping when you need the item, but do not know what you want.

If you shop when you want to buy something special to wear to a big Saturday night concert, and your mind is blank, you tend to put yourself at the mercy of the salesclerk. Try this little exercise:

1. Is the item you want something that you will wear many times, or just for this special event?

2. Do you like dresses or an evening top with matching pants?

3. What is your spending budget? Are you interested in quality or in making a less expensive purchase?

4. Do you want to stand out from the crowd, or blend in?

Once these questions are clear, your sales person can steer you in the right direction and help you find something that interests you and your style.

B. A shopper who just likes to look.

If you like to browse and just look at clothing or merchandise alone, without any intention to purchase, you are a challenge for the attentive salesperson. If you show the slightest interest in a particular garment the salesperson may need to see whether you can be turned into a customer. New styles may be pointed out, or called to your attention. However, if you do not feel pressured or rushed, the opportunity to purchase something may happen. If the perfect outfit is brought to your attention you usually will not feel guilty about purchasing it.

3. Shopping when you know exactly what you want.

You go into a store and ask the salesperson to show you a black and white vertical stripe shirt style blouse with long cuffed sleeves in a size twelve. If it is not available, the salesperson may make another suggestion or show you something similar for another choice. Unless the salesperson reassures you that your specific wish was heard, your reaction may be negative. Acknowledge the fact that what you are shown is not what you had in mind, and change that negative into a positive. You may even find something you like much better and serves your purpose.

Whatever your shopping habits may be, try to shop when you are relaxed, with plenty of time, and go with a plan. After all, the salesclerks are there to help you and not hinder you from shopping. Their time and your time are equally as precious. Then, make your shopping adventure a pleasant journey.