Nothing to Wear? Shopping May Not Be the Answer

With another (or for some of us, the first) semester of law school behind us, there is likely more than one thing that we wish we had done differently–shall  we call them learning experiences? Grades are strictly between you and Agora, but consider the following if you need some help in the style department this year.

Organize your wardrobe

It is an oft-recited statistic in the fashion community that people wear 20 percent of their clothing 80 percent of the time.  This problem stems in part from not knowing what is owned or how to wear it. Organizing your wardrobe therefore serves several purposes.   In addition to becoming reacquainted with pieces you already own, it is a good opportunity to try out new outfit combinations. As you are doing this, make a list of pieces you need to close the gaps in your wardrobe.

Consider organizing items by type and color and storing elsewhere inappropriate seasonal items to free up space.  Be realistic, if you are never going to wear it or fit into it again then get rid of it. Give it to someone else, sell it at your local consignment shop or  make a day of it and organize a clothing swap with some friends. Also, your local Salvation Army or Goodwill are always happy to take it off your hands.

Discern your personal style

It is helpful to know not just what you have, but what you like and what works for your body type. For instance, my favorite color is one that I hate to wear, yet love to buy. Aware of this, I now channel my love for these colors into say my décor and not my closet.  To figure out your personal style it is helpful to look through fashion magazines (or their websites), there are books, on the subject, or even just observing what other people are wearing, particularly if they are of the same body type.  Reading fashion blogs also serve this purpose; the following are my addictions LoveMaegan, TheChloeConspiracy, VogueGoneRogue, TheBlondeSalad, The Sartorialist,  ThePurseForum (features much more than purses), and  TheFashionSpot.

For those not shopped out yet

A friend recently shared the article titled To Dress Well, Shop Like a Man with me from the Weekend Journal. The gist of which was to not be so easily convinced by a potential purchase. Instead, the article suggests that before you allow yourself to say yes to a potential purchase, first look for quality, comfortable fabrics and the right fit. January and February are the months when most retailers begin cutting the prices of their Fall/Winter inventory to make room for the Spring/Summer season. This means you can get more for your money and with at least three months left of the winter  season in Boston you will have plenty of time to make use of your new purchases.

What are your favorite blogs or sources of inspiration?