Updating my wardrobe?

cdnchristine

I am an elementary Art teacher of Kindergarten through sixth grade students. This week a former student has returned as a fellow teacher. This is a wonderful thing but it has made me aware that I am still wearing outfits that I wore when she was my student 15 years ago. How do I update my wardrobe (on my teacher's salary) without breaking the bank? I have the hardest time getting rid of clothing when I know how much I spent on them. Any advice would be appreciated!

6 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from cdnchristine

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to the forum, cdnchristine.

For starters, read through these posts. Then we can break things down and make accurate and thoughtful suggestions to get you on your way:

https://youlookfab.com/2017/03.....ure-style/

https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....style-rut/

https://youlookfab.com/2015/11.....e-renewal/

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

That’s cool! Angie’s posts are the place to start. Then take stock of what you have. It’s so much fun to think about one’s style, what you’d maybe like to do/try!

6 years ago

Anonymous

Update with accessories, especially shoes, maybe a new hair style and eye glasses. Shop second hand on line or at thrift and consignment shops.

6 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

One thing to keep in mind-do you like your clothes/are they in good shape/do you look outdated? Some of my favorite clothing is older. And some is classic, and better made than some of the newer items. And sometimes you can get ideas here on ways to wear garments you own in new ways. I love creating new outfits out of my clothing. And my mother and I just did this with some of her clothing this afternoon.

6 years ago

cdnchristine

Active Member

Those posts are fantastic Angie. Thanks! But what do you all do with your "unwanted" clothing? I hate to just toss or donate to Goodwill but that is what I have done most often in the past.

6 years ago

Liz

Veteran

I donate to Goodwill or, if they are not in good enough condition that I would want anyone else wearing them, I can sometimes find a fabric recycling bin (my neighborhood has some). Some professional clothing can go to Dress for Success (but I wouldn't suggest them for 15-20 year old clothing).

It sounds as if money is maybe a factor in how long you keep items? At one point I had to acknowledge that the money was spent and gone long ago. What I did with the item now had absolutely no impact on the money. Further, it usually takes me 10 minutes or less to decide whether to buy a piece of clothing. Sometimes I take a day or two. But I was letting a 10-minute decision, made on some random day 10 years ago, determine how I had to live today. When I realized that, I realized I didn't have to be loyal to these items for the rest of my life.

6 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

So you've decided on a style & that some items don't fit in? Or is it that you're getting rid of entire outfits that don't work? If you still like the pieces, you could remix them.

If it's the money that bothers you in giving them away, you could take them to second hand shops. I drove some of mine around to several stores, got a whopping $8, but didn't feel as bad about the money.

Theater departments might like some items.

6 years ago

taylor

Veteran

You had mentioned that these outfits are 15 yrs old. I think once you start replacing older items with current ones you will indeed see you have gotten your money’s worth .
I like that Liz donates hers to Dress for Success , I believe Angie does too.

6 years ago

cdnchristine

Active Member

Thank you all for your thoughtful answers.

6 years ago

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