Business Getting the most from clothing dollar Do you get your money’s worth out of the clothing you buy? Do your clothes help you earn more money? “Some people are successful without great wardrobes, but most of us can use the edge,” said Diana Kilgour, wardrobe and image consultant, who spoke recently to the Canadian Associa- tion of Financial Planners, Pacific Chapter. “The way you dress makes a statement. It reveals your eco- nomic status, education, taste and social class. It’s the only con- sumer choice we make that is visible to all. “In sales — and at some level this applies to everybody — clothes are part of your tools.” Kilgour has told me dressing has become a technology removed from fashion, something statisti- cally measured and carefully researched. _ “The most influential look to achieve is that of the upper middle class,” she said. “It is a knowing look, always appropriate, in sea- son, medium to high quality.” Unfortunately, said Kilgour, many people follow the example of ill-clad parents or peers, and they don’t even know what they don’t know. “The sole purpose of the fash- ion industry is its own survival,” she said. “‘What is offered is often lacking in good taste. “Most employers appreciate taste over fashion in staff apparel. And performance is perceived to be consistent with the visual impression one creates.” Few people really get value from their clothing dollar, Kilgour said. “Things that don’t flatter or don’t co-ordinate easily don’t get worm, and that equals a high cost per wearing. If you plan your ward- robe, then fewer pieces work har- der.” Kilgour said there are various ways to get the most from your clothing dollar. : “Naturally,” she said, “since it’s my line of work, I feel hiring a wardrobe consultant could be your best investment. A knowledgeable person working for you (rather than working to make a sale) can stay within your budget and keep you from making costly mis- takes.” - Other tps: > Know the look of quality. Spend some time in stores that carry top quality merchandise and observe the characteristics of color, drape of fabric, the way pieces are co-ordinated, accesso- ries and so on. « Look for items on sale, espe- cially during store-wide discount sales. But don’t count on finding major items like suits and winter coats on the clearance rack. The best ones are snapped up early in the season. So buy the key pieces for your wardrobe when the selec- tion is good. Then shop at sales to complete or update your outfits. e The most practical fabrics for year-round tailored clothes are wool gabardines and crepes; wool gabardines and linen are seasonal. ° If the budget is tight, borrow or rent clothes for a special event. “Tt puts a lot of pressure on a date if you’ve blown the budget for a special outfit that you'll never wear again,” Kilgour said. e Put your money above the waist, where it’s more likely to count. A great tie or pair of earrings can elevate the perceived cost of a moderately-priced suit although they cannot salvage a cheap one. e Look for multi-purpose pieces. A classic blazer works with shirt and tie or with a polo shirt and chinos. A simple pair of gold carrings can complete many differ- ent outfits. * Buy several pieces at one time, including accessories. It’s difficult to choose co-ordinating items for garments that are at home in the closet. ° Never buy something unless you know exactly how and with what it will go. * Know your shopping weak- nesses. If you balk at spending $150 for a beautiful blouse but own a fortune in ski clothes or have a world-class collection of T-shirts, your priorities could use an adjustment. « Pay for the alterations neces- Sary tO give you a custom fit. “Women are especially prone to wearing jackets with too-long sleeves or skirts that need to be brought into proportion with their new jackets,” she said. Kilgour gave examples of cloth- ing combinations that just don’t work. “They meant well enough, but...” e The eager young man who wears clip-on suspenders and a dressy white-on-white shirt with a tweed jacket. ° The jolly fellow at the com- pany barbecue who wears his Ber- mudas with black lace-ups and executive length dress socks. TheReview Wednesday, May 8, 1991 — A28 Chamber sponsors two seminars * The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is planning two seminars on home-based business. The first, scheduled for the eve- nings of May 27 and 29, deals with Starting a home-based business, said chamber general manager Marilyn Lee. The second, on June 10 and 12, will be on marketing a business. Sessions are $35 each, and will provide-a chance for a small business person to get information on aspects of running a home- based business, said Lee. For more information, contact the chamber at 656-3616. INVE CAPITAL CONSULTANTS LTD. 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