How to Shop for Clothes Now

Remember Resolution #2, to de-clutter your space — starting with your closet?

How's that going for you?

I just came across this great article in the Daily Mail with some super tips that speak to that: One way to keep from over cluttering is not to go there in the first place.

Your closet is probably already stuffed with stuff from decades past. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, seeing that it's all back in again, so you can easily unearth fashion "forward" items.

A peasant blouse from the '60s perhaps? It's in!

A skinny belt from the '70s? You're good!

Basically anything in the latter half of the 20th century will work, so you can raid your own closet for "vintage."

But that's assuming you chose well in the first place. According to the Daily Mail's Liz Jones, most women have 22 items of unworn clothing in their closets.

Twenty-two? I have more. How about you?

Her 12 rules in "How to make sure you'll NEVER buy anything you won't wear" include always shopping alone:

Friends love it when you spend money: it gives them a vicarious thrill. But they will never be ­honest when asked for their opinion and, perhaps subconsciously, will want you to look bad."

Yikes, I hope that's not true.

Although I do have a friend who encourages me to buy everything I look at. I don't listen to him anymore.

She also says:

Buy For The Body You Have Now

I have been guilty of doing just the opposite, or at least buying for the body in my mind.But at least I can effectively use my closet weight-loss strategy.

Fitting your lifestyle and going with the rest of your wardrobe are obvious guidelines I've learned with age, haven't you? Plus it reminds me of what What Not to Wear's Clinton Kelly says.

Her "sleep on it" I'm dubious about – it could be gone later. Check the return policy (which is why I like websites and catalogs).

Finally, she suggests editing your wardrobe on a regular basis. This is the hardest one I think because I always plan to fit into one of more of my faves soon. And in the past, I've been right.

Still, there are glaring errors that can go straight to the charity shop!

As long as they're not one of those '80s  or even '90s items (skinny satin pants and minimalist jackets, anyone?) that are back in now.

It's kind of exhausting living in a time warp.

Related stories: Your Weight, Closeted

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Keeping Up With Stylist Clinton Kelly

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