Clothes that you buy at stores are sized based on standards set by the pattern makers. These sizes are based on average body proportions and dimensions. As you are most likely well aware of, few bodies have these exact dimensions and shapes and that is why clothing off the rack doesn't always fit or flatter your body's shape. Fortunately, there are ways to make off the rack clothes fit your body better.

Tip #1 - Use Belts

One simple way to make adjustments to the shape and fit of clothing is to utilize a belt. Belts can be used with jeans and slacks to help bring in the waist of pants that are a little too big, or they can be added to a shirt to create a more tailored look. You can also use belts of different colors and textures to add a point of visual interest to your outfit.

Tip #2 - Make Adjustments to the Seams

If you are between sizes then you will want to buy the next size up and then make adjustments to the seams. You can do this simply by figuring out where the clothing is too big and then by taking in the seams. Usually you will only need to take in the side seams to make a shirt or a pair of pants fit your shape better. When you take in the seams you need to do it evenly on both sides so that the clothing item will fit properly on your body.

Tip #3 - Make Adjustments to the Length of the Item

Another dimension that may not fit your body properly is the length of the clothing item. If the item is too long then you can hem the bottom of the item. This is a very simple fix that even novices can handle. Keep in mind that you can shorten shirts and jackets, as well as pants, shorts and skirts. Hemming can be done by hand with a needle and thread, or it can be done using a sewing machine. There are also hemming tapes that you can use to quickly set a hem. You can use the tape to hold the hem for a day while you wear the item, or you can use it to hold the hem in place while you stitch it up with a needle and thread.

Building a back to school wardrobe can be a lot of fun, even if it is a bit expensive. The key to building a back to school wardrobe is to select clothing that fits your body and that are also versatile. Keep these two things in mind as you make your selections and your back to school wardrobe will end up awesome.

Measure Your Body
In order to get the right sizes for your body you first need to know what you are working with. Before you start shopping you will want to take your waist, bust (chest) and hip measurements, as well as take measurements of the lengths between your shoulders, between your shoulder and your wrist, your inseam and the length between your waist and your ankle. Finally, if you want to buy skirts, you will want to take a measurement of the distance between your waist and where you want the skirt to end. These measurements are best taken by someone other than you, so get a friend or family member to help you out. Write down all of your measurements on a piece of paper and use them when you select sizes.

Look for Versatility
When you are building a back to school wardrobe you need to look for versatility in each clothing item that you buy. To start with you will want to select items that have colors and patterns that can be coordinated. For example, you can buy a neutral color backpack that will look hot with all of your back to school outfits. Next you will want to select clothing that can be layered to create different looks. Finally, you will want to select items that will serve dual functions. For example, you can select layering items that will work as both a point of visual interest as well as an insulating layer.

Build Outfits
As you select items for your back to school wardrobe you will want to think about the outfits that you can build with your selections. If you are not good at putting together interesting outfits you can learn from store mannequins and from the advertisements that are posted online. These displays will help show you how to layer different items and how to coordinate colors and patterns.