One way to coordinate the elements in your wardrobe is to focus on selecting pieces that are made from specific types of fabrics or materials. This continuity of fabrics and materials will enable you to create a signature look, as well as help you to add specific textural elements to your wardrobe. Three popular fabrics to focus on include leather, cotton and silk.

Silk Clothing Options
Silk is a focus fabric. It is flowing, comfortable and it looks luxurious. It also holds rich colors and compliments intricate prints and patterns. However, it is also very difficult to clean and to maintain. It requires special care and maintenance and it tends to be a more expensive material.

If you are interested in adding silk pieces to your wardrobe and if you don't have a large budget to work with then consider adding accent silk pieces such as colorful silk scarves to your wardrobe. These accent pieces will dress up your outfits and give them a punch of sophisticated color.

Leather Clothing Options
Leather is another popular material for clothing and accessories. It can be used for shoes, belts, pants, vests, shirts and jackets. Leather also comes in a variety of finishes including suede, patent leather and weathered leather. Each finish has a unique look and texture. The finish that you select will dictate the look that you will be able to create. For example, if you are interested in creating a sophisticated look then you will want to stick with patent, suede and matte finishes.

Cotton Clothing Options
Cotton is one of the most versatile fibers for fabrics. It is comfortable and it can produce a variety of fabric types. Cotton is also a natural fabric so it is good for the environment and comfortable to wear. However, cotton has its own issues. It has a tendency to fade, it can be stretched out of shape and it has a tendency to shrink. When selecting cotton clothing for your wardrobe you will want to make sure that you take these things into consideration. You will also want to either buy in a larger size or select items that are pre-shrunk.

One of the challenges of building a wardrobe is keeping up with fashion trends. As you collect clothing items it is not uncommon to eventually find yourself standing in front of a closet that is full of clothes that are out of date but that still have a lot of wear left in them. If you want to get more wear out of these quality items then you need to learn how to update older pieces with accessories and styling.

Accessorizing Within Jewelry
One of the easiest ways to update the look of an older dress, shirt or suit is to use jewelry. Necklaces in particular can be very helpful at modifying the look of a clothing item to make it more modern and chic. For example, the style of the necklace, its length, its colors and the size of the beads on the necklace will influence how modern or stylish your new outfit will look. To modernize the look of your wardrobe just select a necklace that is fashionable for today's standards and that also compliments the colors of your older wardrobe pieces.

Accessorizing With Belts
Belts are a great fashion styling item. They can be used to change the shape of an older piece of clothing to make it more fashion forward. Belts are also relatively inexpensive so you can afford to invest in multiple pieces. The height of the belt, its color, its buckle design and its general pattern will be useful in updating the look of an old suit, an old shirtdress or an older pair of slacks. You can also use belts to add a punch of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. If you are losing weight, belts can be used to modify your clothes' fit until you are ready to buy a smaller size.

Other Accessories
Hats, scarves, gloves and leggings are other accessories that you can use to modernize your out-dated wardrobe. All of these items are relatively inexpensive so it is okay to buy trendier looks. You will need them to be trendy as they will be what update the look of your outfits. As you buy accessories, however, think about what you are going to be comfortable wearing. If you are not a rhinestones and leopard print type of person don't buy accessories with these design features. Remember your wardrobe is supposed to reflect who you are.

When developing your wardrobe it is important to think about items that can be added as transitional items. These items will help you to quickly transition your look for one purpose to another and back again. For example, you have wardrobe transitions from school to work, from work to the gym, from work to a date and from season to season. Instead of buying clothing items that are only appropriate for one function, consider items that can be used to transition your outfit, with a few minor changes, from function to function. This is how you save time and money.

Seasonal Transitions
If you build a transition wardrobe for no other reason than seasonal changes you will be doing all right. Seasonal transitions can be managed by layering clothing in neutral and seasonal colors. This will allow you to transition from hot seasons to cooler seasons and from cooler seasons to warmer seasons.

Work to Recreation Transitions
Transitional clothing items that you can buy to help you handle the transitions between work and recreation can also be advantageous. For example, you can buy transitional items like a black sheath dress which you can wear under a jacket for work. To transition it for a date you can remove the jacket, add darker hose and higher heeled shoes, and add a change makeup to a night look. For work to the gym transitions you can wear a fitted tank top under your work shirt so that all you will have to do is take off your work shirt and change into a pair of shorts to workout. Then you can put on a fresh undershirt before putting back on your work shirt and heading back to work.

School to Work Transitions
When you are in high school or college and need to quickly transition from school to work attire you need to be flexible. A great way to handle the situation is to wear as much of the uniform as possible so you don't have to rush to get changed. For example, you can wear the pants and just pair them with a T-shirt or a sweatshirt. Then all you have to do is change out the shirt and put on any remaining components of the uniform.

As you mature from girl to young woman and then from young woman to business woman, your shoes will need to evolve in your wardrobe. The high heel shoe is going to be a staple for your grown-up wardrobe. High heeled shoes are sexy, dressy and fun, but if you select the wrong high heel shoe you can end up in a lot of pain.

Fit of the Shoe
The first thing that you need to do when buying high heel shoes for the very first time is to have your foot measured. You need to know your foot length and its width. These measurements will help you to select high heel shoes that are going to compliment the natural shape of your foot. It will also help you to find a shoe that will be comfortable. If you are teetering between two sizes it is generally a better idea to move up a size than it is to buy the half size, especially if you are new to wearing high heel shoes. However, if they feel too loose when you try them on you can go down to the half size.

Height of the High Heel Shoe
High heel shoes come in multiple heights. They range from very low heels, like the kitten heel, to very tall heels that can be six plus inches tall. It is usually recommended that you start off with a short heel and work your way up, but you may have better luck if you try on several heights and decide which angle feels the most comfortable to you. Sometimes a higher heel will create a more natural arch in your foot and be more comfortable to walk in than a lower heel.

Style of Your High Heel Shoes
After you have the fit and the height selected you can move on to something a bit more fun, the style of the high heel shoes. High heel shoes come in an almost unlimited number of styles. There are open toe, rounded toe, pointy toe, lace ups, strappy heels and clogs. There are also wedges, stiletto heels and chunky heels. In addition to shape and pattern differences there are also choices to be made about the color and the finish of the shoe.

Buying Your Shoes
If you are just starting to build your high heel collection then you will want to buy one pair of basic black high heels. These no frill shoes will go with most of your evening and work outfits. Next you will want to select a shoe for a day look. You can select a lighter colored neutral high heel shoe for this. After you have your basic day and evening shoes you can select shoes that are more exciting and that will be used to complete specific outfits.

Bags are one of the oldest fashion accessories in the world. They have been used since prehistoric times to carry items like tools, food and supplies. Today bags are still used to carry items, however, their designs have evolved slightly over the last 10,000 years. They have become both a fashion item and a functional item. This dual function has lead to the development of five main categories of bags: shoulder bags, totes, travel bags, clutches and sports bags.

Shoulder Bags
Shoulder bags are identified by a long shoulder strap that is attached to the bag. The bag itself is generally rectangular in shape and it generally has one large interior compartment and several smaller compartments that are used to organize items inside the bag. These bags come in many sizes, however, they tend to be on the large side.

Tote Bags
Tote bags have very simple designs. They are a basic rectangle shape with two short handles. These bags are used to carry everything from groceries to books. They are also used as a casual bag when people go to the park or to the beach.

Travel Bags
Travel bags come in several varieties. Their purpose is to keep your clothing and personal items organized and contained while you are traveling. Small travel bags include vanity bags, toiletry kits and fanny packs. Larger travel bags include suitcases, wardrobe bags and carry-on bags.

Clutches
One of the most fashionable categories of bags is the clutch category. Clutches are dainty little bags that are designed to hold and organize the items that women need when they go out on the town. They are generally only slightly larger than a woman's hand and they tend to be very decorative. Clutches can be used to add a punch of color or whimsy to a formal outfit.

Sports Bags
The final type of bag that you can add to your wardrobe is sports bags. Sports bags are used to organize and carry sports supplies and gear. Backpacks fall under this category as do duffle bags. Sports bags generally have strong seams and are usually made from canvas, vinyl or leather. They also come in sporty colors and designs.

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.

When you are building a wardrobe it is important to focus on creating specific types of styles. For example, you need a work wardrobe, an exercise wardrobe and a dressy wardrobe. If you enjoy formal events or if your work requires that you participate in formal events, then you may want to develop a couture wardrobe.

What is Couture?
Couture is a term that is used to describe clothing items that have been custom designed. Couture clothing items tend to have extensive detailing that is created with hand work such as beading, appliqué and sequencing. Many couture outfits are worn on the red carpet and during very special events. These items tend to be pricier than other designer clothes because of all the work that goes into them.

Building a Couture Wardrobe
Since couture clothing is expensive you will want to develop your couture wardrobe over time. You can buy one item each season for special occasions. Or you can select a few basic couture designs that you can work into your existing formal wear wardrobe. When selecting couture items you will want to focus on fit, style, color and features. The fit is key in selecting couture items as the fine handwork needs to be positioned at specific points on your body to lay right. The style of your couture also needs to be appropriate for your body shape and your personality. To make your couture ageless you will want to select designs that have neutral or ageless colors. Finally, you will want to select a couture item that has the special features that you love, such as lace, appliqué, beading or pleating.

Caring for Couture
Caring for your couture is different than caring for your other wardrobe items. Since they have a lot of fine hand work you need to make sure that the clothing items are stored properly and that they are cleaned properly. For example, if your couture item has extensive beading or sequencing then you will want to hang the dress as opposed to folding it and storing it in a trunk or a dresser drawer. This will prevent the details from popping, breaking and warping.

You need to put as much thought into your eye wear selections as you do into the rest of your wardrobe. Fortunately, shopping for eye wear, whether it is fashion eye wear for everyday use or sunglasses for outdoor use, is a lot of fun. Today there are hundreds of different types of glasses to choose between, ensuring that you will not have a hard time finding the frame style, lens features and frame colors that you are interested in.

Prescription Glasses
If you need corrective lenses then it is a good idea to start your eye wear wardrobe with a good pair of prescription glasses. Even if you normally wear contacts, having a pair of glasses is a good idea, as they can provide your eyes with a break from the close contact of contact lenses. When selecting frames for your prescription glasses you need to select a style that is going to compliment the shape of your face and that will also reflect your personality. People with very outgoing personalities will want to select frames that are a bit more daring and loud than those that are selected by people with a more laid back personality.

Sunglasses
You have a lot of choices when it comes to sunglasses. The first aspect of your sunglasses that you need to think about is the type of lens treatment the glasses have. If you need prescription sunglasses then you will want to look for lenses that change color in the light. This type of lens will provide you with clear glass when you are inside and darkened glass when you are outside. You can also select polarized lens treatments and impact resistant lens treatments.

After selecting the right type of lenses for your sunglasses you will next want to look at the frames. The style of the frames for your sunglasses needs to reflect your activity level. If you are very active in sports then you will want to select sports frames, which wrap around your face and they tend to be more resistant to impacts. If you use your sunglasses for wandering around and hanging out, then you will want to look for more fashionable frames.

If you are expecting a baby or if you are trying to get pregnant then you need to think about building a maternity wardrobe. This wardrobe will need to take you through the physical changes that your body will undergo during your pregnancy, as well as provide you with clothes to wear while you regain your figure after you deliver your baby. The clothing items that you select for your maternity wardrobe will also need to help you deal with some of the comfort issues that pregnant women have.

Footwear
While footwear may seem like a strange place to start when building a maternity wardrobe it is actually one of the first wardrobe items that will need to be updated when you get pregnant. When you are pregnant your feet swell and spread. It is because of this that you will want to buy footwear that will stretch and breathe as your feet expand.

Clogs, flipflops and slip on shoes all work well as pregnancy shoes, however, you will also want a good pair of walking shoes as well. In addition to selecting comfortable and expandable shoes you will also want to pick up high quality socks. Thick running socks will help keep your feet dry and cushioned, protecting them from pain that some pregnant women experience as their weight increases.

Bottoms
The wardrobe items for the bottom half of your body need to be stretchy and they need to include an extra-stretchy front panel to accommodate your expanding belly. When selecting bottoms for your maternity wardrobe you will want to look for natural fibers, material that has a solid color and cuts that will fit your height. You will most likely need to buy several sizes to accommodate you at the various stages of your pregnancy. Select neutral colors for your bottoms.

Tops
Maternity tops will be where you can have fun with colors and patterns. Remember to select tops that fit you at your shoulders and that then flare outward. During the early part of your pregnancy you will be able to wear normal tops, however, as your pregnancy enters the second trimester you will most likely need to buy maternity tops. Try to select tops that are not too trendy, so that you can use the tops during future pregnancies.

When you are building a wardrobe you need to think about adding items that have specific purposes. For example, you will have collections of clothing that are for work, clothing collections that are for going out and having fun and clothing collections that are for going on vacation. When you are building your vacation wardrobe you will want to look for functional clothing items that are also fashionable.

Activity Specific Clothing Items
The clothing items that you purchase for your vacation wardrobe will reflect what you will be doing on your vacation and where you will be going. You will have several different types of vacation clothing, with items selected for the most common activities you participate in while on vacation. For example, if you are a camper you will want to select clothing items that are breathable, that are durable and that will protect your body from insect bites, scratches from vegetation and that will stretch and move with you. You will also want to select footwear that has a good tread and that are supportive of your feet.

On the other hand, if you are planning a luxury vacation, such as going on a cruise, your clothing choices are going to be different from those selected for going camping. First of all you will need a formal outfit for dining and night time activities aboard the cruise ship. You will also need casual wear for touring ports and lounging around on the ship. Finally, you will need great swimwear that is flattering to your figure.

If you will be traveling abroad then you will need to select clothing items for your vacation wardrobe that are culturally acceptable for the country that you will be visiting. For example, if you are going to a country that is more conservative than the United States, then you will want to select clothing items that cover your arms and legs and that also have a more conservative neckline. When selecting clothing items you will want to look for clothing options that are comfortable, that resist wrinkling and that flatter your shape and body type. You will also want to select clothing items that are appropriate for the climate and weather conditions that you will be encountering in the foreign country.

When you are building a wardrobe you need to look at the items you use to carry and organize your daily equipment and supplies. The most commonly used items to carry supplies are purses, wallets, totes, duffle bags and backpacks. While these items may seem like simple utility purchases, if you put some effort into the items you select then you can use them to enhance the look and style of your overall wardrobe.

When building a man's wardrobe you will focus on selecting wallets, duffle bags and backpacks. Wallets are an everyday carryall that needs a more formal appearance. Generally you will want to avoid canvas and Velcro wallets once you are over 18 years of age. A high quality leather wallet in a neutral tone will compliment any outfit that you put on. For sports and more casual carryalls you can turn to backpacks and duffle bags. When selecting these items you will still want to look for quality materials. Spending a little more on your sports carryalls will not only ensure that they last longer, but it will also help you to find a bag that looks good. If you have a flexible budget then you can also buy several sports bags in various colors and designs so that you can coordinate your sports bag with your workout clothes.

When building a woman's wardrobe you will want to look at a wide variety of bags. Clutches can be selected to complete your evening look. You will want a basic black clutch, as well as several more colorful clutches. Next you will look for purses that are suitable for day use. These can be made from leather, canvas, pleather or other materials. You will want to select purses that make sense for your needs and that also will coordinate with your basic wardrobe items. Also, you will want to select both neutral color purses and colorful purses. The colorful purses can be used to add a punch of color or pattern to a neutral outfit. Finally, you will want to look for sports and utility bags. These bags will be used for workout supplies, hiking gear and casual use. You can select sports bags that compliment your workout wear or that look attractive to you.

Staying in style all the time is nearly impossible to do since fashion changes on a seasonal basis. However, if you create your own style you won't be such a slave to fashion trends. If you are interested in creating a look that is uniquely you, then all you have to do is add a few signature pieces to your basic wardrobe. These purchases will add color, patterns and style to your wardrobe that will turn a basic outfit into a stylish outfit that is so "you."

Adding Color to Your Wardrobe
The first way that you can enhance your wardrobe and create your own style is to select signature colors. For example, if you enjoy the color turquoise then you can select accent clothing pieces and accessories that are made in this color. The goal here is to select a color that is complimentary to your skin and hair tones and that will make basic outfits pop. You will also want to select seasonal clothing items in your signature color so that you can be "you" all year round.

Adding Patterns to Your Wardrobe
Another simple way to enhance the style of your wardrobe is to add clothing items that have unique patterns. You can select a floral pattern or a geometrical pattern. A few of these pattern pieces can be used to enhance the interest of the outfits that you put together. For example, you can enhance the visual appeal of a basic black suite by adding a patterned camisole or a patterned shirt under the jacket. You can also use patterned leggings or socks to add a touch of interest to an all business outfit.

Vintage, Contemporary or Futuristic
The third way you can enhance the look of your wardrobe is to select a style that you enjoy. This style can be vintage, contemporary or futuristic. After selecting a style that you like and that looks good on your body you will find a few pieces from that style to weave into your wardrobe. These pieces can be mixed and matched with your basic wardrobe items to create all new stylish outfits.

Today, fitness activities are a major part of people's schedules. However, many people don't give their fitness wardrobe much thought. As a result their workout outfits are ill fitted, they are not flattering and they do not provide the person with the protection that they need from chafing and rashes. Fortunately, all of these problems can be resolved by simply giving your fitness wardrobe a little thought.

Sizing Fitness Clothing
While you may not think that the size of your fitness clothing makes much of a difference it is actually very important to wear fitness clothes that actually fit your body. Clothes that are too tight can keep your body parts from completing their full range of motion, they can cause serious chafing and they can cause rashes and sores from rubbing on your skin. Fitness clothing that is too loose can also cause problems. For example, loose clothing can get caught up in fitness machines, it can cause chafing and it can make completing exercises difficult to do because the material gets in the way.

The best way to avoid all of these problems is to select fitness clothing that fits your body properly. This means that it is lose enough that you can bend, twist and stretch without discomfort and that it is form fitting enough to prevent material from getting caught in fitness equipment or bunching up on you. If you don't know what size to get look at the sizing chart found on the clothing item or on the website.

Selecting Fitness Clothing Pieces
To develop a fitness wardrobe you will want to start at your feet and work your way up. To begin with you will want to buy socks that are designed for sports. These socks will give you a little more padding at the Achilles' tendon, they will be more absorbent and they will provide you more cushioning on the soles of your feet. Next, you will want to select a couple of pairs of workout shoes. They should fit your feet both length wise and width wise.

Your workout undergarments should be made from material that will breathe and that will also wick about moisture from your skin. They should also provide you with the support that you need for your exercises of choice. Finally you will want to select tops and bottoms that fit your body shape, that are appropriate for the exercises that you do and that are made from a material that breathes well.

As you transition from teenager to young adult your wardrobe also needs to transition. This transition is best done gradually as opposed to being done in one big shopping spree. To keep your transitional wardrobe affordable you will want to buy pieces here and there as your teen clothes wear out or need replacing.

Transitional Shoe Wardrobe

The first items that will most likely be upgraded from teen styles to young adult styles are your shoes. As a teen you can get away with wearing crazy footwear and more casual footwear. However, as you enter the job market you will need footwear that will be appropriate for your work environment. This means that if you are working in an office that you will need to wear dress shoes and that if you are working in a mechanics shop that you wear tough leather boots or shoes to protect your feet.

In addition to purchasing work appropriate shoes you will also need to mature your socializing shoes, or your party shoes. As a teen you probably wore low heels or flats if you are a girl and tennis shoes if you are a boy. While these shoes are still okay for social situations, as you enter your early to mid-twenties you will want to buy more mature looking shoes such as pointy toe high heels for women and loafers for men.

Transitional Clothing Wardrobe

Like your shoe wardrobe, your clothing wardrobe also needs to mature as you do. As a teen your clothing most likely focused primarily on casual wear. As a young adult you will want to mature the look by adding a few structured pieces like a fitted jacket, slacks and a basic suit. Since you are still young you will want to avoid pieces that are too mature or stoic looking, you will want to focus on pieces that perhaps have a funkier color or that have a younger cut to the piece. For example, young women can buy a fitted jacket in jewel tone as opposed to a black or navy jacket that is cut shorter in the body than a traditional suit jacket. Here the fit will be critically important to the overall professionalism of the item.