by Amber Pierce, www.newwinelights.com

In today’s economy, it may seem difficult to dress as fashionably as we might like.  While limited resources might hinder our ability to buy anything we want, it can serve as a challenge to our creativity where fashion is concerned.  Fashion is available to anyone, regardless of economic circumstances!

I have been guilty of cleaning out my closet at the end of a season with no regard for how some garments might be reworked in the next season.  My attitude toward clothing could have been summarized like this:  “Oh, it’s just a shirt.  I can always get a newer, more stylish one!”  I know that my attitude was wasteful and uncreative.  As I have talked with older, more seasoned women about the role of fashion and clothing in our culture, I have learned that there is another approach to moving from season to season in the world of fashion that involves the creative use of clothing resources.

Most of us know what looks good on our own bodies.  Regardless of the current fashion trends, we should trust our instincts where clothing is concerned.  Just because pastels might be in vogue this summer does not mean they will work for every person.  For that reason, we all need to identify our personal style and use what we already have to develop our wardrobe for a new season.  With the addition of a few carefully selected accessories and some minor alterations, we can turn something old into something new and fashionable without breaking the bank.

Another side of this creative fashion thinking involves sharing clothing with friends and family.  We might look at last summer’s maxi dress with disdain, but our next door neighbor will look adorable in it with the simple addition of a belt or necklace.  This summer, examine your resources and get creative with fashion!