Judicious use of clothing through Clustering (A2Z of Image Management)

Hi Everyone, 

Here is my 10th post for #BlogChattetA2Z challenge.  Deciding what to wear each day is a real challenge for many people.  And too many people think they need a lot of clothes to dress well. Not so. You don’t need a large quantity of clothing to have a very workable wardrobe. Too many clothes become confusing, time and space consuming and expensive. What you need to do is a simple clustering strategy.

A cluster is simply a small group,in this case a small group of clothes that works well together-harmoniously. A cluster is open ended, allowing you to add on and adapt as you need to.

Clustering allows you buy and replace your clothes a piece, or a few at a time, as fast or slow your budget allows. With cluster you get more outfits from the fewer clothes, because you coordinate the clothing lines, shapes, colors, fabrics and patterns. Clustering saves you shopping time because you know what you are looking for and whether or not it will work into your existing wardrobe. It stretches your clothing dollar because you get more outfits from fewer clothes ready for the occasion in your life.

How do you select a cluster?

• Find a source of inspiration, a pattern of colors in a print, stripes or plaid, to inspire the color scheme of cluster – the most common question “Where do I start from?  Start with the color scheme for the clothes in your closet.  If you don’t already have a color scheme in mind, stay in your closet or local store, looking for a pattern of colors you really like. Start with the colors in that print, stripes or plaid as inspiration for the colors in your cluster of clothes.
• Plan for 5 to 8 easy pieces of clothing , top and bottom pieces – Start with a cluster of five coordinated pieces of clothing in your personal style.  The clothes can be brand new or already in your wardrobe. I say 5 because it takes about five pieces to give you a variety of looks. Five pieces can add up to right, nine or ten different outfits. Five easy pieces might include 3 tops (including 3rd layer piece) and 2 bottoms. Eight easy pieces might include 5 tops (including 3rd layer piece) and 3 bottoms. Twelve easy pieces might include 9 tops (including several 3rd layer piece) and 3 bottoms.
• Select pieces that are basic ,simple their style lines and shapes – I say basic because without much detail or decoration,the look of the basic is ready to change. While you build with basics, you never need to worry about looking the same as anyone else. You wear your basics with a personal touch.
• Select piece that are distinctly different from one another , no two piece alike – each piece must have merit on its own, making a real contribution to the entire cluster. It should create a different look within any outfit, adapting to many occasion. It should put more into the cluster and give you more options and outfits as it you in your roles.
• Select accessories to go with the clothes – An accessory is any item which complete our finishes an outfit and instantly adds to the total look. The most wonderful accessories can go to waste on poor clothing choices, and the most wonderful clothes can be ruined by poor accessory choices. Choose accessories as thoughtfully as you do your clothes.
• Select pieces that go together – Too many people but clothes a single piece at a time or one outfit at a time. A shirt you buy may be terrific, but if it doesn’t go with anything you already own, it’s a waste. Each piece in a cluster needs to work with atleast three and preferably for our more, other pieces in the cluster, giving you many different combinations.
• Gradually expands your cluster – to meet all your wardrobe needs. When you are ready you can choose to plan and acquire an entirely new cluster. If you prefer you can have several small cluster, used for different segment of your life,  at home cluster, business cluster, evening cluster, hot weather cluster and so on.

Ideally one or more of the colors in the pattern that you select repeats some aspect of your personal coloring-your hair,  eye, skin and cheek coloring,  making you part of the color scheme with your clothes.  Ideally the color in the pattern include a variety of warm and cool hues,  with light and dark values for variety and interest.

Considering all of the above, clustering simplifies your life!

This post is written for #BlogChatterA2Z Challenge.

If you have missed reading my previous posts check them out here A ,B ,C ,D ,E, F, G, I

@SwatiMathur