Updating your wardrobe with vintage clothing for work, part 1.

With retail uncertainty in our future how do you maximise your wardrobe for work and supplement it with great second hand pieces that don’t break the bank and still make you feel fab?  Second hand clothing doesn’t need to just be about quirky dresses, if you know where to look you can find great vintage pieces that will work for work.

1.       First of all before you even start shopping take a look at what you already have. Do you have an old jacket that you’ve neglected or are there some clothes that don’t fit you that need altering. Can that long maxi skirt that you first fell in love with actually be a classy A-line skirt instead? Sometimes updating what you have got is a great starting point.

Alteration shops are all the rage at the moment and many of them are fantastic at changing buttons, taking in trousers, bringing up a hem or changing the use of an item. Simply by changing the buttons or the lining of your old suit jacket you can jazz up its appearance. I love Spotlight for contrasting lining, try something floral for spring with coloured buttons and roll the sleeves back for a more contemporary look. If your old suit jacket or blazer is too big, get it tailored around the waist area at the same time.

2.       Once you’ve organised items that can be updated, also have a look at the pieces that you love. Make a list of them to take with you on your vintage shopping spree, as you’ll get way more out of your shopping experience if you know what you are trying to match items to.

So how many pairs of pants do you own, in what colours?  What shirts or tops do you own, which ones have sleeves or are the most versatile. Shopping with a base of knowledge is your best friend. I sometimes even take photos with my phone at home first to help me work pieces together.

3.       Ok, now you are ready to shop. The first thing to do is have a think about good areas where trendy young professionals (like you) live. It’s highly likely that those inner suburbs will bear more fruit in the local opportunity shops than more affluent areas. I’ve shopped in all the opportunity shops in Toorak and all I ever find is over-priced Nana clothing. Some good areas include Brunswick, Fitzroy, Elsternwick, Hampton, St Kilda, Caulfield, Camberwell and Windsor – you get the idea.

4.       One thing op shops do really well is jackets, coats and blazers. There are always hundreds of them. Now granted most of them are not that nice, but what you are looking for is something that is good quality (look at the material and go for brands you recognise) and can be adjusted to suit your needs. If you pick up a Cue blazer for $20 and spend $30 getting it taken in with a new lining added you have your very own customised suit jacket.

Stay tuned for part 2 this week! Happy Hunting. For inspiration have a look at http://www.chevali.com.au/