Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Amanda,

Unfortunately, I think most people have this problem. We buy what we like, then we find that none of it really goes together. What to do?

First, organize your closet and drawers and find out (by trying outfits on in front of a full-length mirror) what works with what. You can even note outfits on a notepad so that you won't forget: white pants go with: red top, blue top, green top, etc. Denim skirt goes with: striped top, beige blouse, etc. You probably have more outfits than you thought, and enough outfits to get you through the next few months at least.

Get rid of the stuff you really don't like, want or need. If it isn't going to be worn, get rid of it. Keep just the good stuff. That way you can more easily see the stuff that you do want to wear that's in your closet and drawers.

The most important thing you can do is to stop buying willy-nilly. Learn a lesson from your dilemma, and buy carefully from now on. Here are some tips:

Choose two colors and stick to them when shopping, which means that you build your wardrobe around a central theme of colors that go together, whether it's pinks, or reds and oranges, or blues and greens.

Don't buy something that won't go with anything else in your wardrobe even if you love it, unless you're totally prepared to buy a completely new outfit just so that you can wear the new item.

Buy only pieces that will fit in with your existing wardrobe and your current personal style, not the life you plan to lead someday.

Hope these tips have helped! If you have more questions, please write to me again.

Sincerely, Fashion Girl