Summer Wardrobe
Look For Clothes To Keep You Cool…Without Breaking Any Fashion Rules
Spring has sprung. The smells of newly cut grass and blooming flowers are in the air. So naturally, our thoughts turn to…shopping. Revitalizing a summer wardrobe is part of our spring tradition. But before you drop a bundle on new clothes, keep in mind some sensible tips that could keep you from throwing your money away on items that may only last a year.
Think Practical
Shopping for clothes is a lot like buying a new car. It’s easy to lose perspective and be swayed by good looks or a good price, without stopping to think about practicality. Ideally, you should look for most of the following characteristics in your new clothes:
- Durability. The old adage is often true: you get what you pay for. If an article of clothing is very inexpensive, it’s likely to be made of inferior materials or construction. If you want clothes that will last, look for dependable brand names. However, be on the lookout for licensed clothing which bears a fashion designer’s label but is assembled inexpensively…and priced that way.
- Functionality. Clothes should be good for a variety of occasions. For a man, a nice short-sleeved shirt can often be worn by itself, or under a blazer or sport coat. It can even be cleaned and pressed and worn for dressier summer events. That makes good sense if you are trying to get the most from every article of clothing. For a woman, it’s hard to beat a good, white shirt which can be worn with jeans, shorts or a skirt.
- Comfort. Trust us, in the hottest days of summer you’ll want to feel cool, not just look good. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your wardrobe. Choose light fabrics like linen that are comfortable and attractive and you can’t go wrong.
- Utility. Sure that bright, oversized Hawaiian shirt with pictures of a toucan riding a surfboard is adorable, but can you wear it to the office? To mow the yard? To the three weddings you have to attend in the next three months? If not, than is it really worth the $60 to have it hang in your closet?
Remember a few other tips to get the most from your new purchases:
- Keep them clean. Don’t let clothes harbor summer grime. Sweat and other stains are harder to remove the longer they set, especially on many light-colored summer fabrics.
- Clean them right. Follow care instructions and if there’s a doubt, don’t risk it. Ask the experts at Max I. Walker.
- Be careful cleaning them at home. Some clothes (like many of today’s linens) say you can wash them at home, but to keep the fabric from being stressed and ruining the shape or sizing of a garment, you may be better off sending them to your cleaner or launderer.
With a little forethought, your new summer clothes can revitalize your wardrobe without breaking the bank.