Wouldn’t it be nice if…

clothing fit perfectly on the first try? Do you want your clothing to last for years? Have you ever thought about what style of clothing would you wear if sizing and cost were not factors?

Ever thought about how great would it be to have all of your clothes custom made to fit you perfectly? That is a daily fantasy for some people, including myself. After many years of purchasing a mixture of high and low priced clothing, I have realized that how clothing fits is the most important feature and it does not have to be expensive. Find the clothing you love within your budget and have it tailored to fit your body. The total cost of this process is still much, much less than buying a designer version of a similar piece. Hemming dresses or pants and adjusting the sleeves may be all some items need to fit just right.

Depending on where you live, alterations may range from $12 to $75 and up with more intricate adjustments of coats or embellished formal attire.

Here are a few tips on how to make affordable clothing look custom made for your body. These steps apply to everyone.

1. Find a local tailor or seamstress along with a price list of their services

2. Understand your body type and measurements so you can find the shapes of clothing that are best suited for you. It may also help to learn what colors compliment your skin tone and hair color.

3. Choose a mixture of discount stores that have assortments of clothing for your lifestyle needs. Start to notice which fabrics stand out to you and how they feel on your skin. Make a list of designer or luxury brands that you admire. Purchase timeless pieces from high-end brands once a year as a birthday gift for yourself so your lifestyle does not compromise financial goals. (For saving on designer brands, Poshmark has gently loved luxury brands at affordable prices.)

4. Create a list of all of the clothing you need for your daily and occasional activities. It is great to have “go-to” pieces for events that pop up at the last minute. Keep this list simple and classic.

5. Make an appointment with your tailor or seamstress to have your clothes fitted and altered.

How we feel in our skin and clothing effects our confidence and how we interact in the world so enjoy this process, you deserve to feel great!