| | | | | find interesting fabric. Even old-fashioned |
| During a credit crunch, you’re more likely to think | | | | headscarves, old linen tablecloths, duvet covers and |
| twice about splurging on the latest designer outfits. | | | | vintage curtains can be made into dresses, skirts or |
| More and more people seem to be following the | | | | bags. Have a look out for buttons too, as you could |
| advice of making use of what they already have. | | | | replace existing buttons on your garments with some |
| | | | | interesting ones found in charity shops. Adding |
| During the Second World War, the government | | | | military buttons can update an outfit instantly. |
| issued a pamphlet entitled ‘Make Do and | | | | |
| Mend’. The guide gave tips on how to save | | | | Visit a haberdashery department, local market or a |
| food and mend clothes on the cheap. Whilst | | | | Hobby craft shop and look for ribbons, lace, sequins, |
| we’re currently not living amidst a war, the same | | | | feathers, which you could add to a plain coloured |
| advice can be applied to our current state of | | | | jumper. |
| recession, as a call for a return to post-war | | | | |
| thriftiness may be just what we need. | | | | Salvage an old summer dress by teaming it with a |
| | | | | polo-neck sweater and thick tights. |
| You may own an old A-Line skirt, which you could | | | | |
| unpick and use as a template. You could pin it to | | | | Look out for tartan belts or bags, as this key trend |
| some taped together newspaper and make a | | | | can update your look for this season. Perhaps you |
| reusable pattern, or pin it straight to the fabric | | | | have an old kilt hanging about that you could turn |
| you’re going to use to make a new skirt and cut | | | | into a tote bag. |
| around it. | | | | |
| | | | | Fix as many of your damaged clothes as you can. |
| Consulting an image consultant will help you ascertain | | | | Sew on missing buttons, turn up hems. Adjust |
| what style of skirt suits your shape. For instance, if | | | | lengths of sleeves, skirts, trousers or dresses – |
| you’re what’s classified as a ‘lean | | | | and if you can’t sew, consider enrolling on a |
| column’ an A-Line skirt will look great on you. If | | | | sewing course at your local college, or look out for |
| you’re a ‘neat hourglass’ opting for a | | | | ‘how to sew’ books at charity shops. |
| straight lined skirt may be the better option. Finding | | | | |
| out what your best fabrics and patterns are for you | | | | So, enjoy what you’ve got, keep it at its peak, |
| to wear, plus what you should avoid, can only be | | | | and get more creative. You never know, you may |
| invaluable advice. | | | | emerge from the Big Squeeze as a more stylish, |
| | | | | fashionable individual! |
| Visiting your local charity shop can be a good place to | | | | |