
How to Get Dressed
Alison Freer
What's inside?
Discover the secrets of a professional costume designer to make your clothes look, fit, and feel amazing, transforming your wardrobe and personal style.
You'll learn
Key points
01Looking good is all about the fit, not the price tag. Try on different sizes and don't shy away from alterations
Let's bust a myth, shall we? You know that old saying that only certain body types can be fashionable? Well, it's a load of baloney. This idea has been spread far and wide by the media and the fashion industry, and it's done a number on a lot of people's self-esteem. But here's the truth: anyone can look stylish, no matter their body type. It's all about the fit of your clothes. Alison Freer, a seasoned pro in the fashion world, knows this better than anyone. She's worked with all sorts of body shapes and sizes, and she's adamant that the only thing standing between you and looking stylish is wearing clothes that don't fit right. Forget about chasing the latest trends or splurging on designer labels. The real secret to looking good is finding clothes that fit well and flatter your unique body shape. Now, you might be thinking, "Look good all the time? That sounds exhausting!" But don't worry, it's totally doable. Sure, everyone has off days, but if you consistently choose clothes that suit your personal style, flatter your body shape, and fit you like a glove, you'll always look put-together. And don't worry, there's no strict fashion rulebook to follow here. The goal is to empower you to wear whatever you want, as long as it fits well and you wear it with confidence. A lot of folks make the mistake of thinking that if they buy clothes in their size off the rack, they'll fit perfectly. But that's not how it works. Every body is unique, and even within the same size, body shapes can vary a lot. So, it's unrealistic to expect a pair of pants, a skirt, or a blouse to fit everyone perfectly. And feeling bummed because something doesn't fit right off the rack can really knock your body confidence. That's why Alison encourages you to learn how to tailor your clothes for a perfect fit. And no, you don't need to become a master seamstress. Even simple adjustments, like hemming a pair of pants or taking in a blouse at the waist, can make a big difference in how a garment fits and looks. By learning to make these tweaks, you can make sure your clothes always fit perfectly, which will up your style game and boost your confidence. So, to wrap it up: anyone can look stylish with well-fitting clothes. It's not about your body type, the brand, or the latest trends. It's about finding clothes that fit well and flatter your unique body shape. By learning to tailor your clothes and wearing them with confidence, you can always look your best.
02A good tailor is your secret weapon in fashion. They can make any piece look like it was made just for you
Let's talk tailoring, folks! You know that feeling when you find a killer piece of clothing, but it just doesn't fit quite right? Maybe the sleeves are too long, or the waist is a bit loose. Well, that's where a tailor comes in. A good tailor is like a magician, transforming your clothes to fit you like a glove and making you look like a million bucks. Picture this: you've just bought a gorgeous blouse, but every time you move, it pulls across your chest. Not exactly the look you were going for, right? Or maybe you've found the perfect pair of pants, but they bunch up in all the wrong places when you sit down. These are telltale signs that your clothes aren't fitting you properly. But don't worry, a tailor can fix these issues, making sure your clothes look good, feel comfortable, and work well in any situation. Now, you might be thinking, "Why don't I just learn to tailor my own clothes?" Sure, you could, but it's a lot of work. You'd need a sewing machine, the right skills, and a whole lot of time and patience. It's much easier to leave it to the pros. But here's the thing: not all clothes are worth tailoring. If something's too small, it's usually not worth the effort. Adding extra fabric can lead to weird lines and a less-than-flattering fit. And if your clothes have delicate details like sequins, lace, or chiffon, it's best to leave them as they are. Altering these materials can damage them or change the way they're supposed to look. In these cases, it's better to pass the item on and find something that fits you better. Fun fact: tailoring isn't a new thing. It's been around since the Middle Ages, when tailors would make padded garments to wear under chainmail armor. So, you see, tailoring has always been about making clothes fit and look better. So, to wrap it up, a good tailor can make a world of difference in how your clothes fit and look. They can turn a fashion faux pas into a fashion win. But remember, not every garment is worth tailoring. Sometimes, it's better to let it go and find something that fits you just right.

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03Know your style. It might change over time, but always have a sense of what you like and what suits you
04Break the fashion rules! Be creative and wear what makes you feel good
05Take care of your clothes. Store them properly and they'll last longer
06Vintage shopping can be tough but rewarding. Be patient, and you'll find some unique gems
07Conclusion
About Alison Freer
Alison Freer is a costume designer and writer based in Texas. She has worked in Hollywood for over a decade, dressing actors for film and television. Freer is also a frequent contributor to various publications, sharing her expertise on fashion and style.