What is a cluster!!
A cluster is a small group of synchronized clothing pieces. You may be thinking, “He must be talking about mix and match. I know all about that.”
But it is not just about clothes. It includes shirts, pants, dresses, outerwear, shoes and accessories.
The garments and accessories you already own can elongate the overall life of your wardrobe. You only need to know how to make the most of what you own. It is an art to classify your clothing into compatible groups that work together maximizing wardrobe options.
And who doesn’t want that.
We have all got a lot to juggle: our jobs, our boss, co-workers and employees, our home, family, and finally our image. Clothes, shopping, image…who has the time to think about it, not to talk about the funds?
A well- designed cluster includes enough clothing and accessory pieces for a array of looks to fit all of your needs. The technique not only saves you the headaches of figuring out what to wear, it also saves your time, because you’ll know what to look for when shopping…pieces that work with your cluster! Another benefit of clustering is that you can build your wardrobe as quickly or as slowly as your time and budget allow.
The plan is trouble-free and functioning wardrobe for everyone, no matter what one’s age, lifestyle or budget.
I started speculating why I was keeping a closet stuffed with mediocre clothes I didn’t love/wear. And I also started questioning why I kept spending money on mediocre clothes I didn’t wear because they didn’t fit/look right.
As soon as I learnt about CLUSTERING, I tried it out and trust me I NEVER LOOKED BACK. Now I always feel like I have something amazing to throw on, be it Sunday brunch or a client meeting, because every single piece in my closet is something I would love to be dressed in right this moment.
Let me give you some quick tips to design your own CLUSTER:
Find a pattern, print, stripe or plaid to inspire the color scheme of your cluster. Your print can be in a shirt, pants, or even an accessory item such as a tie. The best place to start is with something from your own closet. Chances are good that if you bought it, you like it.
If you prefer a wardrobe of solids, simply go shopping, browse the prints, and pick one.
For maximum flexibility, choose a color scheme that includes at least three hues. Two of the colors should be wardrobe neutrals, and at least one should be an accent color. Keep in mind that “neutral” doesn’t have to mean boring. A wardrobe neutral is simply a muted shade of practically any hue. And accent colors are just like they sound, lighter and brighter. They create an accent in your wardrobe.
Plan for five to eight pieces of clothing—top and bottom pieces. Five pieces might include three shirts and two bottoms. Believe it or not, these pieces can be combined to form as many as 12 different looking outfits. This may be enough pieces for many people depending on your needs.
A nice method is to use a couple of suits in your cluster, since a matched suit is a foundation for many professionals. This approach gives you the skill to wear the pieces of the suits together or to split them up and create a variety of looks.
Select pieces that are basic—simple in styles lines and shape. When clothes are simple in line and shape, not only can they can be combined for a variety of looks, but the entire feel of an outfit can change with the change of accessories. Another way of looking at this is that the interest doesn’t come from each individual garment but in the way, you combine the clothes and accessories
Select accessories that go with the clothes, starting with basic accessories. For example, a must have is a pair of black shoes.
Gradually increase your cluster to meet all of your wardrobe needs. Obviously, the easy pieces mentioned, such as pants, shirts, and a pair of shoe can’t meet all of your wardrobe needs. You may need formal evening wear or work out wear. Depending on your lifestyle, you may even want to start specific clusters, for example, evening wear clusters, or travel clusters. If you travel often and perhaps unexpectedly for business, you may want to reserve a cluster just for travel and have it ready to go at any time. What a stress buster!
To me, a cluster signifies extra time and energy for what really matters (less time spent deciding what to wear / less time spent shopping / less time doing laundry or caring for clothes) more funds for our dreams + helping others (less money spent on clothes that never get worn) and more satisfaction and pleasure.
Please note:
Cluster planning works best with an Image Consultation.
Even if you have already done the cluster planning, remember to get an annual check-up with an ‘Image Review’ to ensure you look your best all the time.