Figuring Out Fashion

Reworking existing clothing adds up, reducing the cost for both the wearer and the planet. Many wardrobes are full of unworn impulse purchases and expensive mistakes: clothes that don’t fit well or with details that don’t flatter. For those concerned about the cost of fashion shopping—not just personal debt, but the ethical issues of cheap labour and the ecological impact of over-consumption of fashion clothing — Figuring Out Fashion provides answers.

Fashion stylist Jay Hunt links fashion theory to financial planning to show how a healthy bank balance and a stylish wardrobe can co-exist. Theory sections explain the basic calculations you need to master: how to assess and review your current wardrobe, working out what suits you; how to plan a capsule wardrobe for the seasons and your budget; how to understand concepts like cost per wear, and judging when quality counts. Theory is supplemented with practical instruction from ethical craft guru Barley Massey in reworking, reviving, and refreshing existing items, introduced in 20 exercises that provide step-by-step examples of simple, inexpensive re-dos you won’t need a loan for.