How to Get Dressed
A Costume Designer’s Secrets For Making Your Clothes Look, Fit, and Feel Amazing
by Alison Freer
Brief overview
This book explains how to dress in a way that elevates your confidence, no matter your body shape or budget. It provides practical advice on everything from tailoring clothes to breaking so-called fashion rules. You will learn how to create a personal style that represents who you are, while also keeping your closet organized and functional.
Hooking You In
Ever feel frustrated by clothes that never seem to fit right? Or costumes on TV that look flawless and wonder why your garments can’t do the same? This introduction shows why insider wardrobe tips matter. Whether it's a pricey blazer or a thrifted treasure, the right techniques can dramatically change how your entire outfit looks and feels.
Costume designers spend hours altering even the simplest T-shirts for on-camera perfection. The good news is you don’t need to be a Hollywood professional to make these transformations happen. A few targeted tweaks will upgrade your closet more than any brand name or lavish purchase.
By the end of this journey, you’ll see that dressing well isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about securing a few expert fundamentals—like proper fit, garment care, and personal flair—so that every outfit expresses the best of who you are.
The Power of Good Tailoring
One of the top reasons clothes look unremarkable has nothing to do with brand or cost—it’s poor fit. Even movie stars rarely wear anything straight off the rack; most pieces get a nip or tuck so everything flatters perfectly. Tailoring does not have to cost a fortune.
Simple fixes include taking in the sides of a blouse or adjusting strap lengths on a tank. These small changes can transform your entire silhouette. Some tasks, like reattaching zippers, might call for a pro. But find a trusted tailor, and you’ll never again stare in the mirror wishing your clothes fit just a little better.
Be mindful of the garments worth tailoring. Anything that’s too small by several sizes may not be salvageable. Complex fabrics, like heavily beaded or sequined pieces, are also risky to alter. But for typical dresses, skirts, and shirts, modest alterations go a long way.
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What is How to Get Dressed about?
"How to Get Dressed" by Alison Freer is a masterclass in style, offering transformative insights from a seasoned costume designer's toolkit. The book delves into practical fashion truths, debunking the myth that style is reserved for a particular body type or size. Freer combines industry secrets and personal anecdotes to guide readers toward developing authentic, personal styles that transcend fleeting trends.
Freer emphasizes the importance of clothing that flatters and fits perfectly, regardless of where it originated. She breaks down essential strategies for tailoring, providing actionable advice on how anyone can tweak garments to enhance their wardrobe. Beyond just modifying clothes, this book is a call to understand your essence and let it shine through smart attire selections, while also maintaining a perfectly organized closet.
Rich with insights for both fashion novices and aficionados, "How to Get Dressed" illustrates that true style is a blend of comfort, expression, and adaptability. In a fashion realm where following rules is almost prophetic, Freer champions authenticity and confidence as the ultimate markers of well-dressed individuals.
Review of How to Get Dressed
"How to Get Dressed" stands out with its audacious perspective on fashion rules. Alison Freer expertly challenges misconceptions, revealing that the foundation of great style starts with tailored clothing and personal preferences over branding. Her years in costume design afford readers a VIP pass into the world of practical fashion tips, helping them navigate everything from intricate garment care to playful rule-breaking.
One of the book's most significant strengths is its focus on real-world applications. Freer provides pragmatic approaches for mastering various elements of a wardrobe, from undergarments to vintage finds, ensuring an accessible fashion journey for all readers. Her tone remains engaging yet informative, demystifying the complexities of fashion.
Particularly commendable is the book’s inclusivity, speaking to diverse audiences regardless of size, gender, or budget. Freer's recommendations make complex stylistic changes achievable for anyone willing to embrace them. This ambitious manifesto is both a guidebook and an affirmation: everyone holds the potential to articulate their personal style boldly. For anyone seeking to invigorate their wardrobe and align it more closely with who they are or aspire to be, Freer's book is a must-read.
Who should read How to Get Dressed?
- Fashion Enthusiasts seeking to redefine personal style and explore bold sartorial choices.
- Professionals who require polished appearances in their day-to-day interactions but seek more than label-driven fashion.
- Creative individuals looking to express their personality through unique and tailored wardrobe choices.
- Budget-conscious shoppers hoping to maximize their wardrobe while keeping expenses in check.
- Individuals transitioning into new roles or phases in life, wanting their attire to reflect newfound identities or aspirations.
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