Answering Your Questions

Two burning questions from readers of Wardrobe-Wise get answered....

Question:

I'm a member of SAG Screen Actors Guild) and do a lot of background work for which I must maintain a highly versatile and completely accessorized wardrobe. I'm frequently required to bring choices ranging from ultra-casual, upscale casual, hot and trendy, to full-blown formal attire as if I'm attending the Academy Awards. Additionally, I'm a substitute teacher at the middle school up the street when I'm not on set, so my wardrobe must be "spot on" and specific.
I manage to do a good job of "nailing" the appropriate looks and always being "camera-ready," but I still feel OVERWHELMED by my OVER-BLOATED, somewhat edited, colorized, and organized wardrobe, all of which is located in one master walk-in closet!
Incidentally, we're not allowed to wear black, red or white on set except as accent colors. Might you be able to address my dilemma and help me simplify my life?
-Francine

Answer:
Wow, Francine, this is a toughie! But I’ll do my best here and show you how I might attempt to organize.
First off, I would build up a regular working wardrobe for the substitution work that you do, focusing on a business casual feel. Because this job is not your only focus, however, you could get by with an even smaller wardrobe…maybe 4-5 bottoms versus 5-6. This choice is absolutely dependent on how often you are in the classroom, though. (If you are on the set quite a bit, 3-4 bottoms might even suffice!)

Then to manage your film wardrobe, I would begin by categorizing the types of roles you get called in to do…much in the same way that you did in your email above. Once you have this list, think about creating little mini-capsules around each character type. This will give you several different options to choose from. If this edits your acting wardrobe down too much, either make the capsule slightly larger or create sub-categories of each character type that would each have their own mini-capsule. I’m operating on the assumption that most of what you will be asked to bring to the set is appropriate to character and yet not too eye-catching. This is really helpful since you will be able to wear these outfits across multiple jobs and multiple scenarios without it being glaringly obvious.

I hope this helps!

Question:
I like your Web site and blog. Your approach to planning makes sense to
me for winter, 6 bottoms with 2 tops and jackets for each.

The question I have is summer, we in Austin are experiencing 100 degree
heat. It is difficult to think about wearing 2 layers on top. Would the
summer anchor plan be 6 bottoms and 2 tops for each? Not as much variety
as the winter. I know there are those who wear an additional light layer
for the AC, but that is not something I have ever wanted or needed. Then
there is the approach of wearing a tank and another layer, but I would
not want to wear the tank by itself because of upper arm exposure. I am
trying to avoid that at my age.

What approach would you take to summer dressing in the heat?
-Nanette

Answer:
Summer wardrobes tend to be much smaller because fabrics are lighter and there is less of it in the garment. Not to mention there is not the same need to layer for warmth. This can lead to more of a feeling of monotony in your summer wardrobe. Usually I would suggest what you have already mentioned: light layering pieces or camis. But in your case I would suggest that you look at different accessories to complement your outfits and to bring a little more variety to your overall look. I don’t know how it fits into your style, but the trend as of late has been to layer multiple necklaces and/or strands of beads. Also, there has been the trend of wearing light scarves in summer-weights…either around the neck, around the waist, or in the hair. It’s up to you! An accessory really does have the power to finish off a whole look…so have fun choosing items that really fit your personal style while keeping you cool in the sweltering Texas heat.
Hope this helps!

Jennifer Skinner

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