You watch shows like Tim Gunn’s Guide To Style and What Not To Wear on a loop, read all the latest fashion magazines, and could give a rundown on runway trends to rival Nina Garcia. You’ve got your rules down, shop with the best of them, and edit your wardrobe like it’s headed for Vogue.
So what’s between you and that head-to-toe polished, customized look that celebs and socialites seem to effortlessly effuse? A good tailor. Garment care expert Jerry Pozniak from Jeeves NY gives us the inside scoop on getting a fabulous fit.
First of all, if you’re not in New York and can’t get to Jerry’s famous Jeeves New York, what’s a girl to do to find a good tailor?
“The best tailors are usually found by word-of-mouth, ask friends who wear impeccably tailored clothing who they use,” Jerry said. “As with going to a hairdresser, remember that it is a good idea to give your tailor pictures of current styles so they can understand the look you are trying to achieve. While there are some trends in fashion that are cutting edge, many are incarnations of classic lines and shapes, so while you may describe something to the best of your ability, when a tailor can view an example, they can emulate it much more accurately.”
While most of us know the rules about hemming – bring the shoes you want to wear, wash the item before bringing it to the tailor – altering blazers can often cause more confusion.
“Tell the tailor what you are trying to accomplish,” Jerry said. “Do you want the blazer to be very fitted and accentuate every curve or are you looking for a more casual look?”
It’s already clear how tailoring tricks you might not have thought of can have a big impact on the length or fit of a garment, but how does it transform your wardrobe?
“There is nothing like a garment that has been tailored for your body shape. If you have good pieces in your wardrobe that you never wear because they just don’t look right or feel right, a trip to the tailor might be just what your wardrobe needs,” Jerry told ShinyStyle. “Tailoring is great for making ‘old look new again’ in terms of classic pieces that never go out of style.”
What alterations should you consider to make old look new again this season?
- Try taking a slouchy jacket from oversized to super fitted.
- Last year’s oversized swing jacket can be taken in and fitted to give a sleek, military-inspired look for spring.
- A belted camel trench coat can be altered to create the perfect safari-style vest.
- Last season’s Bermuda shorts can be shortened and cuffed for perfect slouchy shorts.
