Many of us are feeling the pinch this autumn with rising food and fuel costs eating into our income. But if you’re anything like me, you would still like to have a few new additions to your wardrobe to see you through this season. But how can we achieve this without breaking the bank?

Well, if you feel the need for a fashion fix but can’t afford a shopping trip, then hosting a clothes swapping party for your friends is a great way of lifting your spirits whilst updating your wardrobe for free.

There are a number of key issues which you need to consider if you are going to host a clothes swapping party.

The logistics

Make sure your venue is suitable for the number of attendees. Make sure you have a fitting room area with long mirrors so your swappers can try on items they are interested in. Ensure you have sufficient clothes rails and hangers so all the items can be well displayed.

Rules of the party

Make clear on your invitations the cost of attending the party. It is important that you instruct your attendees to bring one or more items to the party. These items can be clothes, accessories or shoes. All clothing must be in good condition, clean, ironed and preferably on a hanger.

Swapping options

You need to decide whether you are asking everyone to "donate" all their items to the evening. In this instance, you would ask them to hand over their items upon arrival. One of your team will count the number of items and give them a voucher with the number written on it – they can choose up to that number of items from the rails later in the evening.

Or perhaps you prefer that prior to the party, everyone is sent pricing guidelines (eg: t-shirts £2, trousers £5 etc) and must mark up their items with the price and their name. Items are put onto the appropriately priced rail. Then later in the evening, the attendees can swap for items of the same value.

Selecting the best items

You also need to be careful when swapping clothes because as an item that might look fabulous on your friend may not suit you and vice versa. So to help you and your friends get the most out of your clothes swap, why not invite an Image Consultant from colour me beautiful, Europe’s leading image consultants, to your party. Not only will you get personalised style advice but you’ll also go home knowing that the clothes you’ve exchanged will be items that you’ll actually wear. So, you’ve instantly got yourself a new Autumn wardrobe!

Your Image Consultant will be able to give each of you advice on whether the colour and style of the clothes you’ve picked suits your colouring and body shape. If you prefer to have one-to-one advice, you could book in for a personal Image Consultation with colour me beautiful.