Managing Your Apparel Dollar Chapter 4 Planning a Wardrobe 79

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Dollar Chapters 4 Planning a Wardrobe 5 Clothing Decisions and Choices 6 Consumer Rights and Responsibilities 7 Your Choices as a Consumer 8 Get Your Money’s Worth 9 Selecting Clothes for Family Members

Chapter 4 Planning a Wardrobe 77

It’s probably happened to you. A friend calls and invites you to go somewhere special. You hang up the phone, and it suddenly hits you. You shout, “I have nothing to wear!” You look in your closet and shake your CHAPTER 4 head. Nothing seems right for the occasion. That’s when you think to yourself, “Why didn’t I plan for something like this so I’d have the right clothes to wear?” Planning a A simple solution to this dilemma could have been a wardrobe plan. In this chapter, you will learn how to look at the clothes you have and decide what you need to add to meet your needs. With careful planning, you will be more likely to have the right clothes for any occasion. With planning, wardrobe Wardrobe you can also get more of the clothes you want with the amount of money All the clothes and you have to spend. Planning also helps you make the most of the clothes accessories a person you already have. It guides you in choosing new clothes to fit your lifestyle. has to wear. This chapter will show you how to develop your wardrobe planning skills. wardrobe plan A plan that includes the clothes you have now and what Your Wardrobe Plan you will need to add in the future. A wardrobe is all the clothes and accessories a person has to wear. A good wardrobe does not just happen. Careful planning is needed. A plan is inventory defined as a method used to achieve a goal. With a wardrobe plan, you will An itemized list of know what clothes you have now and what you will need to add in the future. goods, possessions, or resources. A In planning a wardrobe, the major goal is to have the appropriate wardrobe inventory clothes for any activity that might come your way.You want your is an itemized list of wardrobe to include suitable clothes for all your activities—at home, at clothes and school, and for special occasions. accessories. Another goal of planning is to make better use of the clothes you already have. Before you buy a new garment, you should know how it will fit into your Objectives Key Terms wardrobe. With planning, you will be able to see which of your garments go well with other garments. Your outfits will seem to double in number. After studying this chapter, you will be able to wardrobe A third goal in planning your wardrobe is to create a buying plan. • explain the goals of wardrobe planning. wardrobe plan When you go shopping, you’ll know what you’re looking for. This will save • make an inventory of your clothes. inventory you time and money.You won’t waste time looking for items you don’t really need. You won’t waste money buying clothes you forgot you • evaluate your clothes inventory to determine evaluate your clothing needs. already had or won’t wear. You will know what you need to add to your mix-and-match wardrobe so you can make wise purchases. • demonstrate how to mix and match clothing to wardrobe create new outfits. accessories A Look at Your Clothes • explain how accessories can extend your Nancy Henke-Konopasek order of priority A good wardrobe plan will help you make better use of your present wardrobe. 4-1 wardrobe. Most people are not aware of how many clothes they really have. • prioritize clothing needs and wants. Take a look at your Your first step in making a wardrobe plan is taking an inventory of the • identify factors that affect your clothing wardrobe before clothes you already have, 4-1. An inventory is a count or listing of certain you shop to see preferences. items—in this case, clothing and accessories. Have you ever made an inven- what you already • select appropriate clothing for different occa- tory of all your clothing? Making a clothing inventory can be fun and can have. sions and activities.

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give you a feeling of self-confidence and organization. You may even find a In addition to listing everything, ask yourself these questions. Which surprise in the back of your closet! clothes do you enjoy wearing? Which ones help you look your best? It is a good idea to take your clothing inventory at the beginning of a Which ones fit your personality? Your answers to these questions will season or school year. The chart in 4-2 can serve as a guide for your depend on how the clothes are made, how they fit you, how you feel in inventory.You may want to add more rows or columns. Include all of your them, the color, the type of fabric, and the design. Your answers will help clothes and accessories. Group your clothes by type. For instance, put all you have a better idea as to your clothing likes and dislikes. of your pants together, your shirts together, and your shorts together. Evaluating Your Wardrobe As you complete your wardrobe inventory, evaluate each item. To evaluate means to determine the worth of something. After you list each evaluate What I Need item, tell how you like it. Do you enjoy wearing the item, or do you sel- To determine the List of My Clothes Description How I Like It Condition to Add or Do dom, if ever, wear it? Does it go with other items in your wardrobe, or do worth of something. you need something to wear with it? Suits (guys) none don’t like Evaluate the condition of each item. Is it like new, or is it almost worn out? Does it need to be cleaned? Does it need to be repaired? If there Sport Coats (guys) 1–plain brown OK like new are garments that need repair, put them in a special section. Indicate Dresses (girls) what needs to be done. Is a seam coming loose or a button falling off? As you find time, you can work on them. If items need to be dry cleaned, Skirts (girls) put these aside, too. Evaluate the fit of each item. Have you outgrown some of your Slacks 1–tan like alot good 1–pair 1–plaid don’t like too small plain–colored clothes? Some of your clothing will be outgrown and can be passed on to someone else. Jeans 4 pairs great 3–good 1–new pair 1–worn out When your inventory is complete, you can do an overall evaluation of your wardrobe. In the last column of your inventory, explain what action Shirts/Blouses 3–plain like patterned 5–pattern ones best 2–too small 2–new shirts you will take. For instance, you can now see what clothes you have and Sweaters what, if any, new ones you need to add. You may find that you have more clothes in good condition than you thought you had. You may discover Jackets that you can mix and match more garments to create additional outfits. You can also decide what to do with garments that need to be repaired Coats all weather fits my needs good or discarded. Indicate who might welcome your discarded items. Now look at the garments under each listing in your wardrobe inven- Shoes/Boots 1–pair for school OK beat up tory. Do you find you have too many of one type of clothing and not 1–pair boots my favorite pretty good new shoes enough of another? For instance, are all of your shirts suited to jeans Underwear and only one to dress slacks? Do you find you have enough dress-up clothes for the number of times you need them? Socks What else can you learn from your chart? Perhaps from the com- ments under the heading “How I Like It,” you can tell what type of cloth- Jewelry ing you like best. These garments are probably best suited to your figure Belts type or build, skin coloring, and personality. Deciding what you like best when there is so much to choose from is an accomplishment. Now when Other you shop for new clothes, you will know the types of clothing you enjoy wearing. This will help you make wise purchases. 4-2 This partially complete chart may help you get started on a clothing inventory of your own. This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

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Mixing and Matching Trends Making News Mixing and matching is an easy way to make more outfits from the clothes you own. A mix-and-match wardrobe is a wardrobe in which mix-and-match the garments have been coordinated (put together) to add variety and wardrobe to create more outfits. Even if you combine only a few garments in A wardrobe in to establish a relationship with mix-and-match outfits, you can give the impression of having more which garments can Teen-age these young buyers to build brand clothes, 4-3. be combined with loyalty that will stay with them into many other gar- Look through your wardrobe. Do you find that a certain color is Trendsetters their adult years. ments to create sev- repeated in many of your clothes? If so, you could use that color as a Because of the dollars at eral different outfits. foundation as you build your mix-and-match wardrobe. In today's booming economy, stake, stores want to be sure they Perhaps many of your clothes are blue. You could choose to develop clothing manufacturers are target- have what teens are buying when a red, white, and blue color scheme. You could begin with a few basic ing teens and preteens because they are buying them. This means garments including blue jeans, navy pants, a white top (shirt or blouse), of their huge numbers. In 2003, retailers have to plan ahead for a red print top, and a red V-neck sweater. You could wear blue jeans with there were 33 million 12- to the items to be designed, manu- either the white or the red print top. You could add the sweater to either 19-year-olds in the U.S. popula- factured, and shipped to them. To outfit. That makes four different outfits. Change the blue tion. This number has been grow- be sure they don’t miss this jeans to navy pants, and you have four more! ing every year since 1992, and is opportunity, manufacturers watch expected to top off in 2010. At that teen-age trendsetters. They invite Try New Combinations point, there will be almost 35 mil- them to fill out questionnaires on lion teens in the U.S., more than the Web or in magazines. Some Study your wardrobe carefully. Select a pair of slacks ever before. companies even hire groups of and see how many shirts, sweaters, and vests look good Not only are there many teens to meet with executives with them. Imagine combinations you have not thought teens, but their buying power is where they try products and talk of before. Hold the combinations together to see the tremendous. According to about fashions. effect. How would a belt or tie look with an outfit? With Teenage Research Unlimited, a Companies look for the this try-and-see method, you may find new, unexpected teen-oriented marketing firm, 20 percent of teens who are inno- combinations. teens spent $159 billion in 2005. vative enough to start new fashion Sport coats and slacks for guys can be interchanged About 40 percent of this money trends. Marketers call one group to make other outfits. A plaid sport coat could be worn was spent on clothing. “Edge” kids—those that start new with several different pairs of slacks. If the slacks are the These two factors have made trends. A second group is called same color as one of the colors in the plaid, the effect is teens a prime target market. “Influencers.” Members of this sec- even better. The same coat could be worn with jeans for Research shows that 68 percent of ond group look at the new trends some activities. Add a vest or sweater and you’ll have teens go to shopping malls each and decide whether they will another outfit. Suppose a young man’s wardrobe includes week, spending about three and adopt them. If they do give their a pair of jeans, corduroy slacks, and khaki pants. He also one-half hours there. They spend approval, the remaining 80 per- has a plaid shirt, T-shirt, western shirt, solid color shirt, about $103 per week. Every manu- cent of teens will latch on to the and jacket. How many different combinations could you make for him? facturer and retailer wants a piece style. In the meantime, the Edge The McCall Pattern Co. of this action. In addition, they want kids are on to a new look. For girls, skirts, pants, blouses, vests, sweaters, and 4-3 jackets can be mixed and matched. A skirt could be By combining the jacket with either a teamed with a lacy blouse for a dressy occasion. The skirt or slacks, you can create outfits for same skirt could then be teamed with a sweater to create different occasions.

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a super outfit for school. If a girl has a plaid skirt, a solid color suit, a Prioritize Your Needs and Wants plaid shirt, a dressy blouse, slacks, and jeans, how many different combi- Now that you have a better picture of your present wardrobe, you can nations could you make for her? see what you need to add to it. Make a list of the clothes that you need When you have the chance to add something to your wardrobe, get to replace because you have either out- clothes that mix and match with those you already have. A few additions grown them or worn them out. Also list can create many new outfits, 4-4. the clothes that will help you fill in some accessories missing pieces in your wardrobe. As Items such as shoes, Accessories Can Stretch Your Wardrobe you make your list, consider both your scarves, legwear, needs and your wants. You can get more from your clothes with the use of accessories. handbags, billfolds, You may find it difficult to distinguish These include belts, jewelry, scarves, hats, neckties, handbags, and hats, neckties, between needs and wants. Few people jewelry, and belts; shoes. They do not usually cost as much as other clothing items, and the would be happy if they had only things the items needed to choices are endless. they need. Your actual clothing needs complete an outfit. Accessories add variety to your are few, but your wants are unlimited. wardrobe. For instance, you can make A need is something you have to the same outfit look either dressy or have for your existence. The most basic casual, depending on the accessories clothing need is to cover your body for you wear with it. They can also help you protection from the environment. For coordinate your wardrobe. If you have instance, you need a warm coat if you black pants, you may plan to wear a live in a cold climate. There are varying white shirt or blouse with them. You can degrees of need, however. You may look even better by adding a tie or scarf need to buy a that has black in it. To repeat a color Simplicity Pattern Co. required gym uni- from your outfit in accessories gives 4-5 form for school. A your outfit a coordinated look. Trendy accessories have given this certain outfit may be Another advantage of using acces- outfit a new look. required where you sories is that they can help you keep work. You also need up with the latest fashion. Since they to wear certain styles of clothes for reasons of mod- are less expensive than most gar- esty. These are all examples of clothing needs. ments, you can afford to buy them A want is a desire for something that will give you more often. Watch the newspapers, more satisfaction than you have now. Wants are end- magazines, and stores for the new less. You may want clothes for attractiveness, enjoy- fashions. Then look for an accessory ment, variety, or self-confidence. Many wants result that will help give an old outfit that new from wishing to have something because somebody look, 4-5. else has it, 4-6. Look through your wardrobe and Your peer group and close friends also influence decide what it will take to “tie it all your clothing wants. You like to dress as they do, and together.” What could you select that certain clothes help to accomplish this. These clothes could be worn with many outfits and may seem like a need to you, but your parents may improve the looks of each one? You consider them wants. would not want to spend money on Manufacturers use advertisements to make con- ©Spiegel 2000 items that will seldom be used or worn. sumers want their products and fashions. Merchants set 4-4 This is when planning can really be 4-6 up attractive displays in stores to convince customers These basic pieces can be mixed and matched in many ways worthwhile. Is this garment likely to fulfill a want for this to create several outfits. that they want certain merchandise. In 4-7, the display young woman? This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

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shows several styles of tops and pants. When you first see it, you might small, delicate designs. More forceful personalities may be expressed with a think that you would like to have one of the garments. If you think back to minimum of design details, strong colors, and rough textures. your clothing needs, you might be able to resist the tempting display. Many young men like to wear casual outfits like the ones shown in 4-8. As you review your list of wardrobe needs and wants, list them in They feel neat, but comfortable. As they create these outfits, they are order of priority order of priority. That means you will list them from the most important to expressing their personalities. Items are listed the least important. Some items may be needed right away, while others Girls can wear casual outfits based on jeans or slacks, 4-9. They also from the most can wait. Most people have a limited amount of money to spend on have the option of showing their femininity by wearing skirts or dresses. They important to the clothes. Therefore, they will need to buy the most important items first. This can express the businesslike side of their personalities by wearing suits. least important. would be an item of top priority. After the needed items are purchased, some of the wanted items can be added if there is still money available. Your Activities These would be items lower on the priority list. Your clothing choices are influenced by your activities—where you go and what you do. Your most frequent activity is attending school. Therefore, most of your clothes will be chosen for school wear. These Your Clothing Preferences same outfits can be worn for most leisure activities, such as attending Few people like to wear exactly the same clothes as someone else. Instead, they like to show their individuality.You choose clothes based on your needs, but you also consider your personality, activities, and the climate where you live. Do you like your clothes to be noticed, or do you prefer to wear what everyone else is wearing? Do you need special clothes for dressy occasions, for certain sports, or for your hobbies? Do you need warm clothes for cold winters or extra swimsuits for all those days on the beach? The answers to these questions will help you choose the clothes that are right for you. Your Personality The clothes in your wardrobe should express your personality. When shopping for clothes, has a friend ever held up an item and said, “This looks like you”? If so, your friend was saying that the clothing matched your personality. Your clothes should help you say, “I am trying to be me. This is how I feel about myself.”You want to wear clothes that are in style, but you also want to

choose the styles that express your per- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 4-7 sonality. For example, some girls may 4-8 4-9 Attractive displays may cause you to confuse your clothing express passive and timid personality Most young men feel more comfortable in These girls are dressed for fun, choosing clothes that needs and wants. traits by choosing soft, sheer fabrics and casual outfits such as these. express their personalities. This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

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ball games, going shopping or to the movies, or just color that can be worn with many outfits. It should not show soil easily since hanging out with friends. dry cleaning bills can add up quickly. Few people buy a coat every year, so If you work part-time, you may need special clothes keep in mind that you will be wearing your coat for a long time. for your job. A uniform may be required, or sturdy work The layered look is great for adjusting to different temperatures. It is a pants. If you participate in sports, you may need clothing popular, attractive, and practical fashion for both guys and girls. Shirts, for these activities. Sports clothes will need to be com- sweaters, and jackets can be combined in several different ways, depend- fortable, protective, and durable. ing on the weather. In 4-12, the man’s outfit began as a basic T-shirt and The clothes you choose may be completely different jeans combination. Then he added a long-sleeved, collarless knit pullover than those of the person sitting beside you. Your friend and a wool shirt. He can adjust this layered outfit to be comfortable as the may need hiking boots, but you might not need them if temperature changes. you never go hiking. Some people do not need dressy or fancy clothes. Casual clothes and jeans are acceptable for the parties and events they attend. Other people who go to many church activities and special events need sev- Selecting eral dressy outfits. Appropriate Compare the people in 4-10 and 4-11. They have planned different activities, so they have chosen different Clothes clothing. They are all suitably dressed for what they will 4-10 Dressing appropriately means wear- be doing. This couple is dressed for a special dance ing clothes that are suitable for the occa- at school. sion. This includes clothes for school, Your Climate relaxing with friends, working around Different climates create different clothing needs. In home, and special occasions. The accept- some areas, temperatures are fairly warm all year. In ed customs of your community will also these places, people do not have to give much thought affect what is appropriate clothing for you. to seasonal clothing. They can wear most of their During your teenage years, you are clothes during any season. trying to establish your own identity.You In other sections of the country, people must have some want to make your own decisions and clothing that is comfortable in warm weather and other do things your own way. There is a clothes for cold weather. They will probably spend more strong feeling to want to do as your money for clothes than people in mild climates. A winter friends do. Peer group pressure is coat could be a major expense. Boots, hats, scarves, and strongest at this time. gloves are other expenses for people living in cold climates. At this age, the selection and wear- In many areas, medium-weight clothing is appropri- ing of clothes often causes conflicts ate for the climate. You can add extra sweaters and light- between parents and their teenagers. weight jackets to medium-weight garments when days They may not understand why you want are cold. Several layers will give more warmth than one to wear the clothes that you select. heavy garment. This is because air is trapped between You want to convince the adults in the layers and becomes warm from the heat of your your life that you are growing up. You act body. In some sections of the country, a lightweight coat mature when you accept responsibility is all that is needed. One with a heavy zipout lining is a for what you do. Dressing suitably for

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. good choice for those who live in a colder climate. It can your activities is one part of being Pendleton Woolen Mills 4-11 be worn during fall, winter, and spring. responsible. This means that you realize 4-12 A day flying kites on the beach calls for When looking for a coat, style and fit are your first con- there are certain types of clothes that The layered look is well suited to changing temperatures as shorts, T-shirts, and sandals. siderations, followed closely by quality and cost. Select a should be worn for the different things the day goes on. This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

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you do, 4-13. In most areas, jeans, T-shirts, and sweatshirts can be worn Special Occasions to school, the movies, or to attend a sports activity. However, these outfits Many school clothes can be changed into special might not be appropriate for a religious service. occasion clothing with the addition of accessories. A sport coat, jewelry, a scarf, or a necktie can be added for School Clothes a dress-up look. Most of your clothing is bought for school wear. This same clothing can Some dress-up occasions call for clothes different than be appropriate for other activities such as shopping, movies, spectator those worn to school. Although many parties are casual, sports, babysitting, and visiting friends. As school clothes become worn, they some are planned to be “dress up.” This may mean that can be worn as you do chores such as mowing the lawn or washing the car. sport coats, suits, neckties, or dresses are to be worn. It is impossible to say what should be worn to which places for all When they need to look more businesslike, young teenagers. Although dress codes are seldom written, men may choose to wear a suit or sport coat. With a you generally know what you can and cannot wear to well-planned wardrobe, young men can mix and match school. For instance, when a student’s clothing distracts their garments. They can combine different slacks, other people, it is unsuitable. If a girl wore a skimpy top, shirts, sweaters, and sport coats. They can create in- it would be hard not to stare at her. You would wonder between outfits like the one shown in 4-16. how she is feeling about herself. She may be creating Parties at the end of school or during holidays could the wrong impression. Different parts of the country give you a chance to dress up. Some teens think it is a accept more casual, informal wear than others. special feeling to get dressed up in their best clothes. For school and informal activities, both guys and Many people seem to have a better self-concept and are girls have many options. The group of teens in 4-14 look happier when they are dressed up. When they are 4-15 ready for a day at the beach or party. The girl in 4-15 dressed appropriately, they are able to relax and have a Shirts, jeans, and book bags are popular with teens for school wear. has just finished classes for the day. The typical way of good time, knowing they are wearing the right clothes. dressing at her school is comfortable jeans, shirts, Other occasions where special clothing, other than sweaters, and jackets. school clothing, is worn could be to weddings, religious services, and some elegant restaurants. If you are not sure of the type clothing to wear to an event, ask someone who knows. The person who is responsible for the event is the best one to ask. Otherwise, ask several of your friends what they plan to wear. You might feel uncomfortable wearing a dress-up outfit if you arrive at a party and everyone else is in jeans. Community Customs and Clothing Communities vary in what is appropriate and acceptable clothing for different places and activities. In some states, the law requires customers to wear shoes and shirts to be admitted to restaurants and stores. Some elegant dining places require coats and ties. If you wish to eat there, you must accept their standard of dress. Simplicity Pattern Co. Wearing what is expected by the majority of people 4-16 4-13 is important. This may not be what is most comfortable Dressing appropriately for the occasion Sometimes a dress shirt and tie are all for you. However, you will feel more at ease when you that is needed for an office job. and the community in which you live 4-14 are appropriately dressed. shows you are responsible. This group of teens is dressed for a party at the beach. This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

CHAPTER To Review To D o To Think About

1. List three goals of wardrobe planning. 1. Make a list of the clothes that should be 1. Think about a clothing purchase you REVIEW included in a student’s wardrobe. List the made that you now regret. How might a 2. What is the first step in planning your wardrobe? number of garments and put them in an wardrobe plan have helped you make a order of priority. better clothing purchase? Key Points 3. When is a good time to take an inventory of your wardrobe, and what should you 2. Take an inventory of your clothes. Then 2. How can a wardrobe plan save you both • With a wardrobe plan, you will know include in your inventory? make a wardrobe plan. Write a summary time and money? of the results of your clothing inventory what clothes you have now and what you 4. Name three things you might consider 3. Make a list of clothes you would like to and wardrobe plan. will need to add in the future. when evaluating each item in your buy. Which are needs and which are • A wardrobe plan requires an inventory of wardrobe. 3. Make one list of clothing needs and one wants? of clothing wants. Divide into groups to your present clothes. As you look at each 5. Explain the difference between a need 4. Describe your personality. What clothing discuss the difference between needs item in your wardrobe, evaluate it. and a want. styles, fabrics, and colors seem to Consider its condition and whether or not and wants. express your personality? 6. The most basic clothing need is _____. you can still wear it. You may have out- 4. Cut out six photos of garments from 5. As a class, plan a dress code for your 7. List three factors that influence your grown some items. Some items will need advertisements, magazines, or catalogs. school. Justify your decisions. to be repaired or cleaned. See where the clothing preferences. Mount them on paper and number each gaps are in your clothing inventory. 8. The layered look is practical because item. List all the possible outfits you • Two ways to get more out of your _____. could make by mixing and matching the wardrobe are to mix and match items to A. it is popular different items. make more outfits and to wear different B. it is attractive 5. Set an imaginary clothing allowance for a accessories. C. it can be adjusted according to the year. Make a wardrobe plan based on • Clothing needs and wants should be listed weather this amount of money. Use clothing catalogs to see how much your clothing in order of priority. This will help you plan D. it is inexpensive your clothing purchases, making better items will cost. Compare your plan with use of your time and money. 9. Who should you talk to if you don’t know those of your classmates. what to wear to an event? • You choose clothes based on your 6. Select an occupation and plan a suitable needs, but you also should consider your 10. When you are dressed appropriately, you wardrobe for a person in that occupation. personality, your activities, and the cli- are more likely to feel _____. Explain your choices. mate where you live. 7. Collect pictures that illustrate your per- • Dressing appropriately means wearing sonality in your clothing preferences. clothes that are suitable for the occasion. Give a reason for each selection. • Communities vary in what is appropriate 8. The layered look is practical and fashion- and acceptable clothing for different able. Collect examples of the layered places and activities. look that are suitable for your climate and arrange a bulletin board display. 9. Collect pictures of people and react to their clothing choices. List various activities. Indicate which people are dressed appropriately for each activity.

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