While, the jury is still out on whether you need to go to a Design and Fashion School to become a fashion designer, I think if one has the flair and the talent, one can do it on one’s own. All you require is a love of fashion, imagination and a sketchpad to begin your career as a designer of clothes. If, you can’t afford designer clothes and yet you don’t seem to find anything suitable in the affordable sections, then the best bet is to start designing your own clothes.

But, remember every great design starts with a sketchbook. So, equip yourself with a sketchpad, a pencil or pen and you are ready to begin your career as a fashion designer. While, it would be good idea to learn sewing so that you can translate your ideas into real clothes, it’s no big deal if you don’t know the first thing about sewing clothes. The idea is that you love designing and want to design your own clothes.

Kick off by sketching simple designs and fashion magazines are the best bet for picking up great ideas for fabulous designs. Riffle through them and see what strikes your fancy and without being a copycat, you can take the collar of one dress, the sleeves or shape of another. Put them together imaginatively and you may have designed your very own dress. To finish off your sketch, give it a hairstyle, add on accessories and it’s time to translate your idea into reality.

In case, you don’t know how to sew, find someone who does. Select a fabric that is the perfect match for your design, including add-ons like buttons, lace, zippers, etc that complete your design. The sewing all complete, you have the thrill of designing your very first dress.

Remember to always keep a pencil, pen and sketchbook handy, as you never know when inspiration strikes. Put it down on paper immediately or you may find that you have forgotten what struck you. Aim for originality when designing your own clothes. Not every one wants to see something they’ve seen on a zillion other women.