I have written many a blog regarding styling for your shape, lifestyle and budget and can tell you that great style comes down to 14 simple tips.
Whether or not fashion is your thing we all care about how we look. Furthermore, in an effort to pull ourselves together we might make a few missteps. Primarily these missteps occur because we feel intimidated by Fashion’s rather incoherent messaging. For example, “Don’t dress too old because you don’t want to look old and for god’s sake don’t dress too young because it will make you look old!” This message is crippling because we all grow older and consequently get lost in a whirlwind of trends, fit and substance. My first bit of advice is don’t let yourself get caught up in the noise because so much of what is available is not worth wearing.
1~Invest in a capsule wardrobe. Treat your wardrobe like a good investment. It’s fun to every once in a while go crazy and buy that fanciful necklace with it’s edgy and artsy groove but that is not how you should approach creating a solid wardrobe. Purchase well-made classic silhouettes that have stood the test of time—a luxurious coat, tailored trench coat, white button down shirt, solid colored slim pants (note; not the skinny ones), basic cardigans in fine gauge wools and cashmeres and simple solid colored knit tops are just a few pieces you will own for a lifetime.
2~Find a good tailor. Yes, I know, I have written extensively about having a good tailor in your contacts but how many of you still have pieces laying around that you don’t wear because they need tailoring?
3~Don’t get cheap. Never buy something motivated by an inexpensive price tag. Chances are it won’t hold up or you just didn’t love it enough when you bought it. However, if you love it, it’s made well and it’s marked down go for it!
4~Know what colors look best. Your coloring (hair, skin, eyes ) will determine what shades look best. If your hair color changes then the colors that were flattering might not work. Experiment with other colors. You will never know what looks right on you unless you try it on!
5~Just because it is in doesn’t mean you should be in it. Stop buying clothing just because it is “in” style. A trend is just that. It is meant to exist for a moment in time and will become irrelevant.
6~If you find a flattering style buy it in multiples. I cannot stress the importance of tip #6 enough. Pants are difficult for everyone. If you happen to find a flattering pair buy at least two. The clothes you wear the most are the basic classic pieces and they are the ones you will need to replace more often because they will wear out. A classic cashmere coat will last forever—buy one. A pair of black cigarette pants will wear out—buy 2. Did you find a great style in a dress recently that looks incredible on you? Buy one more in another color. Remember shopping less is also part of buying right.
7~Get your inseam right. Never guess at an alteration. Always have someone else do the pinning. And that someone else should be your tailor (refer to tip #2). Take the proper shoes with you when you visit your tailor. If your trousers are machine washable wash them before you have them fitted.
8~Get expert advice when shopping for a bra. Remember to replace your bras when they start to loose their memory. But most importantly get one that fits properly. If you don’t have the time to step into a lingerie store check out Third Love. They are available online and will connect you to one of their specialists to help with fitting questions.
9~Never wear clothing that is much too tight. It never looks good.
10~Get a full-length mirror. I remember getting dressed one morning in the dark and in a hurry. Thankfully, I took a quick look in a full-length mirror before I walked out my door. This is what I saw. Half of my collar was tucked into my jacket and the other half was sitting outside my jacket. There was a stain on my shirt and the zipper on my trousers was down. When I pull it up the zipper broke. I was a mess! Take a quick glance in a full-length mirror before you walk out your door.
11~Always carry safety pins with you. This might seem inconsequential but you never know when you are going to have a fashion emergency. Did you lose a button on your skirt or trouser? Grab a safety pin. Did the hem of your pants come down? You get the idea.
12~It’s always better to dress up than dress down. Yes, I know styles become very casual. But nothing feels worse than stepping into a room where everyone is dressed up when you are so dressed down. It really doesn’t take much to step-up your outfit.
It can be as easy as throwing on a colorful scarf!
13~Invest in a good pair of frames. Sunglasses and reading glasses will change your look as much as a haircut or new hair color. Changing your frames is the easiest way to update your look.
14~Remember your most important accessory is confidence. Simply put, always be true to yourself.
