Style, as we are discovering, is not as easy as buying what’s on the mannequin! Well, I guess it could be if it were your personal style, but for style to resonate and be authentic you must feel it…own it!
Everyone has opportunities to show up stylish! When working a stylish wardrobe 3 lifestyle looks must exist….everyday, date night and weekend. You should be able to take a garment in your CORE wardrobe suitable for every lifestyle that you participate in. If you can’t then it becomes an orphan.
The Problem With Everyday Style
In a “business casual world” everyday looks can bleed over from the weekend. If you are in a “business casual” setting be aware of these pitfalls:
- “Denim on Friday” doesn’t mean ‘weekend’ jeans .
- Light or acid washed denim is always seen as less serious and not your best choice at work.
- Khakis and cotton type fabrics that wrinkle are seen as more casual…Make sure they have a hard crease.
- The more skin (doesn’t matter where it is) you show, the less serious you appear.
- Wearing too much color can be perceived as too playful.
Everyday style is really quite simple. The trick to everyday style (and quite frankly any style) is to mix up the “feeling” of the fabrics and textures that you combine. (ex. don’t combine all cotton knit with all cotton knit)
Variety is the “spice of life” and so it is in your wardrobe.
3 Steps to Style
- Core: Foundations pieces (jackets, skirts, coats, pants, etc) form the basis for a great wardrobe. (vary fiber content)
- Accent Colors: This is your most flattering color. Buy this color in blouses, t-shirts, shirts, etc.
- Accessories: Like they say, “change your shoes-change your life”! Accessories give you the opportunity to express yourself and they define who you are…your style personality.
Style at Work and Home
No matter if you are at work, going out with for a lunch date or hanging out at home for your everyday style, a dressy shoe can help amp up your style! Consider these tips when creating a great everyday lifestyle look:
- Variety of shoes styles in the same color family
- Make-up makes a difference (lip-gloss/bronzer/mascara at a minimum)
- Wear great color but not too much. Too much can make you get lost in “interpretation” and push you into “date-night” or “weekend” looks
- Always answer the question: “what are my core, accent, accessory pieces I am wearing today?”
- Whenever you wear something as casual as jeans, dress it up a bit with shoes, a jacket and/or jewelry.
When you tie everything together with accessories, your look is complete. A piece of jewelry can be the icing on the cake and change an everyday ‘ho-hum’ look into head turning style!
Enjoy creating your everyday style and let me know how it goes!
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”
