1. Your suit jacket and pants are not married, they are just good friends! Hang your suits as singles. It will be easier to see how each piece can interchange with other items in your wardrobe.
2. Dress for your next promotion. In some industries it’s the new normal for people to show up to work in old jeans and a t-shirt. Seize the opportunity to stand out in style to your superiors!
3. Be creative. Honor your dress code when you are buying work clothes, but feel free to play once you’ve got them! Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. You may get noticed and that’s OK. If someone comments on your new look, consider it an invitation to have a conversation.
4. Invest in the best you can afford, don’t be limited by the sales rack. When it comes to classic wardrobe essentials, quality is key. Often the fit and fabric will be better in a designer item which means it will flatter your shape and last longer. The cost per wear will even out. You won’t regret it. * I shop goodwill, vintage, high-end consignment, boutiques, garage sales, department stores… you never know what treasures you will find! Read the labels. Natural fibers generally hold up longer.
5. Experiment with trends. Ask a pro what trends are a good fit for your body type and personal style. Try out one or two trends each season inexpensively. See if they stick and become classic to you. If they don’t, no problem… if they do, even better!
6. Find an amazing tailor. Most people don’t know that almost every single clothing item in catalogs or magazines are tucked, pinned or altered to fit the models. It doesn’t cost much to do this yourself. A $20 investment in a simple alteration can make you look 10 pounds lighter.
7. Plan your outfits in advance. If you know you’ve got a big presentation or important work trip coming up, take the time to plan your wardrobe. Or hire a stylist to do it for you! You will relax knowing you are prepared with the confidence that you will look impeccable. This will free you up to focus on the task at hand.
8. It takes 7 seconds to make a first impression, make it a positive one. Flaws in your clothing draw unwanted attention in our visual age. Iron or steam your clothes, trim any loose strands, tack saggy pockets, remove stains. A refined look at first glance will be perceived as polished and professional. That’s what we want. Distractions are a no-no in business.
9. For the ladies… Know when enough is enough. Be mindful of how much skin you show, it can be a distraction. Don’t go over the top with makeup, trust in simple touches that will enhance your natural beauty. Accessorize lightly, you don’t want clients or peers to be listening to your bangles instead of your voice. After hours… that’s a different story 🙂
10. For the gents… Destroy your pleated pants and oversized jackets. Now is the time to invest in pieces that fit your figure. Hemlines are rising, pants are slimmer, jackets are shorter, sleeves show off the cuff of the shirt underneath. Dress for this age, it’s worth it.
Contact me if you have questions, I’m happy to help!
– Scarlet
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