Dress for Success

Here are some quick tips to ensure you always look and feel GREAT!

1) Know your Purpose
What are you dressing for? A date? A professional event? The office? Errands? What you’re dressing for will determine how dressed up or dressed down you can be while still dressing comfortably and well. If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of dressed up. You shouldn’t feel out of place being more dressed up – in fact, it should make you feel even more amazing. Even when dressing down (jeans and a tee), I encourage clients to add some oomph and dress the outfit up a bit with some easy accessories. You maintain your comfort level, but you look that much more pulled together. What’s a better confidence boost than being the best dressed person in the room? Exactly!

2) Consider your Audience
First impressions are everything! So if you’re going to a networking event or even the grocery store, you should always be dressed to impress (again, whether dressed up or down) because you never know who you’re going to meet or when. Of course, you don’t need to wear your best dress to the grocery store, but you also don’t need to wear your ratty old sweats either!

Even in a corporate setting, your presentation is important. Reallyputting effort into your wardrobe and presence tells your boss that you take your job seriously and are looking to get to the next level. You are a representation of the company, and it wants to be perceived as the best. Prove you do too!

3) Play with Color!
A really easy way to stand out is simply by wearing color. A lot of people keep it simple with neutrals and black and white because they’re easy, but it definitely doesn’t make them stand out in any way. Even if you do prefer black and white for it’s easy sophistication, add interest with a jolt of color. Try it – you’d be surprised how a bit of red can make you feel a bit more sassy and add some spring to your step! Consider your best colors and make an effort to work them into your outfits more consistently. This can be through prints, purses, belts, jewelry, etc. Just be sure to add color! And, as you get more confident with color, start playing with new, fun color combinations.

4) Build that Perfect Outfit
You may not think so, but you really do have the tools to build that perfect outfit within your wardrobe. All it takes is starting with a base and building. Create a solid foundation and you’re sure to find success (just like a business, relationship, and building!). So, start with a favorite piece and add the elements to the outfit. Maybe it’s your best denim, your favorite red shoes, a great belt or that favorite top. Starting with a favorite piece exponentially increases the chance that you’re going to feel amazing in the outfit and naturally exude complete confidence. From that base, start adding creatively to the outfit always taking into consideration balancing proportions, adding color and playing with accessories. Whenever I work with a client, this is one of the key things I teach so that they can fully maximize their wardrobe even when I’m not there.

5) Have Fun!
I got into this business because it’s fun. I like to refer to my job as ‘playing with clothes.’ I want you to feel the same way too when you’re getting ready in the morning. What a way to start the day off right! Just play! Fashion is such a great opportunity for creative release for women, even if you’re in an otherwise left-brained job. Don’t take it too seriously, just have fun with it! If you keep this playful mindset when it comes to clothes, you’ll always feel more confident with the creativity you have in building your outfits. And just wait for the compliments to start pouring in!