Last night, I was catching up with two friends and the conversation turned to wardrobe. More specifically, what we don’t like about our wardrobe.
The first challenge is how to make our wardrobe versatile. One of my friends is a business law professor and runs the business side of an interior design firm. Can’t get much more diverse. One job very conservative, one very creative. And both are positions where image is very important. The best solution is to build the wardrobe on very elegant and well constructed essential separates in neutral colors. It is then very simple to change accessories and jackets to gain the desired look.
The second is how to look the best when our weight is higher than we would like. The best solution is to dress for the life you want in the body you have. Today. I would not recommend that you buy a lot of clothes in the size that is not desirable. Instead buy a few pairs of pants that are well tailored and comfortable to get you through the weight transition. But do not settle for loose and sloppy clothing. Your eye will get used to seeing you as the larger size and it will become increasingly difficult to shed the unwanted pounds.
The third challenge is how to look your best on a tight budget. My recommendation is to spend money on the basics: pants, a good jacket, one or two pairs of comfortable shoes of excellent quality and at least one good blouse or sweater. And foundation. Never skimp on foundation because a cheap tee shirt can look great with the right foundation but an expensive blouse can be lost in bad foundation. Good basic pieces will go a long way when stretched with less expensive pieces. Just be careful to avoid pieces that look inexpensive.
When wardrobe is limited because of budget or travel, one of my friends had a great idea: note in your daytimer what you wore to work that day so that you are certain to alternate when you are going to see a business associate more than once! Brilliant…
Keep it simple, properly fitted and emphasize quality over quantity.
