rdIt’s a New Year, filled with new possibilities. 2013 has the potential to be your (and your clients’) most stylish year ever. Read on for 13 opportunities (aka resolutions) to help you make that happen. While I hope that you (and they) will take advantage of them all, there’s no pressure here. You may want to start with one or two and add more as the year progresses. They are at your disposal, to use or to share.
1. Clarify your own unique style. Look in magazines or online and begin to assemble a file of items that appeal to you. Think about what they share in common – perhaps it’s the colors, silhouettes, styles or manufacturers? Begin to cultivate (or refine) your style so that you know what to look for and consistently love your look.
2. Identify your assets – and then flaunt them! I’m not sure why, but we all seem to dwell on the negative. Why not take the
time and energy you’d use to hide a challenge area and instead think about your assets and how you can best show them off?
3. Assess your wardrobe. Try to understand what works and what doesn’t, and why. Let go of the things that are simply not useful. To quote a phrase from Nike, “Just do it.” Give discarded items a second life by donating them or giving them to a friend.
4. Don’t put off alterations or repairs. There is nothing more frustrating than having an item that you could wear and enjoy, if only… Just as you schedule everything else in your smart phone, take the time to schedule these activities as well.
5. Organize your closet. Does this seem overwhelming? Split this task into one or two hour chunks, over the course of several weeks. Think about your wardrobe routine. Would it make sense to organize your closet by item, by color or by outfit? Play some music and focus on creating a sanctuary of organized items that make you deliriously happy!
6. Find new ways to combine your clothes. Pick one item each week and challenge yourself to come up with a new way to w
ear it. (FYI, many of our cients don’t really need more items…just some fresh ways to wear what they own. That’s where you come in!)
7. Mak e a shopping list. Do not – I repeat – do not – go into a store without a list of what you need. This will keep you from coming home with the ‘nice-to-haves’ as opposed to the ‘need-to-haves.’
8. Make a conscious decision to make wiser choices. Assuming an item fits both your budget and your body, ask yourself: Do you love it? Does it flatter you? Does it represent you at your best?
9. Make a point to add color. No one can live in all neutrals all the time. Easy ways to add a splash of color are by way of a bag, shoe, nail color or as part of a print. Not only will color add visual interest to any outfit, it can help you get through these gray winter days.
10. Discover that comfort and style need not be mutually exclusive. Take the time to search out items that hit the mark in both
categories. No one should suffer for fashion. However, no one should sacrifice it for comfort, either. (This point may need to be driven home with your clients.)
11. Give yourself permission to shop for the whole outfit. So many clients are frustrated because they have orphan items (aka items that don’t have a companion piece) in their closet. When considering a new item, either make sure that you own two to three items to go with it, or take the time to hunt for the complete ensemble.
12. Shop twice a season, once at the beginning of the season for wardrobe essentials (i.e. a well-fitted black trouser or great-looking snow boot) and again at the end of the season to fill in or add items that tug at your heart.
13. Learn to accept compliments graciously. They will come!
