The simple fact of the matter is that fit is everything. If something doesn’t fit correctly, not only will you feel absolutely uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, but you most certainly won’t look your best. And folks, it’s time to face the truth – your outward appearance makes a huge impact on how the people you come in contact with perceive you. Some of you may be thinking to yourselves, “Oh, but I don’t care what people think about me. My clothes has nothing to do with the quality of my work. “ I can’t help by shake my head and laugh at these poor souls. Of course, honey, we all know that your clothes don’t make you more talented, but no one in your industry will ever take you seriously if you don’t place some importance on your appearance. For this very reason, it is imperative to put your best foot forward at all times. In order to do so successfully there are a few habits you should break and others you really must pick up straight away.
1. Drop the size denial. As we get older, our bodies change. Whether you had a baby, stopped playing football, got an office job, had a bad break up or whatever, more likely than not, you’re not the same size as you were when you were 18. Whether you’ve gotten bigger or smaller, you need to come to grips with what your body looks like right now and dress for that body.
Go to the store and stop looking at size tags. Besides, once you get home, you can rip that tag out and never look at the number again. Ignore the number and go with what fits you best. Remember, not all designers cut their clothes on the same scale. Some brands run small, others are a little larger. Bottom line, you will not be the same size in every single brand under the sun.
Also, just because it zips doesn’t mean it fits. Really look at how the article of clothing drapes your body. If you see parts of you protruding where it should look smooth, then go up a size. If the fabric is dropping where it should be fitted, then go down a size. Always fit your largest part and work down from there (we’ll get to this in a minute, so hang tight!). No one wants to look like a sausage or a tent, so really focus on wearing clothes that actually fit you and you’ll instantly look slimmer.
2. Embrace your age. There are certain styles of clothing (and fabrics, for that matter) that were perfectly acceptable with you were 21. But as we reach our mid- to late-twenties and thirties, and as we begin to blossom in our professional lives, we have to start letting go of wardrobes past. Baby tees with silly sayings or cartoons, skin-tight spandex sparkly tube dressed and halters, and super low rise hip-huggers on a thirty-something screams “has-been cougar.” I’m not saying you have to dress like a Golden Girl. But what I AM saying is that you should be taking your cues from the leading ladies of Hollywood, both past and present.
Notice they almost always grace the pages of magazines in a fusion of timeless, truly classic pieces and silhouettes with trendy accents. Also note that they almost never look like they’re trying to keep up with the young bucks, but instead, carry themselves with an air of refinement and poise. Again, you’re probably thinking, “Well, I’m no millionaire. I can’t afford to have the likes of Rachel Zoe dress me.” Honey, you don’t need her or anyone! Some things never change. A-line dresses, pencil skirts, oxford shirts and tailored suits have been in style since our grandmothers were our age. And have you ever looked at a picture of your grandma in her prime? I don’t know about yours, but mine was quite the hottie. Her dresses skimmed her curves, but always left something to the imagination. Use that same principle in your wardrobe.
Look for classic pieces in quality fabrics that can go from one season to the next. Pair these essentials with trendy accessories and you’ve got a classic yet relevant look! There will be times where you come across a piece that is so amazing it makes you want to die. The key is purchase it in a classic color (black, white, gray, camel) to get more wear out of it. Looking to get hip with a particular print or color scheme? The most sage thing you can do to indulge in the trend, but still have an item that will last you a while is to get it in a classic silhouette (cardigan, a-line skirt, trouser, etc). Get the picture? Now go rid yourself of anything you’ve ever purchased in the junior’s section! Welcome to the future!
3. Make it fit and make it last. So, I know this goes against the whole Louboutin deal I was talking about earlier, but stay with me, because it may very well be the most important piece of information to help you look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. You need two new BFFs – a tailor and the cobbler. No, not a peach cobbler! A cobbler is the guy (or lady) who fixes your shoes. Anyway, you must find both and they must come recommended. Check out a site like Yelp or ask your coworkers who they use.
It’s worth taking the time to find a good tailor because this is the person responsible for making your off-the-rack amazing finds you got on sale (you DID shop the sale right? If not, I’ll surely show you how) look like they were made for you and only you. As I mentioned before, each designer is different. They don’t all use the same scale, but they DO use the same proportions. They’re not taking into account your short torso or your best friend’s onion booty or your beau’s extra broad shoulders compared to his narrow waist. According to them, one proportion fits all. Since we all know this isn’t the case, your tailor will nip and tuck and doctor your clothes into your second skin.
Along with these fabulous duds, you’ll need some equally gorgeous shoes. If you’re anything like me, when you find a pair of pumps that are tall, sexy AND comfortable, nothing can get those bad boys off your feet. So after a while, the stoles start wearing out, the tips of the heels come off, there starts to be some wear and tear at the toes, etc. Your first thought may be to chuck the shoes and try to find another pair just like them. Why waste money when you don’t have to? Take your fab footwear to the cobbler. He’ll wave his magic wand and POOF! They’re like new again! Ok, so it’s not magic. And yes it’s going to cost you $10 or $15 to fix, but it’s so much more cost effective than hunting for the exact same pair and paying full price for them, I’ll tell you that. And THAT is being a budgetista, honey!
I once heard that the way you dress is very indicative of the type of person you are and how you want people to see you. People DO judge a book by its cover. If the cover isn’t appealing, no one is going to buy the book. So now that you have the tools, make your cover as interesting as possible. There is no excuse for you not to shine like the brilliant talented star that you are!
