Tag: fashion

Spring Forward Into Fresh Date Outfits

Spring is a transitional season. You aren’t covered up by a heavy jacket and hat, but you still have some modesty with a light jacket. Having that extra layer can give you that structure and polish to an outfit. Spring cleaning should extend into your closet. Do a try-on-and-donate day. It is best to still see what fits and what is not flattering. I always say you can make this fun by inviting friends over to give you feedback. It is helpful to hear what outsiders have to say and get a second opinion. What are some clothing options to look out for on your next shopping trip?….

The Jean Jacket….

When I go thrifting, I make sure the jacket is from The Gap, Old Navy, or Levis, etc. I would steer away from trendy cropped or too-many-detailed designs. Even the wash is important. It should not be an acid wash or ripped. This will help you be able to continue to wear the jacket for years and not have to donate it after a few months. When done right, the jean jacket looks casually dressed up and adds an extra layer of freshness to any outfit. 

Watch fashion YouTube videos….

Watching a YouTube video will at least show you what is in style. It does not mean you have to participate in every trend. It gives you a sense of what lengths and cuts are in style, and more importantly, what is outdated. Classics, such as a trench coat or a little black dress, stay in style, but certain cuts of jeans will change. Speaking of jeans, it is an easy way to update your overall look by going for what the current denim trends are. 

Remember this is a date….

Dating outfits will probably be slightly different from your regular going-out looks. It’s important to dress more feminine and less trendy, mainly because certain trends may not be that flattering. Not to say you have to wear a mini skirt and high heels. Try to stay away from unisex shoes (guilty). I love my boots, but there are different types of boots you can choose that give more of a girly look. Make sure your clothes overall fit you and are not super oversized. It is best to show your shape without feeling naked. Try to wear skirts and dresses as much as you can no matter the length. 

Dress for your body type….

You can determine what your natural shape is by taking a few quizzes online. There are things certain body types should either avoid wearing or embrace. For example, if you are more of an hourglass, it is always advised to showcase your waist. This could be through a belt, or more fitted clothing. When the waist is lost, visually you might look shapeless. This also means showcasing your assets. It is best to pick the body part that you are confident to show off. Be brave and wear shorter skirts if you love your legs, for example.  

Wear what is going to make you feel confident…..

There is nothing worse than feeling completely uncomfortable in your clothes. Make sure your clothes are physically not too tight or pitching you and wear your actual size. We get obsessed with the number on the size, but you need to ignore it and pick clothes that actually fit your body. This does not mean wear sweatpants and a large tee shirt because it is comfortable. You do have to get out of your comfort zone a little bit. However, certain fabrics and cuts can give you that comfort while giving you the structure of an outfit. 

Fabric choices….

Please donate all your 100% polyester clothes! You need your fabrics to be breathable in every season and be easy to clean. I love cotton the best since it does not have the wrinkle look of linen. However, linen can be a great material as well. There might be certain blends that you come across, but try your best to stick to a mainly cotton blend. A Spandex blend can be a good material since it is stretchy and does not wrinkle. 

Bottom Line….

Before you know it we will be putting our heavy coats into storage. It is best to get ahead of it by doing a closet clean out now and to determine what outfits really work. My favorite thing to shop for is jackets. I feel no matter the outfit a jacket can really tie an outfit together. Be cautious of a loud statement jacket that could read as outdated later on. It’s best to stick with the classics and the foolproof cuts. I can’t say enough about a great denim jacket. Not only is it on trend currently, but it will always be a classic for a reason. Try not to veer too hard into a current jean jacket trend and stick to the classic cuts and lengths. Remember that date outfits should be slightly more feminine and put together than a typical doing errands look. It is best to think about your natural shape and to pick an outfit that flatters your body. There will be trends that simply won’t look great on every body type (low rise jeans) so resist hopping on a “flash in the pan” look. Lastly, consider the fabric. Cotton is your safest bet for breathability and ease of care. 

New Year, New Look

Lately, I have seen the importance of dressing up. Even if you are running errands or grocery shopping, you should put in that extra ten minutes to look good. You would be shocked by what people notice about us and how we are treated because of it. When we choose to dress ourselves, brush our hair, and wear makeup, it is showing the world that we respect ourselves. Usually, when appearance is stepped up, a promotion at work is on the table and suddenly there are more dates on the calendar. Like attracts like; dress for the life you want….

You don’t have to spend a fortune on makeup and clothes….

I often shop at thrift stores for clothes. It’s wild how expensive new clothes are. On top of that, shopping at thrift stores practices sustainability. A great thing to do with your girlfriends is a clothing swap. Bring clothes that you are tired of, but still cute, and do a trade. As far as makeup goes, I like the cheaper options. I don’t think every makeup item should be high-end, especially since most makeup goes bad after a few months. Don’t be tempted to spend your whole paycheck on makeup and skincare at Sephora.

Has your taste in clothing changed?…..

There are many styles of clothing and trends out there. Maybe one year you hopped on too many trends and then regretted it a year later. Ninety-percent of trends only look good on 6’1″ models. Really go though your closet and decide what fits well, and what is the most flattering for your body type.

Take quizzes online…..

If you are clueless about what you should be buying or even your preferred taste, then take a few quizzes. First take a quiz about your body type. That will tell you what cuts and silhouettes look best and what to avoid. Second, take a quiz about your overall preference on style. Maybe you like more of an edgy look, or more girly. Make sure to have a feminine twist to the style. Stay away from super masculine or unisex clothes. And lastly, take a quiz on your coloring. You will figure out your most flattering palate for your skin tone. Make a few Pinterest boards for reference and you will be good to go.

Fear of looking good…..

I have a trillion fashion phobias, but they all break down to fear of actually looking good. I feel super safe wearing leggings and a large hoodie. Most people say to a new outfit, “Oh, that’s too fancy–where would I wear it?” You have to accept that it’s ok to look slightly more dressed up than the people around you. Maybe you will get pushback from family and friends. This is why it’s best to improve your appearance in secret and to not broadcast it on social media.

Date Outfits…..

There is a science to a great date outfit. Men respond to a feminine look: heels, dresses, long hair. Pencil skirts, A-line dresses, V-necks, and a belt to cinch the waist are classic cuts of clothing that highlight a woman’s body. To attract a man’s attention your clothes should not look vulgar; you can turn more heads by wearing a curve-hugging dress. Certain colors make you appear more attractive. Red is a classic, but softer pastels look great, too. Types of fabric can add luxury to a simple outfit, such as silk, cashmere, and suede.

Baby Steps…..

In my fantasy, I redo my entire wardrobe from scratch. However, that’s not realistic. There are a few transitions to get to dressing better.

1.Get a full-length mirror- You might be sneaking out of the house without glancing at a mirror. When you have a full-length mirror you can see your outfit from head to toe.

2. Get better lighting in your bathroom or wherever you get dressed- I recently bought LED bright light bulbs. What a world of difference! I can actually see when I put on makeup and notice if I have any slight imperfections on my clothes.

3. Don’t donate all at once- There needs to be a bag in your room where clothing is on the chopping block. Don’t just immediately toss them or donate. You might have been in a bad mood that day and taking it out on your clothes. Give them a second chance and really evaluate if it’s unflattering.

4. Seek outside help- Maybe you have a super-fashionable friend. Ask for his/her honest opinion when you are trying on clothes. You can invite them over for a fashion party and make an evening out of it.

5. Go to the professionals- There are certain stores that have personal shoppers or stylists. The only downside is some stylists are working on commission and need to make a big sale. Trust your gut if they are only handing you the most expensive items.

Bottom Line…..

Clothes can make you invisible or make you stand out. Black, gray, and other muted clothes will make you fade into the background. It does take some inner work to actually want to look attractive. Your inner voice might be screaming, “You are way too fancy! Everyone will think you are trying too hard!” Our ego loves to cradle us and keep from changing, even for the better. You don’t need to go from zero to one hundred. Take steps to improve your current closet, then begin to buy new flattering outfits. Seek professional advice, take online quizzes, and get into the frame of mind that you deserve to look good and receive attention.