She writes:
I have NO idea how to dress for success. I mean, I understand your points but I never even know where to start. I loved my old navy jeans and high school team hoodies. How do I even know what my style is? My personality has just enough Peaceful Phlegmatic to want to wear what is comfortable. But my #1 personality is Sanguine, then Choleric. I love pink and wish I could wear bolder eye colors. I wear a lot of black and white, because (I think) it is classic looking. I don't like 99% of what models wear but I love the style of someone like Aubrey Hepburn. But I don't know that it would work for me.
How do I even know what stores to start with?
Well, pretty lady, you've come to the right place! My first piece of advice is to put aside the personality stigmatisms and figure out what looks good on you, not what your head tells you is you. Your mind can play some tricky games on you when it comes to appearance. When you conquer this, your confidence will soar. And let's face it, our personalities should be in constant development if we are truly on the path to success so who's to say you should cater to one personality trait or another. I say look good, feel good, and keep on growing! That being said, we must address your question about makeup! I'm not a make up artist but I do recommend staying subtle in that area unless you properly know how to apply it without looking like a hooker. If you want to experiment with a bolder color or darker definition around those lovely lashes, start by finding examples of make up trends in the latest issue of InStyle, Elle, Vogue, or your favorite (current) fashion issue, and experiment on yourself. Here's the trick though, don't let the fear of something new make your decision. Snap a pict with your phone and shoot it to a trusted and seriously stylish girlfriend who already pulls off the looks you like. Or, even better, invite them over in person to give their opinion. As a rule, I always ask 3 people with different, yet chic styles, for their advice any time I am trying a style little out of my comfort zone.
That brings me right to the main point: Finding your style. Then we can discuss where to shop and how to take it from shop to your own wardrobe adding, of course, your own personal flair. *PS, there is actually nothing wrong with your high school hoodies as long as you don't leave the house in them for anything short of a service project.
My first suggestion in discovering your style would be to identify your own Celebrity Fashion Muse. Why? Because these days, they are the ones who pay a professional stylist to dress them. They have access to all the latest trends and designers before the rest of us know they even exist. It's a great way to find out about the newest trends and pieces before they even hit the stores. You can basically look to them and say, does that look flatter her and if so would it flatter me? Here's the key though, to get the best idea of whether or not that look that flatters them, will flatter you, identify a celeb that looks like you in terms of hair color, skin tone, body type, etc. You probably won't find your twin in Hollywood but you can certainly find someone to identify with. Can't find the perfect one? Pick a few and watch closely. I think we have already decided you love the classic appearance of Audrey Hepburn so lets start there for inspiration. To keep Audrey updated follow leading ladies like Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightly or Natalie Portman. And Oh! How I love the Audrey look! So timeless! In addition, it really is a fashion any woman can adapt to their closet and pull off with the utmost sophistication. So, Margie, don't doubt that a form of this can be just for you!
Natalie Portman for Harpers Nov. 2006
Finding a celeb with your body type is truly a must when it comes to figuring out what type of clothes will flatter. I'm petite so I try to look to stars like Lea Michele, Lauren Conrad or Reese Witherspoon. I like to ask myself WWLCW? What about you?
Now, this next piece of advice might sound silly but it's actually really helpful. Pick out what you deem to be your favorite outfits, select 5-6 of them, with accessories, shoes and all, and photograph yourself in them. Seeing yourself in a photograph is completely different than seeing yourself in a mirror. You will have the opportunity to analyze that snapshot as much as you want and really decide does the ensemble live or die? When in doubt, ask a friend (with good taste, notice I keep reiterating this, GOOD TASTE!) If you aren't quite sure what good taste is, please ask me, my email is listed, or try uploading your snapshot to Go Try It On for honest advice on your look. Because, hey, sometimes your friends can be way too nice or may suffer from their own fashion faux pax.
The next big thing to tackle is the fact that yes, black and white is classic, but it's important to keep it chic, spice it up, and keep it from becoming ho-hum. One easy way is by jumping on board the nude train. Nudes and natural tones give a very romantic flair to our typical black and white. These are tones that range from champagne to sand with hints of peach or blush. Accessories are another great way to add the wow factor.
Now that we've established a bit of a jumping off point I'd like to suggest a few places to browse:
1. Nordstrom. They offer a myriad of different designers, looks and dominate in the shoes and accessories department. Plus, the ladies there are extremely put together, offer excellent style advice and will bend over backwards to give you a good experience.
2. Banana Republic. Although the dress forms in the shop windows may be draped in more layers and colors than you are ready to branch out to, they have classic covered. My advice, pick a dress form or two on display that you like (get a little daring even!) and just try it all on.
3. J.Crew. My go to store for life. I recommend doing the same thing as advised for BR. The fits will be different enough to give you a really good idea of what looks best on you.
4. White House Black Market. You said it yourself, you're a Black & White sort of girl. This shop has your name written all over it and the staff is lovely as well. Visit the Easton Town Center location and ask for Jessica, she's my girl :)
5. Target. Your wallet needs a break sometimes and Target will lend a hand in that area while still providing an up to date collection. I love Target for inexpensive accessories, just stay away from the chunky heels in the shoe department, they seem to be still weening themselves out of the 90's.
Last but not least I am dying to share this invaluable website with you all! What Not To Wear's Stacie London and Clinton Kelly on some of their favorite fashion tips, please visit What Not To Wear's website for the ultimate in style advice.
And there you have it! Margie, I've had a blast helping you find your look. I sincerely hope these suggestions will be of great use for you. When in doubt shoot us a look and we'll be happy to properly advise, demise or high five!
this Banana Republic salt & pepper tweed number is timeless and polished with a feminine belt accentuating the waiste and bold accessories keeping the look fresh and modern.
Now that we've established a bit of a jumping off point I'd like to suggest a few places to browse:
1. Nordstrom. They offer a myriad of different designers, looks and dominate in the shoes and accessories department. Plus, the ladies there are extremely put together, offer excellent style advice and will bend over backwards to give you a good experience.
2. Banana Republic. Although the dress forms in the shop windows may be draped in more layers and colors than you are ready to branch out to, they have classic covered. My advice, pick a dress form or two on display that you like (get a little daring even!) and just try it all on.
3. J.Crew. My go to store for life. I recommend doing the same thing as advised for BR. The fits will be different enough to give you a really good idea of what looks best on you.
4. White House Black Market. You said it yourself, you're a Black & White sort of girl. This shop has your name written all over it and the staff is lovely as well. Visit the Easton Town Center location and ask for Jessica, she's my girl :)
5. Target. Your wallet needs a break sometimes and Target will lend a hand in that area while still providing an up to date collection. I love Target for inexpensive accessories, just stay away from the chunky heels in the shoe department, they seem to be still weening themselves out of the 90's.
Last but not least I am dying to share this invaluable website with you all! What Not To Wear's Stacie London and Clinton Kelly on some of their favorite fashion tips, please visit What Not To Wear's website for the ultimate in style advice.
And there you have it! Margie, I've had a blast helping you find your look. I sincerely hope these suggestions will be of great use for you. When in doubt shoot us a look and we'll be happy to properly advise, demise or high five!
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