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Back to the Basics

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Suit Shopping 101

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I love what I do! I think one of the most valuable things I help people with is knowing how to get clothes on their bodies and get out the door. That’s the kind of help I needed before I got into the business of image consulting. For years I struggled with something that seemed so simple and watched others do it effortlessly, but couldn’t myself. Life is different now, very different.

Basics. Everything goes back to the basics. I stopped buying on impulsive. I started buying basic pieces on purpose, with a purpose. A basic pin-striped pant suit was one of the first pieces I purchased, followed with a white blouse. Next came colored blouses and I soon realized my summer tank tops could be layered with these to create a whole new outfit. I would switch gold jewelry with pearls or colored, beaded necklaces to keep the look fresh. I still have that suit and love it.

When you have basic pants, skirts, suits and jackets in brown, black, gray, khaki and denim, getting dressed becomes a whole lot easier.

After basics are in place, start adding variety with stripes, plaids, florals or prints and the options explode. I know this sounds so simple, but how many of you have a closet full of odds and ends like I did and end up standing there, bewildered, while the clock ticks down for your next assignment of the day?

It’s time to take a hard look at what you currently have. Ask yourself five good questions about each piece in your closet.

1. Do I love it?
Don’t buy anything if you only like it, if you have to stand there wondering if it should go home with you. that’s a clue right there to back away.
2. Do I already have seven of these?
Seven is the number of completion, so if you already have seven black pairs of pants, that’s another clue you need to add something different to your world.
3. Is this a good color on me?
If the color makes you look washed out or flat, it
Doesn’t matter how good it fits; you’ll never like it as well as a piece that makes your eye color pop and skin glow.
4. Does it fit me now?
How many of you have a whole range of sizes to choose from? That can cause a sense of confusion right away and give you too easy an escape route when it comes to curbing your appetite for hot fudge chocolate ice cream sundaes.
5. Will this piece mix and match with other pieces in my closet?
There are a few exceptions like cocktail dresses or tuxedos for special occasions, but versatility is important here and layering becomes a key component in stretching your clothing dollars.

So go ahead and dare to look into that closet and ask yourself what new pieces could really add depth to what you already own and make a shopping list. We do this with our groceries, so how much more should we with our clothes? With list in hand, now you’re ready to hit the stores with a mission in mind.

by Julie Sims

Julie is the founder of StyleWise Image Consultants and is a member of the Associations of Image Consultants International (AICI). She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from Texas Tech University.