French Dressing
Paris, the city of my dreams, was also the inspiration for one of my books, French Chic: How To Dress Like A Frenchwoman. I did so much research that I internalized the Gallic fashion approach. It’s become the foundation for my style methodology and the way I work with people. Since you’re probably starting to think about your spring wardrobe, I though a few of my fashion “rules” might be applicable. So here goes
1. Do more with less. Did you know that with the right 17 garments, you could create over 40 outfits, without repeating any? Notice, I said the right garments: those that suit your lifestyle, flatter your body and make you feel great. I’ve gotten into the habit of buying a fabulous suit every season that I wear together and as separates. This year, it’s a brown Michael Kors skirt suit with a short fitted jacket and removable “leopard” collar. I wear the jacket either with or without the collar, paired with tweed pants, brown suede pants, brown flannel pants, camel pants, a multi-hued skirt and others and team the skirt with an assortment of different pullovers, cardigans and jackets. I can create a minimum of 15 outfits from that suit. And I feel terrific in every one of them.
2. Base your wardrobe on neutral shades. Select no more than two as your core colors. Neutrals work well together and they send a more executive message. Remember, the deeper the hue, the more authority it conveys. Use pastels or brights as accent shades.
3. Check the fit. The better clothing fits, the more expensive it looks. If you have a choice between costly clothing that’s too big or too small or more affordable clothing that fits perfectly, opt for the latter. Ill-fitting garments undermine your confidence and your power. They don’t look the money and worse, they don’t look good.
4. Personalize your look with accessories. You can stay true to your style and still portray a professional image (especially if you work for a conservative company) by using accessories wisely.Choose a signature, be it ropes of pearls, interesting shoes, antique pins or even a colorful flower on your lapel to make yourself memorable.
5. Dress for the day. If you’re in IT and intend to be crawling around rewiring computers, don’t wear your best suit. And if you’re going to a meeting with clients, don’t wear jeans and a tee shirt. Match your outfit to the occasion and remember, in business, it’s better to err on the side of formality.
There, they aren’t too hard to try, are they? Practice just one and viva la difference!