How to Pick the Perfect Outfit
Opt for your favourite colourOn formal occasions it isn’t necessary to go for a neutral colour which can be an instinctive choice as they convey an element of authority and formality. (Neutral colours – white, black, navy, brown, tan, cream and grey).Instead choose your favourite colour as this is a time to look your best and the half of it is feeling your best. Your favourite colour will lift you up psychologically and make you feel happier about yourself. Even excited that you are wearing it! If one of your favourite colours is a neutral then go for that too. You will stand out more though if don’t go for the common choice - black. Ensure you feel comfortableOn certain occasions we can feel compelled to choose a lower cleavage, wear a skirt, have a jacket, wear pearls or whatever you think is required. The important thing is to not go too off track from what you would normally choose. If you are someone that typically prefers higher necklines, this doesn’t mean that if you have a hot date coming up you must get a low cleavage top. What can look good on another can look inappropriate on you.Also, if you are a typical trouser wearer, you don’t have to go for a skirt. If you imagine your ideal outfit for a moment, take note of the details – skirt or trouser; high or low neck; pattern or plain; sheen or matt. This will help you when shopping to make the right choice. It is essential you feel comfortable with your outfit. A special occasion does not mean wearing something different, or formal, but an outfit that is a treat. Dress for your styleMake sure the outfit reflects you. The best way to achieve this is by looking at your outfit and choosing 3-5 words to describe it. If the words you come up with relate also to your personality then you have a match. If you have a dress that says ‘elegant, conservative, contained’ and you are ‘fun, colourful, wacky’ then you don’t have a match!Also, don’t get caught up in what someone else is wearing. We are individuals in our own right and we can easily go off track and choose something that is classed as a mistake if we pick a dress that is similar or preferred by a fellow guest. Unless she is very like you, you will only end up comparing yourself with her all day and you will not come out the winner if you are trying to look like her! Please also note that partners/friends/siblings can sometimes with the best of intentions lead us astray. Don’t be afraid to say no to a suggested outfit or to ignore it if a friend doesn’t like an outfit but you love it!! At the end of the day, if you love it that is what counts! Nothing else. NB: unless you are a eccentric character, beware in making very outlandish choices – e.g. fluorescent dress with fishnet tights for a wedding. I may be able to get away with fluorescent but not everyone can. Widen the optionsIf you are looking for something special, don’t choose the shops you would typically shop in. Open up your scope and upgrade the Shop you go to and the area you go to. You would have much more of a chance finding something if you went to a larger department store or a specialist boutique.Get the facts!There is nothing worse that arriving at an event and feeling out of place. Make sure you get the facts about what the dress code is, and if you are hosting the event ensure that you give out the correct instructions.
It must fit!There is no point hoping that you will be able to squeeze into the outfit on the day if it really is gaping at the sides now. A correct fit is essential – avoid pulling of the fabric or loosening of the fabric; the right length in skirt – too short could be offensive and unflattering; arms must fit in the sleeves and thighs must fit into the trousers. Don’t despair if it doesn’t fit you. It doesn’t mean you are ‘wrong’, it means the outfit isn’t your cut or just go up a size and make yourself look terrific. The cut of a garment varies enormously depending on the body shape of the designers’ model. Now we only know from looking at our friends how many different shapes and sizes we are.So, don’t fret if something isn’t your cut. The important thing is that the outfit works for you. Avoid at all costs trying to change yourself to fit the outfit. Suggested shops to get you startedLondonWomen Stanley Ley - High Holburn. Best suits all types. Ask for Nick - let him know Sarah Whittaker referred you. Selfridges - Oxford Street. Reiss - Oxford Circus or Bond Street. Zegna - Bond Street. My husband used them for his wedding suit. San Francisco and Amsterdam ... coming soonThe Wardrobe Shrink is available for Personal Shopping to help you find the Perfect Outfit « Back to The Wardrobe Shrink Forum ©2004 Sarah Whittaker [www.TheWardrobeShrink.com]. You have my permission to copy this article for your website or publication, so long as this entire byline remains intact. I'd appreciate a quick e-mail to let me know where you're using it. Thank you! |