So, you want to have STYLE?

So, you want to look great, with minimal effort. You want a wardrobe that works for you. You are tired of standing in front of the closet packed full of things and thinking, "Why don't I have anything to wear?!" Maybe you have been making all the wrong choices for your body type. Or maybe you recently lost a lot of weight, and don't have anything to wear. Or maybe you just don't know where to start, and feel overwhelmed. Well, I am going to try to help.

Notice that I said, Style. This is not about fashion. Trends may suit you, trends may not. Trends come and go, style does not. My goal is to get you in a foundation wardrobe, and have you springboard from that, into the style that suits you.

Step one:

You need to know what works for your body type. With out that, you cannot even start to buy clothing. While a classic pencil skirt is a great foundation piece because it is a classic, and therefore a great wardrobe staple, my saddle bags do much better in a more A line style skirt.

Use these links to help you find your body type:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/lifestyle/tv_and_radio/what_not_to_wear/whattowear_index.shtml

http://www.stylemakeovers.com/

http://www.clothingfitmodel.com/clothes-that-fit.html

Step two:

You now have a handle on your body type, now find the colors that are right for you. Did you know that wearing the right colors will make you look better? It will make your eyes pop, and your skin glow. Make you look like you just came back from a week of a relaxing vacation.

http://www.imageandmore.com/findcolor.htm

http://www.stylemakeovers.com/

Step three:

Learn about fit. Clothes that are too big or too small can totally ruin your look. They can make you look bigger than you are. Clothing that fits and skims the body will make you look thinner and longer and leaner. Sometimes alterations can help. Like the common problem of finding pants that fit the hips, may be too large in the waist. An alteration a tailor can easily make. Always fit the biggest part of you and have the rest altered to fit. Pay no attention to the labels, and the size. Buy what fits, even if you do not want the be a size 10, when you think that you are a size 6 or 8 normally. Fit is absolutely key. Train your eye for good fit.

http://www.clothingfitmodel.com/clothes-that-fit.html

http://www1.talbots.com/styleguide/10steps_perfectfit.asp?BID=&h=Mac

http://www1.talbots.com/styleguide/sizevsfit.asp?BID=&h=Mac

http://www1.talbots.com/styleguide/tipJan2003.asp?BID=S2007038154431342C1A42BDB641258EBB9A&h=Mac

http://www1.talbots.com/styleguide/advisor_fit.asp?BID=&h=Mac

So, now you have learned your body type, what colors suit you and how your clothes fit you properly. Time to go shopping for the pieces that will be the building blocks of your wardrobe. No, not every women will need every one of these pieces that I consider to be the core, and indespensible pieces of my wardrobe. These are the work horses of mine, don't be afraid to spend more money on these key investment pieces. They are more classic and can be paired with less expensive and more trendy items that will give your wardrobe a lift. Keep in mind the colors that work for you, and the cuts that flatter your shape. I will suggest this capsule. Substitute your best neutral if black is too harsh for you. Say, chocolate brown, or grey.

Links for capsule wardrobes:

http://www.cosmetics.com/ward4.htm

Step four:

1. Black Trouser.

2. Black Business Suit.

3. Fitted Blazer. In camel, perhaps.

4. Day Dress. Maybe in grey? I like a nice wrap dress. Or maybe a shift?

5. Wool Skirt. Light weight, 3 season in your neutral that works for you.

6. Lightweight V Neck Cashmere Sweater. In your neutral.

7. Little Black Dress. For those evening occassions. Not necessarily black. Chose your best color.

8. Leather Jacket.

9. Neutral Raincoat. Could be a classic trench. Pick one that flatters your shape.

10. Overcoat. Camel is a nice neutral. To the knee is a flattering length.

11. Jeans. A nice flattering pair in a dark wash can be dressed up or down.

12. Black Flats.

13. Black Pumps.

14. Evening Sandal.

15. Neutral Structured Leather Bag.

16. Evening Bag.

17. Fun Tote Bag.

18. Diamond Earrings. Or Diamonique.

19. Nice Watch.

20. Neutral Silk Cami. Great under suits, shirts, gives added coverage.

21. Knee Boots. I love camel.

22. White Man Tailored Shirt. Watch the fit. Get it right and it will be a great key piece.

23. A Great Bra. This cannot be stated more emphatically. Get fitted, and get it right.

24. Light Weight Summer Skirt.

25. Light Weight Summer Pants.

Step Five:

Adding the tops to work with your wardrobe. With the key pieces above, you can now add a few tops to mix in. Buy the ones that flatter your shape, and that are good colors for you. Here are my picks and the anmounts that I would need. Buy one at a time if you have to. We all don't have a lot of money, this I know! Make sure each one is a winner:

1. T shirts. You can save money here. Just make sure the fit is perfect. One black, one white, and one in your perfect color is great.

2. Work Appropriate Tops and Blouses. I would say that you need 5 to 7. Two in neutral colors, two patterned, and two in your best colors.

3. Evening Out Tops. I would say 2-3 depending how often you go out.

4. Weekend Tops. 3-4 should have you covered.

5. Sweaters.