"Oh, it must be laundry day." YES. That's the phrase my co-workers (Shan) say to me whenever I look somewhat presentable at work. Any time I wear a dress; any time I wear a blouse (...do people still use that word?), any time I do my hair. THAT'S when you know it's gotten bad...when you wear your hair down, and people are asking if you have a meeting that day. Ohy, Shan. Pull yourself together.
I originally went to school for fashion and loved designing and sewing, but I never really put that back into my style because I revolve my wardrobe around comfort. I say that as I'm sitting here in my t-shirt, sweatshirt, jeans and sneaks that smell from wearing them too often because I'm too cheap to buy new ones. Nonetheless, if there's no hope for me, maybe you'd appreciate these tips on how to make you look more "expensive."
Here's how to get those compliments from people when you always look put together...and then some (click here for the full article from Reader's Digest):
- Opt for better fabrics - this doesn't have to be designer labels! "Invest" in pieces that organic and true. Yes, they might be a tad more expensive - but they will last without fray, strings flying all over the place and whatever else. You might have to be more careful on how you wash them, but it will be worth it in the end.
- Wear dark denim...it's as easy as that! Make sure to choose a high-quality dark-wash that won't fade over time. If you're worried about dye getting all over your other cloths in the wash, before you start wearing the jeans, boil some water and put your jeans in there. It sounds weird...but that will bring out any extra dye that didn't release. The jeans might change a little, but if they were made properly...they should have a lot of extra dye in them to begin with.
- Have one great blazer - Once again, it's about the investment pieces. I don't own a lot of clothes, but what I do own, I'm very picky about. A nice blazer that you can put on for a job interview, a night out on the town over a shirt and jeans, whatever else - that will set you apart. Plus - they're always so flattering!
- Mix textures and patterns - Pair natural fabrics with other rich fabrics in the same color scheme. You'd be surprised how well this all can look together!
- If there's one thing to splurge on: it's a nice coat - The article says it has to be black, but I don't believe that. However, I have a jacket/coat problem. Black or camel will do you well, but this will pull your look together and is often the first impression - especially in a cold state like Wisconsin.
- Accentuate your shape - Surprisingly enough, the way to flatter your figure is to move towards clothes that fit your curves. Don't hide them, but you have to wear pieces that FIT.
- Focus on the undies - As silly as it sounds, you need undergarments that fit you, are comfortable and make you feel confident because that shows through. That includes being fitted for a bra, ladies.
- Add a colorful dress! - I go to quite a few "events" over the year between me being in radio/entertainment and my fiance being in sports. With that being said, most people gravitate towards what we were talking about before: black. Yeah, the well-fitting, darker dresses will look bomb on almost anyone if they fit correctly. However, what if you hit them with a pop of color? Most of my fancier outfits are actually in color because I feel like - if I'm going to spend some money on "looking nice," it's got to be something that matches my personality. I have red, yellow, blue/green, hunter green...lots of colored options...but zero black - which I do actually need. haha
What are some key items that you need to have in your wardrobe?