Even a Fashion Consultant Sometimes Wonders
Do I look good in this? Does this dress express what I want to say about myself? Do I look too old, too young, as if I’m trying too hard, too curvy, too casual, too dressy, smart, sexy, too hippy, not hip, fat, too thin? I could go on and on listing the questions we ask ourselves — and others – about our clothing and our style.
When I page through a magazine and see some of the most beautiful and outrageous outfits shown on models, I look at the pieces separately thinking of how I could use them in my “real” life. I know I’ll never look like a model but I do believe that there are many styles I can wear and wear comfortably. But, like anyone else, I know that my clothing expresses a lot about me and I want to be sure to express who I really am…or at least want to be.
The two photos above are my representation of the “A” to “Z” of fashion design. Anna Paquin on the left is wearing an Alexander McQueen black dress and Fred Pinto on the right is in a Zac Posen. Designers, who if you thumbed through a Vogue, you would believe to be designers of over-the-top and more exotic dresses for theatrics only. Yet, here both of these women show great style wearing these simple — yet sublime — dresses. Perfect for their looks.
This photo on the left below is from a Christian LaCroix Couture fashion show. It shows an interesting meshing of animal print, sophisticated design and drama. Probably not something you’d see someone wearing walking around the Loop, not even on Michigan Avenue. But, the leopard print dress on the right below is something you might see around town, at a party, at dinner or maybe even during the day with a cardigan or jacket over it. This dress is by Nanette Lepore (one of my favorite, most wearable designers) and is truly flattering.
There are so many, many choices of outfits, looks, ways to put ourselves together that it can be overwhelming figuring out what’s right for you and your lifestyle. If you’re a corporate executive with hopes of moving up the ladder, a suit from Ann Taylor probably isn’t the best bet. You need to be wearing something different from those who report to you. If you’re just starting out in your career, perhaps in banking or finance, a simple, yet great-fitting suit (maybe one from Theory) will pay for itself over and over with the amount of use you’ll get from it. A volunteer mom who wants to be in something other than her sweats for the next PTO meeting? Get yourself over to Anthropologie and pick out a fabulous boho top and some slimming pants, add a great purse and flats and you’re not going to look as if you just came from the gym.
I realize the complexity of dressing and all the complications of putting together just the right outfit. I battle with these issues for myself and understand your questions and concerns. Contact me before you spend another wasted dollar on clothing that doesn’t make you feel “Just right”. I promise you’ll spend your dollars wisely and you’ll have fun getting dressed for whatever life may bring.
xoxox Susie