Dressing up fabulously!

Let’s be honest, it is a major challenge for some of us to dress up stylishly. How many times have we seen someone dress up with a floral top over a checkered skirt? Don’t you just cringe at the sight of your boss wearing brown shoes and black belt, with his tie hanging a tad too short? We, ourselves, may have been fashion victims at some point but there is no excuse for being one for the rest our lives!

My fashion savvy friend, socialite Shawn Umsted, shares some tips on how to be more fashion conscious. He says one does not need a lot of money to be chic and stylish but a few pieces of Armani, Prada or Blahnik in your wardrobe wouldn’t hurt either! Don’t fret if you can’t afford designer frocks. Shawn believes that, sometimes, having good taste and the right attitude is far better than having loads of cash!

The first step in getting out of a fashion rut is to update your closet. Get rid of stuff that you no longer use or too outdated that sending them to the Salvation Army would be sacrilegious! Then you can start buying pieces and build your new wardrobe. Never shop for everything at one go! Just take a few pieces at a time and make sure to pick items that you can mix and match. Also go for clothes with classic styles rather than what’s fashionable for the season. Remember that you get more value for your money when you buy clothes that never go out of style and you can use over and over again!

A wardrobe plan is also a great help. Write down a list, and keep it in your purse. It will keep you from making impulsive purchases you'll regret later. A good black dress this month, a lovely white shirt next month and before you know it, you'll have a rich wardrobe. Also invest on accessories that will give oomph and impact to your attire. And always shop for comfort. When you feel good about your clothes, you can move elegantly and graceful through any situation.

Now that you have a new and stylish lease on life, put your clothes to work! Dress appropriately for any occasion. If in doubt, it is better to be over-dressed rather than under-dressed. Being fashion conscious attracts more people. So whether you want a date or are already married and looking to make new friends or someone who is just interested in networking for finding a job or their next client/customer, it pays to dress. No matter how much you disagree with superficial appearance, the fact is that you will be judged by others based on how you look. So be confident and don’t forget to smile, it’s part of your new look!