- When you look good, you feel good. When we dress with intention and thoughtfully curate our outfit for the day, we will undoubtedly feel more confident in our skin! Taking the time to polish and refine your look by accessorizing; adding the finishing touches will help elevate your outfit overall and add visual impact. When we love how we look, we feel more empowered in our skin and hold our heads higher. Studies have shown it can actually increase self-esteem and improve our posture when we feel confident and comfortable in our clothing!
- Planning your outfit in advance saves time and stress. I always tell my clients - dress for your day. What does that look like? Think about where you're going and who you're going to see, then dress accordingly. Are you running errands? Corporate presentation then cocktail hour for networking? Work from home then Zoom meetings all afternoon? What's the venue you're attending? The dress code? What's the vibe? Look at the weather prediction for your next day, think about the questions above, and style an outfit around that. Maybe you bring a pair of heels, a statement earring and bold lipstick to throw on to transition your outfit from day to night. The key is - be thoughtful and intentional and plan ahead the night before so you are not stressed and rushed getting dressed the next morning.
- Clothing tells a story about who we are. How do you want to show up in the world? What the story you want to tell people? How do you want to be perceived? Think of 3-4 adjectives that you would like to be the first impressions others have of you, then dress in a way that communicates those adjectives.
- Invest in capsule wardrobe pieces. Think about the cost per wear - will you get your return on investment? If you can think of at least 3-5 different ways to style and wear a piece of clothing and/or accessory, it's worth considering. Can you envision at least three different places you could wear the item? Will the item still feel current and relevant 2-3 years after purchasing? Think classic and timeless, neutral. Stay away from loud prints and trendy design nuances and details. Focus on clean lines, timeless and classic silhouettes and neutral color palettes.
- Go low-investment with trends. Have fun with trends and sample the ones that appeal to you - pass on the others. Remember, not every trend is for everybody, and not every trend is for every BODY. Don't feel pressured to get on board with all the trends each season - pick a few to incorporate into your wardrobe for the season, but go low-investment.
Annie Heyward is an internationally published celebrity fashion and wardrobe stylist best known for her ability to translate high-end fashion into stunning yet achievable looks for women of all ages, shapes, sizes and body types. Originally launched in Nashville and now based in St. Louis, MO, Annie and her firm work with an exclusive client base across the U.S. with clients in NYC, Dallas, Chicago, Palm Beach, Atlanta, Sarasota, Nashville, Charlotte, San Diego and Los Angeles, just to name a few. Have clothes, will travel!
Remember, not every trend is for everybody, and not every trend is for every BODY. Don't feel pressured to get on board with all the trends each season - pick a few to incorporate into your wardrobe for the season, but go low-investment.