Creating Your "Signature" Look
Many people have a set of clothes in which they are completely
comfortable and that reflects their image of themselves. If
you're one of these people, you can use the knowledge to create
your "signature" look ... the look that says "you" and makes you
feel confident and ready for almost any challenge.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could wear whatever we like
whenever we like? We know that's not recommended because there
are written and unwritten but well-understood dress codes:
what's socially acceptable, what's suited to the occasion,
what's required for your workplace or business ... at least here
in a big city. There are always those people who will push the
norm in some direction to make a fashion statement or be
non-conformist but the rest of us usually try to fit in to our
surroundings.
You can actually be yourself and fit in or stand out by simply
taking your comfortable clothes and transforming them to your
daily environment. What do you gravitate toward when you're
dressing to please yourself?
For example, I was born in jeans and have worn them since. My
legs disappear on the first cold day (which I define as below 60
degrees) and aren't exposed to sunlight until the first warm day
(over 70 degrees). One of my inner personas is a motorcycle mama
(though my riding "career" years ago was mostly on the back of a
motorcycle). Putting these elements together, I'm most
comfortable in a pair of jeans, a top and boots but that look
won't take me everywhere I need to go during the day. Plus, I'm
a beauty consultant and have the "pressure" of looking my best
whenever I step out.
My solution is to take my preferences and dress them down or
dress them up (except in summertime when less is more!). To put
together the casual version, I usually opt for a single, fairly
neutral color like black (or gray or brown or navy or dark
green): black top, black jeans, black boots or heeled shoes. A
single color, head to toe, is usually slimming and appears
pulled-together. Then, I throw on a bright tailored or leather
jacket with one or two matching accessories (a pin, scarf,
earrings, other jewelry). To transform my choices for a dressier
version, I'll select nice separates or a well-cut pants suit
with more dramatic accessories and great shoes.
Using this strategy simplifies my life. Plus, I feel comfortable
and, therefore, confident. Shopping and dressing aren't usually
a challenge ... and I've created a look that's my "signature."