“Fashion fades, style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent
First things first, before you can dress to impress the basics must be learned. Many people don’t realize that little things can make or break an outfit. Fashion is an extension of your personality, a piece of art specific to you, what you wear is a real first impression and you must always dress to the nines, you never know who you might meet.
Before you get dressed you must be prepared. Download some classical or jazz music onto your iTunes and making a ‘Getting Dressed’ playlist, you don’t want to be distracted by your jam, it will only slow you down but a good sing along isn’t a bad thing. Light some lavender or freesia scented candles to relax, hit shuffle and prepare to primp.
My Getting Dressed Playlist:
- Everything – Michael Buble
- A Song for You – Michael Buble
- Home – Michael Buble
- Good Year for the Roses – Elvis Costello
- Everyday I Write the Book – Elvis Costello
- She – Elvis Costello
- Abandoned Masquerade – Diana Krall
- Deed I Do – Diana Krall
- East of the Sun – Diana Krall
- Sing for You – Honor Society
You must first keep the location in mind. If you’re going to school don’t wear a ball gown, if you’re going to a black tie event don’t wear jeans. Yes it is that simple, although if your ever confused about a party dress code it never hurts to ask. The simplest thing to do is pretend your a celebrity and the paparazzi are constantly following you. Wouldn’t you hate to be one of the celebrity’s pictured taking out the garbage? Didn’t think so.
Always lay out your outfit the night before so you aren’t rushed in picking it out and so you can think about it for a little while. When it comes to accessories less is always more, subtle additions stand out more than weighing yourself down. And always ALWAYS remember a good pair of shoes can make (or break) an outfit. Don’t forget to accentuate your best features and hide the not so fabulous.
Makeup is always a must. Use a little liquid concealer and liquid highlighter under your eyes (try YSL Touche Eclat) to make them pop. Exaggerate either your eyes or mouth, never both. Kohl rimmed eyes and nude lips is a classic look while red lips and soft eyes are a little trendier. If you opt for red lips keep in mind that it’s hard to eat and drink and even talk, lipstick on teeth is so not ok. As for fake eyelashes, go for it just make sure it’s appropriate for the occasion, and don’t forget to channel Audrey Hepburn.

What’s on the outside is not the only part to an outfit, underwear counts. Bra and panties should match and dark under white is never a good idea. Bright underwear should be saved for darker colors, pastel and pale for light colors. Proven fact, white bras can be seen in certain lights and turn gray after too many washes. Nude never shows through and are easier to maintain. And ladies no one wants to see your panties, no matter how cute they are, low cut pants means low cut panties.
When it comes to your handbag you must not be stingy. When shopping for a day bag think Mary Poppins, she knew what she was doing. It’s not a bad thing to keep a smaller bag inside the larger one to carry into dinner. As for the contents there are many musts. Your cell phone of course, wallet with cards and some cash (not too much, just enough), a notebook because you never know what might pop into your perfectly coiffed head, a pen for jotting those ideas but don’t forget it’s lid, your favorite lipgloss, a sample bottle of your favorite perfume (you can usually get one at a department store makeover), house and car keys if you lose anything don’t let it be these, a small sewing kit and some safety pins because you never know what might happen, a smaller version of your makeup kit with only the necessities which includes a mirror, a date book or agenda unless your cell phone is a PDA then record important dates on that, business cards for those who ask if you don’t work think like Holly Golightly and order a pack, if your bag is big enough pack a more comfortable pair of shoes especially if a lot of walking is expected, Band-Aids for blisters and whatever else must happen, a comb, some tissues to go, aspirin, mints or gum and a small bottle of lotion. When an evening bag is needed grab your cell phone, lipstick, keys and your ready to go.
As for shoes the higher the better, that’s all there is to it. Just make sure they don’t clash with your outfit, especially if your aiming for a color that’s not in your ensemble.
Now all that’s left are finishing touches. Do your hair in a way that frames your face and complements your outfit, you know your hairs needs better than anyone else. Treat it well and it’ll return the favor. Squirt on your scent (you should always do this right after you put on deodorant and again before your ready to walk out the door). Grab your handbag,apply your lips gloss (only now never before) say a little “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” (you of course) and you’re off.
Now that you’ve got the basics the fashion fun can really begin. xoxo.