Style Basics

Okay, so you've decided you want to change your look. It's time for a makeover, or you just want to look better at work, or you want that next Big Date to be a resounding success. You may or may not be a slave to fashion, but you certainly would like help in looking your best while out in public.

Whatever the reason, you're looking for information to help you choose a new wardrobe, buy new accessories, find a new hairstyle or a new pantsuit for the office. And you don't want to make an expensive mistake, and end up regretting it later. After all, informed buying decisions are usually the best buying decisions.

The first order of business is to define what your personal style is going to be. Here are some questions you need to answer before you go any further:

• What age group do you fall into?

• What type of work do you do?

• Are you a professional or a "blue-collar" worker?

• Are you single or married?

• How much of your budget can you afford to spend on clothes?

• Do you like to stand out, or blend into your surroundings?

Once you've answered these and other questions, you can begin to work on developing  a vision a how you want to look in a variety of situations. There really isn't a one-size-fits-all when it comes to style and fashion. Most people have a different style of dress at work, at play, at a dinner party, at weddings, etc. So you really need to think about organizing your wardrobe so that it works in all of these situations.

If you buy your clothes off the rack (and most of us do),  your biggest challenge may be finding a wardrobe that matches and accentuates your body type. We come in all shapes and sizes, and the goal should be to choose clothes that highlight the positives of your figure while playing down any weaknesses.

You also need to think about integrating your wardrobe with your makeup, your hairstyle, your body type, your age, your skin tone, and a variety of other factors. Having your own style means that all of these elements work together, instead of fighting one another. After all, who hasn't witnessed someone in public who seems to be trying to make three or four different fashion statements all at the same time, and failing miserably in the process. 

As we all know, fashion trends are constantly changing, and trying to chase the latest fashions can be an expensive game. That's why it's important to ground yourself in your own style, so that you look good and you're comfortable with yourself season after season, year after year, no matter what the latest fads call out from department stores.

Please read the articles below for advice on a variety of style and fashion basics.