You Are the Canvas

Establishing your look and setting your style with consistency is much like painting a picture. You are the canvas and the items you select are the colors and textures you use to complete the picture. Assemble your daily look with this in mind:

Decide on Your Focal Point.  The wardrobe items you select and the way you assemble them can help you focuse the observer's attention where you want it. If you are lucky enough to have a small waistline, a wide belt or ornate belt buckle can draw attention there. Earrings, necklaces and necklines can shift the focus to your face. A great pair of heels or a slit in your skirt can showcase a great pair of legs. Focal points also may be used to hide flaws. A statement necklace against simple lines and color can draw attention from a too-full figure. Just remember. One focal point to an outfit.

Balance. Select wardrobe items that help balance your body and your personality. Balance short legs against jackets that are not too long. Use non-skimpy tops to balance big hips. If you have a hard, lean body, use soft fabrics and lines for balance, and if your body is a bit on the soft side, structure and crispness can help you convey energy and efficiency. Aggressive natures can be softened with softer lines and colors.

Using focus and balance help create the confident style you're looking for.

To Tug or Not to Tug

I never really thought of my dad as a style guru but apparently he was. Years ago his advice to me, after observing a lady exiting a car on the street, was "It you have to tug at your clothing when you stand up or move around, you don't have on the right thing."

He was so right. If there is any tugging or pulling or on-going adjusting necessary to keep you outfit in place, you don't have on the right thing.

Jewelry Basics

Always buy quality jewelry. If the description includes words like gold filled, silver clad or silver plated, the purchase may not be the best investment.

Your basic jewelry wardrobe should include the following items:

• One statement necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One casual necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One dressy necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One dress-up/dress-down (goes anywhere) necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One casual bracelet that coordinates well with multiple pieces in your wardrobe.
•  One dressy bracelet that coordinates well with multple pieces I n your wardrobe.

Buying jewelry made with semi-precious stones is an excellent way to extend the reach of your wardrobe budget, and the beauty and variety of semi-precious adds depth and interest to your style.

Belting Out Style

Belts help to finish an outfit. Wear them, if your waistline allows. (A heavy waistline can be belted if you're wearing a loose third layer over the belted pieces.)  And, almost anything -- a scarf -- a chain -- can substitute for a true belt. 

If your belt wardrobe is non-existent or needs rejuvenation, here's a good basic list of belts to put you back on the right track:

1.  A 3/4 inch luggage-color leather classic with a simple buckle.  (Buy it a bit wider if you have a bit-wider waistline.)  If you budget only allow one belt, this is the one to buy.
2.  A soft cloth wrap belt in burgundy, mahogany or other rich color that contrasts with and compliments your color palette.
3.  A gold/silver narrow metallic belt.
4.  A black evening rope belt.

Best add-ons to the basic belt wardrobe:

1.  A narrow white leather belt. 
2.  A red belt for accent fun.
3.  An all-purpose natural-colored rope belt.

Individuality + Dress Appropriate = Class

Unless you're Lady Gaga -- or a LG wannabe -- setting and maintaining an individual style is not a license to shock for the value of shock.  The key to true style is the ability to maintain an individual and to be able to be dress-appropriate at the same time.  That adds up to class.

If It Doesn't Add, Subtract

When assembling an  outfit, critically assess each item - including accessories, footwear, hosiery and bag. This is the place to be brutally honest.  Unless each items adds to the others - individually and as the whole, returning even one of your most favorite items to the closet to  shine another day is the way to go.  If it doesn't add, subtract for the plus.

Style High Buying Hint

If you can't think of 3 things any clothing or accessory purchase might mix and match with in your wardrobe -- the purchase is not an investment, it's a whim. Just remember, whims are not all bad. If it's a great piece that you love, and it's consistent with your style, you may be able to make the buy and then shop for the mix and matches you need to convert it to investment.