Your Style Council – Getting Started

I’m trying a new angle here, based on a request that came from an online friend (I’ve met just once before) called Julie, when she mentioned on Facebook how she wanted someone to go shopping with her to get her fall wardrobe together, and on a budget. Hmmm…
Earlier this summer, one of my neighbour-ladies called Margaret also asked me if perhaps we might do a little shopping together – she’d be interested to see what I might pick out for her… and our own Urban Mom, Sara, asked me what staples I think she’d need for this fall.
This whole idea has me thinking about what people want when it comes to getting dressed: we all want to be comfortable, and we all want to feel like we look good. (And it’s true that some people just don’t care much about how they look… if this is you, then this blog ain’t for you – go read something else.) None of us are supermodels. We’re just regular people who should all just aim to do the best with what they’ve got. I think it’s good when people put their best foot forward. Moods improve. People smile more – this is good for the world.
Some people are trendy, but most people aren’t – or not really. You probably don’t need a pair of satin tuxedo pants, no matter how hot they are this season. Some people have more disposable income than others, but for most, a pair of $300 dollar shoes is just not in the budget, no matter how beautiful they look. Never mind the stilettos if you don’t wear heels. If you’re a stay at home mom, then your wardrobe will likely be much different than that of someone who works in an office. If you don’t go to fancy parties, then you might not need an organza skirt for any reason, even if you think it’s pretty – don’t buy that thing that will just hang out in your closet, mocking you about your bad choices – it’ll only make you cry. Your wardrobe has to work with the lifestyle you have – if you’re not sure where to start, that kind of thing needs examining.
I asked Julie questions like what do the people around you usually wear to the office? And what does a typical Saturday look like for you? And are there areas of your body you love? Ones you hide? Do you wear heels? Do you accessorize? These are important questions.
40-year-old Julie is 5’3″ tall, and says at 140 pounds, she’s the heaviest she’s ever been, which she finds depressing. She has a husband and two young kids, and works in a fairly casual office environment. On Saturdays, she usually does some grocery shopping, and then goes home and tries to pull her house together for the week. She says she doesn’t go out much, but that once in a while she has dinner or drinks with friends. She hates her muffin top, and has gained a few pounds over the summer that is making her sigh heavily. She describes her style as being a jeans and t-shirt kind of person, where comfort is key, but she’d like to do better.
So.
I asked Julie to have a look on Pinterest, and type in “fall outfits” and just take a gander at what comes up. I want to get an idea about what she likes, even if it’s not a complete ensemble she’d wear. I think what you’re drawn to says a lot about your personal style, even if you don’t think you have one.
She sent a link to the picture above – it was exactly what I had selected for her too. It’s not so uncanny – EVERYONE could/should wear an outfit like this one. This is a contemporary take on jeans-and-a-t-shirt done up right, whether you’re urban or suburban. In her case, it can be worn to the office (you could easily throw a blazer over it), and to the grocery store, to the park with her kids, to tidy up around the house, to her neighbour’s backyard BBQ, to drinks at the bistro down the street… and it can all assembled without breaking the bank. And be worn without making her feel like a ridiculous fraud.
I also suggest starting with footwear, since that part of the ensemble tends to be bossy as hell, as well as the most costly. If you like a boot, go find one – pre-shop online from the comfort of your home by just looking at what’s available, and decide how much you’re willing to spend. (I do not advise buying trendy footwear – buy basics first – think longevity.)
Next go to jeans – dark wash is best if you’re going basic. They don’t have to be skinny jeans – find a fit that flatters – don’t worry about what’s trendy. If your bum is curvy, I’d avoid any freaking doo-dads or bedazzling on the back pockets… and if you have muffin top issues, try going up a waist size (or two) to ensure the rise and the hips fit well, and then have the waist taken in a little bit – your drycleaner probably offers this service for about $10. Never mind what the size says, it only matters how things fit.
Tops and accessories tend to get easier – everyone can find a t-shirt and some earrings, or whatever.
Before shopping though? One needs to assess one’s current closet situation, and purge… including me. We’ll get to that next time.