How did you choose what you are wearing at this very moment? Think about it. Take a peek in the mirror to get the full picture if you need to.

Did you create this outfit by design or by default?

Did you choose it because:

Whatever your reason, are you happy with what you are wearing? On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your outfit? If the number is low or not where you want it to be, what can you do to change it?

The #1 thing women do that keeps them completely overwhelmed with creating a wardrobe they love is to try to go from A to Z all at once. If you have been stuck in a rut for a while or perhaps your body has changed and you no longer know how to dress it, then taking it one step at a time is really important. Trying to jump ahead too fast will only set you up for frustration and have you reaching once again for the same old outfit you always wear that doesn’t bring you joy.

It is also very important to celebrate each step along the way. Even if you only get to B or D or H. As long as you are moving forward you will eventually get where you want to go.

Of course, if you have been stuck in a rut for a while, then having some outside support to guide you is crucial. Believe me, I know. Nearly 30 years ago, when I was floundering trying to find a style and wardrobe that suited me, I couldn’t have done it by myself.

So, good for you for being here now!

Let’s get started.

I am going to introduce you to (or remind you of) two steps you can take now that will make a difference for you. These are designed to give you immediate results.

Step #1: Add Color

I know what happens because I have seen it over and over with my clients. When you begin to feel frustrated or overwhelmed by your wardrobe or the prospect of shopping you give up and grab what is easy and often somewhat nondescript. You won’t look terrible, but you aren’t jumping for joy at the prospect of wearing that outfit either.

More often than not the outfit is black, gray or some variation of neutrals. It is time to bring back color and not just any color but specifically colors that look amazing on you.

Color is very powerful and has the ability to make you look vibrant, serene or dynamic or it can go to the other extreme and make you look tired, a little under the weather or feel like you disappear.

While I cannot color analyze you through this article, I can give you some basic tips for choosing a few colors that will look great. First of all…

Colors to Avoid:

Unless you are absolutely sure these colors look good on you, avoid them:

Instead choose one of these 4 colors that look good on everyone (even if they aren’t your #1 color choice, they will still look beautiful on you):

Don’t worry. It does not mean, for example, that you have to wear an entire outfit head to toe in watermelon. It means add a garment (especially around your face) or accessory in that color. And, if you keep Carol’s words in mind, it will help keep you on track:

“When I shop I keep thinking, the color and the style must work for me, and I need to love it. This is what I’ve always wanted to happen with my clothes.” – Carol Takvorian

The results will pay off as you can see from Carla:

““I am learning to only go shopping when I feel patient enough to only buy the right colors. I am a believer now…every time I travel I get compliments from random strangers in the airport.”
” – Carla Brecht

Here are some ideas in those colors to get you started.

Step #2: Add Sparkle

You do not have to light up like a Christmas tree to add sparkle. Everyone has a different way of expressing their personal radiance. What I have found, however, is that when you get frustrated with your wardrobe one of the first things to go away is anything that makes you feel like you stand out…even a little.

Again, you do not have to be flamboyant or outrageous. This is about finding your way of sparkling.

Here are some ideas:

Accessories

Adding jewelry might seem like an obvious choice to create sparkle, but too many times accessories fall by the wayside when just putting together a basic outfit feels overwhelming. Let’s make it as easy as possible.

Let’s say you are wearing all black (or navy or whatever neutral makes you happy). Add a pretty necklace with a touch of color like one of these.

Subtle sparkle:

More obvious sparkle:

Of course, while pendants are very trendy right now (and you can still wear them even when they aren’t as on trend), you can choose a shorter necklace as well.

This necklace goes with nearly everything (and comes in gold as well – see more options at https://www.facebook.com/karenmhalaby?fref=ts).

or something like this with a touch of color (picture how beautiful this would look with a forest green top or, of course, black):

I have so many other ideas for necklaces since no two people love the same piece. I had to stop myself from adding even more pictures! Go HERE to see many necklaces – everything from delicate to sparkly to fun statement pieces at a variety of price points.

And when you are looking at all the options, scarves can be a beautiful (and functional!) part of your wardrobe. Here is one pretty option that you can either wear with your favorite neutral or with the deep teal mentioned above.

Fabric

Jewelry and accessories are not the only way to add sparkle and personality? You can do it with fabric as well. Here are two ideas:

Velvet – ’tis the season so why not pick up a beautiful, luscious velvet top like this:

Or up the sparkle factor with a top like this:

See more top ideas HERE.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve read this what are you going to do?

Do not simply click on to your next email.

Take a moment to write down a plan – your very first step. Maybe it is to

Whatever your next step is, write it down! If you don’t, even with the best of intentions, you are bound to get distracted and forget, especially if putting together a wardrobe is something that generally feels daunting. You will find every excuse under the sun to avoid it. But, once you take that first step, each additional step gets easier and more fun.

Once you make progress here, there are tons of ideas on my BLOG post to keep you moving forward. And, if you want your very own personalized color palette to eliminate the mystery of what colors look amazing on you…check out my color analysis page: https://totalimageconsultants.com/services/color-analysis/ Whether you live near or far you can have your own palette created just for you. Novale’ from Virginia loves her palette, “My color palette is so helpful on so many levels. It’s the best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time!” The most important thing is to do something positive and celebrate that you took a step forward!

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A Note About the Clothes: All of the garments pictured here (and in the catalogue) are vegan/cruelty-free (made from fabrics that did not harm any animals). Please note that I am passionate about ending animal suffering and choosing cruelty-free clothing is just one aspect of a vegan lifestyle. If you have any questions about being vegan please let me know. I am happy to help and will answer any questions with kindness and compassion.

Some of the affiliate links may generate commissions for Total Image Consultants which helps support the time spent creating these very specific recommendations.