Tips on Adding Details and Color to Improve and Expand Your Wardrobe  

In both dining and entertaining – i.e. whether you are building a wardrobe or a house — the details in the presentation can speak volumes about its worth or quality. I have been a Personal Stylist for over twenty-six years. I work by appointment, pre-select clothing ahead of time, and handle everything from head to toe.  It’s the most efficient way to shop and save time.  When assisting someone find the perfect outfit, how it fits into their lifestyle is of great concern, but the details that distinguish the outfit are a matter of the uttermost importance. Sometimes those little details can be costly – but they’re worth it (especially when you can find them on sale)!

Pay Attention to Classic Detailing

• Incorporating Jewelry: Fashion jewelry can be an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe.  Try to combine several necklaces together, and mix and match with colors in your outfit.  Another possibility for long-term wear is to invest in fine jewelry.  Pick a collection that is timeless, and looks good from the boardroom to the playground.  Making sure it’s versatile is the key.  And although you are paying more, classic fine jewelry will never go out of style; you will have it forever.
• Detailing the LBD: Everyone likely has a favorite little black dress (the LBD) in their closet.  It doesn’t have to be the same as everybody else’s; details are what distinguish one piece of garb from many others. Make it a signature design by adding a fun shoe with color or pattern.  Let your creativity flow!  Other options are adding a jacket, cardigan, shawl or shirt.  The black dress can also be taken from the office to happy hour, just by adding strappy sandals.

Tailoring + Accessories Make an Outfit Pop

• Alterations: One detail that most fail to think about is alterations. I can’t tell you how many times someone would say “It looks fine,” but then I show them how it can better suit their proportion.  Shortening the hemline or shortening a long sleeve to a 3/4 sleeve can greatly improve the appearance and flatter one’s figure.  Isn’t that what it’s all about?
• Accessories: Accessories are the best details to use to complement your outfit.  It’s not rocket science to update one’s wardrobe: begin by working with the details.  Take an older and classic item, and add a statement necklace, scarf or shoes.

Do’s and Dont’s of Building a Great Wardrobe

• Don’t be Afraid to Mix it Up: Women wear 10% of their wardrobe 90% of the time?  Many are timid when it comes to creativity or are reluctant to trust their instincts.  Try mixing and matching more.  It’s like investing in the stock market: you want to diversify and not buy everything in red!
• Don’t Forget the Details: Details stand out the most during first impressions or job interviews. I love helping people find their first date outfit, business casual wardrobe, an important interview suit or, since I work in the D.C. area, helping women transition from military to a civilian wardrobe.  Small finishing touches like ideal makeup and hairstyle, eyebrow-shaping, undergarments, dress shoes and handbag, are key ingredients for success.
• Do Use Color to Complement Your Features: Color is key to building a successful wardrobe.  (This is a detail that most get incorrect, unless they have a Personal Stylist).  It’s vital to be cognizant of which shades are best suited for your coloring.  I have several clients who are news anchors and columnists on TV, so for them, their image is focused from the waist up – and thus, ideal colors complement and light up their faces.  It can also make you look younger.

Part of the mission of a personal shopper is to help clients be the best they can be. That’s the great side of my job – feeling that maybe I’ve made someone’s day better.  But for those that don’t have a personal shopper, I hope the tips in this article have given you some ideas to do just that.