Dress for Your Values

Do you consider your values when you get dressed? Just as a conservative person would not wear tight and revealing outfits, and an adventurous  individual would dress more creatively, so should we all tap into our personality and values in order to feel more connected with our wardrobe. The books say there are seven different fashion styles for both men and women: Classic, Sporty, Elegant, Dramatic, Romantic, Sexy and Creative. The most common for everyday dressing are Classic, Sporty and Creative. Classic style is embodied in a traditional two-button suit in a neutral color, a blue blazer with tan slacks, or a sheath dress and pumps. Add a vest to the suit, a pocketsquare to the blazer or a scarf to the dress, and you have transitioned into elegance. Sporty looks involve rugged fabrics such as corduroy, twill and denim, in casual styles. We are all sporty at some point during the week. The remaining four styles are less distinct and often mixed with one of the primary three. Dramatic style entails bold designs in black, or an eye catching color like lipstick red, gold or silver. A large pattern, severe hairstyle or bold accessory will also render an outfit dramatic. Creative dressing consists of an either an unusual mix of colors or a super trendy or vintage style that is flattering but unique. Sexy draws attention to the body while romantic looks present a soft, dreamy style that is not powerful in business, but can work in a social or home setting. We all have a mix of looks in our wardrobe and dress according to our plans for the day. (or the styles of who we are meeting with. But if you examine more closely those items that are your favorites, you will see they fall into just one or two of the seven distinct fashion styles. This information can then guide you to your ideal style values.

What You Will Need for Spring

In spite of the bad weather, or maybe because of it, refreshing our wardrobe at this of year provides a needed pick me up. I am always thinking of versatility and transitional fabrics.Here are my suggestions for spring necessities:

Men: 1. Trench or Rain Coat. Burberry and Brooks Brothers are the go to looks for this style, but if that is not your preference (or budget) simply purchase a belted style in a neutral color. I suggest double breasted.
         2. Blue Blazer. We are seeing this style with jeans on the weekend and it provides a nice alternative to a leather or warm up jacket. Try twill or sackcloth fabric for a more casual look.
         3. Blue Jeans. Medium or dark wash great fitting jeans are a versatile addition to your wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down.
Women: 1. Look for a lightweight pant or skirt suit in neutral gray, tan, olive or blush. This will get you away from basic black, but still with a versatile and flattering outfit.
              2. Rayon or Jersey Knit Cardigan Topper.This look will take you from Business Casual to the Weekend in all sorts of weather.
              3. Sheath Dress with jacket or scarf. Again, classic and versatile for work, wedding, charity events, etc. Also, it will always be in style.

I would like to mention another value here and that is Made in America. In the food business, there is a movement underway to eat locally, meaning to consume food that comes from a certain area, usually within a 100 mile radius. The benefits of this are many: food is fresher; you support local farmers, food is often organic and environmentally there is less pollution with a closer distance to travel. Years ago, the clothing industry was concentrated in the west side of Manhattan, and most of what we wore was Made in America. Now clothing is pieced together in all areas of the world and it is rare to see anything Made in America. But there is a new clothing line that I have been introduced to called Jana Kos, (www.janakos.com). Jana Kos was the designer behind the Juliana Collezione and has been in the fashion business for over twenty years. The Jana Kos styles are new and fresh, while the company has old-fashioned values. The majority of the Jana Kos Collection is Made in America, right in the center of the New York garment center on the west side of Manhattan.