Cultivating your style by The Whit Michelle

It's not too late to cultivate your style!
How to define your style? Ask this question when trying to find your style.
How do you like to dress? Are you an eccentric or more conservative?
Do you prefer business formal or casual comfort? Is your current
wardrobe classically elegant or fashion forward? Consider the look you
would like to present to the world.
When finding your style consider your age. Clothing should always be
age-appropriate. If you've got grandchildren and you're dressing like
them, there's a problem. It's ok to want to look youthful, but make
sure your outfits suit your stage of life.

Consider your occupation when cultivating your style. You wouldn't
wear jeans and a t-shirt to work at a law firm, and you wouldn't wear
stilettos and a mini skirt to teach in. Use your profession as a guidewhen you shop.
 Once you have created a professional wardrobe ensemble,pump it up with some accessories. Ladies you can accessorize your wardrobe with a nice broach, scarf, necklace, or a nice pair of earrings. Make sure your accessories, mainly your earrings and your necklace isn't too gaudy. Men you can accessorize your wardrobe with a nice tie, bow tie, and pocket handkerchief, and some nice cuff links. Consider your lifestyle when cultivating your style. Fashion should combine form and function, and it should fit well with your surroundings. For example, if you live in the country you would not wear stilettos on an everyday basis because you would really stick
out like a sore thumb. Your style does not have to consist of designer
clothing.

Looking through your wardrobe will help you identify your current
style. What you like about it and what you wish you could change.
Fashion inspiration can come from a variety of sources when trying to
find your style. Fashion inspiration can come from celebrities,
fashion magazines, and personal stylist can help you cultivate your
style. Don't just consider trends that are hot today, but also
consider vintage styles because fashion always repeats itself.
When updating your wardrobe take baby steps. For example, if you have
an old pair of jeans that look old and ratty, role them up and to look
like boyfriend jeans and add a Blazers, pearls, and some cute pumps. Just be creative.

Make sure to dress according to your body style!
Most women's bodies are pear-shaped, which means they have a narrow
waist and wider hips. If you're pear-shaped, buy clothing that draws
attention to your slim upper body. Brightly colored shirts, scarves
and modern looking shoulder pads should work well. Wear tailored pants
and skirts, as well as hip-length long jackets. Avoid pleats and
stripes, which will further accentuate broader areas.
If you're rounder and more apple-shaped all around , you'll want to
draw attention away from your waist. Go for flat-fronted skirts,
empire-waisted dresses and tailored, wide-legged pants.

Don't accentuate a flat chest with a deep v-neck. Instead, choose
rounded-neck tops, and add a layered necklace to add dimension.
If you are busty, accentuate your curves by wearing a scooped neckline
that hugs your chest appropriately.
If you are extra curvy, you don't have to wear baggy, saggy, clothes.
You can still find fashionable, tailored clothes that comfortably
compliment your body. Shop in stores that can accommodate your shape
and buy clothes that fit well.
Know which types of fabrics and textures are most flattering. Shiny,
bulky, or stiff textures can make you appear bigger than what really
are. Smooth, matte surfaces, like cashmere and jersey, can really slim
you down.
The way you dress says a lot about yourself, it shows people how much
you care about yourself and whether or not you really are serious
about what you are doing.
Having an edgy look is ok in certain settings, but you still must
maintain a level of modesty. Edgy dressing will be appropriate for
events such as parties, dates, and fashion shows. When going to
professional events, such as networking events, business meetings, and
speaking engagements it is important to dress professional at all
times, because your appearance speaks volumes to your audience.
Don't just buy an article of clothing just because it's trendy, buy
what fits your style. Your style is you, your style is unique, make
sure you are comfortable and pleased. At the end of the day you are
not trying to please people, but you can only please you!

This vintage inspired look was thrifted and also purchased from a Retro/Vintage boutique. My shirt is by Jones New York and I thrifted it from the goodwill store for $3.99. My skirt was purchased from Red Velvet boutique located on Main Street in Memphis, TN.  I purchased my nude pumps from Nine west for $39.99. A look like this is very modest, and something that can be worn to work, church, or just to a social event. I mainly do a lot of shopping from thrift stores because it is less costly and you can find good quality clothing for a cheap price. I also like to shop from local boutique's because you can find one of a kind pieces. I shop with boutique's as well because I too am a boutique owner, so I understand that these are entrepreneurs who are depending on every sale in order to survive! Shop local and shop smart!

With Love and empowerment,

The Whit Michelle

www.whitmichelleboutique.com