The weather's been pretty wild over the past two months, but now I think it's fair to say that the warm weather is here to stay.

Are you ready?

Many women I know find the hot weather just too much to deal with from a style point of view, so they stick to shorts and T-shirts between May and August. (Even though they tell me they'd like to look a little better ... or maybe even look "fabulous," as a client recently said.)

It's not so hard to do! Here are five quick ways to boost your style quotient even when the mercury climbs.

1. Identify your "basic" piece. What's most comfortable for you in your current body and lifestyle when the temperature soars? Is it shorts, capris, or long, loose pants? Maybe for you it's a skirt or dress. Whatever your preference, track down some stylish versions of those things and organize your summer wardrobe around them. Shorts? Great! Look for longer, dark denim ones or some in a cute pattern. Skirts? Give that faded denim one a break and see if you can find a few fresh ones in colors and patterns you'll enjoy.

2. Make it YOU. Many women I know complain they have "no style." (They typically say this while moaning in despair.) Well, when you throw on a plain, crew-neck T-shirt with a pair of shorts or skirt -- even when the bottom piece is cute and current -- it's true that you usually won't feel stylish in the way that you want. Recognize that you'll need to add something extra to those basics -- some sort of adornment: a piece of jewelry (fun and casual for summer); a scarf (in linen or cotton gauze); a cute sandal; or a lightweight jacket or cardigan -- something to make the fundamental pieces more stylish and more YOU.

3. Be practical. Warm weather is the time to shed heavy jeans and anything else that slows you down and gets in the way of your fun. That will vary from one woman to the next. I like jewelry and wear it all year round, but on the hottest days, I skip everything but a pair of oversize, dangly earrings then I feel less bothered by the heat than I would otherwise. Maybe you like to get your hair out of your face -- consider an embellished headband like this or one of these. Maybe you simply MUST have a super-comfortable pair of sandals. So consider getting new ones this year, because it's a good bet your standby pair has seen better days.

4. Plan ahead. You'll likely be going out of town this summer, either for a weekend here and there or for a week or two (or more) at a time. One thing I've noticed with clients is how tough they find packing. Here's my biggest tip: Don't wait until the last minute! (My clients like to schedule a packing session a few days in advance of their departure.) Very few of us can pack for a week at 10 p.m. the night before the trip and still manage to look and feel great. Get started days (or more) ahead of time, making a grid chart of what you'll wear when. Build in plenty of repetition (stuff you can handwash, restyle, and wear more than once). And don't expect your time away to be dramatically different from what it is when you're at home living your regular life. (Unless, of course, it will be!)

5. Pamper yourself. Do all the stuff you know you should do! Apply sunscreen liberally. Drink plenty of water (even more important when the weather is hot). Take a walk or a nap. Slow down. You'll go through the summer feeling more better and more relaxed.

Need help putting it all together? Give me a call (202-352-7120) or send me an email to find out how I can help you beat the heat in style.




Warmly,

Ketura
www.TheWardrobeWorkshop.com