Does this sound like you? "I have no style!"

I hear it all the time.

It makes me sad to hear this sentiment so often and from some many women, and here's why: We ALL have the capacity for great personal style, because we all have our unique believes, values, personal story and preferences. And those are the building blocks of great personal style.

If you're not quite there yet, here are some of the things that might be getting in your way:

1. Buying too many of the same thing. "I have six pairs of black pants," clients tell me. Then I ask about the other pants in their closets. They don't have any! Or they have a dozen white T-shirts and no other casual tops. Sound familiar? If you only have black pants in your closet, then it shouldn't surprise you that you're wearing black pants ... over and over and over. Want to get out of that rut? Stretch yourself with some brown pants, or really go out on a limb with a bolder color or even a pattern.

2. Always shopping at the same place. Do you want to stop looking like you only shop at [fill in the blank]? Well, my best advice is ... stop shopping only at that place! Go to a good department store and try on the kinds of things you'd normally never look at twice: a new shape or color, or perhaps an accessory in a style you've never tried. Even if you don't buy something outside your comfort zone during that shopping trip, you'll have expanded your horizonsand prepared yourself for your next shopping trip.

3. Having a closet that's way too full. What's wrong with that? you might ask. Well, in theory, nothing's. But what about the closet filled with clothes that are out of date or don't fit or even just out of season? My best advice is to get those things out of your way, because they ARE in your way. It's harder making great outfits with what's already in your closet when your vision is cluttered with pieces you'll never wear again (or at least won't wear again until October). Find another place to put them: a friend's closet, your favorite charity or in the case of those sweaters and jackets, under the bed.

4. Not taking enough time. For most of us, a little planning can make a big difference in how we look. Some women put out their clothes the night before. Others spend an hour or so on a weekend organizing the week's outfits. This isn't mandatory, but chances are good that you will look better if you commit a little bit of time to it. (Next time you're thinking of going shopping, "shop" your closet instead!)

5. Not planning for the possibilities. Why is it that someone women always look great at special events and others come dressed in their work duds? Chances are the ones who look great are those who have thought they should have at least one outfit for going out to dinner with friends or going to a bar/bat mitzvah or a cocktail party. Most of us have at least a few occasions like that on our calendar, and it's so much better to have planned for it than to be shopping in a panic at the 11th hour.

6. Forgetting about accessories. Remember those black pants? Well, the truth is you CAN get a lot of mileage from a single pair IF you have a variety of accessories. So the next time you're tempted to buy yet another pair of those pants, opt for a chunky necklace, a fabulous bag or colored pair of shoes instead.

7. Not valuing yourself. Sound difficult? It doesn't have to be! You're worth the time and effort it takes to look and feel great every day. Resolve today to address at least one of these obstacles and see what what a great boost it is to your personal style.




Warmly,

Ketura
www.TheWardrobeWorkshop.com