How to Look Terrific in Your Clothes

Fashions change with every season but you can look great no matter what’s in style. The secret is to define your own style and stick to it. With creativity and strategic use of your clothing budget, you’ll have a wardrobe to be proud of.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knowledge of your clothing needs for work and leisure
• Clothing budget

1. Figure out what kind of activities you spend time doing--work, parties, housework, family care and travel. Decide what clothes you need for each activity.

2. Look at your coloring. Hold different colors next to your face in good light to see which ones make you glow. You may look great in electric blue but washed out in light aqua, for example. Go through all the colors of the palette (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, brown and black) to see which tones of each color suit you best.

3. Look at your figure. Decide which points you want to emphasize and which you want to hide.

4. Take a hard look at the contents of your closet. Find the clothes with flattering colors and styles. Give the rest away.

5. Each time you build an outfit, consider the combination of shapes and colors. Decide if it’s appropriate for where you will be going. Add jewelry and accessories to complement the outfit. Choose shoes that work for your outfit, your feet and your priorities.

6. Take good care of your clothes so they will last. Press when necessary. Hang them up when you take them off. Wash or dry clean. Polish your shoes regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a tactful friend with a good eye, ask advice if you need it.
• Have clothes altered if they don’t fit.
• Wear foundation garments that fit well.
• Colors that don't look best next to your face can still be worn in skirts or trousers.
• Always sit and stand with good posture.
• Don’t forget perfume or cologne water for a final touch.
• These days, stores sell clothes for all figure types so don’t waste time trying to fit into something that’s not suited for you.
• If you can’t decide if a garment is right for you, it’s probably not.

Resources

• Fashion tips
• Match figure type to clothing styles