Polish Your Look With a Scarf
Practical and versatile, scarves are valuable accessories that can expand your wardrobe, update an outfit and polish your look.
Scarves can also be used to help project your personal style – some prints say “classic” while others express a more “romantic” or “dramatic” feel. Multi-colored scarves are excellent tools for linking separates in different colors. And as a bonus, a scarf worn near your face draws attention up and away from figure challenges!
Good scarves never go out of style – by investing in scarves you love and following current scarf tying trends you can use a great scarf for years.
What’s Your Best Scarf Look?
Just as there are elements of clothing design that suit one body type better than another, there are certain types of scarves that are a better fit for some women than for others. Color is not the only consideration – fabric, shape and size are equally important to creating a flattering look:
● If you are petite, you need to be careful that a scarf does not overwhelm you. If it seems that all you see is scarf when you look in the mirror, the scarf is wearing you versus working for you.
● If you have a very full bust, stay away from scarf volume at your bustline. An oblong lightweight scarf tied in a long vertical line will be much more flattering.
● Tie a scarf around your waist to highlight a narrow waistline or give the illusion of a waistline curve. (Slip a colorful scarf through the loops of your jeans and tie a knot – instant polish!)
● If you are tall and thin, you can wear larger scarves and fuller fabrics. If you are just the opposite keep in mind that a scarf tied near the neckline draws attention upward, creating a taller, trimmer appearance.
Scarf Design Basics
● Oblong (typically 15” x 60”) scarves are considered the most versatile for tying, although a large square can be folded into a triangle or rectangle before tying, providing options. My personal favorite is a 36” square that I can wear at my neck, around the shoulders, or tie at my waist.
● Silk scarves are the easiest to tie and drape beautifully.
● What about synthetics? Only the finest silky polyesters can come close to the beauty of silk. However, silk-like polyesters have an advantage in wrinkle resistance and ease of care.
● Cotton scarves are casual – wear them only with your jeans or other sportswear.
● Wool and rayon challis scarves are nice when there’s a chill in the air but they are bulky to tie. If it’s just the color you’re after, try draping them over a shoulder instead.
● Multicolor print scarves are more versatile and a better investment as they will work with more things and can unify different color combinations of solid pieces.
● An “infinity scarf” is a continuous loop of fabric – easy to drape and does not require tying.
How to Shop for Scarves
● A scarf should be an integral part of any outfit – avoid scarves in colors that don’t match or complement anything in your wardrobe.
● Only invest in scarves in your most flattering colors. A print that has a touch of your hair color in it will be particularly flattering. (Note: This is the value of having a personal color analysis and shopping with your color palette.)
● A print with white/crème or black in it will be more versatile than one without as you could also wear it with either solid as a complementary accent.
Smart packing tip: One black dress (or a black pant and top) plus 3 different scarves can give you a weekend of different looks! That’s traveling both smart and light!
There’s More Than One Way to Wear a Scarf
A beautiful scarf can benefit from a simple tie or loop treatment that allows the design to show fully. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration.
An easy way to hold a scarf in place is with a scarf ring. Hermès has a beautiful collection (and many photos of how to use them), but you can find a wide assortment at much lower prices on sites such as Etsy.
If making more than a loop stumps you, you’ll find many scarf tying tutorials online as well as how-to apps for your smartphone. I love Nordstrom’s video on their blog – 4 scarves tied 16 ways. I also recommend downloading the free Hermès Silk Knots app to your smartphone. Set aside an hour, pull out your favorite scarves, watch the videos . . . then stand in front of a mirror and practice, practice, practice!
Smart travel tip: Need a dress wrap in a hurry? Take the large square scarf you packed and tie the two pairs of adjacent corners together with tiny square knots, forming two “sleeves.” Slip your arms through and voilà – a kimono wrap! This is a lovely way of showcasing the center motif of the scarf, whether worn while traveling or to an event at home.
How to Care For and Store Your Scarves
● Keep your scarves clean, pressed and ready to wear. Scarves carry oils from the neck and hair. I have my silks dry-cleaned; most synthetics can be carefully hand washed (be sure to save any tag you clip off – carefully! – for a reminder of care instructions.)
● Give your scarves the respect they deserve. An overstuffed scarf ring or a drawer or basket filled with scarves tossed in randomly makes me shudder! In either case, finding the right scarf to polish your look could take you forever.
I used to keep my precious Hermès scarves in their beautiful boxes but it slowed down my dressing routine. Now hanging, they are a joy to see each time I go into my closet – and I can choose one quickly.
● Separate your scarves by color, fabric and or size and shape, then consider these techniques:
– Oblongs and infinities hang nicely on scarf rings. Fold lengthwise first and hang just once scarf per ring.
– Medium to large squares can be folded once and draped over the bars of tiered pant hangers. I use the velvet-coated hangers with bars that pivot – I can hang 2 scarves on each bar and easily see the colors of all.
– Large cotton, wool or gauze squares and pashminas should be folded on a shelf.
How are you curating the scarves in your own closet? Let us know in the comment section below. If you need help contact me for a complimentary 30-minute consultation on how to polish your wardrobe with scarves.
Picture notes: Bottom three from Looking Good . . . Every Day by Nancy Nix-Rice, in which you will find an excellent chapter on scarves!
New Year Resolution: Streamline Your Wardrobe
Guest post by Alexandria Heinz
A New Year means time for new resolutions. If you’re constantly on the go and looking for a way to simplify your life, this could be the time to resolve to streamline your wardrobe. How? With a capsule wardrobe, a curation of stable pieces that you can mix and match. A capsule wardrobe can save you future time and money and assure that most of your clothing goes together.
The first step to creating a capsule wardrobe is to clean out your closet. This might be something you dread doing, but with the help of the flow chart below created by American Eagle, it won’t be so hard! Just answer a few simple questions to determine if you should keep, trash, donate or sell your items.
Make sure to dispose of the items that you’re not keeping within a week and store or organize items that aren’t seasonal in order to streamline your closet. If you travel frequently, organize your essential travel pieces in a certain section of your closet to make packing easier.
Happy New Year and good luck!
Flow chart by American Eagle
Leslie’s note: The flow chart by American Eagle first appeared in a post on capsule wardrobes in AEO, the American Eagle Outfitters blog and is reprinted here with permission. Why not print it and tack it in your closest for ongoing reference? That’s what I did!
Decoding Holiday Dress Codes
The holiday season has arrived and with it invitations to everything from cocktails to office parties to New Year’s Eve dinners.
They all contain those coded party terms: “cocktail,” “festive,” “formal,” “semi-formal,” “casual chic.” How do you interpret the requested attire?
Don’t stress! Let the following guidelines take the wonder out of what to wear:
Formal (a.k.a. Black Tie)
Traditionally this called for a long, elegant gown but today your choices range from a long dress to a more formal cocktail dress to dressy silk, satin or beaded separates.
What about color? At one time black tie meant a black dress, but now color is acceptable – and jewel tones, including holiday’s red and green, are perfect for winter.
When it comes to black tie formal one is expected to go all out. Wear some sparkle and shine: a sparkly necklace or chandelier earrings (but never both), a beaded or metallic clutch, and super shoes all help to complete your ensemble. But don’t overdo it; this is the time for classic elegance. And please take note: If wearing a cocktail dress, be sure it is no shorter than a touch above the knee to keep it “formal.”
Semi-Formal (a.k.a. Black Tie Optional)
This is a more relaxed version of black tie. A long gown is appropriate if your date is in a tux; a cocktail dress in a dressy fabric (lace, satin or silk) should be your choice if he opts for a suit. Elegant evening separates are also an option. And yes, shimmer and shine fit the bill for this occasion!
Cocktail Attire
“Cocktail” is one of the most common dress codes seen on invitations. It’s also the easiest to interpret. It generally means a short dress that is party-ready but silky or satiny separates are definitely appropriate. When in doubt, wear a little black dress and dress it up with fun jewelry. Up the wow factor with an interesting silhouette or color and don’t be afraid to shine bright!
Business Formal
This is the dress code suggestion for daytime semi-formal events, particularly work lunches and conferences. You want to wear something business appropriate that also feels dressed up. It’s almost the same thing as cocktail or semi-formal, where a short formal dress is appropriate, but the “business” part says suit – and yes, a pantsuit is appropriate – or a conservative dress. No slinky or overly sexy dresses! Let your jewelry, or perhaps a satin blouse, add the holiday flare.
Festive Attire
Festive is similar to cocktail attire, but with a holiday bent, such as a sparkly sequin dress, a sweater with hints of sparkle or metallic with black pants, or a red silk blouse with a simple black skirt or pant. Add more glad tidings with statement accents: red pumps or a glittery clutch. And if the temperature drops below freezing, you can layer with a jeweled cardigan, opaque tights and heeled booties.
Festive, Dressy or Smart Casual/Casual Chic
This is a dress-up/dress-down hybrid. The good news is you have the chance to be comfy while looking chic. But it doesn’t mean you break out the ugly Christmas sweaters (please don’t)!
Festive is all about taking a classic look or color and jazzing it up for the holidays. Stick to one or two pieces of jewelry and don’t forget a dressier bag or clutch – anything that has a little bit of sparkle.
You could also pair a weekend staple with something glamorous—for example, a nice pair of dark jeans with a bow blouse and heeled booties or ornate flats. A pair of tailored pants with a bright cardigan is also perfect; add a scarf infused with hints of holiday hues. The goal is to be polished but not uptight!
Do you have the pieces but lack the confidence to put it all together for this season’s parties? Or do you need a little guidance on exactly what to buy to fill your party wardrobe gaps? Don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. It will be my pleasure to assist you!
Editor’s note: Fashion photos, top to bottom: Pinterest, Polyvore, Halsbrook.com
Proper Fit Makes a Difference
A well-dressed woman knows the value of a good tailor or seamstress to fine tune the fit of her clothing. RTW is not always “ready to wear” and a proper fit is critical to making your best impression, both personally and professionally.
Here’s what Susan, an emerging business leader who worked with me on her professional presence, discovered:
“I’ve become one of my tailor’s best clients thanks to your shining light on the difference a proper fit makes. I need to get almost every pant and jacket I purchase altered, but it’s well worth it. I can’t help but observe other people’s clothing and whether it fits properly. The direct correlation between proper fitting clothes and levels of success within an organization is glaring.”
What Does Proper Fit Look Like?
Wardrobe consultant Nancy Nix-Rice describes it well in her book Looking Good . . . Every Day: Style Solutions for Real Women: “Excellent fit means more than just ‘I can zip it.’ It means the garment flows gracefully over your body without pulling or binding, sagging or bagging. It means that garment details such as darts, shaping seams, and hems fall at the ideal level.”
Here are a few proper-fit guidelines for classic basics:
Jacket:
- It buttons smoothly, even though you might not wear it buttoned. If it doesn’t even pull together you are telling everyone “my jacket is too small”!
- The back lies smoothly across your shoulders without a bubble behind the neck.
- The shoulder is ¼” – ½” wider than blouse shoulder.
- The waistline curve or seams are at your natural waistline; a back vent hangs perpendicular to the floor.
- Sleeves end at or just below the wrist bone. Note: Rolling up a tailored jacket sleeve tells everyone it’s too long and you were too lazy to alter it!
Pants/Straight Skirts:
- They look and feel comfortable at the waist (room for two fingers gives you wiggle room).
- They flow smoothly over hips and hang straight from the hipline; pockets or zippers lie flat against the body.
- Pants do not bind at the crotch and there’s neither tucking nor drooping under the derriere.
Fitted Blouse:
- The neckline hugs the base of your neck without wrinkling or gaping; the sleeve is set in at your pivot bone.
- Bust darts point to, but stop within 1″ of the bust point; the front doesn’t gap at the bustline (this calls out “it’s too small”).
- A long sleeve ends where your wrist breaks as you bend your hand. Note: it peeks out under a jacket sleeve 1/4″- 1/2”.
Shopping for Proper Fit
Sizing varies by manufacturer. Your size is the one that gives you enough fabric around the largest body area the garment is designed to cover.
Horizontal wrinkles are indication clothing is too tight. Too-small clothing tells everyone else you should have gone up a size. Vertical wrinkles can indicate clothing is too loose. If too loose, you risk looking a bit dowdy or sloppy.
1. Know your Body Style and shop in the right department:
- Misses sizes fit women 5’5” and taller; Petite sizes fit women 5’4” and under. However, you might be 5’6” and find that petite fits your proportionately shorter legs or waist better so pair petite pants with a misses jacket, or vice versa.
- Women’s sizes are shaped more generously for a thicker body. If you have a thicker torso (round or oval body style) you might choose tops in a women’s size but wear misses size pants and skirts.
2. Take several sizes with you into the dressing room. If you are “usually” a 10, take both an 8 and 12 into the dressing room.
3. If a garment is tight in one area, try going up a size. Buy to fit your largest area and have it taken in to fit the smaller areas – it’s easier to take in than to let out. (Note: Off-the-rack pants rarely fit both waist and hip. Buy to fit the larger and have the other taken in.)
4. Check garment fit using a 3-way mirror. I’m often disappointed by shops that do not have a 3-way mirror so I keep a small hand mirror in my shopping tote to be certain I can get a rear-end view.
5. Finally, test the fit of tops and bottoms both standing and seated; also, bend your arms and raise them overhead. You want to be sure you can move freely and comfortably in any garment.
Ladies, don’t let poorly fitting clothes undermine your image. Even the most expensive clothing can work against you if it’s “too small here and too big there.” Get thee to a tailor for alterations!
It often takes two to assess proper fit. Don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email for a complimentary 30-minute consultation on how to perfect the fit of your clothing. It will be my pleasure to assist you!
How to Wear Neutrals – Your Wardrobe’s Backbone
Although daytime temperatures are still reaching into the 80’s in many areas of the country, mornings are cool where I live and the leaves are starting to change color.
Fall is in the air . . . and this means our wardrobes need to start their transition, too. Fashion’s neutral colors resonate for fall but year-round they are best investments for your wardrobe basics.
True neutrals are black, white and grey but certain colors can be neutrals too: beige, brown, burgundy, navy, forest green, teal blue, plum, mauve. This fall, Pantone’s Sharkskin and Warm Taupe stand out among my favorite wardrobe neurtrals.
Neutrals give you the most wardrobe mileage because they can be worn often with different accessories to change their look. And, they act as backdrops for your personal coloring and best fashion colors.
Note: Your best neutrals are those with the same undertone (cool or warm) as your own coloring. Your most flattering neutrals will be those that repeat part of your personal coloring – hair, skin or eyes.
Combining Neutrals
Dressing head-to-toe in neutrals can be a sophisticated, elegant look . . . but it might also be somewhat boring unless you incorporate at least two of the following to create interest: light and dark contrast, texture, a print or fabric design, an unusual or dramatic design line. The combination at the right has both texture and light and dark contrast.
A neutral colored suit, pant and skirt can play multiple roles in your wardrobe when you start combining them with a scarf, blouse or jacket in one of your “personal best” fashion colors.
What About Black?
Many of us love black for its versatility and ease in dressing; however, black is not as flattering on many women as other neutrals. Why? It’s not a part of most women’s personal coloring. The deeper neutral colors, such as navy, burgundy and forest green, are excellent alternatives to black. They express a quiet formal feeling and are often used in classic business wear.
What About White?
Yes, you can wear white after Labor Day! But bright white can be harsh or overpowering on someone with warm or soft coloring. The wrong white can also make your pearly white teeth look yellowed. Pearl, cream, and softly grayed whites are more flattering for many women since these tones are closer to our teeth color. Winter white is a sophisticated neutral to wear throughout fall and winter.
Note: Top and middle photos courtesy of Halsbrook; winter whites found on Pinterest.
How to Build a Wardrobe of Classics that Work with Trends
Fall is just around corner! Think smart about your wardrobe planning:
Guest post by Regina Due
When you have a career, a family to take care of, or a thousand little things that need to be ticked off your “to-do” list, trying to catch up with the latest fashion trends can feel like a waste of time.
Not only that, but trying to keep up with every fashion trend can be mind boggling – there is always something new you should know about! How do you create a “modern” style for yourself when you’re so busy doing what needs to be done? The answer is a well-stocked closet of basics and classic designs; then it’s faster and easier to have some fun with trends.
Invest in Basic Tops
Stocking up on good quality, well-fitting tops – such as sleek knitwear in neutral black, blue and winter white, and fitted T shirts in your best colors – will leave you with a good starting point for building your everyday style. Once you have piled up on the basics that fit you well and flatter your body shape, then you can treat these as a blank canvas and play with the seasonal trends you like – such as pairing a pleated skirt in a pastel or a metallic shade with a plain white T shirt, or wearing a lace midi skirt with your simple black knit top.
Find the Right Pant
Pants are staples in every woman’s closet. Whether you prefer a skinny silhouette, a bootleg, or a trouser, investing in at least two pair that flatter your body shape will give you the staples you need for any occasion, regardless of whether you are heading to work or to an evening dinner party. Once you have your classic bottom piece in check, then you can have fun with trendier items. For example, instead of your usual buttoned-up white shirt and trousers combo, pair the trouser with a statement embellished knit top or a pretty blouse with a bow.
Add Something Sheer
From sheer tops to skirts, it seems like the fashion world often wants us to show off more than we would usually dare. But you can play the sheer game by your own rules. Find classically designed pieces like a simple T shirt or a blouse that has a sheer feature, such as sheer sleeves or a sheer panel on the shoulders and collar bone area. Then you will always have a fashion piece in your closet that is classic but slightly daring to wear for a special occasion.
Invest in Statement Jewelry
Sometimes all you need is an accessory to take your look from classic to trendy, boring to beautiful. Statement jewelry is a fall 2016 trend; consider investing in a bold piece of jewelry for those occasions when you need to take your simple outfit to the next level or channel a more sophisticated style.
Add Leather
Nothing is more timeless, yet modern and youthful, than a great leather jacket. Worn for the office or for an evening gathering, with denim for running errands, or even worn with your gym gear, a leather jacket can take most anything from looking good to looking great.
Have Fun with Shoes
White sneakers (see image above) combine the classic old-school design of casual sneakers with a high fashion texture, and the result is absolutely gorgeous. Casual yet elegant, punk yet mainstream, sneakers manage to stay surprisingly versatile in a typically “high heel” world.
Image credit: Ginger and Smart
These are some of the ways you can arm your closet with lasting and beautiful staples to help take your everyday style to the next level. What is your go-to fashion staple? Share your thoughts below!
Editor’s Note: This blog post was written by Regina Due, a fashion aficionado who loves to empower women through her writing and fashion tips. Thank you, Regina!
Leslie Willmott
Image & Wardrobe Consultant Founder, Smart Women On The Go Spokesperson & Packing Expert,Smart Travel Press
Asheville, NC 917.297.9686 info@smartwomenonthego.com
