Wardrobe Personality

Have you ever wondered why one person’s idea of smart dress is completely different from another? Why some people are quite flamboyant with their clothing whilst others can be very reserved? Do you have friends or colleagues that are always in a rush and are more often than not late for events or meetings? Do you notice how some people are very detailed whilst others look for the bigger picture. How some people like change whilst others do not.

It is well understood that how we dress is a strong indication of what we are like as a person. What you show on the outside is an indication of what is on the inside. We give out messages about our inner self, our approach to life, about our individual personality. It is not necessarily a case of right versus wrong, although it can be a case of appropriate or inappropriate. Your clothes play an important part in how you come across to others.

As an image consultant, I think it is very important for me to understand a person’s wardrobe personality, so that I can help them to choose clothes that they will not only look good in but feel good and be more confident. As this is so important I decided to write two book son the subject with a questionnaire so that people can work out their wardrobe personality type and also receive tip s on what brands of clothes they will enjoy.

Adele won six prizes at the Grammy awards this week, which was wonderful. It was also great to see a person comfortable with who she  is and wearing clothes that she enjoys. They reflected her wardrobe personality – romantic and classic but with a modern twist.

From the style and fabric of her clothes to her hairstyle, jewellery and shoes they gave out a message of who she is, her personality and most importantly they helped her to feel great and confident in front of a massive audience of famous musicians.

The clothes you wear give out messages about who your are – your “inner self.” When you happy with your appearance and you understand what style , fabrics and accessories make you feel happy you can  have a wardrobe of clothes you feel great in.

My book “Being Truly You – Discovering your Own Unique Wardrobe Personality” for Men and for Women  has a questionnaire to help you find out your personality types . Included is information on each personality and the type of brands of clothes you will enjoy.

Do you want a Wardrobe of Clothes that when you get up each day or go out in the evening it is quick and easy to choose as well as looking and feeling good?

Do you want a wardrobe of clothes that suits your budget and you wear 80% of the clothes the majority of the time and the 20% is for occasional wear, instead of being the other way around?

As an image consultant, for over 17 years , I have helped people to have a simple wardrobe they enjoy, so here are some of my tips on how to achieve a great Wardrobe of clothes:

• Be realistic about your body shape, understand your shape, size and bone structure. Who is perfect? Kate Moss, Cheryl Cole or Jennifer Lopez ; Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or David Beckham? They are all different shapes and sizes.
• Choose colours that flatter your skin tone and compliment you, hence making you look more vibrant, healthier and younger. Don’t just buy black wear colour.
• Understand your wardrobe personality e.g. what styles fabrics and accessories you feel good in and enjoy wearing.
• Build a wardrobe of clothes that suit your lifestyle and budget.
• Mix and match your items, so that you have different looks  with a few items.
• Add accessories to change and update your look e.g. scarves, jewellery, shoes.
• Don’t be a slave to fashion, choose to suit you.
• Think CPW – cost per wear. An item costing £250 and worn 100 times, costs £2.50, whereas an item costing £50 and worn once costs £50 and more expensive.
• Plan and organise your wardrobe at least 2 – 3 times a year. Make a list of what you need each season.
• Allow some time, like any project, amend and adjust it on a regular basis and you will start to look, feel and be your very best and it can all be within a planned budget.

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Whether you are having a date with someone you don’t know very well, a long term partner or dinner in with your husband of 30 years it is an ideal time to spend some romantic time talking and eating over dinner and having some personal time together.

What you wear will very much depend on:

• How you want to come across – trendy, sexy, romantic or classic
• Where you are going – eating in an expensive restaurant, low-key dinner,  cinema/theatre and dinner,  at home or local bistro
• If you don’t know, then wear something that you feel fits in with several options. e.g. woman – favourite dress, favourite smart jeans or trousers/skirt and top with a nice jacket/cardigan. Man -  a  colourful /pattern shirt with smart jeans or trousers with a smart jacket

As an image consultant I would say it is key to look like you have made some effort e.g. women well applied makeup and hair. Men - neat hair, a special shirt and some smart shoes. Pink is the most loving of colours and red is exciting and emotional and has the maximum visual impact, blue is calming, green is relaxing and restful.

Ensure you look happy, shoulders and neck relaxed and smile and enjoy the evening. Remember your manners, be polite. It is generally appropriate for the man to pay, but in the modern world it may be you share or if you are a woman who has asked the man out you may wish to pay, but whatever, the person treated needs to ensure they thank on the evening plus telephone, send a text, note or email next day to say a thank you and something about the evening .

My husband always cooks and often includes some blini and caviar and I supply a bottle of champagne, as he cooks and I study wine! So cheers to a great evening!

As the film “The Iron Lady” with Meryl Streep opens this week, much is talked about Margaret Thatcher and her style of clothes.  Whether you admire her or not, as the first woman to become the leader of a political party and then to go on to be the first woman Prime Minister in the UK there are some things us women can learn from her “signature look”.

Margaret Thatcher changed her style over the years and learnt to understand what suited her and what she felt comfortable in. Her wardrobe personality type was very much a classic – romantic. She enjoyed her power dressing skirt style suits but softened them with romantic pretty blouses. As a woman who worked in a man’s environment she learnt to have clothes to suit her and her position.

What are the things we can learn from Lady Thatcher’s style and approach to clothes:

1. She knew what styles complimented her shape and that she felt comfortable in
2. She was always well presented, neat and tidy
3. She bought quality, value for money, with very good tailoring
4. She chose a few classic items as her key pieces that would last and added several blouses that would mix and match with her classic suits and add variety
5. She wore dresses and coats when travelling so that her outer coat looked fresh and pristine when she stepped off the plane to meet other foreign leaders
6. Her evening wear was simple and elegant and skirts could be mixed with a variety of tops
7. Ensured she always looked her best 7 days a week, as she worked 7 days a week, and she was aware that she never knew who would see her
8. She chose block colours and wide shoulders to compliment her shape, only changing the details of sleeves and nothing exaggerated in her styles.
9. Her accessories (shoes, bags and jewellery) were good quality, classic style to reflect her wardrobe personality and always went with all her outfits.
10. She was conscious to always have a budget. Lady Thatcher’s style may not be our own wardrobe personality or suited to the business we are in, but we can all learn how to use the principles for a good basic wardrobe that will be the foundation of looking simple and elegant as a professional woman.

During cold weather it is important to ensure you wrap up and keep warm. Wear layers so you can easily add or take off the items too suit the environment. Make sure your wardrobe has the right items of clothes.

10 items to keep you warm:

1. Chunky Knits – this season’s fashionable chunky knits are ideal to keep you warm e.g. Fair Isle,  roll neck to crew neck, wool shawl collar cardigans, cricket sweaters.

2. Skinny knits – ideal for warmth in frosty weather to wear under chunky cardigans and sweaters.

3. Coats – several styles and colours are available and are ideal for keeping you warm in all weathers, including duffle and parkas for less formal wear.

4. Boots and wellies – ideal for snow and walking in muddy woods. My suggestion for women would be to have flat boots to avoid falling or slipping on the ice.  Rubber soles are better for ice and snow to avoid sliding, but ensure your rubber soles are not worn.

5. Hats & Gloves – it is important to keep your head and hands warm.  Wear a hat and gloves that fit to keep you warm. Avoid them being too tight as this reduces your circulation and they will cool faster than if you have some wiggle room. Mittens are warmer than gloves because the heat generated from your fingers is shared. There are many colours and styles on the market. Fingerless gloves offer practicality. Consider what you want them for and what materials you like e.g. wool, leather or Gor-tex for use in the snow and wet.

6. Thermal underwear – ideal to keep you warm, yet you can still wear your favourite items on the top.

7. Scarves – great for keeping you warm indoors and out;  adds colour and style to any outfit. Choose one that reflects your wardrobe personality.

8. Pyjamas, nightdress, bed socks – if you feel the cold at night, these are a must-have.

9. Cashmere- a fine texture, light, soft and strong. Looks great, can be worn with anything and keeps you extremely warm.

10.  Warm socks to keep your feet warm – avoid too tight and too many, like gloves your feet need room. Suggest you avoid cotton as it holds water and perspiration, wear only one pair of synthetic or wool liner socks.

Remember to Drink Water even if it is an ice-cold one as it helps you stay warm. You can become dehydrated, even in the cold, and water helps to keep your blood pumping.  

During the holiday season is an opportunity to relax and chill out and wear relaxed style clothes. However, it is not the time to look scruffy and unkempt. Ensure you look good for your partner, family and friends.  It is an ideal time to have the right image and make an effort to look your best,  for the most important people in your life.

It is important you dress to suit your wardrobe personality so you are comfortable and feel good. When you look good you will also feel good and people will react to you in a more positive way.  Dress sloppy and you attitude will be more sloppy. Dress to suit the occasion whether it is relaxing at home, going for a walk, down the pub with friends or out for a nice meal.  It is key to have your clothes fitting you well and that you are clean, tidy and presentable. This includes your hair, nails and shoes.

Last of all smile, be happy, make the most of the break and have a great time!

Buying presents for people at Christmas can be difficult and will they appreciate and like the present when they open it? I am often asked for advice, as an image consultant, I recommend you think what they would enjoy and like not you.

10 Tips to help you:

1. Always make a list with ideas and plan a budget
2. When shopping stay focused and keep as near as you can to your individual budgets, but allow for some extra in your total budget
3. Don’t feel pressured to spend a lot of money, or any money, because you feel people will expect you to. Only spend what you can afford
4. Always consider the likes and dislikes of the recipients
5. When you know the person well, you can give a slightly more personal gift
6. When purchasing clothes or accessories for someone else, always buy the item that represents the person’s personality and not yours.  Consider are they conservative, rather casual, very sporty, high fashion, rather dramatic or creative?
7. When buying for a parent or a grandparent consider updating their wardrobe (but to suit their personality) e.g. new season’s colour in a jumper, a stripe shirt, scarf, colourful socks or gloves
8. Considering giving money as a gift, then why not “wrap it” in a nice way
9. Love cooking; why not make a basket of special goodies you have made
10. Buy something related to their interests e.g. Men – do they love electronic gadgets, wallets, handyman tools, clothes, skincare or aftershave. Women – are they a lover of jewellery, plants, flowers, clothes, perfumes, cooking or sports stuff.

On the day remember it is the thought that counts. Remember your manners, and do write a thank you note for all the presents you receive and ensure, if you have children, that they do as well. It will encourage them not only to be polite but they may well become a future author by thinking about what to say.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Oscar Wilde

It’s the time of year when you socialise with your colleagues and an opportunity to show what you are like outside work. Make sure you have a positive impact with your colleagues and bosses. Have good manners, have a great appearance and enjoy  the event or at least look like you are! Show your sense of humour, be a good listener as well as talk, smile and be happy.

Manners: If you are talking a partner ensure you introduce them to your colleagues and find topics they may have in common so they can chat comfortably.  Allow your partner to feel part of the event, as it is good for everyone. Have good table manners and be polite at all times.

Appearance: Wear something fashionable (doesn’t need to be high fashion) to show you are modern but still be professional. It doesn’t need to be boring. First of all consider what type of event it is. Is it a full black tie event, fun party, dinner, dinner and disco or a lunch time event from work.

10 Tips for Women:

1. Avoid low cut and too short an outfit
2. Choose a style that compliments the best area of your body e.g. waist, legs, neck and chest
3. Cover the areas that are your weakest e.g.  tops of arms, waist, legs above the knee
4. Add interesting accessories to reflect your personality
5. Wearing  a simple black dress? Then add coloured tights , colourful scarf  or a simple pendant
6. Wear makeup that reflects your personality  e.g. sparkly, simple and elegant or dramatic and bold
7. Choose shoes that are comfortable and you can walk in
8. Hair – ensure it’s clean and refresh, wear it up, full or curly to suit your face. Test it out before the event
9. Nails – chose a polish to suit your outfit, wear a neutral or  French polish or give yourself  a simple neat manicure
10. Have a fresh breathe – clean teeth

7 Tips for Men:

1. Wear something different to the party that you don’t wear to the office
2. Try a new colour shirt, pattern shirt or fancy cardigan
3. Wear some cufflinks to reflect your personality
4. Wear different shoes to work e.g. oxblood, brown  loafers
5. Hair – ensure it is clean, neat and tidy. Adapt the style if possible
6. Be well groomed – clean nails and shoes
7. Have a fresh breathe

Enjoy the party, smile and have fun. However remember it is a work’s event so don’t over indulge  on the drink and food. You will have to face your colleagues again.  Remember others may have a camera!

Christmas Day is a day when families get together and have their own traditions. This can change as the family changes with added  members, young children or when everyone becomes all grown up. It should be a day that everyone enjoys, whether you are hosting, a guest, eating out or having a quiet day with your partner or friend. It is important you dress for the occasion and also feel good in your outfit. It may be you are going to several homes with different environments, and then you can adapt your accessories or change accordingly.

If you are attending church why not follow the Royal Family’s tradition who always turn the Christmas Day church service, at Sandringham, into a very special occasion wearing wonderful bright coats and smart hats.

When I invite people to my home, as an image consultant, I advise them to dress to suit their personality and as long as they are neat and tidy that’s fine with me as I want them to enjoy the day as well as feel comfortable. Some people like to be relaxed and casual whilst others like to dress up. Even young children have a wardrobe personality and this will also apply to them.

It doesn’t need to cost to look good on the day. Wear a nice cardigan or blouse with jeans, trousers or skirt. Add different shoes, scarf or necklace. Female - add some makeup, especially  if you don’t usually wear it.  Male – wear some casual smart shoes with jeans and a nice shirt or jumper.

Different personalities and what they will like wearing:

Casual  - will want to be in informal clothes such as joggers, jeans and rather unkempt

Sporty – will want layered clothes, nothing too fussy, easy going

Gamine/Gamin – informal but tidy such as jeans with neat t-shirt and/ or jumper

Classic - traditional items looking reasonably smart

Chic – stylish and elegant and smart to represent the occasion

Dramatic - something that makes a statement, whether the colour, the accessories or the style

Romantic – will no doubt wish to have some sparkle, colour with some accessories and for a women -full make up and  high heels or shoes/boots  with colour and/ or some detail

Fashion Fad – the latest fashion and newest item purchased

Ingénue/Dandy – look neat and colourful with sparkle or shimmer. Ingénue  – girly and colourful with fancy makeup. Dandy rather dapper, some colour and very neat.

Creative – something different, whether a mix and match or something from a charity shop they have adapted  but  unusual combinations, fabrics or accessories.

Want to know more about wardrobe personality I suggest you read my book “Being Truly You – Discovering Your Own Unique Wardrobe Personality” for men and for women.  Have fun and complete the Questionnaire and find out your wardrobe personality type as well as that of  your family and friends.