Remember how we did a little relaxation exercise yesterday to help us clear our heads and think about what constituted a jewelry need in our own lives? Today, we'll do the same with our clothing and footwear needs.
I want you to think about your life. Work, home, shopping, etc. Think about a typical week, and what you wear to each activity. First of all, if you work outside the home, your work 'uniform' plays a huge role. If your job SUPPLIES your work uniform, you don't need to think any further, except if you must supply items to go along with it, like shoes or pants. What do you wear to your job at the office? The shop? In my own life, I must wear a black shirt, because that is the color of Roush. I can pay to have an ill fitting polo or sweatshirt emblazoned with the company logo, or I can go buy my own. I opt for the second option, as I'd rather have something that fits me if I have to wear the Color Of The Damned. Honestly, I look horrible in black. In addition, I wear jeans and tennis shoes. The mechanics and my husband wear work boots, and I have also, but tennies allow me to stay on my feet longer. Comfort is important.
What if you work at home? I'd say, wear something comfortable, yet presentable. You gotta open the door sometime, and you do need to pop out on an errand occasionally. I'm not being snobby, but when you're comfortable yet classy, you get more done. When I was a stay at home mom, I found if I wore my jammies all day, I didn't have the 'oomph' I needed to accomplish things. Maybe that's just me. Pajama day usually meant I felt just one step away from falling back into bed!
If you work in an office or with the public, you don't wear a job-given uniform, and you're starting from scratch, you need to work out from the basics. Start with a neutral that looks good with your skin tone. If it's black, get either a suit or a jacket and slacks/skirt in that color. If it's brown or navy, same thing. Then, get several blouses/tops in a complimentary color, that look good both with the suit and your skin tone. Now, add some shoes. Are you sitting all day? Maybe a kitten heel or higher will work. Are you on your feet? Something comfortable, like a ballet flat, might be better. Again, go with the base neutral for the shoe color.
Once you've covered your daily Monday-Friday life, it's time to go to the weekend wear. Do you wear jeans on weekends? Make your top and shoes comfortable too, but also nice enough that you don't mind bumping into your child's teacher or an ex-boyfriend. Maybe you'd rather wear workout clothes? Again, go for pulled together. You know what I mean.........a workout jacket and yoga pants might be preferable to your husband's old, holey Marlboro Camel Joe t-shirt and faded, stretched out lycra capris. Getting a good mind picture?
Do you go to church? A basic outfit for Sunday mornings could also be used for a nice lunch or dinner out. A basic black dress is always a good investment (or brown, or navy). Something you can dress up or down, for a variety of activities. You can't go wrong with a body conscious sheath. Wear it with a jeans jacket and boots for a parent-teacher conference, or pearls and heels for a wedding. Make sure it's in a washable fabric, too. Nothing cancels out a low sale price on clothing like having to dry clean it often!
As a finishing touch to your basic wardrobe, ladies need a handbag. This is definitely an area of personal preference. No one can tell you what purse is right for YOU, you have to figure it out for yourself. It all goes back to what your are comfortable toting around. Since we're only going for the basics, I'd buy an every day handbag (either in your neutral color, or a bright pop of complimentary color), and an elegant evening bag/clutch for special occasions. For myself personally, I also like to have a cross body bag. It's great to wear when you need to be 'hands free.'
Now that you have these guidelines, AGAIN, check out your thrift store! All these items can be had for pennies second hand. Also, check your department store clearance racks. FABULOUS deals are to be had there! I can honestly say, if you carefully check resale and clearance, odds are really good you won't have to pay full price for any of these basic items!
Remember, these are just guidelines. I use myself an example to get YOUR ideas flowing!
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