As you review this list and find you have items that are not on the list but, also have items from the list which you do not have then please consider making an appointment with your friendly Image Consultant!
While there is some variability (please do make suggestions & comments!), when the "fat lady starts singing", there are items a stylish and sophisticated woman should not do without.
Items ‘often imitated but never duplicated’
- Manicured nails
- Bright smile
- Ever-increasing sense of self-worth (not to be confused with narcissism)
- A bite that is worse than your bark
- Well-maintained feet (even if you’re an athlete…perhaps even more so)
- Ability to produce a genuine, hearty laugh
Toppers…aka hats – there is an assumption that you need to know how to wear these)
- 1-2 baseball caps (home team, nostalgic memory, blank)
- Rain hat – go as shiny as you want…it will make you smile
- Fedora or tribly – there is a difference but, a fedora is easier to wear
- Grandiose, large-brimmed hat – who knows when you’ll be headed to the Kentucky Derby
Shoes (I’m in love with shoes so even though I want to say ‘buy as many as you can afford’, I will control myself!)
- Black pointy-toe heels (fall/winter)
- Cognac/tan rounded, pointy toe heels (spring/summer)
- Black flats with some embellishment
- Metallic-colored flats (can work year round)
- Strappy metallic-colored heel…as high as you can stand (After-5 and formal)
- Dark-colored, long, medium-heeled boot (works with jeans, skirts, etc)
- Flesh-colored flat sandal (summer)
- Belts (I didn’t know where else to put this…) – this is a personal preference but, if you choose to get one remember to consider your body type in picking the color, width, material, and styling
Purses & bags
- Small light-colored clutch – for going out
- Neutral-colored bag – (style depends on your preference) for everyday
- Fun/print tote – for organization, travelling, shopping, etc
Summer clothing
- 3-4 summer dresses – because there’s nothing more feminine and lady-like
- 2 pair of shorts/short skirts – because we all like to show a little flesh every now and again
- Pair of white/beige linen pants – because they can be dressed up or bummed down
- 3 white tees– because you’re bound to stain them as summer goes on (consider scoop, crewneck and v-neck)
- 1 colored tank – because it’s excellent for layering or if you want to show off your arms
- V-neck or button down sweater – because it can be chilly even in summer
- 1 button-down shirt (preferably linen, white/summer color) – because they work great on top of or under anything including dresses
- (From other lists) shoes, outerwear, purse
Fall clothing
- Black wrap dress
- Camel sheath dress
- Dark-colored structured handbag
- 1 long-sleeve white tees; 2 long-sleeve black tees
- 1 colorful/patterned v-neck sweater
- Navy suit
- White button down shirt
- Fitted blazer
- Trench coat
- Knee-length skirt (most flattering at the skinniest part of the leg...the knee)
- Black pointy-toe flats
Business attire
- 2 suits: darker color (black/charcoal grey) and lighter suit (light grey/pinstripe/tan)
- 1 sheath dress
- 4 button-down shirts
- 1 sweater set
- 2 sweaters
- 1 camisole
- 1 briefcase that accommodates your items
- (from other lists) shoes, purses & bags, outerwear
Jeans
- …for going out – typically darker wash and slimmer (requires lots of stretch), longer cut to account for heels
- …for everyday– typically medium wash with a slight bit of stretch; bootcut are the most universally flattering
- …for casual/running around – typically the most spacious; cargo or painters-pants styles are the best plus they have lots of pockets!
- skirt - medium/darker wash with fewer pockets and slimmer fit is most versatile
Outerwear
- Trench coat– buy the best that you can afford; stay away from lots of embellishment but do focus on the detailing (stitching, oversized lapels, belt/buckle/loops, back slit, button detailing, rainflap, etc)
- Car coat – this is very dependent on your body type and lifestyle; typically less fitted but not too generous, hits just below the butt, pockets (location should vary based on body type), easy access (few buttons, zipper, etc)
- Jean jacket – go basic so that you can make it work for you
- Shawl or throw – lighter material such as cashmere, embroidered, etc; this should your ‘catch all’ for After-5 and more formal events
- 2 blazers– its debatable whether they should go in this category but, I’m ok with that! (Depending on your body type for cut) a tweed/light wool blazer in camel/grey/dark brown is excellent for travel or fall or running errands or whatever; also a pinstripe/seersucker/cream summer blazer for the same reasons as above
Jewelry: this is one of those categories where I say “buy the best that you can afford”! The golden rule is you should never have more than seven pieces of jewelry on at one time (hint….earrings count as one)
- Earrings- studs (diamond, pearl, silver or gold…in that order) or simple hoops
- Watch- as little embellishment as possible makes it more versatile (although I have a Lois Hill watch and it works with everything); use your next purchase to go crazy!
- Necklace – this is a personal preference but depending on the type of neckline you have, this can be a basic piece with an embellished charm or pendant attached
- Ring – not essential but when you do wear it, make as much of a statement as you are comfortable
- Bracelet- not essential EXCEPT when you have a sleeveless outfit and the occasion is more formal