Analyze your closet

Most of us hold on to things for years thinking we will need it or fit in it later. The truth is most of those kept away items will never be used.  All we need to do is try it on and ask ourselves: Do I remember the last time I wore it? Did I feel good and comfortable when I wore it last time? and Does this flatter my body? If the answer to any of the above questions is no then why waste any closet or brain space on it? Just donate and someone will happily use it.

Top: Ann Taylor

Cardigan: Forever 21

Shoes: Ellen Tracy

Denim: American Eagle

Core color

One may end up with nothing to wear because they might have limited themselves to wearing an item just one way (this may happen if we buy head to toe looks). If everything flows from one piece to the next then we are left with many more potential combinations and it is best achieved by having items in core colors.


Here is the list of essential elements in core color Black, and I think it is totally worth to have a good quality of following items in the closet:

1. Blazer &/or cardigan &/or faux leather jacket


2. Trousers &/or Denim


3. Top (button down/ turtleneck/sleeveless/ any style)


4. Skirt


5. Camisole


6. Tights

Jacket: Blank NYC (faux leather)

Shoes: Steve Madden (faux leather)

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch

Top: Ann Taylor

The Stripes Trick

Denim: American Eagle

Top: Banana Republic

Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger

Vertical stripes - make you look thinner, the closer they are placed the slimmer you will look.

Horizontal stripes - Makes you look wider, however, they can be used in your favor if placed properly.


The boxes on far left and right look the slimmest and the one in the middle widest. That is why tucking the shirt can make one look wider and shorter.

Diagonal stripes - are slimming and no matter where you place them on your body they will slim that area.

I am a stripes sucker and love horizontal stripes. Here are some more ways I wore stripes - STRIPES

what not to Do

*Opinions expressed in this post are for both genders (wherever applicable)

What NOT to do (when it comes to styling)

1. Never sport a muffin top.


2.  Showing bra straps or panty lines do NOT look classy. When you wear low rise jeans be aware of your top length. Wear a camisole/skirt slip under see through clothes (unless of course see through is intentional!). I think it is a good idea to invest in a strapless/halter neck bra and no show (seamless) undergarments.

Skirt: J crew factory, Tights: DSW, Shoes: Naturalizer, Shirt: J Crew, Sweater: J crew factory

Equality

My new post Equality is available HERE

Top: J Crew Factory

Light mint denim: J crew

Shoes: LifeStride (nonleather)