Spring has Sprung

It's time to get your Spring wardrobe in order NOW because Spring has officially arrived. First, please take some time (even if it's only 15 minutes at a time) to review what's in your closet for the upcoming season-piece by piece, try on each piece that you're not sure about. Identify what you love and what you plan to carry forward to integrate into this season's wardrobe plan. Then, eliminate what's not working-like it doesn't fit your current body, it's looking tired, it hasn't been worn in the last two seasons, or you're just plain tired of it. Clearing these items will bring great relief and a freshness to begin your search for the new season. Donate these items to charity, take them to a consignment store, or send them to the rag bag. This step is critical to a fresh look at developing a wardrobe that will support the months ahead.

What's In Store for Women

Have you been in the stores lately? Have you started scanning some of the Spring fashion magazines-More, In Style, O, Vogue, etc? If so, you probably realize this could be a difficult season for real women. The fabrics, colors, and prints are giving us a jolt! This may not be an easy season for building a basic wardrobe if that's what you're hoping to do. But, it is a good season to buy great "items" to enliven your basics. I've been in many stores, have tried on the latest trends, and am scratching my head. One piece of advice: don't become a fashion victim, please! It's always better to wait than to settle for something that isn't quite right for you. Let's cover some of the trends for women:

Color

Lemon yellow, mango, papaya, flame orange, shamrock green, cobalt blue, are all bright and lively. They make me happy to look at them, but I'm concerned about women wearing these colors from head to toe. If I've done a color analysis for you, pull out your palette and check before you buy. The colors are intense and vibrant this season, and you may not want to invest in too much color that jolts when you look in the mirror. Always, do the blink test-what do you see first-- your face or the item? We want to see your face first and be sure the item harmonizes with your coloring. The trick will be to use this season's bright colors in small doses.

Unless you have very strong personal coloring and an outgoing personality, you will not want to wear bright, bright colors in a head-to-toe outfit-unless you're in your twenties! But you can add a shot of color to your basic neutrals-add it in a handbag, a necklace or bangle bracelet, a pair of flats or sandals, a pretty blouse under a neutral blazer, or a bright jacket paired with a neutral pant or skirt. That's enough! And, it's a way to enjoy the color trend, be current, yet still look professional and appropriate.

I love the quote from my colleague, Brenda Kinsel. It's one that we should never forget. She says, "Unless you're a radio talk show host, what you wear matters!" Does this sound familiar-something I've reminded you of before?

Patterns and Scale

Floral prints and statement jewelry are prevalent this season, so let's have a short review in how to choose the right scale for you. Scale is the size of the print or ornamentation and can range from small to extra large.

Your bone structure, your apparent body size, and the scale of your facial features will determine the best size of prints, accessories, and jewelry. If you are small boned and your apparent body size is small, it will be best for you to have small to medium prints and ornamentation. The many large prints that are prevalent today in dress and blouse patterns, thick bangle bracelets, or a statement necklace will overwhelm you.

If you're medium to large boned, tall, and have an outgoing personality, then small prints, whimpy bracelets or a single strand of pearls will get lost on you. You're best wearing medium to large prints, jewelry and accessories. Experiment with this concept and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

For men, the same is true for tie patterns and ornamentation; for example, your watch, belt buckle, and cuff links. If your facial features are small, you'll want to choose small-scale patterns for your ties and smaller scale accessories.. If you facial features are large, choose ties with large-scale patterns and larger ornamentation. Try this and see the difference.

Accessories

Cuffs, bangles (thick or thin), stack them up the arm (on the weekends), rope necklaces, statement necklaces, colorful handbags slung over the shoulder, wedge heels, and patents flats with open toes will be good investments and add lots of fun to your spring and summer wardrobe.

What to Buy this Season:

• Something in color-jacket, blouse, ornamentation
• Something in white-slacks, blouse
• Something floral-scarf, dress, skirt, blouse
• A blazer that can be belted, or a short trench coat, tied
• A fun bracelet or a few for stacking purposes
• A shoulder bag-color please

What's In Store for Men

You are lucky! You don't have to worry about the constant seasonal changes to styles, colors, patterns, and fabrics.

There are very few new trends for you this Spring. However, there are some similar to what I've reported for women-such as colorful ties, floral patterns in shirts and ties, contrasting cuffs on shirts, and even dark shirts paired with suits rather than the typical white, or cream.

Menswear offers a palette to be spiced up-especially during an economic downturn like we're experiencing in the U.S. Because most men aren't willing to spend big money on suits right now, they're looking for other ways to make a statement.

Add a pocket square to your jacket. It's an inexpensive and easy way to draw attention to your fashion sense. Men's retailers are preparing for this trend in 2008. Tip: Never match your pocket square to your tie!! Colors and patterns needs to be complementary, but never to match. And, feel free to stuff a pocket square in your jacket pocket even without a tie.

Watch what's happening with ties-they're getting narrower. As jacket lapels slim down, ties should follow. Because suits have a slimmer silhouette these days, everything else slims down too. Today's conservative ties are about 3-1/2" at the widest which is down from 3-3/4". Don't be caught looking out of date, especially if you're in a competitive market. Just make sure your jacket lapel and tie width are compatible.

Do have some fun with your ties this season. They are blue, teal, aqua, yellow in stripes, polka dots, florals, and paisleys. Have some fun but make sure you select a tie that complements your skin tone, hair and eyes. Hold the tie under your chin and look to see if it complements your natural coloring. If not, don't buy it just because it's "the" color trend of the season.

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This article was provided by Marion Gellatly, AICI, CIM, image and etiquette expert, speaker and author of Your Powerful Presence: 125 Tips to Amplify Your Professional Image..
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Copyright © 2007 Powerful Presence. All rights reserved worldwide.