Recently, one of my friends asked me to go shopping with her to update her work/personal wardrobe. She had just received a full-time job and felt she needed an updated image for work.
It was a fun and productive day. Since I know this lady pretty well (we used to work in the same office), the first thing I told her was…knit wrap dresses are off limits. “Why,” she asked. I replied…”that is your go-to outfit. How many of them do you have? I know they are comfortable, but let’s branch out. She agreed. The first thing I suggested was … “let’s try on some ankle-straight leg pants.””Oh, I can’t wear those,” she replied. To make a long story short, she did try them on and looked great in them.
We bought many of her dresses at Steinmart. I was pleased at their prices and selection. We found the following: a bright striped dress gathered at the waist; a beige, cream and lace cotton dress; navy straight-leg ankle pants with a navy/cream striped top; a small-print, green/navy print blouse in sheer fabric; and a wrap-like top in orange/navy. We also found a statement necklace in green and turquoise that went with most of the items.
Our next stop was Talbots. We found some good basics here, and there was a 25 percent off sale. We bought ankle-length, straight khaki pants, and a turquoise cardigan to wear with all of the items we bought. At Designer Shoe Warehouse, we bought a pair of black low-heeled pumps. My friend will also need to find some mid-heel taupe shoes at a later time.
All in all, the day was a success. As a personal shopper, I learned this: We are all entrenched in our comfort zones, and routinely go back and buy the same things over and over again. I, too, am a fan of the knit wrap dress. I have many. This year, I an purposely not buying any and adding other shapes to my wardrobe: pencil skirts; lady dress (dresses gathered at the waist, popular in the 50s); narrow, cigarette pants; shirt dresses; maxi dresses; and of course the fitted jacket. This year, I bought an olive army jacket which can be dresses up or down. My niece just bought a cute dress with a high/low hemline: high in the front and long in the back. Very cute on her.
As you look at your wardrobe, try to see some patterns you want to break. Try sometime new! Also, embrace the warm weather, and try some pretty fabrics such as sheers, pique and eyelet.
Happy shopping!
Beth Divine, Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist
