"That's the real secret to dressing well: It's all about attitude... It's about walking into a room, knowing that you look and feel good, and projecting that attitude out to everyone who sees you."Betty Halbreich, Secrets of a Fashion TherapistSeptember is a time to bid farewell to summer vacation and welcome back to a regular routine. Life can get so crazy busy, and it's important to keep things as simple as possible. The cover of the September 2015 Real Simple magazine caught my eye with this headline, "Get Dressed with Less Stress". Hmmm, let's check this out; perhaps we can all use some help in this department!Rule No. 1 - Mix Masculine with FeminineTo create a look that's "neither too saccharine nor too tough", try pairing up ladylike feminine elements with classic menswear textiles. Think a delicate lightweight piece on top with a pair of wool trousers on the bottom.Rule No. 2 - Style Around Your ShoesStart building your outfit with selecting your shoes. Then choose the rest of your outfit to complement them. Let your shoes decide the colors and prints that go with them. You'll look put together perfectly when starting from the bottom up.Rule No. 3 - Add One More AccessoryPerhaps the finishing touch for your outfit will be the stacking of some bracelets, the layering of some necklaces, or a scarf worn in a fun, creative way. Let your personal style shine through with one more imaginative lasting flourish.Rule No. 4 - Let Bigger Make You Feel BetterPair a full skirt with a slim-fit blouse. Or vice versa. Large pieces can have a slenderizing effect when paired with narrower lines that work to complement, not compete with them.Rule No. 5 - Use Casual to Elevate DressyCombining elements from two different dress codes is a great way to put together an outfit that creates "confident, effortless style". The dressy shoes and statement jewelry can raise the bar on any simple ensemble in your wardrobe.Rule No. 6 - Wear Just One Color, But Vary the TonesBy mixing light and dark versions of a shade, your outfit will be more dynamic and exciting. Keep in mind that the darker tones will have a slenderizing effect, while the lighter ones will stand out more. Have fun with Pantone's color of the year this fall - Marsala!Rule No. 7 - Temper the ExtremeTo keep exaggerated styles from overwhelming the wearer, pair a piece with a lot of fabric with one with less fabric. If you've got an oversized top, try pairing it with narrow bottoms, and if your pants are billowing, make your top form fitted.Rule No. 8 - When in Doubt, Define Your WaistUsing a belt or scarf to accentuate your middle will add definition to your outfit and instantly create a slimming effect.Keeping these 8 simple rules in mind, let's see if we can create some looks that have our own unique and personal stamp on them. As the schedule fills up with more activities and obligations, let's make it our objective to dress with less stress and have some fun in the process! Here's to the radiant, confident you!!
