You never get a second chance to make a first impression. What do you want a person to remember about you? I recently read a quote that I absolutely loved: ‘First impressions are important. While a book should not be judged by its cover, many people are unlikely to read, if the cover is not inviting.’ True story.
How you present yourself to people around you speaks volumes. My mother has always stressed the importance of being well turned out at all times, even on long haul flights (I will never be the girl in a Juicy Couture velour tracksuit). Her take: people are nicer to those who make an effort with their appearance. One of the harsh realities of life. So, here’s my take on seven essentials that can help you always put your best foot forward.
A classy pair (or several pairs) of nude shoes: First on my list. What a surprise right? They are classic, timeless and elongate you like no other. Enough said.
Statement jewelry: Earrings, necklace, hand harness, cocktail ring…whatever makes you happy. Just don’t wear them all at once. Otherwise, you risk resembling a drugs baroness. Remember, less is truly more. Repeat after me.
Something that is currently on trend. While it’s important to stand apart, there’s also some joy in partaking on a trend. Like being part of a cult, but in a good way. These days I’m seeing a lot of fringe details. You can sport this trend in so many ways…jewelry, bags, shoes, clothing…whatever works for you. Remember, not all trends work for everyone. More on this later.
A great handbag. A handbag can really jazz things up. I should know, I’m a bag lady. I am a fan of a big (but not too big) bag that can hold everything that takes me from day to night. Dress for where the day may take you. Downside, if you’re anything like me, it takes a good five minutes to find anything in this beautiful black hole. But the consolation: anything I need is in there. I have often handed my friends jewellery if they are under dressed, fixed their hem (think Hollywood tape, not needle and thread) or brightened their lipstick or blush. So it’s public service really.
Little Black/White Dress. Can be dressed up or down for day or night. I have several of both and always mix them up with my ever growing collection of jewellery. They’re a winner every time. Simple, easy, classic. Choose a style that works with your body shape, there are so many to choose from – A line, fit and flare, shirt dress, kaftan style, bodycon etc. I doubt the bodycon and I will ever be friends.
Jeans. Finding the perfect pair of jeans is like finding the perfect man i.e. near impossible, but well worth the quest. Like the latter, the payoff can be huge…Jeans are another item that you can dress up or down to suit the occasion. I personally like dark washes, the darker the better – more forgiving and versatile. If you need to get them altered, remember to always keep the original hem. My sister in law gave me that pearl of wisdom several years ago. I talked about trends earlier, the stone washed torn jean trend is not one that I will be embracing any time soon. I would look crazy in it, but it looks absolutely fabulous on some of my girlfriends.
So there’s my list. There were probably ten more things I could have added. Many of you likely have some or all of these. Your essentials may be different from mine. Bottom line, take the time to look your absolute best. How you choose to show up and present yourself to the world says a lot about who you are.
