There is one thing, and only one thing, you should know about choosing perfect outfits for the holidays…or any time of the year, for that matter. The secret is revealed here.
The concept is called “Intentional Dressing,” and it is explained on page 12 of our book Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look.
Yesterday on The Rachael Ray Show, I watched stylist Zanna Roberts-Rassi describe a similar concept using a fun game she called “Spin for your Style.”
Rachael and Zanna had a guest “spin” the wheel to identify three specific details about her event:
- Where she was going?
- Who would be there?
- How
she wanted to feel in her clothing?
This is one way to explain the idea of “dressing with intention,” which simply means thinking about WHERE you are going, WHY you are going, WHO will be attending, and HOW you ultimately want to present yourself when you get there.
Intentional Dressing is the opposite of “haphazard dressing,” in which no thought is put into what you want to communicate through your clothing choices.
Have you ever gotten home from an event and said to yourself: “I wish I’d worn something else”? (Don’t worry we all have.)…Q Style (page 13)
Consider These Five Questions When Choosing an Outfit:
- Time? The later in the day, usually the more formal the occasion.
- Event? Ball game/picnic/cocktail party/wedding
- Location? Home/Office/Country club/Church
- People? (Who will be there?) Family/friends/professional (co-workers)/strangers
- Objective? What is your purpose at this event?
Then ask yourself this all-important question: How do I ultimately want to be perceived when I get there?
Do you want to look chic, cute, holiday-ish, noticeable, invisible, romantic, athletic, elegant, classic, alluring, sexy, bold, casual, approachable, energetic?
Go to your closet and choose an outfit that looks exactly like YOU! Have fun. Don’t stress. Remember, you have carefully chosen every garment in that closet. And when you walk into that party, reunion, dance, wedding, luncheon, you will feel so completely comfortable, you can forget about how you look and focus on having the time of your life!
“Just Think, You Get to Gift Wrap Yourself Any Way You Choose!”
4 Comments
I like the idea of asking the question, “how do I want to be perceived?” Then the next question for me is “what good feelings about myself do I want to share with others?” Love your blogs, Sharon.
Cindy,
WOW…I LOVE THAT! (“What good feelings do I want to share?”) The whole point of dressing with intention is to communicate a message. If your intention is to dress to be more “approachable and friendly,” so that you can share with others, folks will flock to you. Brava!
This post came at the perfect time for me. We are attending an important family wedding in a few weeks which means airline travel and there’s lots to pack. I’ve really stressed over the “what to wear” situation and after reading the post, I feel much better about my choices. Thanks for a timely reminder and I do have your book. Why didn’t I look there first?. Thanks,Sharon.
Catherine,
I’m so glad you wrote. The best thing to be is “Quintessential Catherine.” I love it when you said, “I feel better about my choices.” When you feel good, you can forget about what you’re wearing and focus on all the joy around you. Hope you have a grand time!