Before You Put That On: 365 Daily Style Tips for Her
By Lloyd Boston
3.5/5
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About this ebook
Lloyd Boston defines finding your style as "taking your world and giving it shape." That's what he's done for his individual and corporate clientele for years, and now with this beautifully designed book -- including his own original art -- he's offering his insider secrets to you. Boston's user-friendly references are filled with inspirational ideas for looking and feeling your most stylish.
Friendly, frank, and with a wealth of professional tips at his disposal, Boston guides readers through an entire year's worth of fashion choices, beginning with a new style resolution at the top of the year, through the fresh fashion possibilities of spring and barely dressed days of summer, and back through the glittering holidays.
Before You Put That On offers:
• Hints for choosing garments to flatter every body type
• Simple solutions for going from day to night in minutes
• Tailoring tricks that bring new life to items you already own
• Advice on adding accessories that turn a look from frumpy to fabulous
• Organizational tips for creating a user-friendly closet
Lloyd Boston
LLOYD BOSTON is a top TV Style Expert, Television Host, and the author of three popular style books--including Before You Put That On. He's been a regular on-air style contributor for NBC Today with over 150 segments to his credit, and made several appearances on Oprah, The View, and CNN. An original host on the STYLE Network, Lloyd has also been the host of his own show, Closet Cases, and several specials for the Fine Living Network and HGTV. He is currently the voice of the red carpet for NBCs EXTRA and the exclusive Style Guy for Jones New York helping women to craft their style. Lloyd splits his time between New York and Los Angeles.
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Before You Put That On - Lloyd Boston
BEFORE YOU PUT THAT ON
Other style books by Lloyd Boston
Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals (Artisan)
Make Over Your Man: The Woman’s Guide to Dressing Any Man in Her Life (Broadway)
ATRIA BOOKS
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.SimonandSchuster.com
Copyright © 2005 by Lloyd Boston
Photographs by Keith Major
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Atria Books, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN-13: 978-0-7432-8169-0
ISBN-10: 0-7432-8169-1
eISBN-13: 978-1-4516-2872-2
First Atria Books hardcover edition September 2005
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
ATRIA BOOKS is a trademark of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Manufactured in the United States of America
For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Simon & Schuster Special Sales: 1-800-456-6798 or business@simonandschuster.com.
All illustrations in this book were created by Lloyd Boston with Windsor & Newton Designers Gouache and Berol Prismacolor thick lead art pencils.
For my mother, Lynell, and Uncle Jake
and Aunt Jean,
thanks for keeping me safe
CONTENTS
Preface
January 1
Claim This Year as Your Most Stylish Ever
January 2
Inspired Workout Clothes
January 3
Prints and Patterns Solved
January 4
The Experts Speak: Adam Glassman
January 5
Wooden Hangers, Please
January 6
Girl Group Style
January 7
Top Eleven Shoes
January 8
The Experts Speak: Michael Kors
January 9
Learn a New Fashion Term: Ruching
January 10
The Experts Speak: Mally Roncal
January 11
Your Pen Is Mightier Than You Think
January 12
Identify Your Life Palette
January 13
Create a Style File
January 14
Fall/Winter Clearance Sale Alert
January 15
Seamless Bras Rule
January 16
Wear a Hat for Style
January 17
Protect Your Shoes
January 18
Women’s History Flashback
January 19
Get Model Confidence
January 20
Happy Birthday, Aquarius Girl
January 21
Travel with a Scented Candle
January 22
At Ease
January 23
Add Asian Prints to Your Look
January 24
The Experts Speak: Kenneth Cole
January 25
Pop Style Quiz
January 26
The Experts Speak: Marc Bouwer
January 27
Ten-Minute Meeting Style
January 28
Mall Shopping 101
January 29
The Experts Speak: Suze Yalof Schwartz
January 30
The Three-in-One Shopping Test
January 31
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
February 1
My Stylish Valentine
February 2
Groundhog Day—the Countdown to Sexy
February 3
Go for Open-Toe Shoes
February 4
Historical Style: Happy Birthday, Rosa Parks
February 5
There Is a Cure for the Wintertime Blues
February 6
The Baggy Clothes Myth
February 7
Buying in Pairs
February 8
Professional Bra Fittings
February 9
World Traveler Style
February 10
Celebrate Your Originality
February 11
Is a Sale Always a Sale?
February 12
Invest in Ballerina Flats
February 13
Learn a New Fashion Term: Piqué
February 14
Happy Valentine’s Day
February 15
Be Your Own Fashion Editor
February 16
Get a Luxury Bathrobe
February 17
The Experts Speak: Joe Zee
February 18
Add a Geometric Print to Your Look
February 19
Happy Birthday, Pisces Girl
February 20
Ten-Minute Date Style
February 21
Wear Chocolate Brown and Classic Pink
February 22
Your Fashion First-Aid Kit
February 23
Stop Getting Beautiful
February 24
Pop Style Quiz
February 25
The Essentials List: Flats
February 26
Dress from Small to Big
February 27
The Drop-Dead Dress
February 28
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
March 1
Spring Fashion Cleaning
March 2
The Experts Speak: Michael Vollbracht
March 3
Let Your Hairstyle Go
March 4
Historical Style: Jeanette Rankin
March 5
Don’t Shop
March 6
Identify Your Signature Look
March 7
Go Ahead, Wear Stripes with Plaids
March 8
Add African Prints to Your Look
March 9
The Experts Speak: Carolina Herrera
March 10
The Year-Round Pant or Skirt Suit
March 11
Don’t Let the Name Fool You
March 12
The Experts Speak: Max Azria
March 13
Learn a New Fashion Term: Jacquard
March 14
Ten-Minute Cocktail Party Style
March 15
Good-bye, Coatdress, Hello, Wrap Sweater
March 16
Count Your Lucky Skirts
March 17
Pop Style Quiz
March 18
The Spring Safari Jacket
March 19
Banish the Morning News; Get Dressed to Music
March 20
Thaw Your Style
March 21
Happy Birthday, Aries Girl
March 22
Glam-It-Up Dress for the Theater
March 23
Be a Man Magnet
March 24
The Experts Speak: Tommy Hilfiger
March 25
Reach Out for the Right Clothes First
March 26
Wake Up Your Outfit with a Pop of Color
March 27
Unmatch Your Handbag and Shoes
March 28
Start Your Dressing Somewhere Else
March 29
Color-Coded Organization
March 30
Date Night
Chic
March 31
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
April 1
The Style Reset
Button
April 2
The Experts Speak: Lesley Jane Seymour
April 3
The Sabrina Heel
April 4
Happy Birthday, Maya
April 5
Ditch Your Blouse for a Day
April 6
The Experts Speak: Avril Graham
April 7
Upgrade Your Umbrella
April 8
Gray Is Gorgeous
April 9
The Coat Every Woman Needs
April 10
Learn a New Fashion Term: Fedora
April 11
The Experts Speak: Robert Burke
April 12
Add a Polka-Dot Print to Your Look
April 13
Let Go of Old Habits
April 14
Pop Style Quiz
April 15
Are You Stuck?
April 16
Slip into a Sling-Back
April 17
Ten-Minute Wedding Style
April 18
A-Line All the Time
April 19
Better to Be Overdressed
April 20
Get Longer Legs
April 21
Happy Birthday, Taurus Girl
April 22
Heels for Miniskirts
April 23
Wear Black and Navy
April 24
Flattering Floral Prints
April 25
Claim Your Twenties
April 26
Fly Coach, Dress First Class
April 27
Push Your Denim Jacket Over the Top
April 28
Balance Your Wardrobe
April 29
Feature Your Décolletage
April 30
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
May 1
Thank Mom for Style
May 2
The Experts Speak: Ken Pavés
May 3
Have Your Shoes Shined with the Boys
May 4
Look Good Coming and Going
May 5
The Experts Speak: Nicole Fischelis
May 6
Face Posture Check
May 7
The Experts Speak: Reem Acra
May 8
The Right Clothes for Your Hair
May 9
The Experts Speak: Monique Lhuillier
May 10
Investing in a Perfect Black Dress
May 11
Learn a New Fashion Term: Tortoiseshell
May 12
Look at Women Around You
May 13
Everything You Wear Cannot Shine
May 14
Add a Classic Pucci Print to Your Look
May 15
Ten-Minute Art-Gallery Style
May 16
Pop Style Quiz
May 17
Swimwear for Hippy Chicks
May 18
The Model Jean
May 19
Give Love, Get Style
May 20
Happy Birthday, Amelia Earhart
May 21
Happy Birthday, Gemini Girl
May 22
They’re Not Grandma’s Pearls Anymore
May 23
Regional Style Habits, Gone
May 24
Your Clothes Are Your Employees
May 25
Go Basic
May 26
The Bridesmaid’s Dress Lives Again
May 27
Claim Your Thirties
May 28
Be Aware of Proportion
May 29
Play Up Your Assets
May 30
Vintage Clothing
May 31
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
June 1
Stock Up on Summer Essentials Now
June 2
Shop Green,
Give Something Back to the Earth
June 3
The Experts Speak: Kelly Killoren Bensimon
June 4
Summer Leather and Suede
June 5
Is a Tattoo Really You?
June 6
Brighten Those Pearly Whites
June 7
Learn a New Fashion Term: Haute Couture
June 8
White Jeans Are for Everyone
June 9
The Experts Speak: Nick Barose
June 10
Pop Style Quiz
June 11
If Your Top Is Finished, Untuck It
June 12
Happy Father’s Day
June 13
Wear Grass Green and Bright White
June 14
The Jeans and T-shirt Redux
June 15
Wear Orange and Hot Pink
June 16
Easy and Sexy Espadrilles
June 17
The Experts Speak: Nanette Lepore
June 18
Ride, Sally, Ride
June 19
Tailor-Made, Right at Home
June 20
What Celebrities Won’t Tell You
June 21
The First Day of Summer Essentials
June 22
Happy Birthday, Cancer Girl
June 23
Ten-Minute Class Reunion Style
June 24
Three Summer Looks in One
June 25
Super-Size Your Shoes
June 26
Claim Your Forties
June 27
Give Your Power Suit a Rest
June 28
The Experts Speak: Bobbi Brown
June 29
Carry Water, Not a Huge Handbag
June 30
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
July 1
Plan an Excursion Inspired by Clothes
July 2
Sleep
July 3
The Experts Speak: Sandra de Nicolais
July 4
Outfits with Fireworks
July 5
Do You Know Sarah Emma Edmonds?
July 6
Put a Denim Skirt to Work
July 7
Baby on the Way? Be More Stylish Than Ever
July 8
Release Past Patterns
July 9
No Wedding Whites—Unless You’re the Bride
July 10
Buy Pants in Multiples
July 11
The Experts Speak: Carmen Marc Valvo
July 12
Get Three Looks in One
July 13
Learn a New Fashion Term: Guayabera Shirt
July 14
Invest in a Cashmere Sweater
July 15
Spring/Summer Clearance Sale Alert
July 16
Ten-Minute Travel Style
July 17
Claim Your Fifties
July 18
Pop Style Quiz
July 19
The Experts Speak: Julie Chaiken
July 20
Add Americana Prints to Your Look
July 21
Juicy Summer Color
July 22
Take an Inch Off Your Waistline
July 23
Happy Birthday, Leo Girl
July 24
Plan a Clothes-Swapping Party
July 25
Add a Fresh Flower to Your Hair
July 26
Build an Outfit Around a Crisp White Shirt
July 27
Make the Best Use of Candlelight
July 28
The Experts Speak: Naima Turner
July 29
Go Silk
July 30
Shop by Style, Not by Name
July 31
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
August 1
Back to Cool
August 2
The Experts Speak: Karen Kozlowski
August 3
Moms Are Still Hot
August 4
Add High Glamour to Any Look
August 5
Dress from Your Head, Not Your Heart
August 6
Go Vintage with Your Bag
August 7
Give Your Clothes the Whiff Test
August 8
Retire Your Backpack
August 9
The Experts Speak: Anna Sui
August 10
Raid His Closet
August 11
Learn a New Fashion Term: Lariat Necklace
August 12
No Panty Hose with Open Toes
August 13
Happy Birthday, Lucy Stone
August 14
Add Paisley Prints to Your Look
August 15
Ten-Minute Girls’ Night Out
Style
August 16
Pop Style Quiz
August 17
Donate to a Clothing Charity
August 18
Tan-Boosting Clothes
August 19
Wear a Dazzling Evening Scarf All Day
August 20
The Glove Compartment Makeover
August 21
Do the New Fashion Math
August 22
Stationery Is a Style Signature
August 23
Happy Birthday, Virgo Girl
August 24
The Experts Speak: Tracy Taylor
August 25
Soccer Mom to Rocker Mom
August 26
Reassess Your Eyewear
August 27
Wear an Arresting Color
August 28
Curvy Figures Love Wrap Dresses
August 29
Luxuriate in a Power Bath
August 30
Usually an Eight, Fit a Ten? Go for Ten
August 31
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
September 1
Dump Expired Makeup
September 2
Start Wearing White Today
September 3
The Experts Speak: Mandi Norwood
September 4
Fitting-Room Rules
September 5
Keep Your Makeup Where It Belongs
September 6
Women’s History Flashback: Louisa Ann Swain
September 7
Don’t Match Your Clothing with Your Makeup
September 8
The Skinny on Outlets
September 9
Ten-Minute Countryside Style
September 10
Dressing to Seal the Deal
September 11
Working from Home in Style
September 12
The Experts Speak: Dana Buchman
September 13
Nighttime Is the Right Time for Brown
September 14
Learn a New Fashion Term: Froufrou
September 15
Use Your Animal Print Instincts
September 16
Pucker Up with a Natural Lip
September 17
The Experts Speak: Nadine Luke
September 18
Pop Style Quiz
September 19
Work Smarter, Not Harder
September 20
Jump into a Classic Tan and Navy Ensemble
September 21
Welcome Autumn
September 22
Toss On a Blue Blazer Before Anything Else
September 23
Happy Birthday, Libra Girl
September 24
Accessorize Like a Fashion Model
September 25
Proper Petite Pant Length
September 26
Take a Style Time-Out
September 27
His Cargo Pants Don’t Have to Be Yours
September 28
Dress for the Corner Office
September 29
Monochromatic Style
September 30
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
October 1
Jean Maintenance
October 2
The Experts Speak: Lois Joy Johnson
October 3
The Quilted Jacket Solution
October 4
The Only Sneakers You’ll Need
October 5
Is Shimmer OK for Day?
October 6
Cash In on Your Great Sense of Style
October 7
The Experts Speak: Joan Kaner
October 8
Get Three Autumn Looks in One
October 9
Tie One On for Style
October 10
Gloves for Style, Not Just for Warmth
October 11
Happy Birthday, Eleanor
October 12
Tags and Labels Begone
October 13
The Experts Speak: Sonya Dakar
October 14
Invest in a Sweater Shaver
October 15
Ten-Minute Harvest Style
October 16
Learn a New Fashion Term: Diamanté
October 17
Dramatic Fall Legs
October 18
Add American Indian Prints to Your Look
October 19
Try Footless Hose and Mules
October 20
Pop Style Quiz
October 21
Studs Required
October 22
Mean Business in Your Camel Hair Overcoat
October 23
Happy Birthday, Scorpio Girl
October 24
Go for a Professional Leg Waxing
October 25
Turn a Style Tragedy into a Triumph
October 26
Snap a Photo of Your Best Outfits
October 27
Wear All Black and Be Ready for Anything
October 28
A Fashion-Forward Halloween
October 29
A Perfect Weekend Bag
October 30
Don’t Let Tags Spoil Your Look
October 31
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
November 1
Give Your Jewelry a Bath
November 2
The Experts Speak: Cynthia Rowley
November 3
Upgrade Your Undies
November 4
What’s Your Signature Scent?
November 5
Small Tips, Big Returns
November 6
Barefaced by Bedtime
November 7
Wearing Hose
November 8
The Experts Speak: BJ Gillian
November 9
Learn a New Fashion Term: Batik
November 10
Three Winter Looks in One
November 11
Jump into a Pair of Wellies
November 12
Add Abstract Prints to Your Look
November 13
Define Your Waist
November 14
Pop Style Quiz
November 15
Ten-Minute Tailgate Style
November 16
Simplify and Sexify
Your Look
November 17
Wear Lavender, Wear Peace
November 18
Ditch the Worst Accessory Ever
November 19
Try On, Buy Off
November 20
Silver-Screen Inspiration
November 21
How Do I Want to Be Remembered?
November 22
Happy Birthday, Sagittarius Girl
November 23
Go, Hillary, Go!
November 24
The PTA Coat Is Not an Evening Coat
November 25
Give Thanks
November 26
Build Your Outfit from a Crush
November 27
Style Begins Where the Rules End
November 28
The Little Black Dress Cubed
November 29
Dressing in a Hotel
November 30
An Outfit Cheat Sheet
December 1
Recharge and Dress Down
December 2
The Experts Speak: Cynde Watson-Richmond
December 3
Zip Up Your Own Dress
December 4
Nail It Every Time
December 5
Strike Your Best Pose
December 6
Fishnets Make You Flirty
December 7
The Experts Speak: Betsey Johnson
December 8
Learn a New Fashion Term: Houndstooth
December 9
Rent a Men’s Tuxedo, Own the Room
December 10
Surprises as Chic
December 11
Kiss Santa, Don’t Wear Him
December 12
Animals Love Faux Fur
December 13
Reserve Your Newest Clothing for Big Nights
December 14
Let Your Handbag Tickle Your Wild Side
December 15
Pass the Good Things On
December 16
Ten-Minute Holiday Party Style
December 17
Choose Your Outfit Before Your Intimates
December 18
Use Your Consumer Rights
December 19
Pop Style Quiz
December 20
Have an Evening Clutch on Standby
December 21
Welcome the Winter Solstice
December 22
Happy Birthday, Capricorn Girl
December 23
Add a Wig to Your Wardrobe
December 24
Nighttime Makeup All Day Long
December 25
Give a Gift to Yourself First
December 26
Feature a Long Skirt
December 27
Happy Birthday, Marlene Dietrich
December 28
Festive and Fresh Holiday Dress
December 29
A Ten-Minute Makeover
December 30
Dress to Shop
December 31
Raise a Glass to a Year of Style Building
Acknowledgments
Sources
PREFACE
I love my job! Yes, I am probably one of the few who can honestly say that I truly love my job. As an author, television host, and fashion editor, I basically go clothing shopping for a living. And with the help of television I can assist millions of real women in looking and feeling better each and every day using what I find. A blessing.
Before You Put That On is a book for real women of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles in search of better style year-round. Not just for special occasions or job interviews, but every time you leave the house.
First, I’d like to thank real women everywhere for almost writing my latest book for me! That may sound strange, but it is true. Between the days that I am serving as the on-air fashion editor for America’s number-one morning show, NBC’s Today, I have had the privilege to travel America as spokesperson for numerous fashion designers, mass brands, and labels, spreading the gospel of high style and easy tips on looking great—from intimate fashion shows in boutiques and department stores, to local morning television makeover spots at the crack of dawn, to special appearances for women’s organizations and national conventions. Style has fast become the new motivational genre for women and men.
While getting on and off airplanes and trains and in and out of automobiles, I have witnessed so many real women (not fashion models) going about their day in the most unflattering clothing. And it makes me so sad. Mostly because on each of these women there was at least one redeeming outfit area that could have been played up, but they consciously or unconsciously chose to play it down. Many times I just wanted to reach out and politely whisper a tiny little anonymous tip: Go one size larger on your bra, miss.
Or, Add a cuff to those pants for maximum glamour.
I would have been slapped or security would have been called. So I chose to keep my mouth shut.
Instead of looking and sounding like an insane fashion stalker, I decided to take all of the wrongs I have witnessed and right
them for every woman to benefit from, each day of any given year. Enter Before You Put That On.
A tip a day? 365 of them? It may sound intimidating to absorb, but I mean, really, why care about how you look every day? No one else does. Your kids love it when you show up to parent/teacher night dressed like you’ve been plowing the farm all day. Your husband really doesn’t care because he gets his eyeful of the women at work who actually still take the time to do their nails and hair regularly. And your boss, why bother? Looking at you in the cramped cubicle year after year from her corner office suits her just fine. Not anymore.
Although every tip in this book won’t speak to every woman, much of the style advice that is offered each day are fashion solutions using what you may very well already own. Some tips you may already know, so this is just confirmation that you are doing the right style thing.
You will notice somewhat generic clothing descriptions, and that I deal with big picture
style (your top, your bottom, your shoes) often devoid of designer names, specific accessories, prints and patterns, etcetera. This was intentional to allow women of all bodies, budgets, and lifestyles to read the style ideas, interpret them to suit their needs, and most of all empower a personal style power without them having to run out and find a specific floral skirt with lace trim and beading. Who has time?
An artist for as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with the way women dress—from images of celebrities on the big and small screens, to real women who would never imagine that a young man was noticing their shoes and lipstick. I think it began with my second-grade teacher—Miss Sanders had the most beautiful lip color that stuck together just in the corners of her mouth when she spoke. You never saw her reapply as the day went on; it was just always perfectly in place atop her full lips.
My mom was a walking supermodel to me as I was growing up. I distinctly remember feeling so secure holding her hand on the way to preschool—yes, that early—and noticing the jingle of the stacks of thin sterling-silver bracelets on her wrists, and the sound her slim frame made as she walked across the gravel parking lot in her stacked wedge shoes. I would always try to walk harder to make the same noise, but my tiny body just wasn’t heavy enough pull it off.
This spark led to well over fifteen years in the fashion and television industries, and nothing pleases me more than helping real women get dressed, and seeing them look and feel their absolute best afterward. I’m always amazed by how much pain women put up with when there are so many more comfortable solutions that are just as stylish. From shoes to undergarments, there is a world of possibilities so many women rush by to get to their old standbys. Before You Put That On unearths many of them.
Kind of like sleeping on the remote, you usually wake up on some channel that scares you in the middle of the night. This is what happens when you just start getting dressed each day and not dressing well. To do this, sometimes all you need is a little pearl of inspiration to set you on your way. And note that although each day has a specific tip, they are very universal and can be used whenever you need a boost. Go ahead and use the tip from January 13 on May 23!
Whether they realize it or not, when most women give a thumbs-up to a red carpet star or magazine page, they are saying that they’d love to look like that one day, one night. It may seem like an insurmountable task, though. This is why a little growth each day is the best way to get there. Hopefully, with the help of my book, and within the course of a calendar year, you will be on track to a stylish New Year and newer style!
I hope to show you how one key piece can give you a multitude of looks. As you turn the pages you will see how to go from your desk to dinner in no time. And finally figure out what really needs to be retired without hesitation from your packed closet.
Sometimes life can seem like one big to-do list, and most women forget to put themselves at the very top. This is where Before You Put That On comes in, boasting daily tips for low-maintenance high fashion.
My sincere hope is that this book will be a continuum to my TV work of helping real women everywhere to look and, most important, feel their absolute best. One woman, one day, one outfit at a time.
You have to invest in your appearance to shine, not only monetarily through clothing and accessories, but also with a little time and thought. This book asks you for just a few short minutes each day. For some this may be over coffee in the morning as you plan your outfit, whereas for others it will be a bedtime read that allows you to dream up a better outfit for tomorrow than you wore today. Make it a private ritual that gives you a little time to look within yourself and exceed your own style expectations. This is all that really matters.
You will come to find that having style is like riding a bike. You will know it when you have it, and so will every woman who passes you by. You’ve witnessed this before, and know it right away. And just like you respond to other women with great style, you’ll begin to get the same reactions. Sometimes it is as simple as a locked glance, but those who know, will know.
JANUARY
Leave last year behind. Every day ahead is another chance for a fresh fashion start.
JANUARY 1
CLAIM THIS YEAR AS YOUR MOST STYLISH EVER. MAKE A PACT WITH YOURSELF TO EXPLORE NEW IDEAS, BREAK BAD HABITS, AND BE OPEN TO CHANGE.
To have style is to give shape to the way you carry yourself. Our focus here is primarily on the way you dress, but the truth is that every way in which you present yourself to the world is important.
Set a tone for the new year rather than commit yourself to resolutions—which most of us break in ninety days’ time. Think of adding or practicing good habits, as opposed to denying yourself. If you’re in the habit of wearing black, commit to adding some color. If you’re accustomed to loose garments, try more tailored or form-fitting ones. Start one item at a time.
Don’t claim New Year’s resolutions, embrace a positive evolution.
Affirmation:
Before I put anything on, I will take two minutes each day to focus on ways to a more stylish me.
JANUARY 2
WEAR WORKOUT CLOTHES THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO KEEP IT MOVING.
Motivating yourself to exercise is tough whether you’re working out to a program on DVD in the privacy of your home or in a public or co-ed space. You know the scene at the gym. Some members—the gym bunnies—are in better shape than others and hop around letting everyone know it. Others—maybe you—slink around trying to draw as little attention as possible.
Give yourself a self-esteem boost. Wear workout clothes that make you look and feel good—own two or three outfits that are simple, comfortable, and fit well. Try a tank in a bright color, paired with a darker drawstring yoga pant and your cleanest sneakers, athletic shoes, or even ballet slippers, depending on the activity. Or, invest in a supple velour sweat suit in a dark neutral with a bright-colored shoe.
The cut of your workout gear should cover enough of you so that you never feel exposed, yet not large enough to make you feel like you are under a tarp. For instance, swap the XXL giveaway T-shirts for lightweight, zip-front track jackets that can be opened to reveal more, as your body takes on the new shape. And instead of oversized men’s sweatpants, opt for ultrathin, drawstring lounge pants that offer the full coverage of a pajama pant without the thick, visual-pound-adding bulk of traditional sweats.
No need to go to great expense by buying brand-named athletic gear, and definitely avoid working out in heavy makeup or high-maintenance coiffed hair (though a subtle energizing scent could be nice). The idea is that when you look good, you feel better about doing anything—even if it’s an activity you dread. High style can inspire you to high performance and results that stick.
JANUARY 3
ADD PRINTS AND PATTERNS TO THE BEST EFFECT.
Prints, plaids, and stripes are a stylish option for all women no matter what your size. So why, you might be asking yourself, has it been such a long-held belief that patterns only flatter tall and/or slender women and take fashion points away from fuller or shorter figures?
The key to looking fabulous in that floral-patterned garment or