Congratulations! Before we go any further, I just want you to know that I’m so proud of you! I know that breaking up with your yoga pants is hard to do but believe you me you’ll be glad you did it!
Ok, so getting back to your question, “What do I wear?”
You want to wear something that fits, flatters and is feminine…that’s right…feminine!
Feminine doesn’t necessarily mean ‘prissy’ or ‘chicky-chick’. It simply means that you are enhancing your natural beauty by choosing the right clothes that accurately reflect your style and personality.
It’s taking the time to put some thought into what you wear and being able to say, “I’m comfortable in my own skin and in my own clothes because I’m a girl!”
See many women today, especially those 35+, put very little thought into what they wear and/or how they ‘do casual’. Most do it the same way. And most think ‘doing casual’ = ‘athletic wear’ or ‘androgynous wear’.
Can you see the difference? Not much, other than one is male and the other female!
At Fashion Assist I want to help women change how they dress. I want them to start to ‘think’ about what they wear and why they wear it. I want to teach them how they can dress their best no matter the occasion.
First, in order to ‘do casual’ well your clothes must fit well.
Casual clothes that look and fit like pyjamas are NOT clothes that fit well!
Fitted doesn’t mean ‘tight’; it doesn’t mean trashy! Fitted means that the line of your clothes follows the line of your body and we can see your shape.
Doing casual right means you don’t turn your body into a rectangle. And you don’t hide in your clothes.
Doing casual right means that your clothes fit you!
Pair these dark-blue Citizens of Humanity jeans with a fitted tank and jacket and your look says ‘I’m a girl’! $165 Netaporter.com http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/79896
Second, ‘doing casual’ doesn’t mean your clothes are sloppy and sad-looking. It doesn’t mean they’re unstylish.
‘Doing casual’ right means your clothes flatter you and your shape. They’re sophisticated, streamlined and stylish. Yup, that’s right…even your casual clothes must be stylish!
When dressing casual, I tell all my clients, especially those 35+, to always do ‘sophisticated casual’…because ‘sophisticated casual’ always flatters and is stylish!
These Vince cotton-blend Bermuda shorts and slouchy top are sophisticated and yes, even streamlined (even though this top is a loose cut it doesn’t add excessive bulk to her frame). This look is flattering and definitely stylish!, $185 Netaporter.com http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/79758
Third, doing casual doesn’t mean your clothes are baggy, boyish and bland. It doesn’t mean they’re ‘hoochie mama’ either!
‘Doing casual’ right means no very short tops, skin belts, sweat pants, athletic sneakers…
‘Doing casual’ right means you choose clothes that flatter your body shape, are feminine and make you and those around you feel comfortable… all at the same time!
So whether your style is ultra-feminine:
Tucker High-waisted striped linen shorts create a comfortable but ultra-feminine look when worn with a light weight, embellished top and flat sandals, $100 Netaporter.com http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/95490
Classic-feminine:
A blue button down shirt and 7 For All Mankind jeans create a chic classic-feminine look. $180 Netaporter.com http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/79948
Or sporty-feminine:
Vince cotton utility shorts and relaxed fit top keep this sporty-feminine look urban cool! $145 Netaporter.com http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/80424
‘Doing casual’ right means you always keep it feminine!
Repeat after me…
“Good-bye yoga pants.
Hello feminine clothes that match my comfort level, but in a whole new way!”
Rebecca Taylor Silk Blouse, Netaporter.com http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/93535
In a nutshell, ‘doing casual’ right means you combine your beauty with functionalism. That’s how you ‘do casual’!
What do you think? Do you agree?
Let’s chit chat…
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