August 2018

Here are eight ways to tell if you are stuck in a style rut:

Lack of color in your closet. You have 50 shades of grey or black, from tees to suits.
You own more yoga pants (women)/athletic pants (men) than you own tailored pants.
Your first thought when dressing is to “be comfortable.”
You never get compliments on your appearance, and others ask if you are tired.
You experience no joy or excitement when dressing each day.
You’ve had the same hairstyle and/or make-up for over five years.
Over two years ago, you decided not to buy new clothes until you reach your “goal” weight.
Your closet is full, yet you have nothing to wear or you wear the same 20 percent over and over.

Here are eight ways to move OUT of that style rut:

Color is CONFIDENCE and ENERGY! Learn to harness it and discover your personal POWER COLORS. You will be shocked at the way you feel!
Evaluate your wardrobe and detox your closet from anything that isn’t honoring your NOW body or bringing you joy.
Put a full-length mirror where you dress each morning – and use it before, during, and after you dress.
Create positive affirmations and hang them up where you will them see each and every day.
Learn your body shape – this alone will save you much time, energy, and money.
Create a style vision board. Use magazines, catalogs, and your phone to gather visuals of what you would like to move toward in your style.
Change one thing. Many times making one positive change motivates you to continue.
Create a team of advisers. By investing in your team, from a manicurist and hair stylist to personal wardrobe stylist and image and confidence coach, you can do what you do best — and they will always make sure you look and feel your very best.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

I receive calls all the time about how to put together professional and polished outfits that are in sync with the weather. We are all visual learners, so here are some examples.

Some situations for men will require a suit or a sport coat. This example is tieless (more casual) yet has a splash of color and style with the pocket square. Light colors set the tone for spring and summer, and the fabrics speak warm weather.

Show some personality! A contrasting vest with a crisp shirt will make you appear professional yet approachable. Since many situations for networking are inside with air conditioning, you won’t over heat. I know we all look for opportunities to be outside, and many events have moved to outdoor patios, so the beating sun or humidity will influence how you dress. Here are some optional looks for those events.

Picnics and other outdoor business networking events come up often, and when your wardrobe supports all the activities of your life, you will have the perfect garments for this social event as well.

Color communicates your confidence and the season. I’m not sure why so many men are mostly wearing all black. Black can be intimidating and it’s much too visually heavy for the season. Challenge yourself to wear black sparingly and deliberately. (I come across this all the time, so issues with too much black are my specialty.)

Another common look for men is the polo and khaki’s … (snoring). Really, again? How about a punch of pastel slacks or shorts for a picnic, and a short sleeve button up in a relatable check, plaid or memorable color. Isn’t the idea to make a positive and indelible impression?

TIP: guys, take the time to find clothes that fit you. Avoid the too-wide sleeves of a polo; instead find an athletic or slim fit that is more streamlined to your physique. Seams need to sit on your shoulder bone – anything larger makes you look sloppy. Remember you’re with potential clients, friends, referrals. Everywhere you go, your image is making an impression, so it’s worth mastering it and investing in it.

Women have more options, and many times removing a blazer or summer cardigan will change the mood of the outfit. Accessories factor in as well. Wouldn’t you look silly if you wore high heels to a picnic? Colorful pointy-toed flats would be a better match or even a cork wedge in a manageable inch or two.

TIP: Avoid showing inappropriate skin. Sure, bare your arms and your legs, but know the line that is never crossed in business, or you may attract the wrong attention and the wrong clients.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

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ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

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ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

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