Blog – Page 7

Panty Hose Goes … as long as it looks natural

by Traci McBride

Question: Bare leg vs. panty hose? I am often asked this question. Women that despise hose actually get mad at me for not saying bare leg only! But there is a place for panty hose.

Answer: Think of hosiery as you would foundation for your face. The better the skin looks, the less concealer you need. Use these steps to determine what is best for you.

First, look to your company’s dress code — some require hosiery.
Second, look at your legs and the fit of your clothes. Now some of us just get a better, leaner, smoother line with control-top pantyhose.
Third, consider the color of your skin. Avoid wearing “suntan” if you aren’t. If you are pasty white, wear the sheerest, most natural shade to your skin tone.
Fourth, consider your preference and comfort.

TIPS:
The goal is to wear pantyhose so close to your natural skin tone and so sheer that no one notices your pantyhose.
Opaque black (or other dark-colored) tights will be trendy going into fall. This is easiest to wear if the shoes match the tights (black or other dark colors). If you are more daring, you can make a statement with contrasting colors. Don’t be afraid to try something fun like a small fishnet pattern, which is great for letting a bit of skin show through while having a dressier look than basic hose.

How to Resist the Drab Look While Trying to Appear Relaxed

by Traci McBride

This month’s question comes from Facebook: How is it possible to be casual and comfortable this summer without being frumpy?

I don’t believe anyone purposely gets dressed thinking, “I want to be frumpy,” but sometime it’s easier to not care or to fool yourself into thinking it doesn’t matter. Looking your best every day, which I highly recommend, will pay off in aces, but it takes some thought to get your system down pat so it can support you.

My goal is guide and teach my clients how to build an “effortless dressing” system that is as individual as they are. To make changes, use the following criteria each day when dressing:

FIT, FIT, FIT — I can’t say this enough: Avoid big, baggy, oversized clothing. It only makes you look bigger and hides your shape. Fit, focus, and flow — fit the smallest area (under your bust or waist), focus the attention to your best asset (bust, face, legs, tone arms, etc), and let your clothes then flow over everything else. Those of you that think you are hiding your muffin tops or extra padding, beware. Baggy clothes only make them appear larger. Instead, instantly smooth them with a shaper camisole and shapely clothes. Another no-no is getting stuck on numbers. Don’t decide that, since you are a size 10, you won’t for any reason even try on a 12 even though it will fit and flatter you. You end up wearing your clothes too tight and practically bursting out of them — also unflattering. Most women at any size can wear a number smaller or larger, depending on the designer, cut, style, and fabric — so don’t get stuck on a number.

MAINTENANCE — Presenting yourself in a crumpled t-shirt with old stains on it communicates something very different than a pressed, clean t-shirt punched up with a colorful gauze scarf or bandanna tied at your neck. This extends to every garment, but please don’t forget your shoes! Be brave. Pitch those “broken in” shoes that have seen better days. I know they are so comfortable, but they are ruining every single outfit you wear them with. If they are not leather and can’t be spruced up by a talented cobbler, release them.

PROPORTION — Find the best dress/skirt length for you. Too long and you end-up in the frump zone, which is usually mid-calf, depending on your proportions, legs, and preference. Staying in the knee zone — just above, on or just below — is usually the best length. I will mention here also one of my pet peeves — cropped pants. I hate to be sharing bad news, but cropped pants are not everyone’s friend, even though just about everyone wears them. Finding just the right cut is the secret, but most don’t bother to do that, as it can be daunting. So just because every single store sells them doesn’t mean every single person should wear them. They cut you off in the just the wrong place to visually make your legs look shorter and heavier. Plus not every social situation warrants crops. Nonetheless, they are showing up everywhere, much to the disappointment of HR professionals. I get more business owners and managers calling about this one garment than anything else. I hear, “But, Traci, it’s summer, and I don’t want to wear shorts.” I then recommend they look for an ankle pant that is cut like their best, most flattering pants in a nice summer weight fabric. Those of you that carry your weight in your legs and thighs — go for maxi dresses and skirts, way more flattering, fresh, on-trend, and feminine.

DETAILS, DETAILS — Have you been slipping on a top and bottom and walking out the door? It’s all in the details of adding a scarf, earrings, and a bracelet … you know another detail that communicates style and confidence. It doesn’t have to be fussy or heavy, but accessories in your power color can brighten your face and tell the world, “I like and respect myself, so you better too.” Don’t forget the shoes. They are not only functional but can be flattering and fashionable. Stylish flats will always trump an athletic shoe (which is only for working out or power walking). Add a third layer to up the style factor: a vest, cardigan, unlined cotton blazer, etc. Show how you know what you are doing and took time to honor your look.

If your entire grooming routine and wardrobe honors your body shape, your personality, your lifestyle, your power colors, your goals, your business, your passions — you will ALWAYS look AMAZING.

For a casual summer weekend, here are my suggestions on how to look comfy not frumpy:

Color-blocked Tee, with a simple, solid skirt (knee-length or maxi), with tapered-toe, mixed-material flats or metallic sandals.
Layer a simple Tee or cotton tank with a summer-weight cardigan, khakis, and plaid or floral Keds.

For a casual summer look at work (based on a casual place of employment):

Cotton classic white button-down blouse with a great collar, polished vest; trouser jeans in a dark wash and kitten heels in a fun print; finish with a statement necklace in your power color.
Layer two-colored cotton tanks so both colors show, with a summer weight print cardigan and a pencil skirt in a neutral with peep toe espadrilles. Finish with a fun earring and bracelet.

For a more tailored summer look at work (based on more traditional place of employment):

The third layer rules in this category, as it lends an elevated image.
Colorful printed sleeveless blouse with a cotton unlined white or khaki blazer and pencil skirt or trouser slacks, with animal textured pumps, necklace or earrings.
Shirt dress is always fresh and classic with a self belt or a fun colorful leather belt and nude patent leather pump.

It goes without saying that all of the above pays off in huge dividends when your haircut and style is fresh, with no roots or rough, dried ends, and your skin tone is evened out, and your lips and eyes are kissed with a bit of make-up polish.

Sound like you need support developing or refreshing your personalized “Effortless Dressing System?” Give me a call — I can make it easy for you.

Summer’s Here and the Time is Right … for a Black-out

by Traci McBride

Instead of the usual Q & A this month, I’d like to present a spring/summer challenge to readers:

WOMEN — Banish the black shoes. You might wonder if I’m off my rocker! The most common situation I find in closets all over Northeast Ohio is either all black shoes or mostly black shoes with a navy or brown thrown in there. I understand why women do this. They are thinking black is a basic; a staple that goes with everything since it is a neutral. We have heard this our whole life. Well, I always want to get you to stand out and look fresh, modern, and ageless every day, not just on special occasions.

So how do you avoid black shoes?

When wearing dark or black pants, instead use a pop of color that is part of your power color palette.

Use the season’s favorites of emerald green, sunshine yellow or poppy. Or stick with another neutral, nude (closet match to your skin tone), or metallic. Skirts or dresses in any color (even black if you must) will look fresher with nude, and it elongates your leg line.

MEN — Pop some color in unexpected ways. Men have so much less opportunity to add color since they don’t wear lipstick, earrings or statement necklaces. That doesn’t doom them to navy, brown, black, and grey for life. Splash that suit or sport coat with a eye catching pocket square that doesn’t match your tie.

Casually, an easy, fun, modern approach is to wear a shirt with a contrasting collar and cuff either the whole thing or just the inside area of the cuff and collar. That is an elegant touch. How about a colorful shirt with a vest and jeans? Step out of your usual and be daring.

Create a streamlined daily routine that is joyful and celebrates you

by Traci McBride

Imagine this: You walk into your organized closet that contains only items that make you look your very best, in colors that make you look healthy, energized and ready for anything. With a glance in your personalized “look book,” you effortlessly choose a complete outfit based on the weather, your goals, and your audience.

Obviously, each of us needs to be dressed each day before we leave our homes. Regardless of how you spend your day, getting dressed is universal. Over the years I’ve been told how frustrating it can be to decide what to wear and get all the items needed prepped and ready. I’ve been in closets that have awkward organization, which causes the owner to dig through bins or shelving piled high with clothes to find the “other shoe.” Having the tools you need at your fingertips will completely change how you begin each and every day of your life. Regardless of whether you have a tiny closet or a huge walk-in that you share with your partner, having a system is the key to joy in the closet.

I talk and write about “closet detoxes” all the time, yet most people don’t take the time for this. I find when you have a professional come to your closet and sort through everything with you, it’s an eye-opening experience. Even if you are organized to begin with, I just know you have some items that you are not getting enough out of (or possibly none at all).

The system I’ve created has served so many over the years. While each person is unique with diverse needs, the system still works. We always need to begin in the closet.

Body shape I.D. and power color analysis are two of the tools we use to make the most of our detox. So with a few measurements, some natural light, and my handy color analysis system, we see the best colors to keep and the ones we want to pass along. These very powerful tools serve you daily.

Closet detox: We go through all your clothes, shoes, and accessories for the current season. You put on each item so together we can evaluate the fit, cut, fabric and color in the mirror, as I explain why each item does or doesn’t work on your shape. Then we move to shoes, accessories and coats, taking detailed notes of items we need to build on and colors we need more of, as we rebuild what you have.

Power shopping: Using only the targeted list we created, I shop for all your needs and prepare for your arrival at a dressing room at whatever stores we determined would work best for your needs.

Master the “mixx” and look book session: You take center stage as each complete outfit is styled just for you as we snap pictures of you in each for your look book. This step is the “secret sauce” to effortless dressing each day.

Here’s How to Bag Those Fashion Disasters

by Traci McBride

Q: What type of items do you suggest carrying in case of a fashion emergency?

A: Love your question! Often, the first time I go shopping with a client, I visit a section of the store that has the type of products they never knew to look for. Then they get excited to know they can be prepared with at least a few basics. Once they have those they can build on needed items.

BASIC FASHION EMERGENCY KIT
(Items with an asterisk I keep in my purse all the time. Everything else I keep in a sealed baggie in my car or tote bag if I’ve packed for an event I’m working):

Hollywood garment guards: Protect the part of the garment that directly touches your armpit. Keep the deodorant off and avoid telltale signs of stress. If you have ever ruined a blazer this way, you will stock-up!
Hollywood deodorant sponge: When you’re slipping on that top or dress and see white deodorant streaks, this will magically remove them. Avoid using a tissue, trust me!
Hollywood fashion tape: Never use a pin for a hem or puckered blouse. Instead use a stripe of this double-sided clear tape for a quick fix. I also show clients how to use it in creative ways. For instance, tack down a scarf so it doesn’t keep moving or sliding.
Wet wipes: Quickly removes mud from shoes, purses, etc. Or worse (use your imagination).
*Lint roller: Obvious reasons to use a lint roller on yourself, but when you help another person out just before they walk into a meeting or onto a TV set, they will LOVE you forever!
Rubber bands in many colors: I love to push up the sleeves of blazers for a more three-quarter-sleeve look, but sometimes they won’t stay that way. I don’t want to keep shoving up my sleeves all day, so I hide a matching color rubber band in a fold, and everything stays in place nicely.
Sewing kit: Easy to find and buy at most drugstores or sewing stores: a few basic colors of thread and needles with tiny scissors. I find some use it often and others perhaps a time or two over several years. But when you or someone you know needs it, it’s worth its weight in gold.
Foot petals: The first time you wear a pair of shoes with a thin stocking or barefoot and you realize the heel slips, this dandy little “fill-in” pad will correct it.
*Floss picks/floss (depending on the type you prefer): The picks are easy to carry and have the added benefit of a pick at one end for those foods that get stuck. You don’t have to put your fingers into your mouth to use one like you do when winding a strand of floss around two fingers. But please only do this in a restroom or some other private place where no one will observe you, as this is rude and unsightly to many.
*General make-up for touch-ups: I always carry a lipstick and gloss for use after eating and drinking, and powder for nose shines. Usually for day-to-day use, that is all I need. Should I be running all day and I want to look as fresh at my last appointment as my first, I will bring whatever is needed to do a touch-up for my eyes.
*Hand cream: It’s always the item I forget to put on as I leave the house, and as I’m driving I realize my hands look and feel dry. A little mini-sized tube does the trick.
*Mini pack of tissue: Sometimes I even color coordinate for fun! Good to have for obvious reasons, especially for others that need a tissue during a luncheon.
*Gum/mints/breath spray: Whatever your preference. Again this is for others, too, and is the most asked for item on almost a daily basis.

As for the men, some of the above would be warranted plus the items below. I find it depends on the man, what he does for a living, and how he dresses each day.

Extra hanky: For the man that wears a suit and likes to be prepared if a lady needs him.
Chap stick: A lot of men I know carry one of these.
Nice pen: I wouldn’t recommend a generic pen – make a statement of who you are.
Money clip: Some men prefer to carry cash outside of their wallet.
Wallet: Leather always makes a nice statement.
Pocketknife: Not usually carried with a suit, but most men say they carry one when dressed casually.
Mini-flashlight: Useful on a key ring, with a larger one in the car.

Remember, a majority of men are not carrying a bag or tote, so decide what is crucial and avoiding a bulging pocket. Depending on your daily events, you may have other items you always carry or at least have nearby to avoid being uncomfortable or having awkward moments.

Image Matters … Whether We Like It or Not

by Traci McBride

Q: If others make a decision about me just because of the way I look and choose not to do business with me, it’s their loss by being superficial. Why is image so important?

A: Perhaps that is true, but everyone does it on an instinct. It goes way back to the cavemen, who based whether they should fight or flee on visual signs. To this day we use our instinct — very quickly — to make initial assessments of others on what they convey through their appearance, communication, and etiquette. First impressions tend to form patterns of interaction between you and others. That is why image matters. The most powerful tool in your toolbox is having an authentic, flattering image that tells others what they can expect from interacting with us. This alone will define your success in various situations.

Fed Up with Your Look? That’s Step One Toward a New You

by Traci McBride

Q: It’s been more than a dozen years since I’ve done anything newwith my hair or clothes “style,” if that is what I can even call it. I’m wearing pretty much the same thing every day, only in a different color. Basic black, with little splashes of color. I’m bored and stuck. Where do I even begin?

A: Well, please know this: It’s realizing you are bored that is the very first step, so you can check step one off your list.

Next, please don’t compound the situation by “doing” something that causes you to run out and spend. At least not until you have a realistic road map. This is a plan of self-discovery. Begin by looking at what is going on in all the retail catalogs. Either order them to come to your home or look online. This is the safest place to begin; not in the store, where you might be tempted too soon.

As for hair, maybe it’s time to work with a new hair stylist. I recommend actually setting up a consultation only with someone who was referred by a friend whose hair you admire. Have them share what options they see with the type and texture of your hair. Bring photos if you have ideas and want to know if they are feasible styles for you. Develop a relationship before just jumping in with both feet.

Identify what you like … and why. Is it the color that you’re drawn to in a garment or the cut?
Look at store catalogs that you never have before. You want to step outside of the usual retail.
Notice the figures of the models. Is it a similar shape to your own or aren’t you being represented in the catalogs?
Decide how you want others to perceive you in all aspects of your life: Professionally — polished, modern, detail-oriented, relatable. Socially — fun, easy-going, sexy.
Now look at those catalogs again while keeping those style words in mind and identify the garments that express that word.
Cut out or print photos and attach to a “vision board.” Doing this with clothes, accessories, and shoes will really help you define you personal “signature-style recipe.” You will see colors and patterns begin to emerge. Go for the clothes that make you “feel” good.
Get support in understanding your body shape and the styles, shapes, fabrics, and colors that will express your best self.
Take the time to plan and clean out your closet. You may find you have a few key pieces that make you feel good and they fit perfectly. Those are the items you may want to build upon with other garments to build a fresh cluster (generally five to 12 items that work into multiple outfits).

Enjoy the process and you will get so much more out of it. If you have an attitude of dread, it won’t turn out well for you. The way you walk through your life will influence everything that happens in your life. Live out loud!

Summer Sneaker Guide

by Traci McBride

Casual SNEAKERS

These are your everyday on-the-go walkers that are perfect for a laid back comfy look.

Active SNEAKERS

No stopping you in these low impact yet BOLD & stylish sneakers that keep you moving!

Fashion SNEAKERS

Looking so good on the runway you can skip the running and instead make a stylish statement.

BODY LANGUAGE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN VOICE WHILE PRESENTING

by Traci McBride

Q: I’m preparing for my first major presentation in front of our entire company of 200, and I am not sure how to dress. I will be on stage and my image will be projected onto screens — including close-ups.

A: Taking the spotlight is exciting. Remember the percentages: 60 percent is VISUAL, 30 percent is BODY LANGUAGE and only 10 percent is VERBAL. Consider where your audience’s attention will be as you prepare your presentation. Let me share some tips to keep in mind.

Just as you practice what you will say, practice while wearing the outfit you choose for the event. Its best to know how the clothes feel, especially if they are new or you have not worn all the pieces in the same combination before. I actually suggest videotaping yourself in your chosen outfit, shoes included, as you go through your speech. A dress rehearsal will save you from awkward moments.

Being visible is the key to keeping the attention of the audience. Learn ahead of time what your surroundings look like, including the background color of the room. This will help you make the best choices. Consider every angle of your appearance. If you’re a woman, be mindful of cleavage as well as the length of your skirt or dress. If you are on a stage, you won’t want to be giving a “special show” to the front row. Be aware of what angles the cameras will be shooting from — up high, level with you or from below. You wouldn’t want a camera to record you from above at such an angle it appears a normally modest neckline is showing too much. Keep it simple but show your shape. Avoid bulky fabrics like sweaters and complicated designs, as they might not present well for a larger audience.

Wear your POWER COLOR! Your energy will be at its best, and others will respond to your energy even if they are not interested in your words. You want to attract their attention and keep it throughout the presentation. Wear neutrals, rich jewel tones or brights.

Avoid all black, as it makes you invisible. You won’t stand out because (as you will see) that is what most of the audience is wearing. Strong contrast is better than going too subtle, but limit yourself to two or three colors to avoid looking busy. Try splashes of bold prints that are easily recognizable, such as leopard, strips or polka dots. We don’t want anyone spending time trying to figure out if it’s a panda or a tiger on your tie or scarf!

Wear flattering, comfortable shoes so you can easily navigate on stage and any stairs. Yes, a shoe can be both flattering and comfortable! Remember, you are commanding the room and are the authority, so a longer and leaner look communicates just that. Ladies, 2-inch to 3-inch heels are good. Please avoid stilettos, as they are never the right choice for professional meetings, and we don’t want the audience distracted from your message watching you teeter on the stage. On the other hand, avoid clunky heavy shoes – this applies to both men and women. Men, avoid wearing the weekend Docker shoes with the thick sole. Go for a sleeker dress shoe in leather.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TAILORING

by Traci McBride

Regardless of shape or size, we need to have a good tailor on speed dial. When purchasing new suits or separates off the rack, keeping an eye toward the details of the fit is key. I recommend expecting to tailor to some degree. Women tend to need the same areas tailored on most everything.

Example: I have a client that wears a size 14. In certain brands a 14 is a perfect fit in her length, thigh, seat, and hips — but the waist is 99 percent of the time an inch or two too big. She knows that most of the time she will spend another $15 on that to tweak every pair of pants. She has now calculated that into her clothing budget.

Example: I have a petite client that is on the shorter side of petites. She is 4 feet 11 inches, so even when shopping in the Petite department we will need to tailor a majority of her purchases, usually the length in skirts and dresses. If we love a top or blouse that is not available in Petites, we weigh how much joy the item gives her, as well as the flexibility of the garment to build into multiple outfits, since shortening the blouses is mandatory. We also need to evaluate how much detail is involved in the shortening — pleats, buttons, patterns, lining, etc. — as that will determine the cost of tailoring. More detail equals more cost equals the investment.

Example: Another client is a petite with a short waist and large bust and narrow shoulders. When she fits the largest part of her body (bust) in tops, blouses, and jackets, she has to tailor the sleeve and the waist most of the time. Many times to fit the bust, the shoulder seam sits off her shoulder. If left unattended, this will look sloppy and ill fitted. So we need to address the cost of tailoring if she loves the item and will get enough cost per wear value out if it. Reworking a shoulder can be expensive depending on fabric, lining, pads, and detail. We have found that this year’s abundance of ponte knit blazers has been a blessing for her particular fit issues, and we have invested in a few of those in her power colors. Perfect for pulling a professional look together!

Men have a long history of tailoring their suits, and many stores provide an on-staff tailor for exactly this purpose. Men also have narrow shoulders, wide shoulders, short waists, thick or thin legs, etc., and they have always viewed the tailoring investment as part of the over all cost. Typically they spend much more on one suit but wear it on a weekly basis.

Women tend to have more clothes — mostly as separates — so women sometimes think they can just roll back the sleeve or roll the waist if those areas are too long. I hope you can see the value in paying attention to the details for the details speak volumes about you.

Since I spend an abundance of my time in closets all over Northeast Ohio, I many times find suits or dresses that have been abandoned due to some unflattering detail or fit issues. I always give my advice as to whether or not it is worth the investment of tailoring it or taking the money to purchase something else.

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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.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

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

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

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.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

Enjoy the process and you will get so much more out of it. If you have an attitude of dread, it won’t turn out well for you. The way you walk through your life will influence everything that happens in your life. Live out loud!

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

Casual SNEAKERS

These are your everyday on-the-go walkers that are perfect for a laid back comfy look.

Active SNEAKERS

No stopping you in these low impact yet BOLD & stylish sneakers that keep you moving!

Fashion SNEAKERS

Looking so good on the runway you can skip the running and instead make a stylish statement.

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

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE

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