As Bette Jo Bedic points out, “the clothing you select says a lot about the way you see yourself and how you want others to see you.” But do clothes ever lie?
Not really. Your clothes are always sending messages about you. They telegraph: your economic class, your educational level, your social position, your level of sophistication, your trustworthiness, your hopes and fears, and your state of mind. People read everything about you - right or not - from the way you dress since they have nothing else to go on. Their impression will be formed by what they have 'read' about you, so you can only do yourself a favor by communicating your image message clearly. But clothing costs money and mistakes can be expensive.
Wardrobe planning is an efficient way for you to use your resources to meet clothing needs. You might, for instance, use a formula such as: 2 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 30. The numbers relate to the outfits: e.g. 2 suits + 2 skirts or trousers + 1 dress + 4 tops can be mixed and matched to create 30 working outfits. Of course, in the choice of these outfits you apply the elements of design such as line, texture and fabrics, and patterns and plaids. Then you choose colors, prints, plaids and fabrics that complement each other. This is where the seasons color system is helpful.
During my wife’s career as a wardrobe and color consultant she pegged me as a summer. One of the first items of clothing I purchased after that was a sea-foam colored shirt. Immediately I got compliments. Following are some suggestions for you, starting with a color key. While the suggestions are primarily geared to women, men can also use the color suggestions.
Color Rating:
The following is a color key that can be used:
- Not by face (2)
- Needs contrast (2+)
- Good (3)
- Very good (3+)
- Excellent (4)
Investment Wardrobe for a Summer Woman
The summer woman looks beautiful in pastels and colors that are medium to light in intensity. Her browns must have a rose tone and her darker colors should be muted to avoid overpowering her. She should also avoid black and any color with yellow or orange base. She will look best in soft fabrics and should avoid a bold dramatic look, and instead strive for a classic, elegant look with softness.
Using the 2 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 30, the following is a suggested investment wardrobe:
- Two suits - Gardenia White (3), French Navy (2+ to 3), Cocoa Brown (3+) or Gray (2+ to 3)
- One pair of pants - Rose Beige (3) or Gray (2+ to 3)
- One dress - Raspberry Ice (4)
- One skirt - Rose Beige (3) or Gray (2+ to 3)
- Four blouses - Gardenia White (3), Mauve (3+ to 4), Watermelon (4), Cadet or French Blue (2+ to 3)
Investment Wardrobe for a Winter Woman
The winter woman looks best in basic primary colors with a blue undertone. She is the only season to wear black and chalk white. She should choose clothing with simple and elegant lines or she may appear overdone in these bold colors. She should avoid browns, oranges, and colors with yellow undertones.
Using the 2 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 30, the following is a suggested investment wardrobe:
- Two suits - Navy (3+ to 4) or Black(4), Gray (rating depends on type e.g. Charcoal Gray 3+; Gray Beige 2 to 2+)
- One pair of pants - Taupe (Gray Beige 2 to 2+) or Gray
- One dress - Crimson (3+ or 4) or Royal Blue (4)
- One skirt - Taupe or Gray
- Four blouses - Royal Blue, Chalk White (3), Ruby Red (3 to 4), or Hot Pink (3+ to 4). Note: Palette Green or Lemon Yellow accent flexible
Investment Wardrobe for a Spring Woman
The spring woman wears spring bouquet and fresh colors which are clear and have yellow undertones; her color range is much broader than anyone. Her colors- clear softer gold tones such as French vanilla, and ice-cream buff colors- are never harsh or vivid and she should avoid black and brown. She should also avoid bulky fabrics as she strives for a feminine effect or a soft tailored effect.
Using the 2 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 30, the following is a suggested investment wardrobe:
- Two suits - Ivory (3 to 3+), Camel (3 to 3+) or Bronze (3+ to 4)
- One pair of pants - Golden Bronze (3+ to 4) or Milk Chocolate (2+ to 3)
- One dress - Turquoise (3+ to 4) or Poppy Red (3+ to 4)
- One skirt - Golden Bronze (3+ to 4) or Milk Chocolate (2+ to 3)
- Four blouses - Ivory (3 to 3+), Coral (3+ to 4), Periwinkle (2+ to 4), Poppy Red (3+ to 4)
Investment Wardrobe for an Autumn Woman
The autumn woman wears nature’s most basic colors including shades of gold, orange, green, and brown. Natural colors of wood and metal are beautiful on her. She needs to avoid such colors as black, pinks, blue-reds, and gray. She must be careful to wear only her own blues. Her styles range from rough-textured sports-wear to elegant evening wear. Her prints are usually best in small to medium sized patterns, and she wears texture better than anyone else.
Using the 2 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 30, the following is a suggested investment wardrobe:
- Two suits- Chocolate Brown (4), Coffee (3 to 3+)
- One pair of pants - Oyster White (3 to 3+) or Golden Beige (3 to 3+)
- One dress - Brick Red (4) or Teal Blue (4)
- One skirt - Oyster White or Golden Beige
- Four blouses - Tomato Red (3+ to 4), Oyster White, Moss Green (3+ to 4), Rust (3+ to 4)
Creating Your Image
Some people think that creating an image is a shortcut to success. That is, if you have the right image you hardly need anything else including competence, knowledge, background, honesty and talent. Image, of course, is the true reflection of you, as true as your image in the mirror. At the same time, however, helping your image with the right wardrobe is a marvelous way to help you become your best self.
Sources:
- Emily Cho and Hermine Leuders. Looking, Working, Living Terrific 24 Hours a Day. Putnam. New York. 1982. pgs. 32-34.
- John T. Molloy. The Woman’s Dress for Success Book. Molloy, Grand Central Publishing. New York. 1996
- Bette Jo Dedic. Fashion Magic: Wardrobe Planning. University of Kentucky.
James Gibson - James Gibson is a retired teacher and small business owner. He is a published writer and has a wide spectrum of interests.
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