It’s not just about the clothes

Do you remember what someone said about your appearance that was a life defining moment? Did someone say.. your so pretty, if you only didn’t have to wear glasses or did you have to wear hand me downs (and everybody had seen your sister in it) the busty one!! I got my messages from several sources, firstly my upbringing, French Catholic, need I say more? Modesty was primary, cover up, don’t think about yourself, that is not christian!! And then of course friends who could pick out their own clothes and express their personality, even if it wasn’t quite right. The joy of being able to do that.

I went to parochial school so I had no choices to make (unless you count my rolling up my skirt after I left the house). So when I was finally let loose in the stores with my first pay check $42.00 I was like a kid in a candy store. This started my journey into the fashion world. I tried it all!!

So spending lots of money on clothes does not for self esteem make. It is not the clothes that should make you, you should make the clothes. In order to do this you need to know who you are.. people, in simplistic terms fall into 3 categories….

1. Classic/ traditional 2. Sporty/casual 3. Dressy/elegant.

• What is your personality? Is it more traditional, blending in, more conservative. Are you athletic, do you value comfort? Is quality and beauty a requirement in your life?

• What is your body shape.. your clothing lines should follow and flatter your body shape ( not camouflage what you think are your challenges). Where there are straight lines, wear straight lines, where there are curves, where curvy styles.

• What is your coloring.. if you wear your eye color next to your face you will always look vibrant, and more youthful.

What is your signature style, what are you trying so say? Make sure your clothes match your message.

Andrea Dupont, Feng Shui Consultant of Personal Style and Interiors

www.Itsnotjustabouttheclothes.com