In order to create a working wardrobe, instead of an outfit, you must evaluate the basics. We learned a lot about Kaye shopping for this outfit, even if it was a quick fix.
- Body type - straight. Now there was much debate with Kaye about what that means. We pulled up the chart and talked about other types of women with this body type. Cameron Diaz or Kim Cattrall is a perfect example of a straight body type. "But I don't look like that!" explained Kaye. Doesn't matter. I don't look like Selma Hyak, but we are both hour glass. The reason why it helps seeing specific body type role models is that you can learn from them what works. Now I don't know much about dressing for a straight body type, but I learned a lot shopping with Kaye. She should never buy jackets that have a straight bottom. Jackets that are rounded at the bottom or have a defined waist look best. Also, with broader shoulders shawl collars can be a bit tricky.
- Color - blue based vibrant (aka winter). Now this was a little confusing. I change my hair style like underwear. I have been a blond, brunette, red head with cropped, mid length and long hair at various points in the last 15 years. I have no idea what my natural hair color is. In recently identifying my color base as blue, I learned that the brassy hair colors I was wearing was doing nothing for my face. It was washing me out instead of brightening me up. I switched to a blue based brown and things have improved dramatically. Kaye is currently wearing a brassy blondish color, mid length. We tried some color draping and definitely saw an improvement with blue. Kaye is also attracted to vibrant colors. She feels more confident in them (important sign). But some basic reds we tried that should have brightened here looked awful. What we finally realized is there was a clash with the hair color. We discussed going to a blue based blond (ash blond) to support Kaye's natural color base - blue. Note to all: Hair color can really mess with your complementary color palette, making colors that should be attractive appear unattractive. There are blue and yellow based hair colors in all shades of blond, brunette and red. Choose a base within your complementary color palette and you should be ok.
- Style - natural. No, this does not mean hippie. Kaye is not a hippie. Remember from the style post - natural is athletic, relaxed, informal, warm, casual. Lots of texture. Clothing never tight or full. Simple detail. Actually, Cameron Diaz does a great job as an example of this style, as well. Kaye was surprised she looked good in a little bit of ruffle and a lot of pattern for underpinnings. I have always thought she looks best in interesting prints.
- Life style/ stage - casual professional, family focused. Have we talked about this one yet? I don't think so. More in depth analysis to come. For Kaye, her work life is moving from banker to a more relaxed corporate environment. After almost 15 years in banking, Kaye may take some time to adjust to the less formal environment. What I have learned myself is that while this feels like a big change, adding some strategic casual pieces (good jeans, a couple casual jackets, and cardigans) has allowed me to continue to wear my more formal attire in the new environment. However, I think Kaye is in need of a wardrobe sweep to clear out the noise of around color, body type and style. Once that is complete, Kaye will serve her broader wardrobe by focusing on some key casual pieces in her style, color and body shape traits.
Shopping with Kaye was great for me as I don't get the chance to think about this body type or style very often. Hopefully, the analysis was helpful for thinking about the wardrobe in the future. And once Kaye lands the awesome job in the Pacific Northwest, a wardrobe shopping trip is in order.
Style Illiterate
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