Hillary Chybinski: Fashion Friday. . .How-To Perk Up Your Look

Friday, February 24, 2012

Fashion Friday. . .How-To Perk Up Your Look

It happens to the best of us. . .we are working from home or at home, comfy in our yoga pants.  When we run to the store, we may throw on a pair of jeans and sneakers.

But that look won't work when you are out mixing and mingling and networking for your business.  You can wear jeans most of the time, but you need to kick it up a notch.

So what's a mom to do?

It never fails, when there's a blogger or social media event coming up, I tweet out "what's everyone wearing?". . .it helps me pick something for myself if I get a "feel" for what others are wearing.  If everyone tweets back jeans - I know my dark denim are a go.  If I see some dress or skirt replies. . .I'll probably kick up my own look a little.  Because trust me, you don't want to meet with a potential client and look like you just rolled out of bed or out of the garden.

Let's take some mixing and mingling outfit options:

#1 - Jeans
  • make the denim dark and the style modern
  • a dressy t-shirt may be fine
  • dress them up with a cardi or jacket if you only have plain Ts
  • try a bright scarf
  • add jewelry
  • don't underestimate the power of a good shoe (leave the sneakers for your workout)

#2 - Skirt
  • denim is fine - it looks great with boots or a wedge heel
  • a print skirt paired with a plain sweater or t will get you a lot of mileage
  • not a mini - save those for date night please
  • again consider scarves, jewelry, etc

Still struggling for ideas and on a budget? Do you have a stylish friend? She would be FLATTERED if you asked her to come over and help you shop your closet.   Sometimes all it takes is looking at what you have in a new light.

Personally, I lean towards classic pieces in classic cuts.  Which means I fall into a rut a LOT and have to get creative with what I have.  Remember that your goal is to look pulled together and competent, even if you feel like a hot mess on the inside.

What do you do when you need to perk up your look?  Check out All Things Chic for more ideas and inspiration everyday.

catch you soon -


11 comments:

  1. Like jean skirt combo. Will have to try that lookk
    Kemi at www.beautystyleandgrowth.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Kemi. . .I have a couple jean skirts and find them to be very versatile and flattering to a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

      Good luck and thanks for reading!
      Hillary

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  2. Love both of these looks. I always think you have such great accessories when I see you! I think accessories (and shoes) can take a classic look to a whole new level.

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    1. I agree and thank you for the complement. I think women can get a lot for their $ with some simple accessories.

      Hillary

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  3. I like the idea of inviting a friend over to help- you are so right, sometimes all it takes is some fresh eyes looking at your closet!

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    1. I have to admit - I haven't actually done that. . .but with the economy so sluggish, many of us can't go buy a new wardrobe for the upcoming season...and we fall into a rut. Fresh eyes may be just what we need.

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
      Hillary

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  4. I'm very guilty of wearing the fleece yoga pants a lot! You always look great when I see you. I need to clean up my wardrobe a bit more and think more about the accessories! Maybe participating in Fashion Friday or What I Wore would kick me in the butt to do something.

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    1. I am blushing from all the compliments people. If you only knew how much STRESS I put on myself finding a good outfit - LOL. And don't forget - I spent 20 years getting "dressed for work" - so old habits die hard.

      I think you always look well put together. . .and didn't we have a chat about "seasonal" earrings? =)

      Thanks for the comment -
      Hillary

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  5. You always look great. I love that denim skirt outfit you posted. Of course you know I'm a huge fan of denim. :-)

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    1. so sweet you are - and yes. . .I am a HUGE denim fan as well. If only I could buy all the outfits I can put together. . .LOL

      Hillary

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  6. Oooh! Love these ideas! Especially any fashion advice that includes denim :) Keep them coming!

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