Overdoing Black in Your Wardrobe

I recently did I style analysis and wardrobe audit for a woman who works in a conservative financial company. Her wardrobe was predominately black. While this is certainly a great color for the conservative environment that she worked it, it was not actually best color for her individual coloring. With her warm skin and hair color I advised her to add tops and even scarves to wear under her jackets with touches of colors like coral, aqua, warm red, yellow, apple green, camel and beige. Wearing warm toned jewelry such as a gold chain, warm toned pearls, and stones in earth tones would also lessen the effect of black next to face. Note how the blond pictured here in a Carlisle jacquard black suit has a scoop necked top under her jacket allowing her skin to show and a gold toned necklace to accent her hair color.

Personally, I also have a warm Spring's coloring. When I wear black I never have it near my neck. I wear a darker eyeliner and deeper eye shadow. In addition I usually wear a soft red lipstick and deeper shade of blush. Without intensifying my usual makeup I look washed out in black.

So while black is such a basic neutral in many women's wardrobes, it may not be your best neutral. You may want to consider navy blue or chocolate brown as a base for mix n matching.

Executive Makeover

Through McDermitt and Bull Executive Network I was introduced to Jonathan . He needed an executive "touch up" after a weight change. Jonathan is 6'3" and tayloring was a key component in giving this well constructed dark gray suit made of quality designer fabric, the sense of confidence he needed to project. With a wide neck and long torso, he needed extra long ties. As the selection of long ties was not vast, we looked for three ties first, then three shirts that would send three different messages. Photographed here is his most powerful look for presentations and a new head shot which he needed.

Other shirt-tie combinations took the suit from networking events to more formal social events.

Every suit should have at least five combinations. Often it's a good idea to photograph your combinations in case you can not remember what tie you intended to wear with a particular shirt. Also after acquiring a new shirt or tie "play" with the other combinations you may be able to make with your existing wardrobe. Photograph these also, so that when you are in a hurry you can refer to the photos for possible combinations.