One factor which makes it increasingly difficult to find appropriate business clothes is the recent surge in the number of discount retailers who, in their advertising, tell us that we are "educated consumers" and, as such, should never pay regular retail prices for clothing in a department store or specialty shop. Because most of us believe that we enjoy shopping and have an innate flair for fashion, we are willing to shop at self-service outlets and select our business attire from twice picked over seconds which are offered at bargain prices. This mind-set often results in impulse buying, poor choices, compromises and fashion mistakes, leaving us with a closet full of clothes and "nothing to wear!"
Begin with a wardrobe plan. As professional women, we plan much of our lives, career, etc., but when it comes to our wardrobes, many of us "wing it," either waiting for so called "bargains," or putting off shopping until it becomes an "emergency." With a wardrobe plan, this can be avoided. First, eliminate all the clothes from your existing wardrobe that don't fit or haven't been worn in the past year (it is almost certain that they will never be worn by you again). Next, oust all colors that aren't flattering. With the aid of a monthly calendar, appraise your professional and social functions and create a list of the most appropriate clothing for those situations. If you stick with your personal color palette, you will find blouses, shoes and accessories automatically switch around creating a "tossed salad" approach to dressing. Make a plan of how many suits, blouses, tailored dresses, shoes and accessories you'll need to achieve your objective.
Next, shop as much as possible, or, if you can, have your clothes made for you. If you see something in your color that fits, buy it, whether or not it is on sale. Soon you will find that you have well-fitted clothes of better quality that project the correct image. You will also have more combination possibilities that will make it appear as though you have an unlimited wardrobe.
To identify your best and most flattering colors, have your colors analyzed by a certified image consultant. Depending on your personal color palette, some colors enhance your appearance by making you appear more vibrant, younger, and more harmonious. Colors that clash with your personal pigmentation will make you look tired, pale, heavier, cast a shadow under your eyes and, in general, make you look "off."