These days many people are working from home. Because their only interaction with colleagues is in front of the computer, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of wearing the same clothing items. For those of us who have multiple virtual meetings daily, keeping fresh on camera is an important aspect of engaging our audience and ourselves. Starting at the beginning of the week, use a clothing rack and hang up the outfits for the week. Include all accessories, just as we would normally do if we were working outside of our four walls. The camera can be a bit ruthless in pointing out our flaws. Taking a picture of the week’s wardrobe will also help to keep a mix of colors and variety.

Suit jackets for both men and women have been making a comeback the past few years. I love jackets because they add a finishing touch to an outfit. The men’s fashion industry has started making high-end separates. This means jackets and pants can be purchased separately. Being able to wear the jacket separately, but still use it as a suit with the matching pants, makes the purchase more economical. Suit jackets have a more structured design; casual blazers have a more relaxed fit.

Women’s wear has been introducing the jacket in many forms. They range from hip length to ¾ length (duster jackets). Sleeves now in most jackets are often ¾ lengths. Sleeves falling to the wrists are still a preference for a more professional presence. Jackets are easy to buy separately and versatile to wear with pants, skirts, or dresses. They can even be used as outerwear. Jackets can add polish. They are an important part of your wardrobe.

The fashion industry, along with major designers, have the consumer on a merry go round. Styles change as we speak. They are dictated even before the clothes are in the stores. When the clothes make it onto the rack, another change begins. Before chasing after what is new, pause, and wait. Contemporary clothing items are not always timeless. They can quickly look dated. One example is the cut of a jacket. The trend for men has become much slimmer and tighter around the shoulder; it almost looks too small on a man. The classic style is much fuller; however, it can look dated. Move toward the middle – such as a relaxed fit, especially in shirt styles. It is important to choose a trendy item or accessory. For men it might be a shirt. For women, it might be the print on an item. Check social media, and especially the business magazines, for professional ideas.

Jackets can have very different looks and send different messages depending on the fit, fabric, and color. Some jackets send a message of authority; others send a message of approachability. Softer fabrics, more relaxed fits, and a companion piece often make you look more approachable. When choosing a new jacket, here are some tips to take into consideration:
Dos:
A jacket must fit at the shoulders. The length on the sleeve should fall to the top of the palm of the hand. The length of the jacket should cover the widest part of one’s hip.
Don’ts:
Avoid jackets with zipper closures as they tend not to be flattering around the hips. Jackets that are too tight across the chest might also be too tight around the hips.

The coming of another year often finds people making resolutions. Eating healthier. Exercising. Getting more sleep. Many of us have a hard time sticking to our resolutions. A few weeks into the new year, we’ve already broken a resolution or two. Here’s a resolution that’s simpler to keep though – revamping your wardrobe. And the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start. One way to begin is by getting some clothing racks (the Container Store often has them on sale). Bring all your wardrobe pieces together. (Marie Kondo suggests doing this part by piling all of your clothes on your bed) Next, organize your clothes first by style and then by color. Inspect each piece of clothing for wear and tear. Start making piles. One of the piles is for clothes to take to the cleaner. Another one of the piles is to donate. You may need to make difficult choices. Consider, as Marie Kondo would say, whether the item of clothing brings you joy. Ask yourself whether it sends the appropriate message for your work or lifestyle. Don’t forget to consider, even more importantly, whether the item fits. A goal of your wardrobe revamp is creating a first go around of pieces for a week’s wearing. Bring in a consultant or a close friend to help if needed.

Gym shoes, tennis shoes, athletic shoes . . . they go by many names. The athletic shoe trend for women started years ago with women wearing them to work and then changing into work shoes (professional styles). At that time, white was the mainstream color and was considered to be the most practical. Shoes didn’t come in the variety of colors they do now. Now, 20 years later, athletic shoes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns—from neon green to white, which is currently very popular. We even see fancy athletic shoe designs for brides. What is the right style and color to wear? There are no hard and fast rules for sneakers. Keep in mind these guidelines: comfort, fit, and feel. Also consider the appropriateness of athletic shoes in the situation and the shoe’s appearance. Some people like slim, lightweight styles. Others like bigger, clunkier styles. If the shoe fits (the time and place), wear it.

Black is the traditional color for men’s evening jackets, as is the color white in the summer. Trending for younger men are evening jackets in a wide variety of colors, worn with black evening pants, a white shirt, and a bowtie. Evening jackets in bold patterns with a black background are also increasingly popular. Michael Barkin of Stitch and Heart has always shown his style by wearing different and unique evening jackets. They look smart on him and reflect his confidence and style.

The color beige has been seen more frequently in the last few years, It was, and continues to be, the color of choice for heels for women. Now, we are seeing beige in other clothing options, such as suits, jackets, slacks, and accessories. There is one main issue with this color—not everyone can wear it. As neutral as the color beige seems, it can wash out certain skin tones. When wearing beige, unless you are a redhead, choose bold coloring around the face or choose make-up, such as lipstick, that brings color back to the face. Men, when wearing a beige shirt (a very casual look), should choose a shirt with a slight pattern with beige as the background color. I love beige slacks and I always wear my khaki suit with a very white shirt or black top to break the beige away from my face. I also add more color to my lipstick. Wearing the color beige can look crisp, neutral, and professional—when taking into account the above tips.

Years ago, men’s suits typically came with two pairs of pants (even in the mid-price range). Today, even high-end suits do not. Now, the company Hickey Freeman will let customers order a second pair of pants. The company Ted Baker from London made a smart choice to offer a pair of pants that matches their suit offerings. In the current world of dressing in business casual attire, men might wear a matching jacket. More often, though, they just wear the pants that match the suit jacket component. Companies are wise to offer the ability to purchase clothing separates for men. Ted Baker of London wants to sell suits with the option of buying a second pair of pants—going back to the days when this was customary.

My favorite colors are black and gray. When worn in jackets and outerwear it gives me comfort. Plus, those colors are also very easy to mix and match with other shades.

However, when photographed wearing these colors, I look dreadful! But wearing reds and bright colors always photograph well. So, I counteract the drabness of the gray and black with red by putting on brighter makeup and a bold lipstick. I have too many dull pictures of myself in dark colors and learned that a bold lipstick makes my skin pop!