How To Create an Unforgettable Look

Great news!  You can look fantastic!  Being fabulous is not just for movie stars.  We can shine, too!

If you want to be unforgettable, you better be unique.  You have to be different from everybody else. It's not difficult, you just have to give it some thought.  An outfit that blows people away doesn't have to be a neon purple dress with orange platform shoes, although that would certainly make heads turn!   You have to choose colors that suit you, wear styles that feel and look good on your body, and accessorize creatively!  You don't need a lot of money -  money helps, but we don't always have it.  The most important thing is to have a positive attitude, an open mind, and to give ourselves time.

We begin being unforgettable by creating one outfit at a time.  Don't worry about revamping your whole closet.  Think of an event you'd like to look your best for... it might be an upcoming wedding you're attending, Thanksgiving dinner with your family, or a speech you're scheduled to give at a convention.  It might be a pool party or a beach vacation in Mexico!  The same rules apply to any situation, so once you get the hang of it, you will be creating WOW looks for every aspect of your life.  Don't worry - you can still schlep around in your sweats when you feel like it, but when you want to be amazing, you will be!

We don't all learn how to do this when we're growing up, so don't be mad at yourself for not knowing how.  You can teach yourself!  Go out on a limb a bit.  If you always wear black, you will be very forgettable if you wear black again.  Wear maroon or steel grey with some sequin details, wear a black skirt or slacks with a royal blue top, but get out of your rut!  That's the first thing that will make people notice you.  Predictability is the kiss of death, in fashion and in life.

Next, think about what feels good to you.  Do you like form fitting silhouettes or flowing garments?  Tailored, classic ensembles or more trendy styles?  When you shop, keep those things in mind.  Also, think about the fabric you'll be wearing.  I can't stand anything stiff.  My husband insists on so much starch in his shirts they can literally stand up and walk around by themselves.  Don't waste your time trying on anything that won't feel good.  If you're itchy or scratchy or feel like your clothes are too loose or too tight, it will be apparent to everyone because you'll constantly be readjusting your clothes.  That's not "effortless chic".

When you're choosing what to wear, don't wait until the last minute.  Treat yourself to lunch and a cup of strong coffee, then spend an entire Saturday afternoon looking around - you might need Sunday, too.  Cruise the mall and see what's out there.  If nothing moves you, go to another shopping center or look on line.  If you're on a budget, don't forget about second hand shops.  Once you find a store that has clothes you like, start trying things on.  You'll know the right look for you if you listen to your inner voice.  Sales people can be helpful, but only you know what feels most comfortable and makes you look radiant.  That is what you're going for, so never rush.

Most people stop with a dress or a suit... or a bikini.   That is not unique.  Somebody else could pop into the store, buy the same item of clothing and show up at your event, so you're not finished yet.  You need to make the outfit unique.  That will set you apart.  Think about at least one accessory that is not jewelry, a bag or footwear that will make the look "yours".  Something like a scarf, a jacket, a wrap, a bathing suit cover up or a sarong.

Next, add a minimum of one or two pieces of jewelry.  It doesn't have to be expensive.  Everybody will be observing you from at least an arm's distance.  They will not be nosing around an inch from your earrings, shouting, "Aha!  These are not real gold!"  People are much to involved in their own lives to do that.  They'll give you a once over and decide you look wonderful or so-so or dreary.  We want to be in the wonderful category, so pick things that are wonderful.  They don't have to be new.  If you have some wonderful pearls your mom gave you that look perfect with your sweater, put them on!  The mistake to avoid is not accessorizing.  Finish everything off.  Make it special.

If you can afford a suite or set of matching jewelry, that is and was and will always be in style.  It's fun and current to mix your metals, pile on bangles and throw on all the rings you own at the same time.  On the other hand, simple silver hoops worn with a pendant on a silver chain and a silver cuff will always work because a matched set is just visually pleasing.  Keep that in mind when you're in doubt.

Next, think about your shoes and bag.  They don't have to match, but they need to complement each other and your clothes.  To stand out, keep your shoe wardrobe updated and your handbags in excellent condition.  By now you are probably seeing how everything falls into place.  You don't just go out and buy some jeans and a top and leave it at that.  You need boots and a bag, some beads and a leather or denim jacket.  It all has to tie together.  It means investing a little more than you used to perhaps, but the pay off will be the interest - pun intended - that you get!

Now let's think about your hair, nails and makeup.  Good grooming is an enormous part of being unforgettable.  Bad grooming can ruin a flawless outfit and good grooming can elevate a mediocre look.  We've all seen that girl wearing just a T-shirt and shorts, but her hair is shiny and sleek, her nails are polished and her makeup is fresh and clean looking.  She stands out.  She is fabulous in a way we can all emulate.  We can make sure our hair is washed and styled rather than unwashed and pulled back in an unglamorous bun.  We can buff and file our nails or visit the salon.  We can bathe and take our time putting on our makeup instead of rolling out of bed late and trying to whip ourselves into shape in five minutes.  Nobody feels confident that way!  Love yourself more than that!  You deserve it!

It doesn't matter how old you are, how much money you make, or how much you weigh.  You are unique and you can create an incredible, unforgettable look!  Go for it!

For more tips, check out my e-book!