Why Fashion is So Fantastic

Fashion is wonderful because it can be one of the best expressions of who you are.  A lot of the time though, fashion seems unattainable, expensive and intimidating.  But it doesn't have to be!

Fashion isn't about one brand or the newest trend; fashion is about taking the time everyday to embrace your personal style, to walk out the door feeling fabulous and powerful.  Have you ever thought about your fashion identity and how it can propel your career aspirations, or on the flip side, cause them to crash and burn?  Not because your fashion is too extreme, but because it is too safe and too boring.

Think about how you feel when you put on a great pair of slacks for work: ones that flatter, are crisp and clean and totally say, "I am in charge!"  Don't you want to feel like that everyday?  I'm telling you that you can, and it's all about enjoyable effort for maximum benefit.

First, ask yourself, what is my style?  If I could wear whatever I wanted to work, what would that be? (not including sweats!)  If it would be jeans, what do I like about them?  The cut, the color, the comfort?  If you love bootcut denim in a dark wash, why not try a wide-leg, high-waisted sailor slack?  It hits you at the narrowest part of your waist and flares out, creating a long leg line.  Not only would it be professional in a great black or grey, it would be unexpected and fun!  Something like these:

http://www.tarastarlet.com/p27/Sailor+Slacks/product_info.html

Now, it might be a little wild with the top, but you could easily switch that out with a classic, solid colored button down and you are ready to go!

On the flip side, do you prefer a skinny jean to show off your great figure, whether big or small?  That can be professional too!  Nothing exudes confidence more than body-conscious clothing.  Not skin-tight, but clothes that fit and flatter who YOU are, like these:

http://www.isabellaoliver.com/womens-clothing/uk/600/trousers-jeans-and-shorts/TR467.html

If you go for the skinny leg, make sure to wear something drapey on top, like a longer wrapshirt that will cover you just enough to make it a great office look.  If you prefer a more flowing pant, keep it fitted on top to create a streamlined look.

What you want to wear in your casual life can easily translate to the office or interview setting with just a little tweaking.  Pick a sturdier material or a more neutral color.  But don't sacrifice who you are and what you want your fashion to say about you.

I like to keep it funky and fresh, so on days when I wear a pencil skirt, I jazz it up with bright purple tights and a peep-toe brown and mustard strappy heel.  Or if I want to wear slacks, I put a long, flowy sweater on top and then a chunky belt that has grommets on it.  It creates the right shape and still cover me up, but gives it that little bit of extra something.

Not only can fashion be fun, we can all have fashion and express fashion.  Whether short, tall, big, small, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, gay, straight, transsexual, intersex, married, single, partnered, young, old, working hard or hardly working............we can all do it!  No budget, big budget, you can find great options that fit your price point and look good on you.  So go out there and make fashion happen!