styledxgrace

The way I feel about it, every time I put maximum effort into my outfit for the day, I instantly feel sharper, edgier, more confident, put-together and cool. It's as if a fantastic adventure awaits inside my little closet, with near endless possibilities with what to wear, based on the weather, my mood or the occasion. 

When I'm feeling a bit blue, I tend to wear a fun, flowy, printed dress in a vibrant color, so that I feel pretty and my spirits are lifted. Guess what? It usually works! I put on a red lip, slip on a pair of comfy, cute shoes and walk out the door, more ready for the day! 

It really shows how important it is to have a closet full of key pieces to rely on, as a base. A solid collection of tops and bottoms, a few great statement pieces, layers and accessories can easily give you the ability to build a great confidence-boosting look, on the fly and with little prep! 

And don't worry - I get it - a lot of us got complacent with our outfits during the pandemic, and swiftly transitioned from fashion-forward, smart casual clothes for everyday, to "comfies," that - let's be honest- mostly consisted of sweats and athleisure. But! The time has come, as things slowly begin to reopen, "to give a damn!" again, to make an effort and a conscious choice to "dress up" and look our best! To grab drinks with friends at a patio bar and show off that cute vintage, '70s, funky, printed dress or brand-new corduroy blazer and Cole Haan wingtips that have been hiding in your closet for more than a year!

Of course it's always important to remember fit and function, two of the most important aspects in understanding style. If your favorite jeans don't fit anymore, time to get a new pair (don't wait to lose the "quarantine fifteen"), maybe a different style this time! I love a good boyfriend jean, in a size up, sitting at the hip, belted at the waist, and rolled into a rough cuff at the hem. Comfy still, yet paired with a blouse or sweater, and the right pair of shoes, it feels like I tried!

What we choose to wear and greet the world in, can also influence the way others perceive us (whether positively or negatively). It can indicate a certain set of abilities, talents, or intelligence (or lack thereof). When I see a man in a well-made, tailored suit, I instantly think of someone who holds a position of power, works hard, and has a good education. When I see a woman in a navy blazer, pencil skirt, heels and cat-eye glasses, I see a professional- who is determined and savvy. 

Likewise, when I see someone with messy hair, in a wrinkled shirt, a mustard stain on their cargo pants, paired with black sandals and white socks, I instantly visualize a messy unkempt apartment, and someone who pays less attention to detail and is lacking in self-awareness. 

As we slowly inch back to a more normal life, invitations to weddings, dinner parties, baby showers and more await. Broadway has reopened and Coachella 2022 is slated to actually happen this year! It's time we take a longer look at our closets, start shopping again, recycle our old clothes (sell or donate what doesn't work), and fill in the blanks with key pieces like a great-fitting pair of jeans, a new pair of leather lace-up boots, chunky cardigans, long dusters, comfy cotton t-shirts in a range of neutral colors, and an oversize vintage-wash Levi's denim jacket.