1. Give away any clothes that are worn out, pilling, shiny or don’t fit. Include anything that is more than ten years old. These clothes might feel like vintage gems to you, but to others look dated.

2. Try mixing up fabrics and patterns. Larger patterns can mix with smaller ones; similarly small geometrics can mix with florals, paisleys and weaves. Just keep the same color palette.

3. Hairstyle and eyeglasses should be reviewed every two years. There is nothing wrong with a classic hairstyle that you like, just ask your stylist to make subtle changes as time goes by.

4. Similarly makeup needs to be assessed. Our skin coloration changes as we age, and what looked flattering in the past may not work now.

5. Take a serious look at jewelry. A strong watch looks current, put the dainty ones away for another time. make sure you have a strong focal point, such as a pendant or bangle bracelet. Your other pieces should complement the focal point. Stay away from matched jewelry sets, they will date you.

6. One final note about color. There is no faster way to date yourself than by wearing all black. Color is all around us, and appearing youthful and energetic is as easy as adding a touch of it to an outfit. Purple, yellow, red, turquoise and pink are all bright and energetic. Choose one color or a pattern that combines several, throw it on and have fun!

Evening shoes exhibit the same trends as their less dressy daytime cousins: platforms, strappy booties, Mary Jane looks, sequins, lace and feathers.If you do choose something dramatic, however, keep the dress drama to a minimum.

Please know that, like most of what I sell, these shirts are Made in America, so even if you go for a basic white buttondown style, you will be supporting the good old USA.

So, what do I suggest? Most shades of blue work well; similarly pastels in pink, green or lavender. Ivory, yellow, gray and brown are other options. Solids are generally the best choice, although large patterns are okay, and a contrasting jacket, sweater or trim finishes the look. Yellow, burgundy or light blue ties for men against a white or light blue shirt seem appealing. Vertical lines, subdued colors and simple jewelry lend authority and seriousness. Wear clothing that fits. Women should be wary of short skirts and tight clothing, men should avoid short socks. In other words dress in a simple, boring manner. Watch your posture and no shiny makeup. Of course speak slowly and clearly. Good luck!

Peak Lapel Tuxedo

Saturday night or Sunday night weddings are often black tie, which means male guests are requested to wear a tuxedo. The difference between black tie, black tie invited and black tie requested is only the urgency of the request. With black tie you are strongly encouraged to wear a tuxedo, with with the second two options, only if you want to. The wedding party and close male relatives will wear a tux in any of these situations.

Black or Gray Formal Tie

The other choice is a classic suit in black, dark gray or navy. Stick with a white shirt. I encourage my clients to buy a tuxedo if they attend more than one formal event a year; your own tuxedo will fit better, be of higher quality, and feel more comfortable. Plus you won’t have to return it! Tuxedos now often have a notch lapel and two buttons, or if you want to be edgier a peak lapel and one button. Shawl collar is very retro, but if you own one by all means wear it. Tuxedo shirts often have a slightly spread pointed collar, and no extra details (like ruffles). You can wear a bowtie or straight tie in black or other solid color. Formal ties have a shiny silk finish so think twice about wearing an ordinary tie as it will not look consistent. Choose a vest or cummerbund, but not both. Personally I love a vest in the tuxedo fabric, but you can wear a black silk vest, or one in a contrasting color or fabric. Studs and cufflinks are the final details, although studs are optional if you’re wearing a tie, since they’re hidden. Shoes can be patent leather tuxedo shoes, or very shiny black dress shoes.

Jana Kos Spring Leather Jacket & Belt

A good starting point for jewelry with any particular outfit is to decide on a focal point, and then work your way out from that area. The focal point can be a pendant, an embellished belt or buckle, a large sports watch, or gorgeous drop earrings. All other jewelry may complement the focal point without overpowering or competing with it. Wherever you place the focal point is where people’s eyes will fall first. Whether you wear gold or silver depends on your own coloring, and the contrast between your hair and skin. Traditionally, winter palettes wear shiny silver tones, spring wear shiny gold, summer palettes wear brushed silver, and autumns wear brushed gold. However, there are no hard and fast rules anymore.

Kate Beckinsale in Drop Earrings

It is okay to mix gold and silver, along with pearls or colored gem stones. The important thing is that the style of the jewelry meshes with both your own personal style and the clothes you’re wearing. Jewelry is a fabulous way to add your personal touch to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Details in the jewelry can mimic details in your appearance. Those slim and petite look better in more delicate chains, while those with a larger physique(or larger personality) can carry chunkier bolder pieces.
One universal rule is that necklaces are most flattering when worn the same distance from the chin that the hairline is in the opposite direction. I always look for necklaces that are adjustable because they fall differently on every neck, and even on the same person may work better at varying lengths with different necklines. But when you have time take a measuring tape and check the distance from your hairline to your chin, then take that distance back down from your chin to your chest: you will find the spot where either a necklace should end or your neckline should begin. It is your ideal balance point.
Wherever, and however you wear your jewelry, it should flatter you and reflect your unique personal style!

Black & Silver JK Suit

ImageDesign, either directly as clients, as participants in one of my programs, or by recommending clients to me. Conversely, several relationships that began strictly as business contacts have developed into wonderful friendships.

Of course much is made of the fact that we are at work as long as we are hooked into our laptops and smart phones (24/7 except for sleep). I was thinking about the way this relates to wardrobes since we all cram so much into a day and many activities are a mix of business and social. This happy conglomeration points to the need for more versatility in clothes, making sure that what you wear can go from a breakfast meeting to the office, to a social dinner or evening business event. For men this outfit is usually a suit, a sport coat and slacks, or simply a shirt and pants. For women it can be a dress, a suit and blouse, slacks and a sweater set, or jeans with a pretty jacket. Whatever level of dress you choose, you want to make sure you get the most use out of it. If a garment is comfortable, versatile and flattering don’t be afraid to use it for multi purposes. Just like your relationships, your clothes and your wardrobe can evolve from one area of your life to another.

Men: 1. Trench or Rain Coat. Burberry and Brooks Brothers are the go to looks for this style, but if that is not your preference (or budget) simply purchase a belted style in a neutral color. I suggest double breasted.
2. Blue Blazer. We are seeing this style with jeans on the weekend and it provides a nice alternative to a leather or warm up jacket. Try twill or sackcloth fabric for a more casual look.
3. Blue Jeans. Medium or dark wash great fitting jeans are a versatile addition to your wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down.
Women: 1. Look for a lightweight pant or skirt suit in neutral gray, tan, olive or blush. This will get you away from basic black, but still with a versatile and flattering outfit.
2. Rayon or Jersey Knit Cardigan Topper.This look will take you from Business Casual to the Weekend in all sorts of weather.
3. Sheath Dress with jacket or scarf. Again, classic and versatile for work, wedding, charity events, etc. Also, it will always be in style.

Try one or several of these versatile basics to give your wardrobe a spring pick-me-up, as the weather in the Northeast certainly isn’t doing it!

Another value that I’d like to mention is “Made in America”. In the food business, there is a movement underway to eat locally, meaning to consume food that comes from a certain area, usually within a 100 mile radius of one’s home. The benefits of this are many: food is fresher; you support local farmers, food is often organic and environmentally there is less pollution with a closer distance to travel. Years ago, the clothing industry was concentrated in the west side of Manhattan, and most of what we wore was Made in America. Now clothing is pieced together in all areas of the world and it’s rare to see anything Made in America. But there is a new clothing line I’ve been introduced to namely Jana Kos, (www.janakos.com). Jana has been in the fashion business for over twenty years, and was the designer behind Juliana Collezione. The Jana Kos styles are new and fresh, while the company has old-fashioned values. The majority of the Jana Kos Collection is “Made in America”, right in New York City’s garment center on Manhattan’s west side. We are helping our own economy while staying true to our values.