Brian Maynor June 26, 2013
June 25, 2013
“I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!” We have all been there. Standing in front of the closet, rummaging through every item we own trying aimlessly to find an outfit.
Whether it stems from creativity and the desire for something new or boredom with the monotony from wearing the same things over and over again, we all experience the same frustration where most of our clothes end up on the bed or floor, and we are completely dejected.
The next time you find yourself in that place, try a little wardrobe wellness. Step away from the closet; close your eyes and breathe deeply. When you are ready, walk back into your closet and look for one item to speak to you. Using that one item as your base you can build an entire outfit. Here are a few tips:
- Start at the end. When looking for inspiration one of the best places to start is with accessories. Most of the time we select them last and based on the rest of the outfit, but to satiate the need for creativity or alleviate boredom try choosing them first. These outfits were built around the striped bracelet and tie.
- Consider the situation. The striped bracelet offers a lot of color options to play with, but I selected navy to be the dominant color since this was a workday outfit. To finish the jewelry story I added smaller, solid navy and gold bangles; a gold tassel necklace for weight and vertical movement, and cloudy studded earrings to complement the white without matching it.
- Less can be more. While the tie does not offer as many color choices as the bracelet there are still plenty of options. I decided to highlight the green by keeping the rest of the outfit monochromatic. Plus blue pants are trendy for summer. The striped shirt adds interest, personality and, like the necklace, vertical movement while balancing the horizontal pattern of the tie.
- Complement, not compete. The yellow skirt keeps the outfit current, coordinated and unexpected. It works beautifully as a counterpoint complementing the outfit as a whole even though it is not a color found anywhere else. Using another color from the bracelet is always an option, it is just not as sophisticated.
- Socks. Men are a little more limited when it comes to complementing color components, especially for the office, but socks are a highly underutilized opportunity. For a typical day at work leave the solid socks at home and have some fun. Here I chose purple as the complementing color to the green and blue.
The next time you find yourself frustrated with everything in your closet, take a step back and a deep breath. Focus on finding one item. After that the rest can fall into place.
Women’s Inspirational Outfit
Click on the outfit below for where to find these items.
Men’s Inspirational Outfit
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
