I had to stretch a little to find a confidence-related old post to re-run today. Not sure this is the best connection, but it seemed worth editing to re-post. The idea of settling on a formula to simplify dressing feels even more appropriate for today than it did when I first wrote this in February 2006.
Most of us, when we consider the concept of wearing a uniform, find it somewhat restrictive. A few, however, would be relieved. If you are one of those few, pay close attention now. I have a suggestion to make your life easier. When I was growing up, my mom wore a uniform. Not a company logo polo shirt, or fatigues, or navy shirt and shorts; she had a certain formula for dressing that just worked for her – a template, if you will. Wearing a suit everyday in my former professional life was the same concept. Easy, but with variety not afforded by a traditional uniform.
The project (this should be fun):
- Get out your collages, clippings, or pin boards of looks you like, grouped by lifestyle segment.
- Work on one season at a time. Depending on where you live, you may choose to work on Winter or Spring, or even Summer at this time of year.
- Identify a “template” you would like to use for the season you are working on, in each category.
- “Bottoms up”: Start with pants or skirt (or dress) and shoes; add jacket or sweater; connect with blouse or top. To be very thorough, plan also for jewelry and accessories, even undergarments.
Here’s a fictional Winter template plan:
Leisure = jeans + cotton tee-shirt + wool sweater
Casual = wool trousers + dress shirt + blazer or cardigan Business = pant or skirt suit + silk blouse
Social = dark sleeveless dress
This concept adds structure to our thinking about what to wear. And I need to revisit. 😉 Comments, suggestions, snide remarks?
I think I need to do the pie chart exercise first (which I haven’t done yet).
My uniform was, for a long time, black loafers, black tights, wool skirt (short or long), cotton pullover/sweater/tee, classic blazer. I miss it. It was easy, looked good, and “went” everywhere.
Well, do the pie chart exercise and let me know if you like it, but in the meantime it will be useful to have this thought simmering on the back burner.
I’m wondering what’s keeping you from coming up with a PT 2006 version of your former uniform. The wool thing. And dry-clean only? I have three blazers in my wardrobe now which are washable.
Let me know what you decide and if you want me to watch for anything for you. I come across deals (or should I say steals) almost daily.
And do you prefer the term “uniform” or the term “template”?
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