It’s all in the wardrobe

Your style makes a strong statement about who you are, so take time at the start of the year to figure out what you want to say. Dressing smartly and looking fabulous is every woman’s fantasy.

When you take time to pick what to put on, people will take serious. The idea should make you feel great about yourself. When self-esteem is high, your day to day motivation is too high and you are likely to become productive.

The key to looking and feeling your fashion best each day relies on one thing - a core wardrobe that’s right for you. But if your plan was to sit back and wait for an angel from heaven to come and guide you on how to work out your wardrobe and shoe rack, then you are living in a dream. 

Where to start?

Style icons, fashion designers and artwork can serve as great sources of revitalization, and can help inspire you to find your own signature style. Collect images that represent your world, and create a "style scrapbook” to help take you from inspiration to expression. 

From there, expand your wardrobe, but start by shopping in your own closet. Set time for a "fitting,” fix your hair and makeup, and fool around with what’s already in your wardrobe. With your fresh outlook, the combinations you come up with may surprise you. 

And while you probably prepare a grocery list, you may not have thought to maintain a ‘most wanted list’ for your fashion. What you’re missing will limit you, and those are the items you should be looking out for.

Why don’t you try to being creative and learn how to design for your own styles? This is what can make you look trendy and standout as a successful stylish woman in a million people.

Building a great wardrobe

1. Base your wardrobe on one or two dark to mid-tone neutral colors (such as black, gray, chocolate or navy), then spice up your outfits with colorful incidental pieces. Mixing colors of similar values always makes for a sophisticated look.

2. Think quality over quantity. It’s always better to have a few great classic pieces that make you look and feel fabulous every time you wear them than a closet full of middle-of-the-road pieces. Invest in a few great classics, then update with less expensive trendier items.

3. Always consider your lifestyle - spend the most money on those things you will wear the most often. Most of us will wear a good jacket more often than we will a good evening dress.

4. Find a personal "look.” Once you discover the styles, cuts and designs that work for you, stick to them. Those silhouettes will then become part of your unique personal style.

5. Be aware of the latest trends, but don’t follow fads verbatim. Only adopt those styles that are a perfect match with your body type and personality.

6. Organize your closet. Dressing well means knowing what you have so you mix and match with ease - and if something doesn’t fit perfectly, remove it (even temporarily) from your closet.

7. Today, fashion experts say it’s all about the right shoes and bags, so take advantage of accessories. The right scarf, shawl or jewelry can turn a basic outfit into a work of art. And never skimp on shoes - they have a tremendous effect on the way you feel as well as the way you look.

8. When in doubt, keep it simple. It’s always better to err on the side of minimalism than overindulgence.

9. Scout the stores frequently. Short forays are less tiring than full shopping days. Plus, the more often you visit your favorite stores, the better chances you have of finding exactly what you need - and a good sale.

Betty, an attendant at Julia’s Boutique, located at Trade Union Center building in Kigali stresses women should look for perfect clothing. Outfits that will make them look fabulous and feel amazing at the same time are a must.

Remember play up your strengths. Choose clothes that accentuate your positives and visually eliminate any negatives. This is the No. 1 secret of great style.

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