It can be difficult to know what colors look best on you, but it's important to know before going shopping. Determining your best and worst colors can be done by a color or wardrobe consultant, or just try draping several colors against your face with a good mirror and daylight to see what looks best.

Then when you are at the store, try to look past any items that are in your worst colors, and look for your best colors. Always ask if something comes in a different color, sometimes there will be other colors online or in the back stock of the store.

The book I use in color consultations is called Color Me Confident: Change Your Look - Change Your Life! by Veronique Henderson and Pat Henshaw. It uses a more thorough method than the "Four Seasons." It considers hair and eye color as well as skin color, and has more categories than just warm and cool, like some methods.

I give one-hour color consultations in my home in downtown Bellevue for $40. Contact me for more information.

Now that Fall is coming, layering will add those needed changes to your wardrobe. It's also a great way to mix colors and prints to show your creativity. Although it might seem like you need to buy more items to layer, it actually helps you use more of the pieces you already have, because you are combining them in different ways.

Scarves are the most obvious addition to your fall outfits. Try a lightweight cotton or linen one in a contrasting color or print to add a little warmth to a late summer top.

Tank tops or camisoles always add a layer of warmth, which can extend the use of your lightweight summer tops, especially when combined with a light sweater or denim jacket.

​Have fun with layering and stay warm and stylish! 

Several comfort shoe brands, such as Sofft, Born and Munro, make shoes that are fashionable as well as comfortable. They don't look the same as a stiletto pump, but can work with most work outfits. Many regular shoe brands also make comfortable shoes, and there are a variety of inserts and accessories that make shoes more cushiony and comfortable. Something as simple as adding a no-show sock can make shoes more comfortable and long-wearing.

When my shoes and feet feel good, I am more likely to walk somewhere instead of driving, and feel better overall. There are so many shoe brands and specialty shoe stores, not to mention the variety found online and in department stores. Don't give up, the right shoes for you are out there! 

In Lesson 85 of my book, I talk about what a big difference accessories make when dressing for a special, formal occasion. You can even sometimes use those same pieces when dressing for every day. 

Shoes - Metallic heels, including sandals, are always right for formal occasions, but can also be worn for daytime weddings, and many metallic flats go with almost any outfit. Black patent leather is even more versatile, and is dressy enough for the most formal attire.

Outerwear - Please invest in a presentable, dressy coat to have for formal occasions, or brave the cold without one. Black always makes a coat or jacket more formal, so consider buying something black, fitted and long enough to cover a dress. It will go with more casual outfits as well.

Handbag - A small clutch or shoulder purse (about 5 x 7 inches) is much better for evening than your everyday large leather bag. It can be sparkly, metallic or more simple black or a colored fabric. 

Jewelry - You don't need expensive fine jewelry. Larger costume jewelry pieces, such as those found at J. Crew, make a statement and highlight your outfit. A little black dress with big, bold, jewel-toned jewelry looks striking and makes a strong statement. Use both necklaces and bracelets, and don't match everything. They should coordinate, but not be from a matched set. You'll find these can be worn with a lot of your more casual outfits as well.

You don't have to spend a lot on any of these accessories. I like to keep my special occasions in mind all year when I'm shopping and if I see a beautiful piece of jewelry on sale, or a fun clutch bag, I'll go ahead and get it, then work it into my outfit when the right time comes. Meanwhile, I try to use sparkly and metallic pieces in my regular wardrobe. 

Get more tips on dressing for all occasions and for your everyday life in my newly updated book, Six-Word Lessons to Look Your Best. 

This model photo in our local GAP store's window caught my eye last night. I then saw that my son has posted the photo on Instagram and Facebook congratulating GAP for its "Illness Diversity." Obviously this model has some type of skin condition, but is proudly displayed in a major store and mall as someone who looks great in their clothing. 

​It's great to see major retailers using models of ALL types who can look cute and beautiful in clothes, both male and female. Thank you, GAP!

Here in the Northwest, scarves can be worn almost year-round. Especially with the popularity of lighter weight cotton scarves, they can keep you warm on cool evenings, early mornings, or air-conditioned buildings. A scarf around the neck keeps you warm enough with just a light jacket or sweater, and you can always take it off if it gets too warm. Just as important, scarves add style, interest and color to your outfit! 

I saw the scarves below at TJMaxx and they were all priced between $12.99 and $16.99! So no excuses that you can't find or afford scarves! I've also seen a good selection at World Market, Old Navy, Gap and Target. Infinity scarves are especially popular this year, and I just got one for $15 at Francesca's. 

Here is a video that shows several ways to tie a scarf, and a Pinterest pin with more ideas. I don't think there is a wrong way to tie a scarf, just have fun and give them a chance!

How can you be authentic, real, and true to your best self?  Most women would say they want this for themselves. When I speak to groups of women, I always talk about this concept of matching your inside and outside. I give them the list of adjectives shown, and ask them to circle the ones they think describe them, then we talk about whether their current look sends that message out to people around them. 

Here are two examples of women whose inside and outside do NOT match.

How about a woman who is a musician, loves art, is warm, modern, friendly and artsy. She is drawn to bohemian styles, but has a misguided idea that she "should" be dressing "professionally" in structured suit jackets and white shirts with collars. She isn't comfortable in these clothes, and feels like she isn't being herself, because she loves more free-flowing clothing like this long, striped cardigan by Free People and that expresses her artistic side more authentically. She will be much happier and more comfortable with herself if she makes some changes in her wardrobe to reflect her true, best self.

Or how about a teenager who wears all black, hats that cover her face, and t-shirts with scary messages, but is confident, strong, intelligent and reliable, and wants to be seen as approachable? Her clothing is sending the opposite message. This outfit from Nordstrom BP shows those around her how she really feels and IS inside.  

Take a look at the qualities listed above, then look at the clothes in your closet and think about whether your clothes are sending the message and portraying the person you want to show to the people you come in contact with every day. Be your best, true, authentic self by learning your style and shopping to fit that style. 

This is the title of one of the lessons in my book,Six Word Lessons to Look Your Best.  Maybe "fun" isn't quite the right word to describe budgeting for clothing, but it can definitely be rewarding, and make you feel proud of yourself for keeping your purchases to a predetermined, reasonable amount.  So, in a way, it's kind of fun.

I have had a budget for about 20 years, and when I took a break for a few years, I gradually started spending too much, and realized that I felt guilty no matter how much or how little I bought!  When I started budgeting again, I saw the benefit of keeping track of what I was buying, which made me feel much more in control.

Use a Spreadsheet. My husband and I started a household budget when we were first married, and we used Microsoft Excel, but there are other spreadsheet and budgeting products.  Even paper and pen will work, just use what you like.

Save Receipts. I save receipts for everything that I am budgeting for--clothing, shoes, jewelry, etc. I don't include beauty products or services, because they aren't as difficult for me to control.  Create categories as you see fit.  Keep receipts from these categories in your wallet, or designate a basket or bowl in a prominent place at home, which works well if you are budgeting as a couple for your household.  This helps to have them handy for returns as well.  If you do return something, make sure you credit your spreadsheet. 

Record Purchases Once a Week. Sit down with your receipts and record your purchases onto your spreadsheet and see what your balance is.  Doing this once a week, say Sunday evening, helps you to always have the number in your head that is available to spend.  

Set a Monthly Budget Amount. This is the hard part, and it's different for everyone.  Obviously, you need to be able to afford it, but beyond that, try to come up with what you would like to be spending.  You can make it quarterly or weekly amounts if you'd like, but monthly seems the right timing for me.

Keeping my clothing purchases within a budget has helped me to shop more intelligently.  I shop at a variety of stores, such as Target, Nordstrom Rack, and consignment, as well as traditional clothing stores. Budgeting also helps me make better use of the clothes I have in my closet, by wearing them more often, but mixing them in different ways.  I am more careful with what I buy, making sure it is the right fit and color, and that I really love it.  It has helped me to be aware of major store's sales and keeping some money available for those sales.

Using a budget allows you to save up for large purchases you otherwise would think are too expensive or you would feel guilty about.  As you purchase items, be very sure you want to keep them and wear them.  This can take some time and trial and error, so always save receipts and invest the time to return items that you decide you don't like.  Also, if something is in good
condition, and can't be returned, sell it at a consignment shop and use that money for new clothes.

For more information on setting up a budget, and a sample spreadsheet, contact me at patty@wardrobe-consulting.com or 425-736-5893.