Whether you’re putting together an outfit for work or a party, or trying to construct a “look” for a special occasion, you can never forget the importance of balance. Again, dressing and wardrobe is all about following natural lines and direction that are provided by your body. Showcasing your best features, camouflaging the lesser favored parts. The key to creating this harmony and fluidity in your appearance is by using balance. Here are some examples:

Say you’re wearing a voluminous skirt complete with ruffles and lace. Super pretty! You may be tempted to follow the theme of that skirt with an equally ruffled blouse. Instead of highlighting the gorgeous skirt, the specialness is now lost because there is ruffle and texture and all kinds of things going on from top to bottom. Instead of looking chic, you run the risk of looking costume-y. Each piece (though both pretty) has lost its uniqueness. And your body is now carrying volume on top and bottom adding bulk and weight to your frame. Instead, try a simple t-shirt in a pretty color and a sweet ballet flat to balance and truly show off your skirt. The same rule applies if your top has texture and volume - wear a simple pencil or a-line skirt on the bottom.

Think about balancing different styles of dress as well. Perhaps you’ve dared to don the uber-chic slouchy pants/crops or (now that we’re in summer) slouchy shorts. These can be a little more industrial and casual in style. Instead of carrying that theme forward with a plain T or tank, you can balance out this industriousness with a silky blouse or rouched knit top. Keep this going with strappy sandals or even classic pumps and you’ve elevated the slouchy, comfy bottoms to a fashion forward, compliment-worthy ensemble.

Lastly, and most importantly, balance is the key to camouflaging and accentuating. If you’re a pear-shape, think about adding some dimension to your top half to draw the eye up. Do this with details like ruffles, pattern, or layers from a blazer or cardigan. Likewise, you can ensure that your pants are boot-cut or have a slight flair which will counterbalance your hips.

These are just a few examples but hopefully provide some insight into how to keep your body and your ensemble balanced and not overpowering your frame (and others’ eyes!). But if you still aren’t sure, just ask me

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I kind of felt chic. Not because I was wearing some fabulously expensive clothes. Rather because I felt great in what I was wearing. I felt comfortable and fashionable, sexy and sporty at the same time.  I loved the bright neon green, extra-long t-shirt (Express)  with my super comfortable jeans by Chip & Pepper. And, the swing jacket was a cool navy blue with embroidered flowers. It was my favorite outfit of the week for myself.  And that’s why I was chic – because I felt like I was.

Stephanie was radiant in this coral-colored wrap dress and a matching camisole with a little bit o’lace. The  low-heeled black thong sandals are comfy and show off her pedi. She has a reddish tint to her light brown hair and luminous skin so the color of the dress is perfectly harmonious. She’s acutely aware of her body type and dresses it well. She’s always got a fresh splash of color (a headband or other accessory) and an exceptional mix of trend and elegance. In short, she does it well. But her best asset – her smile. It goes a long way. And this was a great dress to feature as the chic girl.

Thanks Stephanie!

Being 5′2″, I have always struggled with the concept of flats. From a young age, I was convinced that flats made me look short, dumpy, and unattractive. Really, that was my issue and had nothing to do with flats. For years, I shunned all flats – loafer, sandals and (gasp!) sneakers. I covered miles upon miles across my college campus and later, my commute to and from work, in nothing less than 3-inch heels.

Well ladies, I live in New York City, I’m closing in on 30, and my feet cannot take it anymore. I have embraced flats. They are chic, they are hip, they are cool, and they are comfortable. Best of all, the options are endless. Oh, and yes, I do own all of the below examples.

Bejeweled Thongs: They offer an upscale look to a traditionally casual sandal. Totally work appropriate and can also take you comfortably out for happy hour or to a nice dinner.

Fun Color Thongs: These just make my feet happy. I have them in hot pink. And I’ll wear them with any and all colors because the strap is unassuming enough to not scream “pink!”

Slipper Like Sneakers: These made by Puma are literally like soft, buttery slippers. Except they have a rubber sole and are totally appropriate for running errands, walking the mall, commuting to and from work, or just taking out the trash.

Ballet Flats: I own these in a deep eggplant suede. Bought from a boutique in Brooklyn, I put these on and felt the cushy, squishy insoles and fell in love. They go with everything and they take my tooties everywhere. Everyone needs a pair of ballet flats.

Try a pair, try a few. Just give your pretty feet a break and try a new twist on the traditional heel. My feet are so happy, they even told me so.

Trends surround us. They always look good because they’re styled by professionals, captured on film in the perfect light, and cropped and digitized to make them look flawless. The truth is, not all trends are for everyone no matter how good they look. But the good news is, most of us can make most trends work with just a little tweaking. The first example is SHORTS.

Many women shy away from shorts because they equate the notion of shorts with “daisy dukes.” We’re afraid that if our legs aren’t amazonian, golden brown and sunkissed, we’re not worthy of this summertime saving grace of a garment. However, I am a lover of shorts, walking shorts, that is. I wear them out and I wear them to work. I wear them to the movies and I wear them to the market.

There are several versions of shorts that are appropriate for different bodies, environments, and occasions (not just the uber-slender, blessed by her x-chromasomes woman we’re all so lovingly jealous of). Two options are:

Walking or Bermuda Shorts: Hits modestly above the knee, generally straight leg and may have a looser shape than dressier shorts, typically made from cotton and have some stretch, available prints and styles. The length is long enough that most women can be comfortable and they’re a great alternative to a skirt or dress. Click below for some great walking and bermuda shorts. Pair them with flat sandals, your favorite flip flps, or wedge platforms/espadrilles for a chic and effortless look.

AnnTaylorLoft.com

ShopBop.com

Anthropologie.com

Knee Shorts: These generally are longer and more work appropriate. They can vary in fabrics from light summer-weight wool to structured cotton with spandex and are a bit more formal in look than your average bermuda shorts. Also straight leg in shape and many have belt loops and back pockets for a more “upscale” alternative to a straight skirt at the office. Pair these with peep-toe pumps for the spring and summer and your favorite cropped blazer. A beautiful silk tunic and ballet flats is another elegant option for an office look that can easily go to dinner when the clock strikes 5.

Nordstrom.com

Norstrom.com/2

Hope these have changed some minds and emboldened those who may have been hesitant to reveal their legs.

Maria donned a brilliant white skirt suit thus earning the title of Chic LADY of the Day.  Besides being brave and bold in wearing all white, this suit is beautiful on her for several reasons.  The skirt hits her at the knee rendering it office appropriate and fitting for her stature. The slingback pumps offer her a lift while revealing her legs giving her added height (and showing off her year-round, genetically gifted caramel skin color).  And the jacket is nipped in at the waist accentuating her (enviable) hourglass shape.  Pair that with her flowing hair and bright smile and we’re talking Ch-Ch-Chic!

Thanks Maria!

Raise your hand if you love the shift dress.  Me me me!  Jessica is wearing this classic silhouette but has “funked it up” with a great kelly green leather belt and white shirt with shirred shoulders.  The dress is just the right length for her showing off her legs and heels, adding height. And, the dress is body-conscious without being tight.  She is office appropriate with a touch of trend. 

Thanks Jess!

Breana did jeans in the office in the perfectly right way.  The denim was a trouser leg in a dark wash; ultra-flattering to most shapes.  The top was a tunic-style short-sleeve knit (a nod to the incoming spring weather) that had some engaging embroidery on the top half. The empire waist added a baby-doll effect but still allowed it to be age appropriate. And, the color could be likened to watermelon; cheerful and oh-so-yummy.

But, these two pieces were elevated to chic by her fabulous pumps. Caramel-colored leather with a chocolate brown bow take these peep-toes from classic to deliciously fab. 

Thanks Breana!

I have been thinking a lot about all of the different messages a woman can send via her image (clothes, accessories, hair, and make-up) and was just recently having this conversation over the weekend.  It is possible for a woman to get in her own way by being too hot.  

I’m speaking specifically about our professional lives.  It’s possible to be too sexy at work:

You know that I believe we all should be as stylish and “of the moment” as possible. But there is a balance between stylish and over-the-line-sexy-that-could-hinder-others-taking-us-seriously.  It’s hard enough for women in this world…I do believe that we have to work just that much harder to prove our worth in business. 

A side note: I was asked once what I thought the most challenging part of being a woman was. My answer was something reminiscent of, “That I have to be tough enough without being a bitch, that I have to be attractive enough without being too hot, that I have to be smart enough without being intimidating…that I’m proving myself all day, everyday.”

I work in media/publishing and my office dress code is at the more lenient end of the continuum. I tend to err on the side of trendy in many of my clothes and my wardrobe often doubles for both in and out of work. But I know that for meetings, client presentations, interviews and situations in which I am truly representing my colleagues and my company, I will streamline myself, leave the leggings at home,  and select a more traditional style. 

I’ve noticed that casual Friday has bled into casual everyday. Again, for some lines of work, this is acceptable.  But in banking, finance, law, and other such industries with a history based on male-dominance and tradition, a woman can’t walk in with a brightly colored dress and platform heels.  It won’t fly.

I will most certainly take this into account with my clients.

What kind of business is she in?  Does she work at all? Is she a teacher where a nice pair of khakis and a sweater set would be appropriate?  Perhaps, she spends her days behind a camera and needs jeans and a blazer that aren’t restrictive but are still fitted and tailored.  Maybe she’s reviewing contracts and stands in court…this would require an appropriate colored suit and classic heels (they can still be Christian Louboutin, no one has to know!).

The bottom line is, we need to be aware that even though we may work in more lax surroudings,  presenting ourselves as professionals is the number one priority. And often times, sexy skinny jeans and form-fitting sweaters (though they may look curvalicious) aren’t always the best choice.

Soundbites to remember: Beauty doesn’t always equal appropriate.  Casual doesn’t always mean sexy.  Trendy should still be tasteful.

Just check the mirror once before you leave the house and ask yourself, “Would I wear this on a date?”  If the answer is yes, consider changing.