Author: Cassandra Hawkins Wilson

I often ask clients, “If you have to get dressed in five minutes, what would you wear?” The answer is often the same, “I don’t know!”

In our society, we all have extremely busy lives. Yet, we tend to neglect important aspects of our lives. Paying close attention to how we look when we leave our homes requires real time, strong effort, and adequate preparation. Choosing the right clothes for your wardrobe should be on the top of your priority list.

Creating plans to update and enhance your wardrobe for 2008 may seem tedious and unimportant. Uniquely, there are many benefits to updating your wardrobe. If you are truly considering losing weight and looking slimmer, you need to evaluate your options now!

Some people have missed out on jobs and other important opportunities because of what they wore to their interview. This change is the result of visual stimulation provided by the entertainment and fashion industries. Increasing numbers of retailers are creating specialty boutiques, stores, and shops to fit this growing need. It is up to you to use these retailers to your benefit. It is my job and duty to help my clients recognize the importance of choosing the right clothes with the hope that they will spend less time wasting money on clothes they will never wear.

The first step in updating your wardrobe is to evaluate what you own. Creating an inventory list of what you have in your closet makes it clear of where you currently stand and what you need to purchase. Create categories for your clothing: casual, work, dress, and special occasions.

The next step is to examine the clothing you own and how it fits your lifestyle. Your lifestyle deeply influences the way you look. Do you participate in sports that require certain clothing? To you attend sporting events, which require specific clothing? Are you in the medical field? Does your job require scrubs as a wardrobe? Do you work in an office environment, which requires suits worn on a daily basis?

Once you have determined what you own and how your clothing fits your life, you must determine what clothing you will keep, give-away, and throw away. Critique each individual piece of clothing you own. Check for loose buttons, holes, stains, etc… Try on all clothing in a full length mirror. It’s amazing how a full length mirror can help you access how you look. In addition, create piles for your clothing. You should have a keep pile, throw-away pile, and give-away pile.

One of the great benefits of giving clothing away is you are providing a less fortunate person with clothing and you can utilize a tax deduction. Dress for Success of Jackson is a great organization to support. Women are provided attire to wear to job interviews. Dress for Success of Jackson helps these women secure a better future for themselves, as well as for their family.

Next, create a list of what you need to complete your wardrobe. What do you need to purchase? What do you need to replace after giving the clothing away? What accessories do you need? Here is a checklist of wardrobe basics:

1. Three piece suit (jacket, skirt, pants)
2. Fitted Jacket
3. Versatile Skirt
4. White Dress Shirt
5. Day Dress
6. Basic Black Dress
7. Slacks
8. Black Dress
9. Trench Coat
10. Handbag

Using your checklist, determine stores and boutiques, which fit your style and budget. Planning out your shopping route can ease the pain and frustration associated with shopping. If you really dread shopping, you can always hire an image consultant to journey with you or without you.

To enhance your wardrobe is a really simple process. Setting aside a Saturday to evaluate what you own is worth the effort. Adequate planning, effort, and preparation can have you looking great in 2008.

About the Author:
Cassandra Hawkins-Wilson is an image consultant and president of Sensational Image Consulting Inc, based in the Metro Jackson, Mississippi Area. Since 2007, she aids clients on image, personal management, and communication. A seminar leader published author, and motivational speaker, she focuses on educating clients on the importance of maintaining a well-polished image. Cassandra’s firm belief in helping others achieve their goals fuels her work as a consultant. She states, “The way you look is detrimental to the way people treat you and to your success in life.” Possessing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, with a minor in Political Science, from Jackson State University, she has a diverse background in education and fashion. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in English and Fashion Merchandising. Professional memberships include Association of Image Consultants International and Madison the City Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she volunteers with the Metro Jackson Dress for Success Chapter. Contact her to schedule a free consultation or to book for a speaking engagement.Visit http://www.sensationalimageconsulting.com to learn more.



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