| We're moving to the really challenging part of the | | | | occasions when you need a stress-free back-up. |
| project. What you've done so far is comparable to | | | | Return to Career-central and go directly to your |
| rearranging your computer desktop. | | | | absolute favourite pant or skirt. There's a good |
| You've: | | | | probability it's either black or navy, and even if it's |
| - Reorganized working files - divided clothing into | | | | not part of an actual suit, grab the jacket you |
| categories, career, sportswear, etc. | | | | partner with it. Back to the closet to check out a |
| - Created a folder for work in progress - alterations | | | | shirt and yes, almost everything goes with black or |
| and repairs department | | | | navy so let's stick with the theme of favourites - |
| - Eliminated obsolete material - the Goodwill drop-off | | | | take out that top that always wins compliments. Et |
| bag | | | | voilà, outfit #3. |
| Now that your closet is free of clutter, it's time to | | | | Now, you know where this is going; select a second |
| get down to business. First stop, Career clothes. You | | | | top - perhaps a soft blouse if your last choice was a |
| wouldn't draft a proposal at the kitchen table while | | | | crisp shirt, or a print instead of a solid - and outfit #4 |
| starting dinner; it's not a ten-minute task. Nor is the | | | | is at your fingertips. Easy, breezy! |
| next step, which calls for a clear head, combed hair, | | | | Move on to outfits #5 and #6 with, you guessed it, |
| make-up and underpinnings, along with a selection of | | | | another flattering pant or skirt. Maybe it's time for a |
| daytime shoes. Get ready to try clothes on. | | | | more casual approach - say a cardigan to top things |
| Your goal is to compile six great looks - a week's | | | | off. |
| worth of outfits, plus a spare. Start with your special | | | | Congratulations. You've almost created the first file |
| "meeting suit". Could be a skirt or pant but chances | | | | for your Career clothes folder. Before moving on to |
| are, it's your most dressed up look. Slip the suit on | | | | build another set of six great business outfits, it's |
| with the tailored shirt or blouse you generally pair | | | | time to add the finishing touches - review shoes, |
| with it, and don't forget the shoes. Looks | | | | hosiery, underpinnings and accessories for every |
| coordinated, professional, and great. This is outfit #1 - | | | | outfit. This is the spell-check-step - you're dotting |
| your gold standard. | | | | your i's and crossing your t's. |
| Now take a look at the career shirt, blouse and | | | | Another day, you'll tackle the Sportswear, Casual |
| sweater categories within your closet. Consider an | | | | chic, Eveningwear and finally, when all your folders |
| alternate top, in another colour, and magically, you've | | | | are full, you'll raid the alterations and repair |
| created outfit #2. This is your spare - waiting in the | | | | department. |
| wings for those unpredictable, spur of the moment | | | | |