Nothing
is more frustrating than rushing around trying to find something
special to wear when you are invited to an impromptu event. Although
the holiday
season is prime party-going time, special events that require a polished,
chic look occur year-round. To avoid a frantic, last minute trip
to the mall in search of the elusive garment that reflects your personal
style
and allows you to exude the confidence that comes from knowing you
look your best, always have that special something in your closet.
After
all,
if you want to enjoy yourself, you don’t want to stress over
your clothes. By definition, impromptu means spontaneous and spur
of the moment.
Being spontaneous is about adventure and fun, not angst and panic.
So just what defines a special party outfit? It’s something that’s
appropriate for the occasion, fits beautifully, is comfortable, makes
you feel sexy and allows your personality to shine through.
Now, how do you go about finding it? One solution is to shop early for
the upcoming season before everything fabulous gets snapped up. I knew
I wanted a spectacular velvet jacket this winter, so I started looking
in August. The first one I found was a Juicy Couture jacket from Neiman
Marcus that I ordered online. It had to be returned, but a week later I
found the perfect blue velvet jacket at Kenneth Cole. I already had several
shirts and plenty of pants to work with any color of velvet I chose. The
jacket reflects my personal style, the color is great for my skin tone
and it fits perfectly. I love it because it looks great with jeans or charcoal
and black dress pants. For a formal event, I might forgo the tie and wear
it with a shimmery, silver silk shirt from Calvin Klein, an ascot and tuxedo
pants.
Another great find this fall was a silver, 100-percent silk brocade
jacket from Sean John’s Collection. Like the blue velvet, it
has endless possibilities. Another option is my black, year-round weight,
tropical
wool suit. I had it custom-made at Old Dog in Charlotte in May of 2004.
The suit is a classic, but the slimmer cut and flat front pants give
it a contemporary feel.
My dear friend and one of the best dressed women I’ve ever known — Vikki
Hunley — is also drawn to the cool, sexy look of black. I recently
posed this question to her: what would you wear that you currently
own if you were invited to an impromptu party tonight?
Her response?
“ My Lafayette 148 black velvet jacket with bell sleeves from Rahe Lynne
Clothiers, one of several black or white tops, some great Armani boot
cut jeans, black boots, and something from Gloria Campbell’s exquisite
custom-made jewelry collection.”
Hunley also chose another option: black Gucci pants that are suede in front
and stretch micro fiber in back paired with any number of chic black tops
and, again, custom-designed jewelry from Gloria Campbell or Paige Bickel.
Her answer to always having something to wear to an unexpected event? “If
you see something you love that looks great on you, buy it then and there,” Hunley
offers.“Don’t wait for the occasion — buy it, and when
the time comes you’ll have that special outfit. That way you
can enjoy the spirit of spontaneity.”
With a bit of advanced planning, you can relax and enjoy getting ready
for an adventurous evening. You’ll arrive feeling rested and fresh,
and you won’t have to think about what you’re wearing — except
when you say thanks to the people telling you how fabulous you look.
— Edward Norman is an Image Consultant, Master Designer and Colorist, and
the owner of Edward Norman Image Consulting. He can be reached at 704-614-0207
or by email at
qstyle1@yahoo.com.
