This morning, I met Jackie from Style Matters at her home in Sarasota for my first ever style consultation. From the time she greeted me in a perfect pair of jeans, sea foam green ruffled blouse, and navy blue tailored jacket, to the end of the hour we spent together, Jackie was a delight to work with. She asked me a few questions and before I knew it, we were talking clothes, shopping, accessories, color, and, of course, shoes.

In about an hour, she gave me a very thorough and defined baseline. She told me what length my sleeves and skirts should be, what necklines to complement my figure best, and how best to accessorize. Since I have nicely defined shoulders, she advised me never to wear shoulder pads, stiff sleeves or spaghetti straps, but instead to wear flowy fabrics or sleeveless tops. She did my colors and told me that I’m an Autumn, advising me to wear peacock blue, plum, orange, russet, brown, and other colors that fit into that color scheme. These colors should accentuate neutrals already in my wardrobe. Since I’m petite (5’2″), she advised me never to wear and ankle length pant, pants with cuffs, or prints on bottom, but rather to draw attention up with bright colors, accessories, and jewelry.

Jackie advised me to never tuck anything in, stay away from front-buttoned pockets or deep front pockets, and utilize shirts that end at the hip. Fabrics that are soft, drape, and have movement are good. Skirts that end at the knee and accentuate the smallest part of the leg are best. Fitted and skirts with flare are flattering. Scoop-neck and v-neck tops are perfect. I was even given advice on what kind of jewelry looks best with my figure and style. With all of this wonderful advice, I left feeling on top of the world.

I now have a lot to think about and more to do. My homework is to evaluate my wardrobe and figure out which of my clothes fit and look fabulous and which pieces in my collection should be tossed out. This is one set of homework I’m actually looking forward to!

Style Matters offers a variety of services including, but not limited to: Initial Consultation (optimum style assessment for goals of improved wardrobe, color analysis, and body/line and silhouette assessment for identifying cuts, patterns, fabrics, and combinations for personal use), Wardrobe Evaluation (an in-home four-hour session to assess your current wardrobe), and Personal Shopping (shopping for items together at retail stores), and styling for portraits, formal events, job interviews, and other important occasions. See Style Matters website for more information.