Use Your Move to Clean Out Your Closet

This past weekend my husband and I moved to a new apartment. As much as I hate moving, there is one aspect I absolutely love – throwing things away. Taking out the old to make room for the new is one of my most beloved hobbies.

When it comes to clothing, it seems easiest to pack everything in a suitcase and be done with it. However, taking advantage of this opportunity to get rid of some of your clothing will make unpacking easier and give you space to fill with new pieces. 

To decide what to keep and what to toss, ask yourself a few questions with every item:

Have you worn this item in the last two years?

If you haven’t, chances are you don’t need to keep it. If you have worn it in the last two years, move on to the next questions to see if it’s worth keeping.

Does this item have sentimental value?

There are some items we keep for sentimental reasons but don’t necessarily wear on a regular basis (e.g. my wedding dress). If the item in question is important to you, keep it. If it doesn’t have any memories attached, and you haven’t worn it in two years, chuck it.

Does this item still fit?

I’m pretty sure we’re all guilty of hanging on to something “just in case”. Anything that is too big or too small needs to go unless it can be fixed with minor alterations, such as hemming.

Any item that requires extensive work to make it fit probably isn’t worth it.

Now that you’ve cleaned out your closet, what do you do with the items you aren’t keeping? Obviously, anything damaged should get tossed in the garbage.

Before you throw everything out, consider donating any items that are in good condition to a charity, such as women’s shelter.

Do you have tips for cleaning out your closet? Share them in the comments!

Shop a Sale Like a Pro

As the summer winds to a close, I find myself on the hunt for boots, fleece-lined leggings, and cardigans. Of course, I love these things anyway, but there's something about crisp air that makes them even more appealing.

There is one thing about autumn that I love more than anything else (no, it's not pumpkin-spice everything). It's sales - in the fall, all the summer clothing is marked down to clearance prices. Why? To make room for all the super-cute fall items, of course. 

If you looked all summer for the perfect maxi dress, strappy sandal, or tote bag, and couldn't find it, fall sales are your second chance. Why not stock up on flip flops for next year, and pay next to nothing?

Sometimes with sales, the good items go fast and you're left with the picked-over remains. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget during the autumn sales.

Set a Budget

Spending money on a great sale is worth it, but wasting it is not. Look your budget to see how much you can reasonably afford to spend. New shoes won't help you pay the rent. 

Now that you know what you have for spending money, withdraw that amount in cash and leave your credit cards at home. If your planning to make a day of it, remember to include lunch or coffee in your budgeting. 

Decide What You're Looking For

Writing a sticky note that says "everything" isn't deciding. By making up your mind in advance, you'll be less likely to get sidetracked by that horribly tacky beach bag that you'll probably never use but is on sale for a dollar. 

Even narrowing down your search to a few categories, such as 'tank tops', will help prevent you from wasting your hard-earned dollars on something you don't actually need. 

Hit the Outlet Mall

Outlet malls are fabulous anyway, and when it comes to putting a whole season on sale these stores win every time. Often outlet locations carry more than one season at a time, so you might even get lucky and find some spring fashions. 

Take a Buddy

Remember: there's safety in numbers. Take a friend, and make sure you keep each other on track. Having a partner makes it easier to stay focused (also there's someone to hold things you want to call dibs on, but aren't 100% sure about). 

Have you made a great find at a seasonal sale? Tell us about it!

15 Packing Tips to Protect Your Clothing

 


I'm one of those people who overpacks. It doesn't matter whether I'm going for a day or a week, it's a safe bet that I'll try to cram a month's worth of outfits into my bag. 

While I'm always prepared for whatever comes along, my clothes don't always appreciate being packed in like sardines. More often than not, I've gotten to my destination and found my items are wrinkled, flat, or have become tangled.

As I've learned the hard way, packing everything you own isn't a great idea. Here are fifteen tips to help protect your clothing while you travel.


1 - Roll what you can

Some items travel better than others. Items like stretchy tank tops, yoga pants, and sleepwear can be rolled instead of folded since they are made of materials that are less likely to wrinkle. 

Start by folding the item once, then roll it as tightly as you can. Try to pack them all into one corner of your bag to conserve space, and press them next to each other so they don't unroll. 



2 - Use tissue paper

Finally, a use for the tissue paper your mom hoards from all gifts!

Not everything can be rolled. Items that are delicate, such as silk, satin, beads, or lace, should be folded. Before you fold these items, lay them flat and put a piece or two of tissue paper on top. Then, carefully fold the item so that there are layers of tissue paper in between the layers of fabric. This will prevent the fabric from rubbing on itself, which can cause damage.

Also, add a layer of tissue paper in between each item you put in your suitcase to stop the different fabrics from catching on each other.


3 - Invest in a garment bag

While this is another bag to carry, it will save your items that shouldn't go into a suitcase. If you're taking a fancy dress, expensive suit, or need the item for a formal event like a wedding, put it into a garment bag. 

Fortunately, you can put more than one item in a garment bag. Hang each item individually, and place a regular, clear garbage bag over each hanger, poking a hole for the hanger to protrude. This will prevent the items from rubbing, which increases the chances that something will snag.

After the item has been worn you can hang it up in its bag without having to worry about it getting the other items dirty.


4 - Put toiletries in a plastic bag

If you've ever opened a suitcase to find your shampoo has exploded, you probably already do this. 

Get a box of freezer size ziplock bags for your toiletries. These are big enough to hold full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, as well as smaller items like toothpaste. If something leaks, your clothing will be protected. The bags specifically identified for the freezer tend to have a double seal, so they're less likely to leak.


5 - Use other items as layers

Similar to using tissue paper, placing a piece of clothing flat in between other items forms a protective barrier. This works best with items like housecoats and hoodies, as they are larger and open on one side. 

Once you have one layer of clothing packed, spread out a sweater or similar item over the top, and tuck the ends down the sides of the suitcase. This way if things slide around, they can only go so far.


5 - Get a mini steamer

A mini steamer will save you from ever again having to hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower. 

This type of compact, hand-held steamer uses a minimal amount of water and takes up very little space. They're safe to use on almost all kinds of fabric, are fairly inexpensive, and are super easy to use. 

My personal favourite is the Joy Mangano My Little Steamer. One canister water usually does two shirts, and it works like a dream. They're available at several stores, but at the time of this post, they're on sale at Bed Bath and Beyond.


6 - Use a shoebox 

Shoeboxes are wonderful, and not just because they come with shoes in them. To keep fragile items safe, place them in a shoe box. Given that the box has a lid, these items won't be able to move around and break.

Make sure to pad the bottoms, edges, and top of the shoebox. If you're getting tissue paper, add some to the box. Alternatively, you have to pack socks and underwear anyway, so why not use those?


7 - Your old makeup bags can do double duty

Makeup bags are another great tool for organizing your suitcase. Be sure to wipe them down first to remove any eye shadow or powder left from when it was in use, then use them to store travel-size liquids, feminine products, or jewelry that can't tangle such as watches and stud earrings. 

Since most makeup bags have zippers, they're your best choice for storing things you don't want to spread all over your bag. As someone who has had her luggage checked when travelling internationally, I can assure you that finding your feminine products strewn about your bag is not pleasant. 


8 - Utilise twist-ties

For jewelry that can tangle, stock up on twist ties. I'm a huge fan of long chain necklaces, but they have a habit of becoming one giant mess when placed in a suitcase.

To prevent this, thread twist ties through the links in the chain. Leave a few inches in between each twist tie. For necklaces that have multiple strands of chains, wrap the ties around all of the strands as a whole. Being locked together will prevent them from mixing with each other.

This works for rings and hoop earrings, too. If you're concerned you'll lose one, or the pair will separate, loop a twist tie through the ones you want to keep together (you can then store them in your extra makeup bag!). 


9 - Pack your dryer sheets

Ever open your suitcase after a long trip and find it not-so-fresh? This is a problem if you're just arriving at your destination. 

Tuck a few dryer sheets here and there throughout your suitcase to keep your stuff smelling like it just came out of the laundry. You can also throw a few extra in a ziplock bag to use once you get to unpack - anything that has developed static can be rubbed down with one to remove that pesky clinginess. 


10 - Plan ahead

A lot of these problems can be avoided if you plan ahead what you're (realistically) going to need for your trip. If at all possible, plan an itinerary before you go, even if it has some holes in it. Knowing the basics of what you'll be doing will help stop you from packing things you don't need. 

For example, if you're going on a yoga retreat, do you really need a dress that you could wear to meet the Queen? 


11 - Make a list

As you figure out what you'll need, write it down. Yes, actually write it, don't just make a mental note and pretend you'll remember. Either write everything down as you think of it, or make a separate list for each day, and plan your outfits. 

Having a physical checklist gives you the opportunity to visually review what you've thought of, what you've removed, and what you aren't sure about. 

As you pack each item, check it off your list. Don't forget to include things that tend to get forgotten, like phone chargers, medication, and hotel confirmations.


12 - Have a separate bag for hair supplies and shoes

If you're like me and require assembly in the morning, you're likely going to take at least some of your hair appliances with you. 

As hard as it may be, the first step is to determine what is absolutely essential to bring and what can be left behind. For example, if I go anywhere without a curling iron my hair resembles that of Little Orphan Annie on a windy day after getting soaking wet.

Once you know what you need, pack them in a separate bag from your clothes. You don't want to get hair product on your clothing, or have something catch and create a tear. 

To save you from having yet another bag, put your shoes in with your hair items. Just as with the hair appliances, determine which ones you absolutely need before packing any of them. Then, wrap them in a plastic bag so that they don't mix with your hair stuff (foot-hair blend, anyone?).


13 - Bring extra plastic bags

Yes, plastic bags are a packing necessity. Throw a few extras into your suitcase so that when some items get dirty or wet, they don't ruin your other clothes. Having more than one extra bag is important, as you can separate wet items from dirty ones, and items that simply need to be washed because they were worn (like underwear). 

This is especially helpful if you're packing swimwear. As we all know, bathing suits get wet. Having them tangle with your dry clothes creates the perfect opportunity for mold. 


14 - Pack a small amount of laundry detergent 

While hotels have laundry services, they tend to be expensive. Fortunately, clothing can be hand-washed, and hung to dry. Having some detergent on hand means you can give your items a quick wash without having to pay for laundering services. 

This also good for spot cleaning. Dampen a facecloth and rub a couple drops of detergent onto the area that needs cleaning. Rinse thoroughly, and you're good to go as soon as it dries.

Worried about wrinkles? Bust out your handy mini steamer.


15 - Check the weather before you go

To avoid packing things you don't need, check the forecast before you pack everything. If it's likely to be warm, you can probably do without that extra sweater.

Check the weather a few times in the days leading up to your trip. This way, you'll be able to see if the forecast has stayed pretty much the same, or if the predictions made a few days ago are completely wrong.


Having fewer items in your suitcase means there's more room for everything (duh), which in turn means your items are less likely to be squished. 


Do you have packing tips you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments.

Bathing Suits - Evil Incarnate or Self-Esteem Booster?

Bathing suit season is one of my oldest enemies. I know I'm not alone in saying that bathing suit shopping has never been easy. Every mannequin and model is petite, or curvy in the "right" places. For those of us with bodies that are shaped differently than the ones on display at Victoria's Secret, or those who are considered 'plus size', shopping for a bathing suit can be a daunting task, never mind actually putting one on in public.

One of my many retail jobs over the years was at a bathing suit store. During my interview, the manager asked me what I would say if I was helping a woman who loved a suit that looked terrible on her. I told her I wouldn't say anything - if she feels great in a bathing suit my opinion doesn't matter. 

Unfortunately, most of us are not super confident in a bathing suit. We obsessively compare ourselves to others, and in most cases, we feel we fall short. Every summer I give myself a pep talk. I tell myself that this year will be different, that it doesn't matter what other people think, and that if I feel good I'll look good. Often the confidence runs out before I leave the house. 

Working in a bathing suit store turned out to be a great experience. I got to see first-hand how women of different ages and body types deal with body image issues, finding the right size, and fighting back against the unrealistic standards that surround us. 

We need to stop our cycles of self-doubt and start thinking positive. Here are some steps I've learned along the way to take to start thinking of your bathing suit as a self-esteem booster instead of as pure evil. 

1 - Find a bathing suit you love on the hanger.

The first step to feeling good in something is wanting to put it on. If you don't like it on the hanger, you probably won't like it on your body. 

Look for prints or colours that instantly attract you to an item. For me, army green is my go-to for bathing suits. Since I'm a sucker for bling, anything with a metallic accent grabs my eye.

Bringing a friend with you can be very helpful. Often they can spot trends in our wardrobes that we don't notice. As a result, he or she will pick out things for us that we might not have chosen on our own. 

2 - Get something supportive.

Many bathing suits are just not designed to be worn by women with large chests. Feeling saggy and droopy for your day at the beach doesn't make anybody happy. 

Generally, if there is a string holding up the top it isn't going to be supportive. Straps that are wider are a much better option. Suits that tie around the neck can become painful if worn for more than a couple hours, so consider a top that has straps more like a bra. 

If you're going for a two-piece, make sure there is a wider band around the bottom part of the top half. This will add some support to the cups.

On the subject of cups, triangles don't hold much. A cup that is rounded will keep you covered, and prevent any wardrobe malfunctions. 

3 - Find the style that works best for your body.

As with every other kind of clothing, not every design will work with every body shape. Try on a few different styles until you find the one you like the best. 

Each style has its own pros and cons. For instance, bottoms that tie at the side allow for size adjustments, however, they show more skin on the hip. High-cut bottoms have a retro look, but they can feel restrictive. You won't know what style you like the best until you try. 

Try to pinpoint what you like and dislike about each style you try on. This will help you narrow down what kind of suit you'll like the best. For example, do you like the cut or embellishments?

4 - Remember that loving your bathing suit is a marathon, not a sprint.

Undoing a lifetime of negative self-talk doesn't happen in one day. Set a goal and take steps to reach it. For example, maybe your goal is to go into a pool without a T-shirt on over top of your bathing suit. Give yourself a time limit (like the end of the summer) and stick to it. 

Consider trying items such as wraps and sarongs. These are the perfect summer accessories for bathing suits and are helpful tools for reaching your goal.  

Have a tip for bathing suit shopping? Let us know!

Date Night - Decoded

A first date is awkward enough without worrying about what to wear. You want to be able to pay attention to the person you're with, rather than fussing with your clothing. 

In my single days, first dates weren't common enough that I felt super confident just throwing together anything I found in my closet.  I worried about how my clothes fit with the person I was going out with.

On one particularly memorable incident - I mean, date - I dressed the way I thought my date would want. He was a bit of a "bad boy", so I made sure I didn't look like a goody-two-shoes. This meant too much eyeliner, a lot of faux leather, and a hair style that should never be repeated. 

The entire evening I was highly uncomfortable. Not only with my clothing but with myself. I felt like I was pretending to be someone I'm not. It's not that I've never broken a rule, but I don't go out of my way to cause trouble. Being dressed up like a semi-punk vagrant made me act like someone else. 

So what's the moral of this story? Dress to suit yourself. 

When it comes to first dates, this can be difficult. The entire purpose of a first date is to find out if you like each other. Instinctively, we want to be liked, and the way we dress ourselves is one of the easiest ways to show who we are. 

Here is everything I've learned the hard way that you need to know to prep for a first date. 

Dress for the activity

Nothing makes me feel more like a fool than trying to do a physical activity in high heels. Since I love stilettos, this has happened more than once. Needless to say, a romantic walk in the park isn't very romantic when you start limping halfway through. 

If you aren't the one planning the date, try to find out in advance what kind of thing your date has in mind. This will allow you to dress appropriately and avoid packing extra bandaids in your purse. 

Dress for the weather

I grew up in Alberta. This means the weather changes on a dime, especially in the winter. A day that is supposed to be -10 degrees Celcius is perfect for ice skating, but a sudden breeze that makes it feel like -30 is not nearly as nice. 

Knowing what the weather is supposed to do is an important factor for avoiding a major fashion faux pas - mini skirts and Ugg boots, anyone? 

This will also prevent my famous "drowned-rat-on-prom-night" look (i.e. soaking wet with mascara running down my face". Worrying about whether or not your makeup is running or your hair is frizzing isn't what you want to focus on when on a date. 

Dress for yourself

No matter what you're doing, where you'll be, or who you'll be with, dress to suit yourself. If you love twirly dresses and flats, do it. If you prefer biker boots and chunky jewelry, go for it. Wear your bright colours, strong patterns, and hair accessories.

I can't stress enough that what you wear should make you feel good. Self-esteem should come from how we feel about ourselves, not what others say. While this is easier said than done, wearing something that makes you feel good on a first date is an excellent way to tell somebody that you like you - whether or not they do. 

Have a first date oops you'd like to share? Post it in the comments.

The Definitive Guide to Making Casual Friday Work For You

Who doesn't love casual Friday? While some offices are casual all the time, for those of us who are used to more formal attire Monday through Thursday look forward to taking it down a notch at the end of the week. 

When dressing casually for work, there are always guidelines. "Casual Friday" is not the same thing as "Wear Whatever You Want Friday". Here are some tips to make casual Friday work for you.

Do - Follow the dress code.

Whatever dress code your place of employment has is still applicable, no matter what day of the week it is. For example, jeans. I love jeans, especially our Skinny Denim Jean. Jeans are the obvious go-to choice for pants on casual Friday, since you can't wear them the rest of the week and they are so comfy.

There are some styles that are better suited to a weekend at the lake than a day at the office. Darker denim is naturally dressier than lighter shades, so opt for a richer shade of indigo. Super light washes should be avoided - they are far too casual for an office. 

Fit is hugely important for jeans no matter where you are. Jeans that are too small don't look good in any situation, and are far too uncomfortable for a full day at work. Any clothing that is too small is unprofessional, and sends the message that you can't dress yourself like an adult. 

General rule: If your jeans are faded, ripped, too tight, or have a frayed hem, don't wear them to work. Your best option is a fitted dark wash. 


Don't - Wear shorts.

This one is incredibly tempting in the summer. Unless your office is super casual, shorts are a bad idea. Yes, I even mean "dress-up" shorts (i.e. club-appropriate shorts that are made of the same material as dress pants. Cue Chelsea Peretti in Brooklyn 99 referring to the kind of shorts Jen Aniston would wear.)

The same rule for skirts and dresses applies to shorts - the hem should be no shorter than your fingertips when your arms are straight down by your sides. Being a valuable employee does not have anything to do with showing off your legs or tushie. 

General rule: No booty shorts. If it is alright to wear shorts to your office, try something longer. 


Do - Accessorize

Accessorizing is the easiest way to glam up a casual outfit. Adding earrings, bracelets, or a necklace instantly makes your clothes an outfit instead of a random assortment of pieces. 

Spring and fall are the perfect time to play with your accessories. Warmer temperatures are perfect for experimenting with pastels, whereas autumn gives you the chance to wear scarves and cute layers.

General rule: Take it easy with the jewelry. Putting on every piece of jewelry you own is equivalent to putting on every colour of eye shadow. 


Don't - Let your bra straps show. 

There's always someone. Having your straps hanging out is bad enough on teenagers, but as adults it is completely inappropriate. Showing off your bra straps gives the impression that you care more about being sexy than being an asset to the company.

Spaghetti-strap shirts should only be worn to work as a layer underneath something else. 

My favourite excuse is "they just fall down by themselves no matter what shirt I wear". There's an easy solution to this - tighten them! If that doesn't work, you need a new bra, and probably a proper fitting. Edit - check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Bra Size.

General rule: There's no excuse for this. Don't do it. Going bare-armed in the summer is totally acceptable, but make sure the sleeves of your top reach your shoulder. In the cooler months, layers are your friend, especially to cover straps. 


Do - Think about what you'll be doing that day.

Want to wear your new super-cute wedges that you haven't broken in yet? Go for it. Just maybe not on a day when you'll be doing a lot of walking or standing. 

If you really want to wear heels on a day when you'll be running around, bring a pair of flats as backup. You'll thank yourself for packing them when your feet start to ache. Whatever you do, don't bring flip flops as your backup shoes. Not only are they a no no in the office, they are a hazard in situations like a fire drill.

Will you be meeting clients or your boss? In either situation, being professional trumps being casual. However, you can strike a happy medium. Bring a blazer with you, and wear it in your meetings. Adding a jacket to an outfit instantly makes it more professional. Just make sure that whatever you are wearing without the jacket is still OK for the office.

The same goes for bottoms. If you'll be at your desk most of the day, a dress or skirt is fine. However, on days when you'll be up and down a lot, or out in the wind, pants are the better option.

General rule: Prepare accordingly for your day so you don't get stuck in an awkward situation.


Don't - Apply "casual Friday" to your work duties. 

The idea of casual Friday is strictly for clothing. It does not apply to the actual work you need to do. By the end of the week it's easy to cut corners and think about leaving things over the weekend. Somehow, this gets even more tempting when the office is in casual dress mode. 

General rule: Friday is still a work day. 


What's your go-to style for casual Friday? Submit a comment and let us know.

Leggings Are NOT Pants

I love leggings. They're comfortable, soft, and stretchy. On days when real pants seem like too much work, leggings are there for me.

Somewhere along the way people have forgotten that leggings are not pants. I know, it's sad but true. Just as p.j. bottoms and scrubs on people who don't work in a hospital are not acceptable clothing choices for outside your home, leggings should not be worn as pants. 

There are a number of reasons for this, but the most important is that nobody wants to see your butt everywhere, no matter how nice it may be. Put it away.

When it comes to wearing leggings, the key is to wear a top that is long enough to cover your behind. Regardless of your size, if your tush is hanging out everywhere, your shirt isn't long enough.

Here are a few suggestions for items to pair with your beloved leggings:

A tunic

Tunic tops are great all year round. In the fall and winter, add a scarf for a cozy layered look. In the spring and summer, a skinny belt and long necklaces provide a bit of glam. 

The best part about tunics is that they are long. Most hit mid-thigh, which gives you ample coverage of your rear. 

Layered tanks

Layering your tank tops not only adds some dimension to your outfit, it also allows you to cover what needs to be covered. When the bottom tank is worn lower than the top tank, you get a pop of colour. The top tank keeps you from showing off all your cleavage. 

Long cardigan/blazer

Whether thick or thin, a long cardi or blazer dresses up your leggings. Black leggings and a black blazer mix perfectly with brightly coloured layered tanks, while long cardigans can be matched with booties for a cozy autumn style. 

No matter what you wear with your leggings, make sure it's long enough. After all, some things are better left to the imagination.

Have a suggestion for what to wear with  leggings? Let me know in the comments.

Successfully Shop Online

Online shopping is great – you can do it from home, in your pj’s, and not have to fight through crowds at the mall. Often sites have online specials and flash sales are a girl’s best friend (or at least her credit card’s best friend).

Sadly, online shopping has a downside – you can’t try things on. While overheating and getting irritated in a too-small fitting room isn’t ideal, it is better than buying something with no idea of how it is going to fit.

Here are some tips to make your online shopping experience even better.

Get to know the brand.

Each brand fits differently. Even with the concept of consistent sizing, a 12 on one site might be equivalent to a 14 on another, or an 8 on yet another.

Fortunately, no matter which outlet you choose, the same brand will have the same sizes. Once you find a manufacturer you like, you’ll have a better idea of how their sizes fit and how accurate their descriptions are.

Look for sizing charts.

An inch is an inch, regardless of the name on the tag. Sizing charts are great for determining the size of each item for each brand.

Finding the size chart might not be easy. If it isn’t listed on the retail site, you may need to do a little digging. Visit the website for the manufacturer, and if it isn’t posted, try emailing their customer service department.

Review the return policy.

Any store that values return customers has a decent return policy. Let’s face it, 14 days is not sufficient when it takes that long for the item to arrive.

A return policy is necessary for brick and mortar stores but is essential for online retailers. After all, not everything is a perfect fit. If you’re buying from a retailer that doesn’t offer a return policy, or isn’t able to accommodate a reasonable request (i.e. having the item delivered within the time specified in the policy) you should probably take your money elsewhere.

Read customer reviews.

Reading the reviews others have left will give you a much more accurate idea of how the items fit than the description. The description of the item is great for facts such as the material used, colour, or washing instructions, but doesn’t always hit the mark in terms of fit.

Customer reviews will give you information about how things fit, especially in regards to whether they are big or small compared to other brands.

Also, take note of any negative reviews. When you can’t find a single negative comment (such as “delivery took forever”, or “fits way too small”) it is likely that the company is deliberately deleting those reviews. After all, nobody can make everyone happy all the time.

The way a retailer handles other customer service issues is an excellent indication of how they would handle any issues you may have. Ignoring the situation is not handling it, so you can assume your problem would also go unanswered and unposted.

Taking the Panic Out of Prints and Patterns

Not all of us are comfortable wearing patterns. For years I refused to put on any sort of stripe, terrified that I would be confused for an inflated version of Waldo that everybody could find without looking.

Fortunately, this fear has dissipated and stripes no longer terrify me. If you’ve been dying to try a print but are nervous about becoming your own version of Waldo, here are some ideas to ease you into the world of prints and patterns, without the accompanying panic.

Start Small

No matter what print you choose, start by adding a small amount to your usual outfits. This could be hair clips, bracelets, or a belt. I had one friend who started with socks.

Once you’re comfortable with this amount, try something a bit bigger, like a scarf or tank top. Before you know it, you’ll be wearing an all-over print dress.

Choose Classics

Some prints are safer than others. Along with their timeless popularity, this is why they’re considered classics. Patterns such as plaid, pinstripes, and hound’s tooth are all classic prints and can easily be paired with solids.

Eventually, you’ll be bold enough to select large polka dots, geometric shapes, and metallics.

Be Neutral

The least stressful way to incorporate patterns is to start with colours you’re comfortable with. Often this means neutral shades.

Start with neutral colours such as black, white, and navy, and work your way into all the shades of the rainbow. If you want to add another baby step, move into burgundy, forest green, and deep plums. These shades aren’t technically neutrals, but they’re dark enough that you can pretend.

Pick a Signature

Once you know which prints you like, choose one that is your go-to print. This will become your signature pattern, and you'll be known for rocking it. 

Personally, I adore cheetah print. Keep in mind that no matter what you choose, moderation is key.

Once you’ve mastered patterns, the next step is flaming batons. 

Five Ways to Transform Your Look from Day to Night

Going out after work doesn’t necessarily mean a trip home to get changed. If you’re anything like me, once you get home you don’t want to leave again.

With these five simple tips, you’ll be set to hit the town without the hassle of heading home.

 Bring a pair of heels to work

Adding heels, whether they’re stilettos, wedges, or kitten heels, immediately gives your outfit a boost for going out. Heels can get uncomfortable if you wear them all day, and are impractical for jobs that require a lot of walking or standing.

Bring a pair with you, and stash them under your desk, in your locker, or in your car until you’re ready to go.

 Let your hair down

Hair that is pinned up or back is more formal than hair that is left down. Letting your hair down at the end of the day isn’t only for going out – it is a mental cue that the work day is over.

When styling your hair in the morning, try twisting it around itself and pinning it in place (use bobby pins or clips, not an elastic which will leave a mark). When you let it down eight hours later, you’ll have loose waves for painting the town red (or in my case, a light beige).

 Change your top or bottom

Switching up one piece of your outfit will make it feel like a whole new getup. If you have formal bottoms, try changing it up with patterned or printed leggings. For a dressy top, consider swapping it out for something low cut or embellished.

Add some funky jewelry

If changing part of your outfit isn’t an option, add some accessories that are too loud for work, but perfect for going out.

This could include chunky bracelets, big earrings, or a statement necklace. Pick one of these, and add it to your outfit.

If dresses are your thing, add a belt to it. For simple and classic dress styles, try a brightly colored or patterned belt. For dresses with a print, add a metallic belt, or one with a statement buckle.

Change your makeup

Refreshing your makeup will make you feel like you’re ready to go out, but changing it up a bit will make your evening style stand out. Things such as dark lips and smoky eyes not appropriate for the work day, but adding one to your going-out look is a fun way to mix it up.

Follow these tips and you will be all set to hit the town.