Last month I was invited to a Fashion Group meeting, a meeting with a group of fashion experts (according to themselves). The first question I asked myself was:  “What am I going to wear?” It’s not as if I don’t have any thing to wear or I don’t know what’s in style or even what my body type is. I definitely know how to enhance or cover up to make myself look more attractive.

The question however, was not how to look attractive, but how to look impressive. Once upon a time, dressing meant suitability, a necessity of life to cover oneself in public. Now dressing involves Performance and Antagonism. It’s all about dressing competition, dress to please others. In these situations, how do you figure out what’s appropriate for which affair?Remember, it’s not what you wear it’s how you wear it. Always think about the occasion and what’s appropriate. For example, for a spring afternoon wedding a nice sun dress is more suitable, but if you are one of those who like more constructed garments this is not the time to try on girly, frilly dresses. 

Keep it original.A wise man (or a smart woman) once said “Clothes are the outward expression of the inner person.” It’s always a good idea to choose an outfit that feels familiar, now I don’t mean to wear something that you’ve always worn several times, but to select only the style you feel comfortable in. Try something new and you’ll only end up questioning your own judgment, instead of enjoying yourself.I went to that meeting wearing a pair of skinny pants with long sweater which has a very long cowl neck, over a turtleneck shirt, with my favorite pair of Bebe stilettos. I kept every thing black to be on safe side since it was a designers meeting. For the splash of color I sported a really cute hot pink Coach purse. As I walked into the meeting my shoes became the object of conversation and also helped break the ice.

So the answer is “Be Yourself.” It applies to business meetings, job interviews, or even if you are going to the Oscars.  Of course you can’t wear a gown to business meeting. That’s not hard to figure out. Dress accordingly to the type of occasion, but bear in mind to wear something that is “your style” and be “In Style.” No matter what you are dressing for, remember to let your personality shine through. I once read somewhere, “We are never more mysterious, beautiful, or powerful than when we are ourselves.”

 --Sanjeeda