Look Great on a Budget

Look Great on a Budget

Brand name fashion and vintage can cost the name if found at the right place. Who says that a beautiful dress has to cost more than your rent? A gorgeous pair of leather boots does not have to fuse person’s toes together. Flat or two-inch high heels can still count as fashionable. Dressier Options:
Vintage wrap dresses

Certified Image consultant Margaret Batting suggests that women need to think about how they want to be perceived and dress accordingly.

“If you want to come across as confident, smart and fun, then your clothes need reflect these messages. Wear colors that compliment your natural coloring and bring out your eyes. You’ll be talking a lot on a first date and you want the person focused on your face and what you are saying.” Banning insists on making sure you are comfortable in an outfit that is not frumpy or too loose, meaning that you feel good in clothes that fit well and flatter your shape.

To portray a sexier side of you is a little tricky. Skin should be shown in moderation.

For example, Batting suggest that any woman with great legs should show them off but keep the top half of the body conservative and vise versa.

“If you have great legs, then rock a mini on the bottom half and wear a less revealing top. If you have great arms, wear a top that shows off your arms with a pair it of hot jeans or skinny pants and heals.”

Stella & Dot stylist Tracy Bennett suggests a nice light merino sweater, complimented with a simple blouse and nice jeans or cuffed jeans for a first date. Not too dressy, not too casual.
“If you are going to a nicer place, I would suggest trousers or slacks.”

For the slightly heavier woman:
Bennett insists on not wearing items that are too fitting. Nice jeans with a boot cut or flare would be a good choice. As for the top, it should show little to no pattern and dark in colour, flows in style but not too big.

For the thinner woman:
According to Bennett, a thinner, not so curvy lady looks best with a tunic, slimming jeans and boots. Bennett feels that is look is quite classy, assists in creating height and doesn’t play too much on the thin look, very voluptuous.

As for accessories, readers can check out www.fiveaccessories.com. Founded by Christine Hutchison, Five Accessories has everything from eco-friendly handbags to jewelry that will compliment any outfit at reasonable prices.

Meeting the parents:
It’s definitely not essential to look sexy when meeting the parents. Look and be classy all the way. Look confident, smart, sweet and as innocent as possible.

Depending on the venue, casual or dressy outfits could both come into play. Stylists and image consultants give their tips on this scenario.

Maragaret Batting: “For a casual meeting with the parents you can wear pants, a ruffled or feminine blouse topped with a stylish cardigan and maybe add a belt for interest. If it is a dressier occasion, a dress may be more appropriate. Either way, you want to come across as confident, approachable and friendly. This is not the time to wear revealing clothing. Again you want to come across as comfortable and authentic.”

Mary Kincaid: “When in doubt, it’s probably a good idea to border on the conservative side when it comes to meeting the parents, so stay away from trends. A tailored pair of trousers might make a nicer impression than jeans. A khaki skirt with a crisp white blouse looks pulled together. It still allows you express a bit of personality when you pair the outfit with a vintage scarf, necklace or beaded sweater.”