Is Your Wardrobe Red Carpet Ready?

Inspiration from the Golden Globes

Hollywood’s A-listers are lucky to have designers that cut specifically for them. Did you see Claire Daines at the Golden Globes in her gorgeous hot pink dress sewn with perfection for her by Calvin Klein?

Unfortunately, most of us do not fall into the category of red carpet goddess (THIS week!), but with a little help from some designer experts, it is possible to apply some savvy Hollywood style tips to a wardrobe-retrofit, so that you have a closet that is ready to showcase you at any time!

Why is this important to your media trainer? Because when ABC, CBS or another media outlet needs you, you sometimes can have only hours to get camera-ready. There’s no time to run to the mall! For example: I had a client that received a call from the Today Show. They had her on camera within 90 minutes of the initial phone call!

Having a go-to camera-ready area of your closet is crucial preparation for media exposure. That’s why I dedicated a chapter to wardrobe in my latest training DVD, and I feel fortunate to have talented designers available to consult with my clients.
It’s that important.

My designer friends have given me 5 Hollywood Designer Tips to share with you:

1. Purge! This is cathartic! Remove absolutely everything from your wardrobe that does not let you feel fantastic. This means you must disregard the price you paid or who bought an item for you. If you don’t love it, toss it (or donate it)! You’ll open up the closet space for better things!

2. Know your shade. Notice what colors you are wearing when you get the most compliments and build on those. Note: If you have changed your hair drastically, chances are you’ll have to re-examine the color scheme of your closet!

3. Know your body type (really): Stand naked in front of the mirror, cover your face in your reflection with your hand so you see only your body. Are you a pear, apple or an hourglass? This is not what-you-would-like-to-be, or what-you-were-before-the baby, but really. By being honest with yourself you can dress your body in the most flattering way today. When your fitness commitment pays off, then you get to do this again! Key: Your wardrobe should change as you do. For more understanding of how to highlight your figure’s assets, look for my upcoming teleseminar with designer Noel Wu on February 1, 2011.

4. Build with essentials: We’ve heard it a thousand times (thanks, Mom!), but I admit, I didn’t appreciate this until I started to follow this rule: Basic, high quality pieces are the building blocks of a well-functioning wardrobe. Complimenting colors and basic neutrals can be layered, and your investment will go far and last longer than the sale items at the teen mall store. Not sure how to tell real quality? Ask a well-dressed friend to show you the difference in fabrics, stitching and buttons… once you can spot the good stuff, it makes those rare good deals even sweeter!

5. Get trendy highlights!: This is where you can have fun, and spend less; implementing trendy accessories or occasional pieces is a great way to stay up-to-the-minute with your style, but not spend a fortune! Animal prints the “hot” thing for the season? By a leopard tank, and layer it under your quality pieces!

My husband has a saying, “Control what you can and prepare as best as possible for the rest!”

In this case, eliminating clothing frustration protects your ability to concentrate on your message and the open door of opportunity that is a media interview.

Hey, it might not be red carpet right away, but it doesn’t hurt to plan for it!