Dear Kelly,
I'm a 37 year-old professional woman from Chicago IL, and I have been invited to an art gallery opening in two weeks. I would like to make a great impression on everyone, but being around all these artsy types makes me a bit nervous! I fear they will all be dressed to the nines, and I will just blend into the background. I would love to look chic and stylish, but I usually just end up looking blah. I have a beautiful animal print clutch that I’ve never used because I don’t know what to wear with it, but this seems like it could finally be the right event. Should I find an animal print dress or top to wear with it? I'm new to the art scene but desperately want to look stylish, Help!
Anxious Anne
- Chicago, Illinois
Dear Anxious Anne,
I love your question. It gives me a chance to address one of my least favorite fashion faux pas… the tale of Ms. Matchy-Match and the Irresistible Desire to Wear Everything At Once!
You can be sure that everyone will be trying their hardest to look great at a gallery opening. It is surely a chance to show one’s artistic side, which is great, as long as you don’t distract everyone from the art.
One of my quintessential rules of style is based on what I call the “Yin-Yang of Style.” It’s all about complementary opposites for a greater overall look. An example of this would be wearing a simple, well-fitting black cocktail dress (Yin is your feminine, tranquil and soft side) and carrying a bold statement piece, like a gorgeous animal print clutch (Yang is your masculine, hard, fast, aggressive side). The two pieces together work together to create an overall smart, sexy, and sophisticated look.
The opposite of this rule would be something terrible, like a “Yang-Yang” combination with a leopard print dress paired with a leopard print clutch and matching heels, and good heavens, perhaps even dangly leopard print earrings! You want to be the talk of the party, but for all the right reasons!
You could also go “Yin-Yin” which would be too subtle and demure and no one would notice anything about your style, they would merely look away as nothing about you caught their eye… and no one wants that! Add a little yang, and you will always have a conversation-starter with you. Remember, it’s much easier for people to approach you if they can start by saying, “I love your bag… or your shoes, or your necklace, etc....”
And remember, you do not always have to carry bold accessories. Should you find you look best in a daring printed dress, then that’s your outfit’s “Yang.” You need to pair it with a simple, clean clutch made of good materials and nice hardware, and that will be your “Yin.” The perfect balance for a perfect stylish look.
As you get more experienced with the “Yin-Yang of Style,” your confidence in figuring out which is which will grow tremendously. You will easily spot what works together and what doesn’t. And when you get to that point, you can start taking more chances with your looks and you will be well on your way to your own amazing personal style!
Be confident,
Kelly
