Marilyn Answers Your Questions

Dull winter days can be brightened with colourful winter clothing.

Sylvia writes, I am 5’1" tall and size 12-14. I am from Columbia and have lived in Canada for four years. I have perfected my English, trained as a teacher and I now teach immigrants like myself English. At school jeans and sweaters were my uniform. Now that I am going to work I realize that I don’t know how to dress professionally in a winter setting. I layer a turtleneck under my floral cotton shirts for warmth and wear tights under my jeans and summer cotton pants. I love colour so the bright summer clothing makes me happy. However although my work place is casual my choice of wardrobe looks to colourful and out or place. I am warm enough but I need to learn how to dress “Canadian”. Can you help me?

Dear Sylvia, Dressing appropriately for the work place is a challenge we all have. It is obvious that you want to fit in and look professional and presently feel at a disadvantage.

First, know that you should always dress to draw attention to your head and shoulders and get eye contact. This is accomplished by wearing lighter and brighter clothing above your waist and or adding accents strategically to frame your face. Your clothing should keep you comfortable regardless of the reading on the thermostat. In winter you are right to layer for warmth. However, using summer floral shirts as on outer layer might be bright and cheerful but it is not a good look for work. You need to build a fall/winter wardrobe.

Clean your closet and put your cotton florals and light cotton florals and light cotton pants and skirts away for next spring. Even though tights and turtlenecks make them warm enough, they don’t relate well as winter a wardrobe. Invest in pants that are in a heavier and solid fabric. You can still layer for warmth. If budget is an issue avoid heavy woolens and stick to heavier cottons, or microfibre and four season fabrics. Don’t abandon your brights if you are happier wearing them, opt for turtlenecks and tops in colours that flatter you. Anchor them with a jacket or cardigan or vest that matches your pants.

Dressing well is something that takes an effort. As with anything in life it can be learned. Be observant. Learn from magazines, television, and your fellow co-workers. When shopping go to a store that has staff that can give you advice and help you pull your own look together. Experiment and play with clothing in the store to see what fits and flatters you. Once you find a look that is comfortable and looks good, use it as your standard. Don’t buy anything that doesn’t measure up.

I am certain that with your desire to dress well you will easily train your eye and learn what works best for your Canadian winter work wardrobe. Fell free to call me or visit me if you want a free personal consultation.