How to Look Awesome - Clothes Part 2

Remember your body shape? Have your measurements in hand? Good. Now we're ready for step 2.

Go through your closet. Anything that doesn't fit you or makes you look "frumpy" throw out or donate. Keep anything that makes you look impressively awesome.

NOTE: If you love something that is a little baggy, you can take it to a tailor or alter it yourself to better fit your body. I recently altered two of my husband's tees and they now look awesome. One makes me feel like a 70s rocker and the other channels Jingletown.

Here's the second painful (or fun) bit. It's time to replace the pieces you just chucked.

For an impressively awesome wardrobe you should have at least the following in neutral colors:

• 1 suit
• 1 jacket/coat
• 1 pair dress pants
• 1 skirt (for the ladies)
• 3 basic knit tops
• 3 dress shirts/blouses
• 2 pairs jeans (casual pants)
• socks (of course)
• underwear (of course)
• 1 pair dress shoes
• 1 pair sneakers/casual shoes

Obviously your underwear and your socks shouldn't be donated or thrown out (with the exception of bras, but we'll get there in another post). You probably can keep your sneakers and your dress shoes you already own (unless they look ridiculous. If they're ridiculous, get rid of them. Just saying.).

If you don't have a suit already (that fits), this is going to be an investment. It is worth it!  Suits make you look dignified and in charge. Trust me - you should own at least 1. The jacket and pants can be worn separately too, which adds options. Expect to shell out for this useful garment.

Everything else can be found in interesting fabrics and styles at discount stores (Ross or Marshalls) or Goodwill.

If you have no other clothes than this basic closet, you'd be fine (other than having to do laundry twice a week). With just a few accessories however, you can take your wardrobe to the next level. Accessories are cheap and are the difference between awesome and bleh. Feel free to get a few in brighter colors or patterns. Scarves, bags, belts, and hats can be found for super cheap at second-hand shops (make sure to clean any used clothing or accessories to keep out cooties!). Most of my silk scarves were purchased at second-hand shops for around $2 each. They add color, verve, and were totally worth it.

Now you have your wardrobe set. You're ready to hit the karaoke bar or the library looking spectacular. Well, almost. There's just one last bit for the ladies. It's a special one for October (think: breast cancer awareness!) and it truly makes the difference between you being pretty cute to absolutely fan-fricking-tastic!