I hope I haven’t lost my readership completely after digressing into personal style issues for a couple of weeks.

Apologies to men in the audience for this round of girl-style commentary. And, to those who have decided that ktcosmos is entirely too vain, or shallow, or superficial, oh well.

I lived for many years in a household consisting of a husband and four boys. I grew up in a family of two brothers and boy cousins, leaving me, the only daughter/sister/niece/granddaughter.

If anything, some serious consideration of personal style is waaayyyyy overdue for this woman.

In reality, everyone has a style and the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with yours. If you prefer to mix work and gardening or cooking, you’ll find yourself in the office in a stained apron or jeans with muddy knees sometimes. I know I do!

Here are suggestions from readers for anyone who is feeling they have become too sloppy or casual or generally uncomfortable in their appearance. Hey, if this doesn’t apply to you, don’t read it!

Terri Orlowski, a Virtual Assistant, says:
“Evaluate your target market and your industry. If you’re marketing yourself to mostly bankers, hang on to the business suits. If it’s mostly other home-preneurs or small business owners, maybe a more casual, but still put-together, wardrobe is appropriate.”

Skyla Higgins, currently a stay-at-home-mom, says:
“The most important part of your clothes is your bra, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of your outfit is, if your bra doesn’t fit you correctly it ruins everything! Bras are what we wear everyday and we need the proper support and lift. DO NOT BUY CHEAP BRAS!!!! It’s great if it’s on sale but think about it, a better bra means better results, especially in the long run! Do not dry bras in the dryer, it ruins the elastic. Make sure to get fitted at least twice a year, our body’s change and that includes our chest!

“I find if you have cute shoes and a cute purse you really feel better about yourself and what you are wearing (sounds shallow but it’s true) When you love what you have on you feel more confident and happy! Find the item that makes you feel that way and utilize it!”

Dana Fortier, a Virtual Assistant, says:
“What I wear at home when I’m working and not going anywhere WILL NOT translate into what anyone should wear. I’ve been known to stay in my PJ’s all day! You should have an alternative type of outfit that you’re comfortable in that is easy to throw on that is NOT sweats or PJ’s. Right now, I’m wearing my alternative: Grey slacks w/ a little stretch and a long-sleeve tee shirt. Not the most fashionable, but I’m comfortable, and when I had to go get my daughter from ice skating earlier, I wasn’t embarrassed to be seen.”

Karin Wilson, a Graphic Designer, says:
“How funny you picked this topic, because it was a recent challenge for me.

“First, I was feeling like I was getting sloppy with the cold weather setting in - just wanting to wear whatever was warm or comfortable.
Second, I like younger clothes, but don’t want my gently spreading middle to be peeking out at the world.

“The second thing was making shopping a challenge. And I hate malls.

“One of my clients opened a clothes store with the middle aged, young-at-heart in mind. She went out and found all these vendors that have funky, stylish, fun fashions in adult sizes (longer cuts, room for hips and butts). What an awesome place. Some of her things are special accent pieces and some have just a little something special (jeans with a floral pattern stitched up the side in the same color as the jean - just a nice extra accent).

“I get dressed in the morning with the idea that I might have to run out for an appointment (lunch, Dr., coffee, whatever). Casual, but neat. Then if I do have to go anywhere all I have to add is some jewelry. Then on Friday I might get into my sweats and just be comfortable. I hate to shop, but I hate to suddenly find I’ve got “nothing to wear” more. So I’ve been making a point of taking stock every 6 months.”

Meg Dalstrup, a Virtual Assistant, says:
“Dress appropriately. If your clients are C-level executives, stick to suits, or ask their admin what constitutes customary attire in their workplace. You ARE their admin? Then you know what to expect. If your clients are in the entertainment biz, you can probably dress more dramatically, with an eye-catching handbag or tote, fashion-forward makeup — note the dark eyeliner and mascara on models — and bling.

“With most of my clients, I do wear skirt-suits with pumps and nylons or pantsuits with pumps or boots. I buy good-quality suits and keep them more than 10 years. You can update a suit with a new blouse or “cammie,” accessories, and scarves. The latter are so versatile, aren’t they?

“Where do I shop? I love Nordstrom’s — got a splendid black wool skirtsuit and luscious silk blouse there several years ago, but go there seldom these days. Ross often yields good value. Our local Goodwill thrift store has outstanding bargains. I just bought a soft, thick navy-colored sweater there (L. L. Bean, made in Ireland) for $3. Last year, I bought a well-tailored, fully-lined Jones of New York black pantsuit for $10. That outfit seems to be the uniform for the women at high-level events here in the Silicon Valley.

“I tend to buy colors that go with what I already have — black, khaki, white, navy, plus a bright red suit for the holidays I bought in 1989. And since my closet is stuffed to the proverbial gills, I either pitch or donate to Goodwill any outdated things I know I won’t wear anymore. I’ve started a collection of suits and jackets (I can no longer wear size 6!) to donate to an organization that helps women dress well for entry into the workforce.”

Lauren Hidden, Virtual Assistant & Author, says:
“One of my closest friends has threatened to submit my name to
“What Not to Wear”. I like to think I’ve gotten better over the years, but only slightly. I have lots of very casual clothes which are only updated when I haven’t just had to recently buy my kids or husband some! I wear them during normal work days. I’ve been doing this long enough that as soon as I sit in my computer chair, my mind is in work mode, so it doesn’t matter what I wear.

“I also have “just scraping by” business casual, lol, which might be a
nice-looking button-down shirt or a sweater, or dressier top and khakis. I might wear these to lunch with a friend/close networking contact or if I’m volunteering at the elementary school. I also usually have 3-4 “dressier casual” outfits per season (usually only bought the day before I go to a conference). I’m much more comfortable in pants suits or dressier 2-piece outfits than dresses or skirts, so that’s what I usually buy.

“But if I have to run to the post office or the grocery store, I wear
whatever I happen to have on. I like the comment I got from a teacher two years ago when dropping off my son at preschool. “Ohhhh, that’s what you do. We were wondering why you didn’t dress like the other full-time moms!” LOL.

“Eventually I want to hire an image consultant. Baby steps though, lol.”

Amy, college student (and ktcosmos’ niece!), says:
“If you feel your wardrobe may has become to sloppy, just try and dress it up a little bit. Target has a lot of simple blouses and nice dress pants that are still simple, but add a professional look for the everyday person.”

Linda Williams, Virtual Assistant, says:
“I review my closet at least twice a year as I move out the last season, and move in the new season. Usually this is early spring and early fall. I have gotten more ruthless over the years on what I get rid of. If I haven’t worn it it usually goes, unless it is a special occasion item. I also remove items if I wear it and feel uncomfortable, or I try it on to wear and don’t like it. I get rid of it immediately. Don’t waste your time again on it.

“I keep updated by watching fashion segments on the Today show and looking at fashion magazines and by what I see in the store. Fit is huge for me. If it is not comfortable it is gone, but it also has to look fabulous or its gone too.

“Ok….I was trying to not promote my Weekenders Fashions, but now I have to! You must pack things that mix and match and can be worn more than one way. Many times I only pack one color with maybe only one item to add a splash of color, or jewelry or accessories to jazz it up. Of course pack items that don’t need ironing when you get there, items that can be easily layered, and items that can be worn to almost any occasion with just a change of jewelry and shoes.

“It is soooo important to always look your best. NO matter what you do, stay-at-home-Mom, stay-at-home-entrepreneur or executive, the old adage always applies: dress for success. It is a matter of professionalism and respect. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard of impressions I have made on people simply by dressing nicely. Again I have to go to Weekenders Fashions. Anyone can wear these clothes and look great all the time. They feel like your most comfy sweats and jeans but look a million times better. Even if you had a great top to your jeans it makes a difference. Wear clothes that fit. I think most people wear clothes a little too big which makes them look sloppy. Also, pick a dark neutral to be your base, whether it be black, dark dark navy or chocolate brown, this can look so much nicer than sweats or jeans.”

Thanks for your contributions, ladies. This has been fun!

Speaking of style, here’s what’s related:

Are You a Virtual Assistant Fashionista? A Collaborative Series

VA Fashionista Part 1: Review and Edit Your Wardrobe

VA Fashionista Part 2: Scrutinizing and Updating Your Wardrobe

VA Fashionista Part 3: Use Your Retooled Wardrobe to Best Advantage When Traveling

… and finally, some content from elsewhere online:

Home Front: Work-at-home wardrobe rules (sent my way by a fellow IVAA member, Sharon Heywood. Thank you, Sharon!)