Ladies trust me you can be comfortable and be pulled together and stylish at the same time, you don't have to give one up for the other.

Here are my basic  tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:

1. Quality Fabrics: When you invest in high-quality fabrics that feel good against your skin it makes a difference. I recommend looking for materials like cotton, linen, bamboo or soft knits which offer breathability and comfort. When you wear quality fabrics often they have a superior drape and finish. Why is this important? The drape and finish of your clothing significantly impacts how the clothes look and feel on you. A good drape allows the fabric to move with you ensuring comfort. It also ensures that the garment falls correctly on your body highlighting or downplaying the areas you love and the areas of your body that aren't your favorite. Inevitably good draping from quality fabrics makes feel better and can impact your mood and confidence.

                                                                              Mango Belen Halter Neck Linen Dress

2. Layering: Layering adds dimension to your outfit and allows you to adjust your comfort level throughout the day. I love layering with a cozy cardigan over the shoulders. You can pair it with a basic tee or cute print top and even a simple dress. Light layers can always be removed based on temperature changes. In the cooler months opt for a blazer or denim jacket. Layering offers you a way to express your personal style through combining colors, patterns and fabrics creatively.

3. Stylish Footwear: Comfort doesn’t mean compromising on style when it comes to footwear. Many designers have embraced the need for comfort without compromising on the aesthetic. Many shoes now have memory foam, cushioned insoles and provide arch support and comfort. I love Aersoles and Naturalizer for cute comfortable shoes. Pay attention to your feet!!  Shoes should feel good from the moment you put them on. They may fit in the store, but before wearing them out do another try on at the end of the day when your feet are a bit swollen to ensure they will fit.

                                                                                  Aerosoles Cosmos Platform Heel

4. Accessorize Thoughtfully: Not sure where to start with accessories? I recommend you start by creating a jewelry uniform. Pick a long and short minimalist necklace, a pair of studs and a pair hoops along with a stack of three bracelets that you can throw with pretty much anything. By keeping the accessories minimal you won't feel weighed down or uncomfortable. Having a simple set of "go-to" pieces of jewelry will make accessorizing easier and with time make you feel more comfortable switching it up.

5.  Fit Matters: First and foremost, properly fitting clothes are just more comfortable. Think about a pair of jeans that are too tight or a shirt that pulls at the shoulders. These are both uncomfortable and can distract you throughout the day and affect your mood and confidence.  Comfort comes from being able to move freely, so avoid anything that feels restrictive. This also means letting go of the clothes that no longer fit you. We all have those favorite jeans that don't quite fit the way they used to and they are so hard to part with, but do it. Having a closet cluttered with clothes that don't fit makes getting ready so much harder and can cause stress and anxiety.  Keeping clothes that don't fit take up physical in mental space. Love who you are at whatever size are, your weight doesn't limit you from looking your best, you do.   

I know many women like to hide in baggy clothing when they are not happy with their weight. They find comfort in baggy dresses or oversized shirts with leggings but the lack of definition can make your body look obscure and often makes you look larger. Regardless of your size wearing clothes that fit you and highlight the things you like about yourself will make you more comfortable in your skin and people will notice. 

Hey gorgeous! Ever nabbed that dress that's just a teeny bit too snug, thinking "Oh, I'll squeeze into it someday!"? But all it does is gather dust in your closet; or, you  wear it and you feel like a can of biscuits.  If this sounds like you, rest assured, you are not alone. We have all done it. Or, on the flip side, maybe you gained a few pounds and are drowning yourself in oversized clothes as if you’re playing hide and seek with your self-esteem.

Here's the secret to feeling good in your clothes: Wear clothes that fit you well. It really is that easy. When they fit you properly - you feel better wearing them. When your clothes fit, it’s less likely for them to ride up or ride down, or reveal something that you didn’t intend. This situation is even worse in professional situations or social settings where it’s important to look your best.  I hate to say it, but wearing clothes that are ill fitting can lead to numerous problems including chafing, cutting off circulation, and excessive sweating. 

A form of self-care is letting go of the clothes that no longer fit or you weren’t able to “get into”. And if you’re hiding in oversized clothing because you don’t want to want to buy clothes at “your size” you need to remember when you wear clothes that fit you properly you feel better and often look slimmer. 

Having clothes that fit you well is about understanding how to dress for your body type. Ladies, you're all unique and fabulous, so let's embrace it! Not sure how to find your body type? Not a problem, the link below is a body calculator where you put in your measurements and then it lets you know which body type category you fit into.

Body Calculator: www.calculator.net/body-type-calculator.html

After determining your body type, take the time to figure out what the best silhouettes and cuts work best for you. There is so much information on the internet that you can simply start your research on Google. I would start simple by researching the best tops or necklines and then move into other clothing styles.

 Before you buy anything, be sure to take the time to go through your closet and discover which pieces fit you well and make you feel fabulous and which pieces make you feel less than fantastic. I encourage you to remove the pieces that aren’t making you feel good because they are too tight or too big. You deserve to be in clothes that fit and make you feel amazing every single day.

Take an inventory of what you have and what you might need to complete outfits and allow you to mix and match your pieces. Now, the next time you go shopping you will know exactly what you need to purchase; and, what needs to remain at the store. Take time to buy pieces that fit your personal style and fit you properly.  Both will make getting ready easier. Trust me, understanding your body type can turn shopping from a chore into a joyride!

Having great basics in your closet is important for several reasons:

1. Versatility: Basics serve as the foundation of your wardrobe and can be mixed and matched with other items to create a variety of outfits for different occasions.

2. Timelessness: Classic basics like a white t-shirt, black pants, and a neutral sweater never go out of style, so you can wear them year after year without worrying about trends.

3. Simplicity: Basics are often understated and simple, making it easy to build an outfit without much thought or stress.

4. Cost Effective:  Investing in quality basics means you don't have to constantly replace them, saving you money in the long run. I always recommend that my clients invest in their pants. Great jeans and slacks will last for years.   

5. Comfort:  When your basics fit you well and make you feel good they become your go-to pieces for everyday wear because they are easy to wear all day long.

6. Style foundation: With a strong base of basics, you can experiment with more trendy or statement pieces without worrying about whether they'll match the rest of your wardrobe.

7. Ease of dressing: Having reliable basics makes it easier to get dressed every day, as you have go-to pieces you know will look good together.

Overall, a strong collection of basics provides a solid foundation for your wardrobe and helps streamline your style choices.