It’s summer and T-shirts reign.  Everywhere you look there is a sea of crewneck, shapeless, dreary-colored T-shirts.  How did they get to be a staple in so many people’s wardrobes? I keep hoping I’ll wake up and realize it was all a bad dream but no such luck!

So, what is the origin of the T-shirt?  I found this at (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-shirt):

“The T-shirt evolved from undergarments used in the 19th century, through cutting the one-piece “union suit” underwear into separate top and bottom garments, with the top long enough to tuck under the waistband of the bottoms. T-shirts, with and without buttons, were adopted by miners and stevedores during the late 1800s as a convenient covering for hot environments.

“T-shirts, as a slip on garment without buttons, originally became popular in the United States when they were issued by the U.S. Navy during or following the Spanish American War. These were a crew-necked, short-sleeved, white cotton undershirt to be worn under a uniform. It became common for sailors and Marines in work parties, the early submarines, and tropical climates to remove their uniform “jacket”, wearing (and soiling) only the undershirt. It is possible that the Navy uniform boards first discovered the T-shirt by watching dock crews.”

They, of course, got their name because of the shape of the shirt, a “T” (which, right there tells you it’s shapeless).  Because they are so universally loved, they are touted as being versatile and basic, and to be honest, they are neither.  Shocked?  Let me explain:

Your average shapeless T-shirt (with or without logos!) is universally unflattering, especially for most women who, surprise, have a shape! This is because:

• While women with a long neck and who are small busted might look acceptable (notice I didn’t say great!) in a crew neck, it is generally not anyone’s go-to neckline.  That tells you something.  Why settle?

• The sleeves usually hit at a bad point on the arms and often stick out making your body look wider than it is.  Yes, you can have them altered to improve the look, but 99.99% of people don’t and that still doesn’t address all the other issues with them.

• They are boxy and shapeless (which describes exactly how you will look in one), so it does absolutely nothing to flatter your figure (mostly because you can’t see your figure) and it does not (let me repeat that…does not!) make you appear smaller by trying to hide things.  In fact, it does just the opposite.  Ooops, I suspect that wasn’t your intent!

• The color (if it has one – often they are worn in white or light gray) usually fades within a few washings.

• More and more they are made out of lightweight, flimsy cotton that is very unforgiving (and often much more revealing) so it totally undermines the intended effect of “let’s hide this body.”

So, some manufacturers have tried to update the style to make it more appealing – with mixed results.  A few looks to avoid:

• Cap sleeves.  An unflattering sleeve length on many women, both from a balance perspective and where they hit on your arm.  Janet Wood (co-founder of the Fashion Fit Formula) says, “Non-puff cap sleeves can be successfully worn by teenagers with very toned arms, otherwise you are better off in a sleeveless top or with a short sleeve to your perfect pivotal point.”

• V-neckline. Usually a v-neck is more flattering but T-shirt companies often make the “V” too short so the balance is all wrong.

• Extreme fit. Now, instead of making them too baggy they are making them skin tight which is equally unflattering.  Can we have a little balance here, please!

So, yes, T-shirts are cheap and easy, but are they worth it?  Important note: Settling for something quick and easy at the expense of your personal satisfaction with how you look usually wears thin after awhile.

When buying a T-shirt, look for:

• Flattering Neckline: Generally a V-neck or Scoop.
• Sleeve Length: A short sleeve that hits below the widest part of your arm and doesn’t stick out, go 3/4 length sleeves, or sleeveless.
• Flattering Fit: Something that skims your body rather than swallowing it up or looking and feeling like it’s glued to you.
• Pattern: If a solid color is not your best look, try a fabulous pattern to distract the eye (it works wonders!).

As I write this I am sitting at my neighborhood café in a pair of comfy white jeans and a fabulous Glima T-shirt (this one, to be exact)

Once again, they are offering my readers a very special coupon (be sure to register on the site before you check out so the coupon code takes effect)!

Go to www.glima.com and use coupon code GINGER to receive the discount!

I look casual, comfortable, pulled together (I have a cute pair of earrings with it), and that’s the look so many women struggle with.  Give it a try and make a commitment to yourself to feel good whether you are going to work or running errands.  You’ll love how you feel!

(Want help? If this sounds interesting and like just what you need, then please fill out the “I Need Help” form, and we’ll find a time to talk (no charge and no expectation). This can be the first step towards creating a style you LOVE!)

It’s a familiar nightmare.   You arrive at a party and the host greets you.  It’s then that you realize you are wearing your pajamas or, worse, only a bath towel.   There’s no place to hide, and everyone is looking at you.  Thankfully, at that moment, you awaken to realize it was all a bad dream.  Phew!

These dreams often coincide with an invitation to a company picnic, baseball game or even a pool party with colleagues.  While declining the invitation is an option, it might not be the most prudent choice.  Short of praying for rain so it will be canceled, you are now left with the dilemma of what constitutes appropriate attire for such an event.

How do you choose a look that says relaxed and fun and yet still elicits a sense of proper business etiquette? You don’t want to dress down to the point of looking inappropriate and yet you also do not want to look like the office fuddy-duddy.  This is a concern that plagues many women prompting some to call in sick rather than risk looking foolish or feeling uncomfortable.

The stakes are higher for women than for men in these situations, especially in male-dominated professions. As John T. Malloy, author of “The New Women’s Dress for Success Book” says, “When men dress casually they lose some of their authority.  When women do the same, they lose most of theirs.”

While employees hail business casual as a desirable benefit, many women are either stymied by the lack of direction or overwhelmed by the options available.  Throw in a pool, barbeque pit, or baseball diamond and the challenge feels even greater.   Do you wear shorts, pants, or a skirt?  How about sneakers, sandals or flip-flops?

With summer in full swing it’s only a matter of time before the invitation arrives, so let’s address a few important considerations:

• When in doubt, ask.  It’s that simple.  If you are not sure what the expectations are or what others (especially those more senior than you) are wearing, simply ask.  You will often get more direction than you had or at least discover what someone else is wearing and perhaps even have a partner to talk to.

• Plan ahead.  Shopping at the last minute in desperation is rarely productive, efficient, or satisfying and will only add more angst to the situation.  If you don’t have what you need to feel comfortable, do a little research, take a trusted friend with you, or ask a personal shopper for help.

• Compromise. Cropped pants (although please forgo the cropped cargo pants in favor of something a little more upscale) can solve the dilemma of shorts, pants or a skirt.  Three-quarter length sleeves (unless it’s 100 degrees) can look comfortable and casual without concern about exposing your arms (some women worry about this).  Avoid T-shirts with advertisements on them, but do add color and fun embellishments.

As much as you might love your flip flops, I recommend highly against wearing them unless you are at the beach (and even then sandals can always do the job better).  They are ultra-casual and noisy (they aren’t called flip flops for nothing!)

• Keep Monday morning in mind.  Refrain from wearing anything too provocative, messy, or cutesy.  Leave your belly shirts, tube tops (in fact, abstain from anything that requires you to go braless), daisy dukes, and anything too sheer in the closet.  Remember that you have to see these people at work the next day.

• Keep it upscale. No, the outfit does not have to be expensive, by any stretch of the imagination, but it should not look like you are going to pick blueberries or clean your garage.  (If you have lost perspective on the viability of your casual wardrobe (it’s hard to be objective about ourselves sometimes), ask for feedback from a trusted friend or professional.  Better safe than uncomfortable.)

Remember, the idea of these company events is not to torture you but to have fun. Depending on the type of event, be sure to bring your sunscreen, bathing suit cover up, hat, nice sneakers (maybe there’s a company baseball game?) or a cool pair of sunglasses, and enjoy!

So, what’s your favorite work/summer outing outfit?  Please do share and inspire others, or, of course, ask questions!

This morning I woke up, and it was already in the upper 80’s. I don’t have air conditioning, so it’s not a pretty picture! I so live by the ocean, however, where a typical summer has maybe 4 or 5 days (at the most) when it’s unbearably hot. This year is already different and it’s only July!

One look at my schedule told me I couldn’t just stay home and wear my pretty teal sundress around the house. I was meeting a client at Denise Hajjar’s (a Boston designer) to choose the fabric for her wedding gown. It’s not a pretty picture getting dressed when the temperatures and the humidity soar (unless you are sequestered away in an air conditioned home). Believe me, nothing feels good when you are hot and sticky.

Everything I considered in my closet felt stifling. Lined pants…nope. A lined jacket…definitely not. A long sleeved jacket…forget it. I was running out of options fast. What’s left? A dress? Well, hmmm…that presents a whole other host of considerations.

I wear pants most of the time so very few people have seen me in a dress. It’s not because I don’t like dresses. I do. It’s the whole redhead, white, freckly leg thing. It means putting on stockings, and I prefer to avoid that whenever possible.

That said, I realized that a pair of stockings (toe-less so I could wear peep-toe slingbacks) was far preferable to pants and a jacket. So, I put on my simple Joseph Ribkoff dress, pretty jewelry, grabbed a cardigan in case I needed it and headed out. I got a compliment right away heading into the bank on my way into Boston. The best part was that I felt summery and unencumbered (even wearing stockings!).

So, what are a few tips for dressing well when you have to be out in the heat?

• Dress in layers. That way you can be cool walking around outside (or sitting in your car waiting for the air conditioning to cool it down) but look and feel professional at the office.
• Skim your body. Wearing clothes that are too tight will only add to the discomfort factor. Wear clothes that skim your body, show your shape without being glued to your skin. (This is good advice no matter what season it is!)
• Choose your fabrics wisely. Cotton and linen are great for cool dressing in the summer. But, some of you have a great aversion to linen (and, I know some of you love it). In general, linen looks best when it is lined (which might make it less appealing on a hot day) or when it is blended with another fabric to help control the wrinkle-factor. Cotton is great, but again, it’s often best when mixed with another fabric to help it hold its shape. The simple jersey microfiber dresses are fabulous and virtually wrinkle-proof.
• Lighten up your colors. Dark colors absorb the heat, so wearing lighter or brighter colors can help make you feel cool both literally and on an emotional level – because they are cheerier than dark colors on a bright, summer day.
• Sleeve length. 3/4 length sleeves are your friend. Somehow just baring that bit of forearm feels so much cooler than longer sleeves and yet still has a professional feel. (Beware of cap sleeves. While they are everywhere they actually flatter very few arms!)
• Summer legs. Okay, this is a topic many want to avoid and some will vehemently want to disagree. If you work in a conservative field and wear a dress or skirt, yes, stockings are important. They add a sense of professionalism, refinement and decorum. Save bare legs for more casual situations. You don’t have to wear pantyhose, however, thigh highs work wonders and they do make toeless panty hose that are fabulous.

If you want to know 10 styles to avoid, check out this month’s seminar on July 20 for those of you in the Boston area. (http://www.totalimageconsultants.com/events.shtml#unflattering)

My cats love to hide. Their disappearing acts are a constant source of amusement. Invariably, a tail is sticking out–sometimes even a whole back end. It’s the cutest thing! It’s just not particularly effective! Do they think that if they can’t see me, then I must not be able to see them?

I think women sometimes perceive their undergarments the same way. If they can’t see them, then no one else can either. It’s a case of out of sight, out of mind. As a result, we often see more than we care to and wonder why they aren’t aware of what’s so obvious to the rest of us.

Undergarments are the basis on which a look is created. An ill-fitting bra, improper support, or things sticking out in unusual places can totally undermine an otherwise beautiful look. Just as you wouldn’t ask a plumber to do an electrician’s job, you cannot ask a sports bra to do what a convertible bra must or wear a thong when support-wear is called for.

Here are four considerations:

Wayward Bra Straps: There’s a disturbing fashion trend out there of purposely visible bra straps. It befuddles me not because it’s obscene but mostly because it’s often unattractive. Not all bra straps are created equal. Here’s a rule of thumb: If your bra straps look like bra straps (which 99% of them do), keep them hidden. If you have a bra that matches your top perfectly and the straps are delicate and pretty so that you cannot tell the bra strap from the cami straps (maybe get some other input here because you cannot see your back (or be as objective) as well as someone else), then maybe a slight peek of bra strap every now and then is okay AND only for ultra-casual. Never, ever to the office.

You can also get some really pretty sparkly straps to put on your convertible bra for evenings out. So pretty!

Visible Panty Lines: Let’s end this problem forever. Before you leave the house, always take a look at yourself from behind. It’s that simple. Twist, turn, bend, and move. Can you see a pantyline? If so, there are many options out there that make pantylines disappear. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at the most comfortable thong at Hanky Panky lingerie or Spanx Hide & Sleek panty smoother or Commando underwear.

Visible Thong: Although it seems to be fashion gone awry with young men, the idea of exposing one’s underwear while wearing lowrise pants is downright unattractive on anyone. Again, check your rear view, and don’t just stand there. Bend over, move around. Get a glimpse at what the rest of the world sees. Underwear is meant to be just that…under-wear!

Misfitting Bra: I saved the best for last. Ill-fitting bras can ruin an outfit, and the number of women wearing the wrong size bra for their bodies is mind-boggling. When your bra fits well, clothing hangs better, darts fall in the right place, and everything looks more balanced. If you’re not sure, get fitted by someone who knows what she is doing. (A great option in the Boston area is www.nightanddaylingerie.com or in more cities www.myintimacy.com) It will forever give you a new appreciation of the value of undergarments.

The first step is awareness. Have you been taking your undergarments for granted? Do you buy a new bra and then don’t think about it again until it is so ragged and lifeless that it practically falls apart in the laundry? Do you figure that if it’s covered up no one else will know that your underwear desperately needs a makeover? The truth is that well-fitting, appropriate undergarments are seen only by you. Ill-fitting, inappropriate undies are “visible” to everyone. With a little forethought, it’s an easy problem to remedy, and the results are immediate and fabulous.

We all know that the first place people look when they meet you is your face. Your eyes, your smile, your teeth, your hair…they all say something about who you are and the image you want to project. In fact, anything on your face becomes a focal point and that includes your eyeglasses. Many people who wear glasses own only one pair and wear them every day. Depending on the glasses (or your personality), this can be good or bad.

As we’ve seen in the movies, glasses can figure prominently in creating a character. The main difference between Clark Kent and Superman (other than the obvious costume) is the glasses Clark wears. They help him present a reserved, bookish character in contrast to the worldly, heroic Superman. Want to look like a nerd? Choose the appropriate glasses, and you’re done. Want to look cool? Choose a pair of sunglasses that scream trendy (and are appropriate, of course, to your coloring and personal style), and you’re there. It’s truly amazing that something as seemingly benign as some wire or plastic and glass can so significantly affect how someone looks. But it can and does.

Just look at Sarah Palin who became known almost as much for her trendy eyeglasses as for her political views or the Jonas Brothers who have popularized ‘obvious’ glasses – their purpose is to wear glasses that scream “glasses!” Now every young person who idolizes the Jonas Brothers wants a pair. I know this because I was just shopping with a client for eyeglasses and the thick-rimmed plastic glasses are everywhere in almost every color.

So, if you want that look, you’re all set. If, however, like my client yesterday, you want something more befitting of your personality, I thought I would share a few tips:

• First, consider how often you replace your eyeglass frames? Is it every 1-2 years or more like every 5-10 years? Obviously something trendy will not stand the test of time, and a more classic look will serve you better.
• Take someone with you whose opinion you value–especially if you can’t see how you look when you’re trying them on.
• Go to a store that has lots of choices so you can really get an idea of what looks and feels good to you and not feel forced to choose from a limited selection.
• Glasses should complement your face, bone structure and coloring. If you’re only going to own one pair, be sure they do not overpower your features. If like my client, you want more than one pair then you can have “statement” glasses that are fun, quirky or creative.
• The top of the frame should cover your eyebrows or be slightly lower – never above your brows, or you look like you have two sets of eyebrows. I know this seems obvious to some but there are still a few people who are stuck in the 1980’s. (The only exception is sunglasses.)
• Your pupils should be centered in the lense of the eyeglasses.
• Get non-reflective, anti-glare lenses (no exceptions – although the saleswoman was telling us about one woman who refused to get non-reflective lenses because she was hoping the glare would detract from the wrinkles around her eyes!). They allow people to see your eyes more clearly when they talk with you, and they reduce the glare so you can see more clearly when you are driving at night. This is not a place to cut costs!
• No tinting – unless you have more than one pair of glasses. It obscures your eyes.
• This is not a time to let style, comfort or durability suffer in order to reduce the cost. You wear your glasses every day for the world (and you) to see. You should love how you look in them!

Glasses can be a wonderful accessory, but be careful. They can change your look immensely, for better or worse, and believe me, I’ve seen worse!!! The right glasses, on the other hand, are a fabulous expression of who you are. There’s a big difference!