Change Your Out-Look

Dress for Success

If you’re ready to change your look in a more thorough way, you can assess your wardrobe. (Everyone needs great clothes for work and for play, but often find they have “nothing to wear.”) Most experts advise “editing” your closet before you hit a single store rather than continuing to buy things you don’t really like. This means tossing—or donating—clothes that don’t fit and pitching shoes beyond repair or items that are no longer in style. If you haven’t worn it in a year, let it go. The reason most people hang on to what looked good in the past is because they don’t know how to adapt to a more modern version of what’s appropriate.

“Fashion is intimidating, especially to men,” says Edelstein. He suggests asking for help and doing some research to get more comfortable as you change your look. “It’s OK to go into a store and ask questions. If you have a friend who is particularly stylish, ask for help,” he says. You can also read magazines, watch films and take note of what you think looks good throughout your day. Try not to get overwhelmed, though. Fashion trends seem to change almost daily, and for some, it’s impossible to envision wearing any of it on a day-to-day basis. For most people, it’s about building a work wardrobe that makes them look polished and professional.