Planning Ahead
An argument for pulling your look together well in advance of any significant event
Ever find yourself working to put together the perfect outfit for a special event, only to realize time is slipping away? Whether it’s a black-tie gala, a graduation, or a high-profile business event, the pressure to look impeccable can be overwhelming, particularly with tight deadlines.
I often receive inquiries from potential clients seeking a curated look for an event that’s just a week away. While I’m eager to assist them whenever possible, I find that having more time enables me to craft the perfect ensemble with ease. It’s not that I can’t assemble a stunning look swiftly, but a time constraint can limit the retailers that are part of our consideration set, necessitate costly expedited shipping, and leave no room for alterations or unforeseen delays. To avoid last-minute rushes, whether working with a stylist or on your own, I recommend planning ahead. Identify notable upcoming events on your calendar and start to assemble your look about a month in advance.
With some advance planning, you’ll have time to:
Research the dress code
Out of respect for the host, make every effort to follow the intended dress code, which you’ll often find indicated on the invitation. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the host to clarify. If you're uncertain about how to adhere to the dress code, consult resources like Google, ChatGPT, or Pinterest to find examples and guidance.
Research the venue
Check the weather forecast for your venue to gauge the expected temperatures during your event. This step will aid you in determining whether you should layer your outfit with outerwear. Similarly, study images of the venue to assess if there are any cobblestone or grassy paths to navigate, as this factor would influence your choice of footwear.
Consider an array of options
Once you understand the dress code and any outfit guardrails imposed by the venue, select your outfit. If you already have something that you can wear (and I highly advocate shopping your closet), pull it out to make sure it’s in good condition and still fits well. For instance, I recently pulled out a blazer that I plan to wear to an event later this month, and upon inspection, discovered that it had a small mark on the lapel. Luckily, I had time to have it cleaned before I wanted to wear it, but had I noticed it at the last minute, I would have needed to rethink my outfit choice.
If you need to buy something new, planning ahead provides you with the flexibility to explore the inventory at a wide range of retailers, regardless of their typical shipping speed, thereby expanding your pool of options. When shopping online, I advise my clients to consider ordering multiple options, each in varying sizes, unless you’re already familiar with the fit of the brand you’re buying – but only after carefully reviewing the retailers’ return policies. However, it's essential to order multiples only if you're committed to promptly returning items that don't work. To that end, make sure to try things on shortly after they’ve arrived so that you don’t miss return windows.
Find inspiration in my Instagram posts on @the.stylish.sabbatical, including these latest images showcasing looks that would be ideal for a stylish guest at a garden wedding. As usual, I’ve created looks for women with spring, summer, autumn, and winter coloring. If you’re new to The Stylish Sabbatical and eager to understand seasonal color palettes and the benefits of aligning your clothing and accessories with your innate coloring, I encourage you to read an article I wrote on this topic [linked here].
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Perfect the fit
Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and standard sizing often fails to accommodate individual variations. The expertise of a skilled tailor can be invaluable. Whether it's adjusting the hem of a pair of pants or taking in the waist of a dress, tailoring can transform an ill-fitting garment into one that flatters your unique silhouette. If you suspect that a newly purchased garment could benefit from the expertise of a skilled tailor, consider consulting them before removing the tags. They can assess whether the alteration you’re seeking is feasible.
Accessorize thoughtfully
Complete your ensemble with the careful selection of jewelry, shoes, and a handbag. The right accessories can elevate your look and make a statement. It's essential to ensure that the formality of these items matches both the dress code and the overall style of your outfit.
Polish your look
Time your hair cut or color appointments strategically to ensure that you’re well-groomed for the event. Haircuts and color treatments often look more natural and lived-in about a week after the initial appointment. Plus, getting your hair done well in advance of the event helps to avoid last-minute stress. You'll have ample time to schedule any adjustments, if needed, without feeling rushed or panicked.
In addition to your hair, consider pampering yourself with a manicure and pedicure to add the finishing touch to your appearance.
On the day before or the day of the event, make sure to steam or press your outfit to ensure you look sharp.
Smile and enjoy yourself
Advance planning empowers you to curate a look that exudes confidence. Now, top off your ensemble with your best accessory: a warm smile. With your appearance taken care of, enjoy the company of friends or colleagues and enjoy being fully present in the moment.