We here at DFI have a few simple rules.

Let’s review the universal truths for a well-dressed member.

First, take a good long look at yourself and determine what is your best feature. Once you’ve identified that, don’t ever, ever, do anything that will detract from it. Conversely if you have a “problem” area, don’t ever do anything that will bring unnecessary attention to it. For example, thin lips, don’t wear red lipstick, double chin, keep the frilly necklines to a minimum.

Second, how old are you? Age inappropriate clothing is a huge no no. If you are 50 and still shopping at Limited please stop. Trust me they have nothing for you there. Young women, it’s ok to stretch a few boundaries, but serious some of you look like hookers. Young and fun, bright colors, funky jewelry is ok, but if you don’t have a flat stomach, we don’t want to see it.

Third, what is the activity, time and event you are attending? Dress appropriately for the occasion. Daytime events, spare us the glitz, evening events, spare us the sweat suits. If you are a candidate it’s never ever Ok to not look like you are a professional running for office. Wear whatever you want inside your home, but don’t take the zebra prints, stirrup pants and too tight t-shirts into the street.

Forth, fashion is what is being sold in the mall; style is what you do with it. If you have a signature style, don’t mess with it (if it’s a good one). If you want to make a change, do it gradually, not over night. For instance, Mayor Franklin is known for her flower pins, many have been gifts from her constituents. If all of a sudden she just stopped wearing them, it would be odd. But if she wanted to tone them down, they could gradually get smaller and then be worn only for special occasions.

Fifth and in some ways the most important, what time of year is it? There are only 4 items in an entire wardrobe that may be worn year round. They are 1. Black leather pumps, or oxford shoes. 2. Jeans, 3. Khaki twill pants. 4. White, cream or blue oxford cloth shirts. Everything else in your wardrobe is seasonal. Every 6 months is an appropriate time to review, I suggest April and October for Georgia. Just as you don’t wear black leather in July (well unless your going to the Eagle, but that fits with #3) I don’t want to see the same dress in January and August.

Hair and other grooming lessons will be covered under a separate post…