Wardrobe and Outfit Coordination

✈️ 𝟓 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐈 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 Your suitcase should carry style, not stress. As a professional image consultant, I never pack more - I pack better. Here’s exactly how I style and pack for any trip: 1️⃣ 𝟐 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬, 𝟒 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐬, 𝟏 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 = 𝟏𝟎+ 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 Pick: 1 neutral trouser (black, beige or denim) 1 skirt or culotte in a complementary tone 4 tops (mix of solid, print, and texture) 1 blazer or overlay (linen in summer, wool-blend in winter) Day to night, casual to semi-formal - sorted. 2️⃣ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 = 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 A well-fitted blazer, a lightweight trench, or an ethnic shrug instantly elevates every look. ✔ Works with dresses, jeans, jumpsuits - even airport outfits. ✔ Adds structure and polish, minus the bulk. 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Only 4 essentials: 1 bold earring 1 pair of hoops or studs 1 silk scarf (wear it 4 ways!) 1 belt to cinch, shape, and style 🎯 Turn basics into signature looks with just these. 4️⃣ 𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 Choose a dress you can layer over or under: Shirt dress? Pair with leggings or buttoned open like a jacket. Maxi? Add a belt and layer with a shrug - looks like a new outfit. 5️⃣ 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞: 𝟏+𝟏+𝟏 1 comfy sneaker or flat 1 neutral slide or sandal 1 dressy pair for evenings 👠 That’s it - three pairs, all occasions covered. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐠.  𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. Pack smart. Dress sharp. Repeat nothing. #PackingHacks #StylistTips #TravelWardrobe #ImageConsulting #OutfitPlanning #SmartStyling #StyleWithPurpose #StyleOnTheGo #ManeeshaNagrath

Why your outfit looks basic — and how to fix it. As a designer and founder of an emerging luxury label, I’ve spent years observing the subtle difference between a look that stands out and one that simply fills space. And most of the time, it's not about the price tag. It's about intention. Here are four quiet but powerful reasons your outfit might not be resonating the way you want it to—and what you can shift: 1. You’re dressing from a place of safety, not identity. We often reach for pieces that feel familiar or “on trend.” But personal style begins where the trend ends. When you start asking, Does this reflect who I am today? — that’s when the shift happens. 2. You’re over-coordinating. A fully matched look may feel “put together,” but it often lacks dimension. Style lives in contrast. Whether it's mixing silhouettes, layering textures, or combining unexpected tones—it's the tension that creates impact. 3. You’re treating accessories as afterthoughts. Accessories are not just additions—they’re declarations. They bring balance, edge, or softness to a look. The right bag, the right frame, the right shoes—they finish the sentence your outfit is trying to say. 4. You’ve forgotten the power of presence. No outfit can speak louder than your body language. How you walk, stand, and occupy space—that’s what leaves an impression. Confidence is not a trait—it’s a decision you make every morning. And it transforms even the simplest look. When I design at BALAV, I’m not creating clothes for occasions. I’m building pieces for identity—because dressing well isn’t about being seen. It’s about being recognised. #PersonalStyle #LuxuryDesign #BrandBuilding #Balav #FashionAsIdentity #StyleConfidence #FoundersJourney

For years, I wore the label "overdressed" School classmates called me "bad fashion girlie," and in my early 20s, friends questioned why I was "so dressed up." Now when I post my fit-checks on Insta, I always get asked how do I look decent most days. Well, here is how I've found the sweet spot between personal style and contextual appropriateness. Fabric: The Foundation of Perception Structured fabrics = formality (wool, gabardine, thick cotton) • Flowing fabrics = creativity (silk, chiffon) Textured fabrics = approachability (tweed, linen, knits) 📍Action step: For each environment, select one structured piece paired with a textured or flowing element to balance perception. Color Theory: The Silent Communicator Power colors: Navy projects competence, burgundy signals confidence without aggression, forest green balances authority with approachability Contrast principle: High contrast (black/white) reads as more formal; low contrast (navy/gray) as more approachable 60-30-10 rule: 60% base color, 30% complementary color, 10% accent Action step: Identify your 3 best-performing colors and create capsule combinations following the 60-30-10 rule. Strategic Accessorizing: The Difference Maker • Rule of two: Never wear more than two noticeable accessories One statement piece: Allow a single element to command attention One timeliness piece: Like a watch Action step: Remove one accessory before leaving, then assess whether your outfit feels more balanced. What's your power-dressing strategy? Also, hope this helps!

Packing for a professional trip (What packing is vs What packing could be) In 15 days, I’m heading to the South of France to work with clients on their storytelling strategy. Harsh truth: Most people pack last minute. ….at least most people I talk to do. You usually end up overpacking things you never wear and paying extra baggage fees you never intended. You do get somewhere by planning ahead, especially if its a professional outing (and you don’t want to make a misstep in front of colleagues, who aren’t friends) -mapping complete outfits to activities -creating a capsule wardrobe -picking one color scheme I find investing time in mapping out my wardrobe on paper ahead of time (rather than last mnute) reaps the most valuable long term rewards–I’m present, professional, and confident. Here’s a confession: I was presenting on stage about 12 years ago. I had to wear a traditional Indian “saree” which is about 9 yards of fabric tucked artfully into a petticoat. Guess what I forgot? The petticoat. It gave birth to this packing methodology I’m teaching now. In this piece today, I’ll share my core principles of building a solid wardrobe from scratch for a trip somewhere warm and in a professional setting. Whether you are taking a 2 month work trip like me or doing a weekend away, this guide can help. My 3 core “packing” principles Principle 1: Map outfits to activities I once had a client show up to a skydiving retreat in a suit jacket and ballet flats. To avoid this on future retreats, I offer this manual (really) Write down all the activities you will be doing. Account for the temperature extremes day and night. -Cooking class (dress where I can have my arms free, but won’t worry about getting food on it) -Perfume-making class (Dress where I won’t worry about getting oils on it) -Writing and deep reflection work: Something comfortable and long, in case the choice is to sit on the floor. From there, I have a few go to items that I found that create reliable confidence for me. I can “set it and forget it.” Principle 2: Find a color theme The best advice I ever got when it comes to building a wardrobe for a trip is to pick one color theme and pack items that only fit in it. What this means: Think about your core color base and add pops of color with accessories An example: My core color base is a Santorini blue and white. I can accessorize with straw bags, gold jewelry. The point is that I pack less by picking items that all go together. For client work, where I have to look professional for the South of France (not New York), I make sure I”m not wearing anything too short, too revealing up top. For a fun jaunt to St. Tropez, still with a gathering of entrepreneurs poolside, I have a fab one piece swimsuit Principle 3: Map a capsule wardrobe. Link to article here: https://shorturl.at/laH5R I'm a recovering TV anchor helping 1 woman tell 1 raw and honest story about herself this year.

Avoid These Common Wardrobe Mistakes That Undermine Your Professional Image❌ In the ever-evolving world of business, your image remains a critical component of your personal brand. You've invested in building a capsule wardrobe, but even with the right pieces, simple mistakes can undermine the impact you're trying to create. First impressions last, and your clothing speaks volumes before you even say a word. Over the last twenty five years I've seen firsthand how easily these errors can detract from a professional's presence. Here are a few common pitfalls I see. 1. The Ill-Fitting suit or Blazer : A suit or blazer that doesn't fit properly is perhaps the most common and most damaging mistake. Whether it's too baggy, too tight, or the wrong length, an ill-fitting suit screams "unprofessional." I suggest Invest in purchasing from a quality specialist store and deal with someone who is knowledgeable in tailoring to guide you, the value of this is immeasurable. Trading up to a made to measure garment will give an even better fit. 2. Wearing outdated pieces - or the wrong styles for your industry. Wearing a three piece suit for a meeting with a tech company, no matter what quality the suit is won’t help you! You need to match your style to your audience and… “Dress for your Day” Think of the style currently needed for your industry and pick quality clothing that is appropriate for that industry. 3. Neglecting the Details (Shoes, Belts, Socks, the small things matter. Scuffed shoes, a mismatched belt, or brightly colored socks peeking out from under your trousers can ruin an otherwise polished look. I recommend to pay attention to the details. Invest in quality shoes and keep them well-maintained. Ensure your belt matches your shoes, and choose socks that complement your outfit, white socks don’t complement any professional outfit. Keeping your clothes in good condition is essential.. “Shirts or even T shirts should always be iorned” 4 Over-Accessorizing (or Under) Too many accessories can look cluttered and distracting. The bling look doesn’t look professional. Too few accessories can make you look bland. I recommend Strike a balance. Choose a few key accessories that complement your outfit and reflect your personal style. A watch in my opinion is important, a well-chosen pocket square in a blazer can go a long way, but not jewellery or bling. At Louis Copeland Pembroke Street, we believe in helping you to.. "Be the best version of yourself." A well-curated selection of clothes, free from these common mistakes, is essential for projecting confidence and professionalism. Would you like help refining your wardrobe and elevating your personal brand? Let’s connect 🤝 Click the “Book Appointment” button above or message me to 📆 schedule a consultation at our - 📍Pembroke Street Store- Together, we can ensure your wardrobe reflects the best version of you. Picture with Adrian Copeland