Archives for April 2019

Use Style Bundles to Elevate Your Everyday Basics

Anyone can become stuck in his or her everyday basics—you know, the black sheath dress and tailored blazer for women, or for men, the dark suit and tie or basic jeans and navy sport coat.

Everyone wants a quick pick-me-up to stand out a bit more, so having the right style bundles makes you appear to be an influencer.

Style bundles are always accessories: ties, scarves, jewelry, shoes, nail polish, belts, hosiery, watches, hats etc. A style bundle is usually two to five items that, when added to basics, such as blouses, shirts, jackets, and dresses, can give the basic outfit a brand-new look.

A style bundle visually communicates to others that you pay attention to the details, and that they are worth the effort to do so. Let me give you some visual examples.


Spring has arrived on the calendar, yet the weather may still be stuck in Winter. Freshen your grey slacks or knit dresses with Spring Pastels in your best color palette.

Gentlemen can kick-up their style by stepping-up their details. Concentrate on a cohesive color, such as the navy, grey or burgundy in this example, for a more casual look.

Guys, weekends don’t need to be just boring jeans and a shirt. Add this style bundle in navy, with black, grey or denim. The texture of suede, plaid, and leather will have others taking notice and listening to whatever you have to say! That is influence.

Instantly change your energy and boost the mood of everyone around you with a pop of color, even wearing a basic white–collared blouse and black slacks or jeans. The details in this red example will have others noticing you – even better service from the barista when you wear a style bundle in your power color! Perhaps your power color is orange or teal – whatever it is, be sure it flatters your skin tone.

Feeling a little sassy? Use your style bundle to communicate it! Embrace a pop of Spring color that is sure to be noticed, yellow! Of course, you want to have the shade of yellow that suits your skin tone. This is clear sunshine yellow in a bundle that will work great with your navy’s and chocolates or denim basics. You will appear dressed for the season with minimal effort.

Tip #1: Start in your closet and drawers. I just know your closets contain under–used or unused accessories that are tucked away. All the closets I’ve visited over the last eight years have proven to me that everyone has forgotten goodies hidden away, items that the owners didn’t think went with anything or were saving for a special day. Today is your special day!

Tip #2: Lay everything out on a surface at one time. Begin to see the commonality of the items. Honor the memory that your sentimental items hold for you by using them, e.g. a scarf that has a similar color as the brooch your favorite aunt gave to you. The cufflinks that your dad gave you on your wedding day that add panache to the fedora you like to wear in the fall.

Tip #3: Step outside of your comfort zone. Try some new combinations. Push yourself. Watch how others react to you. Get your power colors near your face and feel your energy change and your confidence rise. Embrace your new, elevated style while not spending a dime, using what you already own!

Please share with me how this works for you. Did you experience any challenges or need input? Did you receive compliments? I want to know! Email Traci@TeeMcBee.com and share comments and photos.

ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

Wedding Appropriate: Five Tips for Great Guests

You received a Save the Date card for a wedding and marked it on your calendar. Now what?

Give some thought to the following:

  • Note how the invitation or save the date card is addressed. Is this just for you (if you are single) or is it a “plus one?” Still not sure? Reach out to the person you know the best in the wedding party — maid of honor, bride, groom or a parent — and discreetly ask without putting anyone on the spot. Their budget may be tight, and while they want you to share in their big moment, they might not be able to spring for a plus one. Don’t hold it against them.
  • Don’t assume your children are invited, even if it is a family wedding. Also don’t have an attitude if you find out no children are invited. Respect the bride and groom by allowing them to experience their wedding day the way they want.
  • RSVP immediately. Once you’ve decided one way or the other, let them know. They are making plans based on the RSVP’s they receive.
  • Give some thought to how you will dress on the day of the big event. Be aware of what the dress code will be. If not spelled out on the invite, clues can be had from the location, time of day, and the couple’s website (a very common feature now). It’s better to avoid going into debt for your outfit. First, shop your closet. You might not need a completely new outfit. When you have the right items in your closet, wearing a basic dress and upgrading the accessories will pay off. Women, use your shoes and accessories to elevate a simple dress. Men, wear your basic grey or navy suit, but give it some punch with a fresh color or print shirt and contrasting tie. This will be appropriate for most weddings.
  • Remember you want to be generous with the gift, so plan a budget with everything, including:
    • Travel expenses
    • Hotel
    • Tips
    • Wardrobe
    • Hair and nails
    • Bridal shower gift
    • Wedding gift
    • If the wedding is out town give some thought to expenses within your comfort level.

Wedding-Appropriate Guest Outfits:

10 Faux Pas to Avoid:

  1. Sneakers (unless the groom is wearing them)
  2. Flip-flops
  3. Shorts or capris or anything too casual
  4. Packing food to go. Asking to take food for later or for someone that couldn’t be there is rude. Unless they have cake slices boxed to go for everyone, refrain from asking.
  5. Graphic tees (even if you’re wearing a sport coat)
  6. Wearing all white (unless invited to do so)
  7. Drinking too much—Just because it’s open bar doesn’t mean you need to drink your money’s worth.
  8. Oversharing—Goes hand in hand with No. 7. Avoid any gossip about the couple.
  9. Dressing too casually—Over-dressing is better than under-dressing, including intentionally distressed clothing (even if it’s designer)
  10. Stealing the Spotlight—Recently I’ve heard of others getting engaged at a friend’s wedding! There must be only one star couple per event; wait until another day.
ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE: TRACI IS THE WARDROBE STYLIST AT TEEMCBEE IMAGE CONSULTING. SUBSCRIBE TO HER NEWSLETTER, SCHEDULE A STYLE STRATEGY CALL, OR REQUEST TEE SPEAKS TO INFUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH PASSION AND STYLE.

 

Traci's new book will help you

Master Your Evolving Style!

Click here to visit Amazon book page

Click here to visit Traci's Author Page