A recent disappointing incident prompted me to discuss the subject of this column. My last column, “If You’re Going to Do It…Do It Right?”, expressed my concern with folks half-stepping when they are making fashion adjustments. After more thought regarding that subject, I’ve come to realize that it is in fact extremely broad and should be covered as much as possible through my fashion advisories. I know most of you reading this may hate labels, but when it all boils down we all fall into some type of category whether we like it or not. So I say, GET OVER IT! I am some what old-fashioned and believe that if you are going to be labeled under a particular category, willingly or not, you should be the best at whatever role it may be. For instance, I conducted a survey questioning what should be in a feminine person’s closet and an aggressive person’s closet. Now let me clarify some terms…when I say feminine this includes whether you are straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, etcetera, etcetera. With respect to aggressive people, this includes butches, studs, men, again, trans-gender, etcetera, etcetera. In short, it does not matter what sex you are, however, the basis of how you identify yourself to others and perhaps your natural mannerism and characteristics.

Back to the survey…Needless to say, it turned out to be quite predictable and the results are as follows:

Now if you are one of those people who fall between the crack of feminine and aggressive, you should have ALL of the above named items in your closet. No excuses! As you can see, the expected items are pretty stereotypical and I must admit standard. But what about those “special occasions”? Will you be dressed and ready if your significant other asked you to join him/her to a black tie affair, an extravagant dinner, or even a wedding? If you only have the above noted item in your closet, one of three things will happen: 1) You will have to run out, if time and/or money permits, to purchase an outfit; 2) You will not have time and/or money to buy a new outfit, and thus, you and your partner sit home watching re-runs on Lifetime….borrrrring; or 3) Your other significant does not give flying foot whether you go or not, which leaves you sitting at home watching re-runs on Lifetime!

Let’s also not forget those stay-in nights, which requires you to pull out all of your sexy tools. Toys and gadgets are fun, but it is better to have a complimenting sexy outfit and shoes to get things heated up.

As we become more mature, different things are expected of us, socially, professionally, and romantically. You do not want to be left in the dark, so fortunate I am here and I’ve compiled a list of items you must have in your closet in addition to the fashion cliches as listed above.

So there you have! Two complete lists of what’s expected to be in your closet for most occasions. Next time your better half inquires, “Are you dressed?” You can charmingly waltz to them and say, “Always for you babe!” Fairy tale? Probably not. By making some meager inexpensive adjustments or supplements to your wardrobe, you won’t have to fret about what to wear or receiving another label, the uninvited. This advice is not just for esthetic purposes, but for every day life. Think about it. As we get older not only should our personalities mature, but our apparel as well. From job interviews to black tie affairs to friends and family getting married you should be prepared for all occasions just as you are for the casual ones. Change is good. Are you dressed?

As usual, thanks for reading! Peace and Love.