During a recent mastermind call, one participant shared her ambition for 2025: to speak on stages every week in the new year. This is an ambitious goal, and my first thought was, “You need plenty of outfits for that!”
However, I quickly realized she might need fewer outfits than I originally assumed. She doesn’t need a new outfit for every event if her audiences will not repeat. This efficient wardrobe strategy will empower her to make the most of her existing pieces. Moreover, the audiences will vary; some outfits must be formal, while others can be more business casual.
For example, if she purchased a matching suit for formal events, she could pair it with other pieces to make it casual for different occasions. This suit’s versatility will inspire her to think creatively about her wardrobe. Since she desires to speak more and seize new opportunities, it’s important to have a range of photos—from casual to formal settings—for her speaker profile. This diversity in looks will help her present herself as a polished and versatile speaker.
Creating five or more outfits from just one suit is the key to building a powerful wardrobe. The goal is to curate pieces that align with her ambitions for 2025, enabling her to feel confident and prepared for the opportunities ahead.
Let me provide an example of a suit from the brand L’AGENCE: a beautiful deep plum multi-chevron wool suit. I love this unique color, as it complements many women’s skin tones, although pairing it with other colors may feel challenging. It’s important to note that colors on the website may not always appear true to life, so the combinations I suggest for tops may differ slightly in reality. Nonetheless, these color ranges are endless options for this plum color combination.
Here is the complete suit as an outfit.
Now, let’s discuss the colors that complement this suit well. Shades like burgundy, brown, cream, light gray, lavender, and soft pinks work beautifully with deep plum. While black is also an option, I prefer to focus on often-overlooked colors.
Let’s explore various tops you can mix and match with your pants. I’ve selected a range of colored tops that would work well. As I always suggest, your choice of colors should reflect the energy you want to convey. By “energy,” I mean the mood or feeling you want to evoke in your audience. Softer hues like lavender create a delicate look when paired with off-whites or cream colors. In contrast, deeper shades like burgundy, brown, and darker grays offer a bold, grounding appearance that feels luxurious.
Consider the different energies you want to embody. If you’re attending an in-person event and wish to connect warmly with new people, softer lavender tops or subtle pinks would create an inviting atmosphere. However, a deep plum or chocolate silk brown top would provide a bolder presence if you want to stand out.
Links for tops:
4. Off the shoulder, soft pink sweater.
6. Cream, button-down cardigan.
7. Jersey, long sleeve grey top.
8. Chocolate brown silk sleeveless top.
The same color options for pants will work with the suit jacket are applicable, but I also recommend adding navy or dark denim dressier jeans, which look fabulous with this jacket, or a skirt that pairs well with the blazer.
Now you can see how that suit you love doesn’t have to create one outfit; it can make ten more when you add the right pieces on top or bottom. If you keep this tip in mind every time you shop, you will have more outfits in your closet than you did 100 percent of the time.
As you plan for your 2025 goals, consider a theme word for the year. Remember, your wardrobe is a part of your brand. It should support your energy and help create your success. Embracing your brand in your wardrobe choices will make you feel confident and authentic.
Consider treating yourself to one of my styling services this year. These services are designed to help you curate a wardrobe that aligns with your goals for 2025. Whether you need a complete wardrobe overhaul or just some advice on how to make the most of your existing pieces, I’m here to help. Book a Style Strategy Call to identify what you need to create a fresh image for 2025.