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Can you remember a time when you had something on that really lit you up? Like you didn’t just walk by the mirror and try to hide from it rather you stopped and gave yourself a little smile? Like you felt EMPOWERED, fully yourself, confident, and maybe even HOT? I hope you have a picture in your head right now and it’s so vibrant that you are wondering if you still have that outfit. If you can’t remember a time like that, we need to chat stat! But here’s where I’m going with this….why don’t we aim to feel that way EVERYDAY? Sure, maybe that outfit was something you wore to a special event that you wouldn’t wear in your day to day life, but why aren’t we trying to emulate the feeling that outfit gave us in our everyday lives? I think it’s because we don’t think it’s possible. I’m here to prove that notion wrong. Thats what we are talking about here. Thats the power of clothes and that is what this yellow dress is all about.
How many of us remember this movie as a classic rom com that was not only fun to watch but gave us a serious crush on Matthew McConaughey? No? Just me? I highly doubt that! Beyond my younger self having a thing for the lead male, I think we all remember Kate and her to die for wardrobe. Specifically that yellow number she wore at the end of the movie. I mean, I remember wanting my wedding dress to resemble it! And it kind of did actually. How funny is it that a single item of clothing in a movie can have that kind of impression on a person? One that we still remember YEARS later? In fact it’s one of the most searched dresses on google to this day and that’s what I want to talk about here.
How can a single item of clothing capture so much attention?
Part of what makes an item of clothing so captivating is the person wearing it. And what’s magical about that item is what it does to that person. That yellow dress was and still is beautiful, but the way Kate lit up on screen as that character was what made us all want to be her. She was dazzling at that party and everyone knew it. Yes, she was fun to look at, and that is what drew people to her initially, but her energy is what kept people rapt. And you better believe when she put that dress on, she felt that magic even though she was playing a part. Now, that dress isn’t something you are going to wear around in your everyday life. Its for special occasions only, which if you’ve been here for any length of time, isn’t what I preach here. I am ALL about practicality. But that being said, I want your everyday clothes to do what this yellow dress did for Kate. Is it possible for your T-shirt and jeans to feel like magic? You bet your ass it is.
Let's dissect the reasons behind the lasting impact of this dress
It’s easy to look at Kate in the stunning number and appreciate how pretty she looks in it but I’d like to breakdown WHY this dress is left such an impression on all of us. In other words, why it worked so well on her. That way we can take these lessons and apply them to our own, non yellow dress wardrobes ;)
One, that dress is made for a body like Kate’s. She is tiny, with very few curves so that unforgiving satin presents very few problems for her. For most women, this would not be the case. But the stylists did their job well here. They chose a dress with a drop waist, made for a body with a long torso, a very small chest, and one that would provide curvature where there wasn’t much.
Two, the color choice. They chose a color that complimented Kate’s skin tone and overall palette. Not everyone could pull on a bright yellow satin gown but she glowed in it (another reason we all want that freaking dress;) Paying attention to how colors enhance or detract from your own palette is a big part of the equation.
Finally, they accentuated her best features. Kate has a tiny waist which they accented with the waistband of the dress. And they really played up her bone structure. She has a dainty upper body, so the thick straps and deep open back showed off those features big time.
Bringing Style to Life: Practical Tips for Transforming Your Closet
I feel like I’ve said this a million times, but I’ll keep saying it, because it’s the most important thing to making clothes work for you rather than against. You’ve got to understand your body shape. Clothes are cut a specific way that are either going to flatter or frump your figure. Often times this is the thing that makes you either cringe or smile when you look in the mirror.
In studies, colors have been shown to change alpha brain waves. When color is transmitted from the eye to the brain, the brain releases a hormone affecting the emotions, mind clarity and energy levels. How cool is that?! Now wonder I am, and I am sure I am not alone in this, drawn to the vibrant colors in this season. They are literally sending signals to our body that light us up from within. BRING IT ON!
When I asked you to remember a time where you felt like Kate did in this dress, what were you wearing? Likely it was something that was super flattering and accentuated the features of your body that you really like. What are those features? Maybe you like your shoulders and want to find tops that highlight them. Maybe you have great legs and showing them off always makes you feel your best. Whatever you like most, find pieces that were made to show them off. More ideas about how to find items for your body type here.
Should you buy something just because it’s cute…or even a stunner?
Sometimes we try things on and immediately fall in love with them, but those items might not be the most practical or you just aren’t sure it should come home with you. I might feel this way about something like the yellow dress….although in my case it would likely be black and not satin ;). Here’s what goes through my mind when I am deciding on whether on not to get something.
Do I have a reason to wear it? If I don’t, I probably won’t get it. Sometimes that’s a real heart breaker but I am really practical when it comes to my wardrobe. I want to be able to WEAR the clothes I have in my closet. If I really love it, but know I shouldn’t buy it, I’ll snap a few pics of myself in it because I want to remember how good it made me feel.
How cute is it? I like to ask myself this question when I’m on the fence about an item. IS it really that cute? If I can’t answer it myself, I’ll step out and ask someone who works there. Or I’ll send a pic to a friend and get a second opinion.
Price point matters. If we are talking about a $20 top here, I am not going to sweat the decision much. If we are talking about a bigger investment, the item better be one I see myself wearing a lot to the point where cost per wear make sense.
Say Yes to the Dress!
Ok, Ok, Ok, you all are probably wanting some ideas about where to find the dang dress I’ve been going on an on about this whole time. I haven’t been able to find the exact dress but I have found some pretty awesome dupes! Would I wear these dresses? I want to believe that I could pull them off, but the fact of the matter is, a form fitting satin number is flat out one of the hardest silhouettes to wear. It’s very unforgiving and will show every flaw…..BUT there are things you can do to make it work for you and part of that may be switching out the color, wearing the proper under-things. It CAN be done!
Ready to really LEARN more about how this all works and how to achieve personal style with ease? A good place to start is checking out my page on my Style School Membership - it's where I take my teaching out of the classroom and into your closet!