Graduations, what to wear?

Graduations are academic, and almost always during the day.

Color is great for any spring event, but your dress should also reflect respect for the institution. The level of dress should be somewhere between cocktail and business

• It is spring and it is easy for the feminine style to go overboard with pinks and florals, this may not work for the academic environment of a graduation.

Tone it down a bit with solids or subtle prints in fabric that moves. Try a sweater set with a floral skirt and classic shoes with a bow or flower detail.

• The Dramatic Style should keep the graduation look simple but soft. Try a chic sheath dress with some pattern, black or nude pumps and a statement necklace. If the event is outdoors, a statement hat may also be appropriate and very chic.

• Staying conservative enough for a graduation may also be tough on the Creative style. Think suit with a twist. A really unusual Jacket paired with dress trousers and a simple shirt may be perfect. Then the creativity can come out in the accessories!

Building a perfect Travel Wardrobe, 5 Top Tips

1. Get Organized. Write out every day you will be traveling and what you will be doing each day. Based on your itinerary create each complete outfit you will want to bring. Include everything from shoes, to accessories to outerwear. Document every outfit in writing or with photo’s. Make sure you bring this documentation with you.

2. Weather is often unpredictable when traveling. The garments you take should be good layering pieces. You want to be ready for anything when you are far from home and will have limited choices from your suitcase. Make sure you have something for cold weather and something if you need to cool off.

3. Every item you pack needs to work in two or more complete outfits. You can wear most clothes more than once before washing, so plan on using the same outfits with slight tweaks. Try simply changing a shirt or adding an accessory.

4. Accessorize! Scarves, cloth belts and Jewelry are easy to pack and don’t take up much room so keep your outfits simple and use these to create variety and style.

5. Choose great traveling garments for your traveling wardrobe. Good traveling pieces must be low maintenance, in fabrics like knits, jerseys, and microtecks. Great pieces are also, ideally multifunctional. Multifunctional is particularly important for bulkier pieces that take up room in your luggage, like shoes and coats.