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Suzanne Douglas, Personal Stylist
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Ti’Juana A. Gholson, has been working with personal stylist Suzanne Douglas to tailor her wardrobe.
A fitted blue jacket, a lightly draped scarf, a pair of brightly colored frames: when Suzanne Douglas, of James City County walked into the coffee shop, she stood out.
It makes sense—Douglas is an image consultant.
As Managing Director of Style Capital, clients commonly request Douglas’s help with three specific outfits: weddings, funerals and Christmas.
It turns out, holiday fashion is morecomplicated than red sweaters. Take clothing as gifts: “Clothing is deeply personal,” according to Douglas. She advises people to stick with accessories like gloves or scarves if they want a stocking stuffer. “Or take the person shopping. That’s a gift of your personal time.”
For your own outfits, Douglas believes there are many ways clothing can communicate the holidays so think about what works for you. Look good in gold earrings? Wear warm colors like orange or brown. If your accessories are mostly silver, go with cold colors such as blue instead.
Next, consider the event. “There needs to be some dignity at work functions,” explains Douglas. “No flashing nose or Christmas tie. Be understated.” It’s similar for family gatherings. They’re fun, but simplicity and comfort are key: “If you’re cooking, don’t have big sleeves that fall into the gravy.”
Above all else, shop in your closet first. A recent client of Douglas’s made a holiday outfit using a stunning, intricately detailed black coat—which she already owned.
As Douglas explains, “Figure out what you already have that’s beautifully Christmasy—and if you’re going to wear a sweater, make sure it fits you like a dream.”