Hello Laura:

I read your article on wardrobe essentials for work which I enjoyed very much.

I wear scrubs to work because I work in a clinic so I do not have to worry too much about what I wear. It makes life so much easier for me.

Could you please tell me what are some of the essential pieces for a wardrobe for church and also which colours to match together.

I am always wearing a black, grey or brown long skirt and then matching it with a blue, or wine-coloured sweater to be on the safe side.

I usually wear a blue or black stocking, then I put on my tall boots. I have a lot of clothes but am not good at coordinating them.

I would like to put two different colours together instead of the ones I usually wear. I am 45 years old and I would like to look more fashionable without going overboard. Please let me know and much appreciated.


Dear Reader:
I used to be very conservative with my attire and still am regarding what I wear to work. Over the years, I have, however, implemented colours that I would never dream of wearing for my social life, and it has made such a wonderful difference.

The key is to know yourself and what works for you. Your skin tone, weight, height, life style, shape and personality provide very useful information when creating your personal image.

One step at a time
You don't have to change everything - just take it one step at a time and discover new things that will complement what you already have.

An off-black stocking is a softer look than black, and I would wear this colour with any of my dark clothes. When it gets really cold, the black ones can be frequently worn as they provide more warmth.

For church, I prefer your shoulders covered and a skirt or dress length that is below or on the knee. You cant go wrong with a good quality black skirt, dress and pant. You can put almost any colour with them. If you like to be more conservative then you can lean toward cool colours, greens, blues and earth tone shades.

Complementary colours
Please remember that we all have what is called an undertone that makes colours look different on us, so you may find that one colour whether in makeup or clothes will look different on various people. Something may complement you but not me, so you have to take time to put the colours against your skin tone and see how they look.

You can also listen and ask for feedback from your colleagues, friends or family, then make a note and implement the colours that are said to be more of a compliment.

I find having a few black dresses, navy blue, black and white/blue and white are very helpful as well as skirts and shirts that you can mix and match.

Obviously, you want to be comfortable, appropriately dressed and tastefully put together. Remember that accessories can also take your look to another level and enhance your clothing.

As you mentioned, the line of work you are in requires you to wear your scrubs. Just remember, it is not what you wear but how you wear it, the condition of your clothes and to always practice good grooming habits.

Hope this helps and thank you for responding to my article. Regards.

- Laura Butler

Laura Butler is the director and founding member of Invision and director of Success Jamaica Limited, which organises 'Surviving the Corporate Jungle'. She can be contacted at laurabutler2@mac.com