The Writer's Wardrobe *Womyn-Centered Post*

Claiming to be a writer myself, and spending a large amount of time around writers, I have seen trends and similarities within the wardrobes of writers. I really only notice the femelle writers, so that's all I'm going to talk about.

However, I think it is interesting and important to discuss the merits of having certain items in your wardrobe to ensure success as a writer.

**Black Pants. In multiples. Everyone wears black. It is slimming, comfortable, and says "I don't need no freakin' colored pants" when you wear it. It looks good on anyone, also.

The thing about pants is this, though: If you are short, try to avoid "short pants" UNLESS they are "short pants" made for short people. Anything that shows less than four inches of leg at the bottom just looks silly, especially if they are flared. Short womyn, stick to slightly flared pants. Peg-legs make us look shorter. I promise. (I am short, so I can say this from experience.)

**A nice, crisp white blouse. Black and white contrast so nicely, and this shirt says "I'm the Boss" on your first day of teaching. Just don't spill coffee on it before class.

Blouses also have a caveat. If you are a busty womyn, make certain that all those little gaps in-between the buttons are somehow closed or are non-existent. Unless you want all those people you walk and talk with to see the pretty lace bow on your brand-new ivory balconette bra, unless you're not wearing one, in which case all they see is skin. That can be taunting, or daunting. Velcro or snaps can make those gaps go away, as can buying a shirt that is a little larger and having it tailored. With your six-figure profit from your writing, of course.

**Skirts. I know, I know. It's hard, but sometimes we should all wear a skirt. Long or short, that doesn't matter. I prefer shorter - some just-below the knee, others slightly (less than 1") above the knee. There are three basic styles of skirts, though: the A-line, which is fitted across the hips and thighs and widens out (not the best for those trying to hid their middles/hips); the pencil, which is fitted across the hips and thighs and is fairly narrow the entire way down (this is also not the best for those trying to hide something, and is NOT good for running in); and the flounce, which is a very flattering look for anyone. It is loose, movable, and not at all restricting. Some people think negatively of it, the "flowing hippy skirts" and all that, but it very tasteful when done well.

Long skirts are nice, but try to avoid the long pencil skirt, as it can inhibit movement and you don't want to fall while walking across the stage during an award ceremony for your new book!

**A sleeveless turtleneck. Unless you ABSOLUTELY HATE your arms, let this classic keep you warm in the Autumn while still letting you wear a cardigan, if you get too cold, without being bulky. Something around your neck keeps you much warmer than you think ...

**A cowl-neck top. This one happens to be sleeveless, but there are some GREAT cowl-neck sweaters out there. The cowl is cozy, keeps you warm and is a flattering drape for any bust size. And, I think it looks awesome.

**A cashmere sweater. Every grrl needs one. It's like melted butter under your fingers, without all the greasy-stickiness. Wonderful. I chose a cardigan because of it's versatility ... You can wear it all year round.

**A deep-neck cardigan. This is great for womyn with small chests, and for those of us who have it and don't mind if it is accentuated a little. These are nice for wearing over square-neck camisoles or tees.

**Solid tees and knit shirts. Pair black or tan or brown pants with a solid top, and you CAN'T go wrong. You can even wear a brown top with a black skirt ... It'll look fabulous.

**A good suit. If you find one you like and fits well, get it in more than one color. That is okay. An ill-fitting suit can break that first impression before you even open your mouth. It is sad, but true.

**A pair offlats. These are the shoes to wear with many skirts. If you're short, that's okay now. We can wear flats, too. Get them in different colors and styles, but stay away from the pointy-toe flats. Pointed shoes need at least a 1.5" heel to look successful.

**T-Strap heels. They remind me of the flamenco dancers of the 1940s and 1950s, from whom the style originted. Gotta love 'em. And they're secy, without being risque.

**A nice coat. One that covers your hips for the winter, but is still light enough to wear in Autumn and Spring. We want to get the most wear out of our wardrobe, right?

**A pretty scarf. Paisley, floral, print, it doesn't matter. Pretty is what counts. Silk is best, rayon or nylon or polyester is okay. It should have a sheen to it, a sparkle.

**A purse/satchel big enough to hold all your papers (if you're teaching) or the drafts of your manuscripts and a journal and a book to read. If you're a multitasker, than it should be enough to also hold things like a small knitting project or audio equipment (iPod or other player), but small enough to prevent losing things. Compartments are nice, as are lots of multi-use pockets.

**A good dress. This one isn't my favorite, but it is the right style: fitted in some spots, flared in others, not too clingy, and flattering to most body types.

**A bra with clear straps>. I know, this sounds silly, but trust me. When you want to wear that bataeu-neck top and your strapless bra is the wrong color, thank me. Sure, you can still see the straps sometimes, but overall, they're not glaring at you. And, they do make clear straps for busty womyn. Check Lane Bryant for a GREAT selection of nice bras for bigger womyn. I wish I had found them WAY before my surgery ... I would have been much happier.

**A shameless convertable bra. These are turly a gift for those womyn who wear dresses with "interesting" strap configurations. I wear mine more often than I thought I would, simply because it comes in so handy when I want to wear strapless or funny-strapped outfits. Get one that fits and is comfortable; it is a worthwhile investment.

**Seamless underthings. Please. Panty-lines are NOT your friend.

But, the most important item to have in your wardrobe is this:
The snese to know that I'm just one person, and NOT an expert, and I want you to wear whatever it is that makes you feel good about yourself and that you are comfortable in. I can't tell you what to wear.

I think you all look great, anyway.

Here's to the womyn writers of the world!