What is the best way to do a makeover?

Dear Mai Mai, China And Tingting,

Last year, I broke up with my boyfriend because of a third party and I was really heartbroken. To recover, my friends advised me that looking better would be the best revenge. So, I decided I needed a makeover. I lost about 20 pounds and started to get myself in shape. Someone’s helping me with a new hair and makeup look, but please, I need some advice on what I should prioritize when I buy some new clothes. My budget’s not big but I feel that now’s the time to go “out with the old and in with the new.” What’s the basic wear I should have in my closet? I go on provincial trips too with my work, so I need stuff that I can bring along. I used to wear a lot of baggy pants and loose shirts to hide my fat. Although I’m thinner, I still don’t want body-hugging clothes. To complete the new me, what clothes do you think should I purchase? It’s not for the benefit of my ex, but more for my self-confidence.

New Me 

If you used to wear “baggy pants and loose shirts to hide your fat,” your new frame will allow you to go a different way. I think you should buy maong jeans that fit your new body. Shirts don’t need to be body-hugging too. Get some button-down shirts that will accentuate your new figure to pair with the maong jeans. You can wear these on your work trips, too. Find a fabric that doesn’t need much ironing. Also, I think you should get some office wear, depending on where you work. A black skirt, a white or pastel-colored top can be very flexible for you when you travel. Another thing I think you can use is a jacket that can be paired with both your maong and your black skirt. Throwing a good jacket in will allow you more choices.

China

I think that in every woman’s closet, there should be the following: That little black dress, a white shirt, a jacket, some nice-fitting denims, a pair of slacks, a comfortable pair of shoes and a pair of high heels. When I travel, these are some of the basics I usually take with me. I suggest you also consider spending on some accessories, too. Find something that will complement the clothes you have already chosen. Mix and match with accessories as well as shoes and tops. Find tops that you will be able to wear together with either your denims, slacks or skirt. The same goes for buying shoes… since you’re just starting, stay with the basic black or cream. As you mentioned, you take trips a lot. What’s important is that you are able to mix and match.

Mai Mai

If you’re asking about the basic wear, one that comes to mind is a crisp white shirt. This is my “turn-to” clothing when I’m in a hurry or in doubt. A crisp white shirt goes well in denims and looks good with khaki pants, too. I also use my linen white top with a few knee-length skirts. I use accessories a lot, too — a nice necklace or a belt to complete the look. A stylish jacket that can give you a casual look should be a good buy, too. The right cut of jacket should also allow you other more formal looks. Be done with the baggy pants and get perfectly fitting pants. For a casual look, get denim pants. For a more formal look, get slacks that have a straight cut. Unfortunately, I don’t know what your build is, so I cannot be more specific.

Tingting