“What you wear tells the world who you are,” says Mary Michelle Nidiffer. That’s quite a lofty ideal when you think about clothes and shoes, but Nidiffer says image is about more than apparel and accessories.

“It’s your demeanor and manners,” she said. “It tells someone who you are, and that’s a great way to connect with people.”

Nidiffer, founder of One Chic Mama, is an image consultant who seeks to empower women through personal style. While she does work with clients to cultivate a polished wardrobe, her goal is deeper: confidence.

“Women go shopping and can’t find something to fit and walk away thinking, ‘There’s something wrong with me,’” Nidiffer said. She steps in to help harness her clients’ signature style and provides a road map to dressing with polish.

We implored her to share her secrets of style so we can look hot, while keeping cool, all summer.

Dress for yourself in an authentic way. Don’t pay attention to fashion trends or others’ opinions, Nidiffer encourages. Cultivate a signature style of your own, then work it!

Dress for your body type. Understand what works for you and don’t compare yourself to others.

Make one small change a day. Nidiffer agrees overhauling your look is intimidating. Incorporating one new facet daily — a piece of jewelry, colorful shoes or a neon belt — is manageable.

Hello color. Bye, bye black. There is a time and place for black, but it isn’t this season. Lighter colors uplift your mood and brighten your face.

Pay attention to your lingerie. As fabrics get lighter, what you wear underneath matters more. Wear the closest match to your skin tone under white. Never white under white, Nidiffer  insists.

Chose fabrics with structure. Flowy, clingy fabrics can emphasize every imperfection. Selecting pieces with fitted details, such as a T-shirt with ruching or a pleated skirt, looks more pulled together.

Plan your wardrobe. Have a strategy, especially for events, so you have time to buy the right pieces. Don’t get caught shopping last minute and settling for something so-so.

Develop a go-to summer outfit. Nidiffer’s is cropped pants, a sophisticated tank and a lightweight jacket. When you’re in a rush, you have a no-fail option that you’ll feel great in.  

Accessorize! Accessories are the final elements that punctuate a great look. Nidiffer aims for pieces that make an impact, such as a bold handbag or bright shoes to add flair.

Buy quality, not quantity. Edit back your closet to the pieces you truly love and invest in a few staples. Fewer options will feel liberating and reveal outfit combinations you otherwise wouldn’t see, says Nidiffer.  

“What you wear tells the world who you are,” says Mary Michelle Nidiffer. That’s quite a lofty ideal when you think about clothes and shoes, but Nidiffer says image is about more than apparel and accessories.

“It’s your demeanor and manners,” she said. “It tells someone who you are, and that’s a great way to connect with people.”

Nidiffer, founder of One Chic Mama, is an image consultant who seeks to empower women through personal style. While she does work with clients to cultivate a polished wardrobe, her goal is deeper: confidence.

“Women go shopping and can’t find something to fit and walk away thinking, ‘There’s something wrong with me,’” Nidiffer said. She steps in to help harness her clients’ signature style and provides a road map to dressing with polish.

We implored her to share her secrets of style so we can look hot, while keeping cool, all summer.

Dress for yourself in an authentic way. Don’t pay attention to fashion trends or others’ opinions, Nidiffer encourages. Cultivate a signature style of your own, then work it!

Dress for your body type. Understand what works for you and don’t compare yourself to others.

Make one small change a day. Nidiffer agrees overhauling your look is intimidating. Incorporating one new facet daily — a piece of jewelry, colorful shoes or a neon belt — is manageable.

Hello color. Bye, bye black. There is a time and place for black, but it isn’t this season. Lighter colors uplift your mood and brighten your face.

Pay attention to your lingerie. As fabrics get lighter, what you wear underneath matters more. Wear the closest match to your skin tone under white. Never white under white, Nidiffer  insists.

Chose fabrics with structure. Flowy, clingy fabrics can emphasize every imperfection. Selecting pieces with fitted details, such as a T-shirt with ruching or a pleated skirt, looks more pulled together.

Plan your wardrobe. Have a strategy, especially for events, so you have time to buy the right pieces. Don’t get caught shopping last minute and settling for something so-so.

Develop a go-to summer outfit. Nidiffer’s is cropped pants, a sophisticated tank and a lightweight jacket. When you’re in a rush, you have a no-fail option that you’ll feel great in.

Accessorize! Accessories are the final elements that punctuate a great look. Nidiffer aims for pieces that make an impact, such as a bold handbag or bright shoes to add flair.

Buy quality, not quantity. Edit back your closet to the pieces you truly love and invest in a few staples. Fewer options will feel liberating and reveal outfit combinations you otherwise wouldn’t see, says Nidiffer.