2024 | Blueprint for Style

Outerwear

Burberry: Best Investment Outerwear

If you’ve ever wondered why Burberry is worth it, the answer lies in timeless design, unmatched craftsmanship, and signature style. As a DC personal stylist, I often explain why Burberry is worth it to clients who want outerwear that lasts, elevates their presence, and signals quiet luxury. From fabric to fit, why Burberry is worth it comes down to the effortless elegance it brings to every professional wardrobe. At this moment, the pound looks over the dollar like a boss

2024/12/30

Style

There’s a Reason for the Season

The older I get, the more I enjoy the holiday season because I’ve come to understand there’s a reason for this season. Yes, I enjoy it more now because business slows down and the frenetic pace comes to a halt. But it also means that smiles and good cheer turn up even if for a day or week. We get to show up as our best selves in loving each other just a touch more! The widely held belief is

2024/12/25

Black girl in a tuxedo seated at a table

Style

Powerful Women Need a Tuxedo

The tuxedo for professional women is a power move—and one that should already be in your closet. As a top personal stylist for executives, I recommend a tuxedo for professional women who want to command attention, own their presence, and look effortlessly elevated without trying too hard. A well-tailored tuxedo for professional women isn’t just a style statement—it’s a strategic choice that says, “I’m here, I’m confident, and I mean business.” After having one made by Cheryl Lofton, I now

2024/12/23

Black girl in a pink sweater with her hands in the air

Color Combos

Power of Pink in Style

The color psychology of pink in fashion goes far beyond softness or sweetness—it’s a quiet authority, a bold whisper. As a wardrobe stylist for executives, I use the color psychology of pink in fashion to help clients shift perception, signal openness, or soften an otherwise commanding look. Whether it’s blush, bubblegum, or power pink, the color psychology of pink in fashion offers professionals a strategic edge—if you know how to use it. Color psychology is the study of how colors

2024/12/20

Style

How to Layer for Travel

Let’s make layering intentional—not bulky. Knowing how to layer for travel is a game-changer when you want to look polished, stay comfortable, and move through passport control with confidence. As a top personal stylist for executives, I teach professionals how to layer for travel so they can navigate everything from early meetings to late dinners whether on a plane or train, and without losing shape, style, or presence. How to layer for travel isn’t about adding more—it’s about refining and

2024/12/18

Lingerie

Hosiery to Elevate Professional Style

Let’s end the debate—you can use hosiery to elevate professional style. It’s less about rules and more about results. When done right, hosiery adds polish, elevates the look, and gives your outfit that extra layer of intention. As a top personal stylist for executives, I show clients how they can wear hosiery to elevate professional style to complement their wardrobe, enhance confidence, and project presence. Whether you’re wearing tights, sheer stockings, or textured styles, how to wear hosiery professionally comes

2024/12/16

Friday Night 'Fits

Tchotchke’s Edition

Tchotchke’s Edition While I think I’m a great gift-giver, I also think it takes a lot of time and energy! But don’t worry, here are a bunch of small treats all under $50 that will bring joy to the recipients! This Tchotchke’s Edition is for anyone who has a girl’s Xmas party, a White Elephant Exchange (where did that name even come from??), gives out gifts to the mailwoman or mailman (I do!), has people that drop by and bring

2024/12/13

Accessories

Shoe Clips for Instant Style

If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the time to learn how to style with shoe clips. These little accessories are small in size but major in impact. As a top personal stylist for executives, I use how to style with shoe clips as a quick, elegant solution to elevate even your most basic pumps or flats. Whether you’re refreshing your footwear or adding some edge to a classic heel, how to style with shoe clips is your shortcut to

2024/12/11

Accessories

Frame Your Face

You frame your face because it’s the first thing people see when they look at you! Besides having a wonderful smile, glowing skin, and hair ‘on fleek’, one of the easiest ways to frame your face is using accessories, namely earrings (and eyeglasses…but that’s for another post)! The goal (of all of it) is to draw the eye of the onlooker in. I have a few favorites including these super edgy studs by Erickson Beamon, and a vintage pair of

2024/12/09

'Fits For Women

What I & 3 Fashion Editors Scooped

What I & 3 Fashion Editors Scooped For four years or so, we’ve gotten together [ir]regularly to discuss issues, trends, events, solutions, and whatever else people in style and fashion do. And most recently, one had a novel idea of talking about what each other bought and why. That quickly blew up into, “Show me what you got!”, “Did you see this?”, and “OMG if you want X then you need Y!” So thanks to our collective consumption habits, you

2024/12/06

Outerwear

Your Everyday Outerwear

What does your everyday outerwear look like? Is it cozy, long, short, colorful, worn out, “ordinary”, statement, or elegant? Think about the words you’d use to describe the outerwear you rock most days because outerwear is one of the first elements people see when they create a ‘first impression’ of you. So, what are you wearing? If we move from the premise that you don’t need a lot to look great then as an executive or entrepreneur, you really need

2024/12/06

Black girl in green glasses and sparkly top

Sequins, metallics, sparkle

Holiday/Festive Looks for Professionals

Holiday style for professionals doesn’t have to mean sequins from head to toe—it should feel refined, comfortable, and completely you. As DC’s top wardrobe stylist and a go-to personal stylist for professionals, I believe holiday style for professionals is about standing out with intention, not excess. Whether you’re headed to a company cocktail party or an intimate dinner, these ideas for holiday style for professionals offer just the right amount of festive without veering into overdone. Take some pressure off

2024/12/05

Sequins

How to Wear Sequin Pants

Let’s get something straight—how to wear sequin pants isn’t just for the ultra-glam. Done right, they’re a bold, elevated way to make holiday style feel effortless and impactful. As DC’s top wardrobe stylist and a trusted personal stylist for professionals, I guide clients on how to wear sequin pants with confidence, pairing them with sleek basics and sophisticated layers. Whether it’s the office party or an upscale dinner, how to wear sequin pants is all about balance, not boldness for

2024/12/04

'Fits For Men

Black Friday & Holiday Attire

Black Friday & Holiday Attire The crazy thing is when I grew up – I’m dating myself! – Black Friday and the sales didn’t start until AFTER Thanksgiving. This year they started at least a week beforehand… go figure! Enjoy the Black Friday Shopping List and here’s what you’ll find: It’s for men and women alike – because you may see something for someone else I’m sharing some unusual suspects to elevate your “festive ‘fits” for holiday parties The list has a few fun gift recommendations to

2024/12/03

dressed simply in a t-shirt but added festive, metallic leather earrings

Holiday Finds

A Tale of Two Styles: Festive and Everyday

For the entire month of December, please expect to see me dressed festively! That can mean different things to different folks but, for me, I will be channeling everyday looks with a festive slant. Expect to see, in varying degrees, feathers, metallics, whimsical earrings, Christmas-themed attire, holiday colors of red, green, and hot pink, and sparkles. Take a moment to decide what festive will look like for you and dig in! As a proponent of choosing wisely and being intentional,

2024/12/02

Accessories

Eyeglasses are Accessories

I have terrible vision, so I wear eyeglasses frequently and, yes, eyeglasses are accessories! The beauty of eyeglasses is that you can choose a pair that channels whatever you want and then wear them every day! Imagine wearing your favorite pair of jeans every day. They will start to go downhill after about six or so wears and depending on where you wear them, people will start to talk. BUT, with eyeglass frames, you can rock them as often as

2024/11/11

Style

Wore It to Pieces

This blazer is 16 years old and after having worn it to pieces, literally, I have to let it go! Have you ever had that item that you loved so much and just kept wearing because it was soooo perfect even though it was worn out? This is that! After finding this at a consignment store in Paris just over 16 years ago, I took it to my tailor and she gave me the hard truth – I’ve got to let

2024/11/11

Accessories

Improve Your Visual Resume with These 3 Fall Items

Add these 3️⃣ pieces to your fall wardrobe (and I’m digging into my closet to share examples) if you want a better Visual Resume™️: While the list can be longer, these are three easy ways to improve your Visual Resume™ and elevate any overall outfit. 1️⃣ > A scarf or pocket square is unexpected so the ‘element of surprise’ gives you automatic points. A colorful accessory allows you to bridge two solid colors together and add a little personality to

2024/10/17

Published Articles

D!$RUPT Magazine: How Monica Barnett Brings Elevated Style and Savvy to the World with Blueprint for Style

Monica Barnett, Founder & CEO of Blueprint for Style, is an energetic woman of many talents with a deep passion for empowering people and elevating their style by harnessing the power of the first impression. But, her business acumen doesn’t stop there; she also conducts professional seminars and trainings around the world to provide teams and organizations with the know-how to curate their Visual Resume™ and its intersectionality with DEI.

2024/10/17

Travel

TSA Precheck or Global Entry?

Ask and answer the question of TSA Precheck vs Global Entry with a picture: in my one million plus miles of travel, I’ve never found it stylish to wait in an airport security line that wound endless and, in the end, prevented me from getting to my gate with time to spare! A recent Travel & Leisure article discussed the features, benefits, and costs of TSA Precheck. TSA Precheck is a great way to get into a shorter, often quicker

2024/09/23

'Fits For Women

Socks & Hosiery

Socks & Hosiery Always at the bottom, socks and hosiery are unsung heroes! They offer support, they are prone to ripping spontaneously, and they are rarely used other than in cold weather or special occasions, but they can do so much! There are three reasons to rock hosiery: for fashion, warmth, or coverage, and until recently, most people used them simply for warmth. Well, no more! The sheer ones can look awesome with heels. The mid-calf socks add a new dimension

2024/03/23

'Fits For Women

Shop Until You See Red

Shop Until You See Red With this list, you can shop until you see red! This is a fun list with some great items to consider. Red is a popular color so the selection is vast but given several friends who are members of Delta Sigma Theta were in my town for the week, I thought this would be cool. Check it out – including this shiny, lollipop pop shell clutch that is ready to set-it-off!

2024/03/22

'Fits For Women

Weekly Shopping Guide

Weekly Shopping Guide You need a weekly shopping guide for inspiration! This is 16 curated items. They range from a white button down (WBD) that is so not regular to colorful sneakers that are equal parts trendy, comfy, and versatile to t-shirt dress that goes into party mode without missing a beat. Harper’s Bazaar does it, so I decided I would too. Only my weekly shopping guide is better because it’s for the professional woman who wants a little spice and

2024/02/24

'Fits For Women

White Button Downs

White Button Downs Talking about white button downs is my love language! In my first book, Without Saying A Word, I dedicated an entire chapter to this item… it’s that life-changing! I’ve heard a few ladies even mention that, “I don’t do white shirts because they just don’t work for me.” Ok – I hear you and I’m not listening! Seriously, there are a few [aka 0.01% of the population] for which a white button down does not work but, for

2024/02/16

'Fits For Men

Men’s Sneakers

Men’s Sneakers Men’s sneakers are everywhere! A few weeks ago we featured a selection of women’s sneakers, so it’s the fellas turn. When sneakers surfaced in 1917, who knew that they would become a $78B global market?! You can find sneakers at work, at play, in the airports, for date night, and literally everywhere in between, s the choices are endless. The goal isn’t to show you everything but to show you a curated selection of favorites from the most

2024/02/16

Our Blog

Burberry: Best Investment Outerwear

There’s a Reason for the Season

Powerful Women Need a Tuxedo

Power of Pink in Style

How to Layer for Travel

Hosiery to Elevate Professional Style

Tchotchke’s Edition

Shoe Clips for Instant Style

Frame Your Face

What I & 3 Fashion Editors Scooped

Your Everyday Outerwear

Holiday/Festive Looks for Professionals

How to Wear Sequin Pants

Black Friday & Holiday Attire

A Tale of Two Styles: Festive and Everyday

Eyeglasses are Accessories

Wore It to Pieces

Improve Your Visual Resume with These 3 Fall Items

D!$RUPT Magazine: How Monica Barnett Brings Elevated Style and Savvy to the World with Blueprint for Style

TSA Precheck or Global Entry?

Socks & Hosiery

Shop Until You See Red

Weekly Shopping Guide

White Button Downs

Men’s Sneakers

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