I recently hired a wardrobe and color consultant.

She came over and guided me through the process of determining my color palette. (Soft Winter, if you must know.)

Once we had my palette decided and chosen, she helped me edit my existing wardrobe.

We slated a few things for the donation pile, and then she started to coordinate some outfits from the existing clothes in the closet.

She grabbed a pair of black velvet pants along with a bright teal jacket and said, “This would be a great outfit, and you can also combine the pants with these and this” as she grabbed my zebra-print flats and threw a beige cropped jacket over the pants which were lying on the bed.

“But those are my Party Pants,” I said in response to her “way out in left field” suggestion.

Heretofore, I had worn these pants once a year at the annual company holiday party.

“But look how nice these outfits are?”

“Yes, but for a party maybe. Not for work. Those are my Party Pants,” I reminded her.

What she was suggesting seemed inconceivable to me, but she wasn’t having it. She challenged what I thought I could wear. What my standard had been. Whether I was ready to step up to a new level. (And I was paying her to do this, mind you.)

And you know what? I tried it. Both outfits.

Totally rocked it.

Powerful. Sharp. A New Me.

My Party Pants have now become my everyday wear.

What might your version of Party Pants be?

A piece of jewelry

A special coat

Your best China

A recipe you only cook once a year

A restaurant you rarely treat yourself to

Stationery you love

A wonderful journal that sits on a shelf

What could you incorporate into your day-to-day living that would elevate your life, help you be more You and stand in your highest vision of yourself or help you claim more of your Future Self right now?

What do you reserve for once a year or ultra-special occasions that you just might consider wearing or doing or being every week or every day rather than just once a year?

Maybe, rather than just taking a moment to give thanks on Thanksgiving, you could make that a nightly ritual.

Maybe, rather than only taking stock on New Year’s Day of what you’ve achieved and where you want to go and what you want to become, you could incorporate that into a weekly practice.

Go on…

Create a new standard for yourself.

Upgrade.

You’re ready.

Put your Party Pants on!