You may ask, what does wardrobe planning have to do with healthy lifestyles? Well, when you look good, you are more likely to make an extra effort to eat well and work out. When you dress poorly, you look old, slouch around and eat. Wouldn’t you rather dress well, look smart and feel younger? And why not sexy? - think Oscar de la Renta, Sean Connery, Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep and Sophia Loren. They do not let age slow down their attractiveness.

I was in Italy recently and went to an upscale restaurant. I noticed men and women my age (56) and older coming in looking slim, healthy, confident and happy. They were also very well dressed in clothes that fit them and were stylish. We can learn from other countries.

Mark (65) comes into my office. He looks like he’s wearing his dad’s suit. The problem? He’s lost twenty pounds and his suit is too big for him. When he lost ten pounds he was very proud of the fact that his jacket could button up again, his shirt collars were no longer strangling him and his belt was two notches tighter. He would walk into my office with a big smile, holding his jacket out in front of him and showing me the stretched notches on his belt he used to use.

Is it time for him to invest in his appearance? There is never a better time. He is feeling energetic, slim and sexy, yet looking out-dated. I tell him it is time to sort out his wardrobe. He should take an afternoon off to clean out his wardrobe so he can Look and Feel Fantastic. These are his steps (I’ve added a bit on the wife’s side as well. With her new gorgeous husband, she might get the urge to clean out her closet as well):

* SORT CLOTHES - Take all your clothes out of the closet and put them on your bed. Yes, all the clothes, including sweaters and underwear.

* UGLY CLOTHES - Clothes that are out of fashion or make you feel ugly go in large plastic bags for a charity or shelter. Don’t look back; they have to go.

* REPAIRS - Put aside the clothes that need repairs, either near the sewing kit or at the door for the tailor.

* TIGHT FITS - Put your tight clothes in the back of the closet, out of sight. Each month, try them on.

* CLOTHES TOO BIG FOR YOU? - Put aside for alterations or give them away.

* SHABBY CLOTHES? - Throw out, especially your underwear and socks. (Not even shelters would want them.)

* SHOES - Throw out if ill-fitting or outdated shoes. Resole your favorite shoes. Polish your scuffed or dirty shoes.

* HANGERS - Buy good hangars. Face hangers the same way. Return wire hangers to the cleaners.

* REARRANGING - Place underwear in drawers. Hang suits, shirts, pants, jeans, jackets and ties by color or style. Hang pants from the bottom hem. Fold sweaters neatly and place on shelves. You’ll find much joy when you’re able to grab your clothes in a hurry, find them easily and know they look good.

* NEW ITEMS - Keep current by observing well-dressed men (and women) in your age group. Fashion magazines targeted for our age group such as More and AARP can give you great ideas.

With your new look, you will have more energy and feel good about yourself. You will find if you make an effort to dress well when eating out or at home, you’ll feel too good to go into a feeding frenzy. Trust me. That’s what my clients tell me and that’s how I feel.

Wardrobe Planning for Successful Losers

Jane (60) has lost 30 pounds in weight, but is still wearing her “big” clothes. She can’t get it into her mind that clothes should fit. She also knows she still has twenty pounds to lose so doesn’t want to invest in a new wardrobe. However she still works and wants to continue working as she enjoys it. She doesn’t want to be given notice because she cannot keep up with the times. Appearance may be superficial, but it counts when another equally qualified person is up for your job and he/she is better groomed and more sophisticated.

Jane can start showing off her new shape with the following ideas.

* Sort out your wardrobe, as above. Think neatness.

* Wear the “small clothes” that are classic - still stylish and fit for the first time in ages.

* Take in the dresses you like or pull them in with a belt

* Buy pants on sale that fit you at this weight to make you feel good during this transition time.

* You’ll have to invest in at least one new dress and jacket. You are not at your goal weight; so don’t buy anything expensive - just something to keep you going for two to three months. With a new, proper fitting outfit, you’ll feel more comfortable and look better.

* Buy a new pair of shoes and earrings, they’ll still fit if you lose more weight.

In a few months, when you are down to your goal size:

* Give away your “big” clothes, which you’ll never need again.

Slowly buy a new wardrobe. You can invest in good quality clothes that you can wear for a few years. Don’t go crazy, just buy a few good items every season to freshen up your wardrobe and mix and match them.