Your Style: Jill Buck

YOUR STYLE

Jill Buck: Professional with panache

'Mix-and-match' puts best foot forward

Motto: When you look good, you feel good; when you feel good, you play good; and when you play good, you win!

As director of the Referring Physician Office at Mayo Clinic, Jill Buck said, "I believe in starting my day with my best in appearance and then the rest will come because I feel good about myself. I know there's also inner spirit and beauty, so it's not all about looks, but it helps me put my best foot forward in the morning."

Among the reasons she wants to be at her best each day: "I work with a wonderful team and really enjoy what I do. I have the opportunity to share the great health care we provide and the vast specialties to external referring physicians. I travel a fair amount and love meeting new people."

On the personal side, Buck added, "I've been married to my high school sweetheart for 29 years, and we were blessed with a beautiful daughter who is a sophomore in college pursuing a nursing career.She is a setter on the college volleyball team, and we love the fall season and traveling to watch her play."

Of her stage in life, Buck said, "I am 49 forever … Age is irrelevant, and I prefer to not act my age.(Wink, wink)."

Would you introduce us to your look?

Business stylish with a bit of flair.

What gives your style its flair?

Accessories — bling, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, belts and scarves. All matching!

Accessories have become such a huge part of my style. I mix and match things more than I ever used to in order to maximize key pieces in my wardrobe that I love. Jewelry and scarves are my fashion loves. It's amazing how changing jewelry with an outfit or throwing on a scarf with a sweater or jacket can really change the look.

In addition to adding a dash of panache, what else do accessories do for one's look?

Complete it. Accessories pull everything together and complement colors or accents within the clothing pieces.

You talk about the importance of being happy with your appearance each day. Would you elaborate?

When you look good, you feel good; when you feel good, you play good; and when you play good, you win!

You also talk about your belief that inner spirit and beauty are as important or more important than outward appearance? Please tell us more.

I was taught this at an early age by my grandmother. She was a really great lady with strong faith and amazing strength. She was an inspiration.

How exactly does your style reflect and enhance your inner self?

It makes me feel good to dress up and look nice. I like to look at trends and determine how styles and fashion are changing and what I might add to my wardrobe. Jewelry is probably my signature addition that is the best reflection.

Beyond jewelry and additional accessories, are there other elements every well-dressed woman should have?

A great black suit and a really comfy pair of shoes.

Do you have an extravagance in your wardrobe?

I don't really have one. I'm not your fancy, glitzy girl, and I don't own a little black dress — well I do, but I've grown out of it.

Over the years, has your style changed?

Yes, as my body has changed, so has my style, depending on what looks good at what weight.I used to wear skirts all the time and now when I wear one, most people think I have a job interview.

Is there a difference between your professional style and personal style? In other words, your weekday versus weekend look?

I will often just put jeans on and keep my top the same when I transition from work to fun. I do love my sweatpants and T-shirts when I get home from work and don't have any place to go. Comfort is key in the evening.

Do you prefer one over the other?

I enjoy dressing up and transitioning from one to the other is simple, so I really have no preference.

On a personal note, do a pet and or your home decor reflect your style?

My pet is a dog named Cloee who is a white fluff ball — a Bichon — no, but my home decor is contemporary and likely reflects a portion of my style as well.

A favorite color?

Brown.

And a color that you do not like to see on yourself?

Pink.

Anything else you would like to share about your style?

I love the new "dusters" — the long sweater jackets — and they have really become part of my wardrobe. They are so comfy to wear. I also have many more fall/winter clothes than I do spring/summer things.

Is there any reason fall and winter predominate?

I enjoy layering, so sweaters and dusters are available during those seasons. I also seem to have more time to shop during those seasons.

Just have to ask, anything to do with our climate?

Likely.

Do you have any accessories or clothing that you love for sentimental reasons? If so, do you incorporate them into your current wardrobe?

I have a few things that are really my favorites, but I try not to overwear them. Every couple of years, I go through my jewelry and clothes and take things to the consignment shop or give them to co-workers.

Any parting thoughts for women in terms of establishing a style?

Work to develop your own style and know that as much as we say that we don't judge by appearance, we do. So look your best every day and remember that you can shop around and be very thrifty.Your style doesn't have to cost a fortune. Enjoy and experiment with fashion!

Do you know somebody who's got special style? Send nominations to life@postbulletin.com or call Life section editor Jeff Pieters at 507-285-7748.

Anne Murphy is a Rochester freelance writer who has been a professional journalist for more than 30 years.