10 Classic Fashions No Woman Can Do Without
by Shirley Pierce and Janet Behmer
A
fashion savvy Australian Aborigine once said,
"The more you know, the less you need."
Translation: It's better to know your way around
the classics than have a closet crammed with
clothing that are already so "five minutes
ago". It's smart to stock up on classics, no
matter your personal style. Think Carolyn
Bessette Kennedy, Catherine Deneuve: always,
simple, chic and impeccably dressed.
Once
you have the classics, you can go anywhere. If
you buy pieces that are well-made and in good
fabrics, they'll wear better, feel better and, of
course, look better on you. The fabrics to look
for are lightweight wool gabardine, silk, cotton,
linen, cashmere, and textured microfibers. Go
that extra mile and make sure everything fits,
especially the tailored pieces. Go to a tailor if
something needs to be altered. It's worth the
money. Now for those of you who are not the
"classic" type, you can still do your
own thing. Try a Chanel jacket with jeans or a
leather bomber with a chiffon skirt.
If
you're downtown hip with a touch of
"goth", just add a leather jacket to
the classics along with leather pants and animal
print accessories.
If
you're the artistic, creative type, throw on some
ethnic or artful pieces to give the classics your
own special style. Think Peruvian hand-knit
sweaters, chunky bracelets or African necklaces.
Classics
are also good if you're on a budget. They last
longer and you'll have fewer mad dashes to the
mall to buy a piece just for one evening. If you
don't believe us, try on a little black dress or
a solid color suit. Add a scarf, several
necklaces or different belts. See how many
different looks you have?
What
are the true, blue chip classics? Take notes. The
wardrobe you save may be your own.
THE
CLASSICS
1.) 3 Piece Suit -- Try a
jacket, skirt and pants in a solid color.
2.) Navy Blazer -- A must have
that makes an impression.
3.) White Shirt -- Nothing beats
a crisp cotton shirt with or without French
Cuffs.
4.) Khaki Slacks -- Versatility
is their strong suit and they can withstand a
nuclear winter.
5.) Cashmere Sweater or Twin Set
-- Sedate or seductive. Your choice.
6.) Jeans -- Keep them
"classic". Dry-clean or press them
yourself after washing.
7.) Little Black Dress -- All
hail to this number that can go from smokey
bar to a ballroom.
8.) Formal Attire -- Dramatic
separates are better to mix'n'match and make
different outfits.
9.) Raincoat -- Go for a zip-out
lining. The Trench Coat is the true classic.
10.) A Positive Self Image --
Nothing looks better on a woman than her
confidence and pride.
Classics
rock. Trust us.
About
the Author
Janet Behmer and Shirley Pierce are authors of
the book "Dress Me Now: How to Make Your
Wardrobe Behave". It's fashion for real
women with real bodies and it's changing the way
women think about clothes and themselves. Check
out their web site DressMeNow.com at http://www.dressmenow.com.
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