The Basics
The first step in creating a fabulous wardrobe is to start with the basics. The basics in my closet are usually in black, white, tan, and brown. For now we are just discussing clothing, but don’t worry you shoe fanatics, we will get there. Here are 10 basics that have made my wardrobe successful:
1. Plain T-shirts: I like mine in black or white, and I tend to by v-neck because it is very flattering for those of us with a small chest size. T-shirts come in fitted or loose, loose being what’s in style right now.
2. Ribbed Tanks or Spaghetti Strap tanks: Once again I usually stick to the basic colors, but I tend to buy one fun color like teal or hot pink.
3. A great pair of jeans: Now I know finding the perfect pair of jeans can give you nightmares, speaking from a woman who has short legs, and wide thighs. The things to remember here is that the jeans have to make your booty look good, be comfortable, and no muffin tops! You can always hem a pair of pants, and it is worth the extra money to do so.
4. Black skirt: Depending on if you are tall or short, and if you are girly or relaxed, will determine what kind of skirt you buy. A black skirt can be worn with just about any top, and no one will be able to tell that you have already worn the skirt a hundred times. Try on different lengths and styles. The pencil skirt has never gone out of style, and yes us bootylicious girls can pull off a pencil skirt.
5. Comfy Cardigan: Like most basics, I tend to stick with black on the cardigans, but here is where you can really branch out with some new colors. It is a good idea to have the classic short cardigan sweater, and a longer version. I like to have cardigans in colors such as purple and mustard, so try on a cardigan in your favorite color.
6. Leggings and Tights: I know women of the 80’s will have a problem with the leggings, but that is why they make pretty tights. The leggings are best if they are a heavy material, do a check and make sure they are not see-through. The Retreat just got in some good ones and they run about $16 a pair and they will last a long time. You can find fun tights just about anywhere these days; Target and Forever 21 have a good selection.
7. Black dress: I know you always read about the perfect black dress that lasts a lifetime, but I have still yet to find my perfect one. The fashions change so much each year that I could not possibly stick to only one black dress! A black dress is a must though. Move around in the dress, sit down, and dance around a little bit. That’s you would be doing if you bought the dress, so if it is comfortable and stays in place it’s a keeper.
8. Cute shorts: I know some of us absolutely dread trying on shorts, but they are an essential piece of any southern Californian’s wardrobe. When buying shorts make sure you use the same rules you used when buying jeans. They have to be comfortable, they have to make your booty look good, and once again no muffin tops! If you need a bigger size, get it. I know we have our limits on what sizes we will wear, but you will be thankful you bought that next size up (or down) when you are comfortable. Walk around in the shorts and make sure they fit your legs right and don’t ride up your thighs, I hear this complaint about shorts all the time. Be brave and take several different styles into the dressing room with you. You might be surprised at what fits best.
9. A Great Coat: During the winter months this may be the only piece of clothing you will see. Make sure it is fabulous. I like to have a black one and a white one. I also like to buy longer coats that have some fitting at the waist, so it looks like I’m wearing a cute dress when it’s really just my coat. I have had my coats for many years now because I can wear them with so many different outfits. You can even buy some fun colors like plum or mustard.
10. A jacket: This is different from a coat, because you can wear it as part of an outfit, instead of covering up an outfit, as with a coat. A denim jacket is always a good choice. Denim jackets are being updated every year, so please don’t feel the need to break out the lacy hot-pink one from 1986. There are also bolero jackets that come in a variety of materials like cotton, or velvet. Once again, I like to stick with black on this because it can be worn multiple times. If you like color, go for it here!
These are 10 things that have made my life a little easier when it comes to putting together an outfit. You can pair these items with fun tops, and funky sweaters. Jackets can be worn with bright colored party dresses or with your jeans and a t-shirt. When trying on the basics, key things to remember are: make sure it is comfortable, and that it can be worn with many different pieces of clothing. When you are in your dressing room, mentally go through your wardrobe. If you can envision the basic you are trying on with different items you already own, you have found a keeper.
In the next blog we will start learning how to put outfits together using these basics.
