A classic wardrobe is one that never goes out of style. You can keep it fresh by adding a a few new pieces every season, but these are the staples.
Step 1
Before you even begin buying clothing, evaluate your body type. especially notice your flaws, because you will want to conceal these. (an example--Audrey Hepburn had a prominent collarbone, and so Edith Head, a former head of fashion at Paramount, would conceal this using necklines, necklaces, and scarves.) You also want to decide what to accentuate, whether it be legs, face, etc.
Step 2
The next step is to decide which colors work best for you. The easiest way to do this is just to grab various sample swatches at a paint store, and go in an area with natural light, then hold the swatches to your skin, and see which look best with your skin tone, eyes, and hair color. Use these colors as guidelines.
Step 3
It's also good to research different cuts of clothing a bit. You can look online, or go try clothing on. try on bias cuts, sheaths, a-lines, empire waists, etc. See what cuts accentuate the positive and don't emphasize the negative. Try and get an idea of what works best on you.
Step 4
If you are between sizes, never pick the smaller one. Always get the bigger size and get it tailored. If it is something you will keep for a long time, and use often enough, the expense is worth it.
Step 5
Do not buy cheap fabrics, but get sturdy clothing that will last. Tweed, wool, cotton, cashmere, silk, etc. Although they may be a bit more expensive, they will keep longer. Keep in mind that the expense often pays off in the end.
Step 6
Many patterns are classic too, while it is good to have solids, as they are more versatile, don't be afraid of polka dots, plaids, sawtooth, herringbone, stripes, or florals. If it looks good on you, get it.
Step 7
Following is a list of wardrobe staples. Try to have it in both a neutral color (black, navy blue, grey, tan, etc) and a vivid color (red, green, blue etc) so to have more variety.
- formal dress
- blazer, single or doublebreasted
- cable knit sweater
- knee length skirt
- summer dress
- jeans (dark hued, so as to match everything, the cut which suits you best)
- button down shirt (see if an offwhite or cream colors flatters more than white, it is just as classic, and often looks better on warm complexions)
- button down cardigan
- three piece suit (skirt, pants, jacket)
- camisole
- dress pants
- cocktail dress
Step 8
find the colours that suit you best and then get them in a paler colour
- long skirt
- shirts ( try on scoopnecks, boatnecks, cowls, sweetheart, see what looks best on you)
- a trench, or a peacoat
Step 9
This list is just to get you started. Experiment with the clothing before you buy it. The key is to know what looks great on you.
Step 10
With accessories--an odd number of necklaces or bracelets works best (one or three necklaces almost always looks better than two)
Step 11
Remember not to go crazy on the accessories.
Step 12
It's always good to have a signature piece.
Step 13
With few exceptions, scarves and necklaces should not be worn together. Also, certain necklines look better without neck accessories.
Step 14
Try to have a necklace which follows the neckline of your clothing.
Step 15
When wearing neutrals, add some color with accessories.
Step 16
Have at least one pair of flats, and one pair of heels.
Step 17
A good pair of boots is very versatile.
Step 18
It's good to have one black purse, and at least one colorful or patterned one.
Tips
- If you are petite a huge pattern may overwhelm you
- If you have small shoulders but bigger hips, slight padding at the shoulders will help with proportions
- If you have bigger shoulders and smaller hips, try a circle skirt, or one with a cut which shows the waist, but flounces out a bit at the hips, again for proportion.
- If you are an hourglass ( bust and hips measure about the same), wear a belt, and bias cuts, which will show the curves off to advantage. show off that small waist, and those perfect proportions
- An empire or sheath cut hides stomach flaws the best.
- Details at the bust line are flattering to people with smaller busts.
- If you don't have much waist, details at the waist such as cinching pockets or shirring will give the illusion of more curves
- Be yourself, never pick a classical wardrobe just because it's the new trend!
Warnings
- Trends come and go, it is best to buy trendy accessories, or less expensive pieces if you will not wear them often.
- Make sure your clothing looks good fits well, and reflects the best you possible
