Fall Fashion Guide: The essentials for a well-balanced wardrobe
From realsimple.com
By stocking your closet with items from the five “clothing groups,” you’ll never have to ask the dreaded question, “What should I wear?”
The Well-Balanced Wardrobe
Remember the food pyramid from nutrition class? If you apply its principles (variety, moderation, portion control) to what you put in your closet, you’ll have a well-balanced wardrobe that makes getting dressed easy. Load up on your basics, go easy on the patterns, and indulge in one showstopper for special occasions.
Follow these guidelines to satisfy — and streamline — your daily dressing requirements.
The Basics
Build a strong foundation with a selection of 13 strategic staples that will mix with almost everything in your closet.
Shown, left to right:
Black Tank: A white tank looks right at the gym and for casual outings, but a black one can be worn with everything from khakis to a cocktail skirt.
Crewneck Sweater: Opt for thin knits in cotton or wool that layer easily.
Jeans: It’s worth paying extra for jeans that actually fit and flatter. Your best bet? Stretch denim with no more than 2 percent Lycra (the fabric will follow your curves and keep its shape).
Long-Sleeve White T-Shirt: Looking thin in white doesn’t have to be difficult. The trick? Choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims over your body (but doesn’t cling).
Khakis: Forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease, too. After all, these are casual pants.
The Staples
Daily rations of these 8 wardrobe workhorses will help get you through the week. Maximize versatility with neutral shades and classic cuts.
Shown, clockwise from left:
Wool Skirt: An A-line style suits most figures, and pockets add practicality.
Black Suit: Splurge-worthy? Definitely.
Pin-Striped Oxford: Update this classic by choosing an unexpected color.
The Staples (continued)
Shown, left to right:
Black Dress: A shirtdress style can be worn every day, every season.
Silk Blouse: A jewel tone accentuates the luxuriousness of the fabric.
Gray Trousers: Charcoal pants look dressier than heather gray.
Fitted Jacket: Leave enough breathing room for a sweater or a camisole.
Camisole: Go for an unembellished style and leave the lace trim for your lingerie.
The Statement Pieces
No closet is complete without a few signature pieces — the kind guaranteed to garner compliments (and attract notice if you wear them two days in a row).
Shown, left to right:
Printed Dress: Bold is beautiful, but large patterns work best when you keep the colors subtle.
Patterned Jacket: Don’t get overpowered by a print; show off your shape with a close-fit style and a shorter cut.
The Statement Pieces (continued)
Shown, clockwise from left:
Bold Blouse: Give a printed shirt top billing by pairing it with solid pants or dark jeans.
Graphic Sweater: Pattern shy? Start with a neutral knit in a geometric design.
Tweed Pants: In brown or black, they’re a classic, but cream-colored tweed trousers are pleasantly offbeat.
The Evening Standards
Even die-hard homebodies need a couple of after-dark pieces, but you can also let these stunners see the light of day by pairing them with casual wear.
Velvet Jacket: Whether you choose a modern or classic style, this piece will instantly upgrade your outfit.
The Evening Standards (continued)
Shown, left to right
Ruffled Shirt: Don’t go for all the frills. When wearing ruffles, skip the rhinestone buttons and fussy bows.
Cocktail Skirt: What makes a skirt party-ready? It’s in the details: Go for volume and embellishments such as beading.
Sparkly Top: Sequins aren’t the only way to shine: Metallics can be just as dazzling.
Velvet Pants: With a heavier fabric, like velvet, black is the most slimming way to go. You can choose to save or splurge — there are styles to fit every budget.
The Showstoppers
Formal events may roll around only once a year, but it pays to treat yourself to a dress that guarantees a grand entrance every time.
Party Dress: The rules of selection are simple. Go with a timeless style that is figure-flattering and, most important, makes you feel fabulous.