How to Choose Classic Clothes

Keeping up with the latest trends can be exhausting. (And do you really want spend a month's salary on a single skirt?) Here are some ideas-- beyond the iconic little black dress-- that will survive Trend Warfare and last longer than a reality star's fifteen minute of fame...

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time to try on the pieces (a good fit is crucial since you want to have these around for some time)
• Cash/credit cards

1. Blazer PIECE #1: A tailored, fitted blazer. While cropped and "shrunken" blazers are being sold right now, avoid these trendy pieces in favor of one that hits at or slightly above the hip, lined inside and form-fitting, but not too tight. Having it tailored is really essential; I know it costs extra, but it is worth it. Also to be avoided are in any excessive adornments-- you can add a brooch if you wish, but avoid anything sewn on-- and avoid any oversized or over-embellished buttons. In terms of seasons, you should a dark-colored one in a substantial fabric for fall/winter (I have one in a deep shade of eggplant purple in wool) and a lighter one for spring (mine is light blue and 100% cotton.) If you really only can buy one, I would choose a material that bests suits where you live, meaning the winters are different in New York than, say, Orlando. It looks great of course with suits, but also with jeans.
2. Pencil skirt PIECE #2: Pencil skirt. How you wear this piece depends on your frame. If you are tall, wear one at the knee; if you're petite, I recommend buying one that hits an inch above the knee. I have one in royal blue with white pinstripes that has been quite useful in navigating through the seasons. Last spring I wore it with a white silk tank top, white wedges and a black-leather pendant with a silver medallion, and in winter I'm wearing it with black tights, black sweaters and black ankle boots (the blue makes all that black "pop"). Very versatile!
3. PIECE #3: Little White Dress. This is a piece that infects any woman with spring fever. Think light fabric that doesn't wrinkle if, say, it's the middle of January, you're going to the Bahamas and don't want it to wrinkle in your suitcase. Think of a fitted waist and a slightly looser fit in the hip, with a boatneck or spaghetti straps. Avoid anything with prints or anything too puffy or too lacy and would associate you on top of a wedding cake!
4. Signature Piece PIECE #4: Signature Piece. This all depends on you ... it's a piece that you manage to work into your outfit on a regular basis. It is your trademark, usually an accessory, and of course, it can change over time. For a few years, it was sterling silver hoop earrings; now it is a pair of Raybans that my mother handed down from the 1970s (and no, I'm not the pretentious type to wear them at night!)

Tips & Warnings

• Look for high quality fabrics-- if these pieces are going to last, make sure they can withstand inclement washes and weather!
• Two words: avoid fuchsia!