What To Wear: It All Comes Down to the Basics

Happy Friday, darlings! I do hope you’re having a wonderful week; but if it’s been a bit stressful like mine, at least it’s quite the relief to know that the weekend is near!

I received an email earlier this week from Shamora – a fashionable girl, but in a bit of a rut:

I LOVE FASHION! I really do, and I have an eye for all things fabulous. I help all my friends get dressesed. I’m always eyeballing trends and new ways to look .. cute. BUT the problem is I have problems applying these things to myself. It seems like when I see everyone elses closet the always have something to wear. But it seems like I just shop aimlessly because the things I buy .. well once I get home I then realize how uneasy they are to match or I see that I just bought it because it was cute. Is there anyway you could help me with a list of “basics” or something of the sort. Just like essential things to have because Im having trouble figuring it out for myself =(.  P.S. LOVE YOUR BLOG SITE!!!

We’ve all been stuck in such predicament – I completely understand. It seems you have quite a fashionable eye, since you do help out friends with things concerning style. Don’t be frustrated yourself; it’s not that you have a problem with applying style tips to yourself, but it’s simply the fact that you know and love too much to decide on what you want. We all want to channel the ever popular rock-chic look; the next day, try the bohemian-hippie outfit; then dress the following day as a tribute to Blair Waldorf. But when there is simply too much to choose from, with too overwhelming of a selection, we sometimes just end up buying a rather random piece on a whim. So where to start?

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• Start an inspiration journal. It seems to be a cliché idea, but it is guaranteed to work. Begin by browsing through blogs, magazines, books, etc. for a bit of inspiration. Compile a little journal or folder of clippings. Wait a day, then look through your inspiration pile again – are their similarities in each of the images you’ve chosen? Take note of the running trend of oh, say, red lips and black lace dresses and jot it down! That way you know what you love & can easily keep track of the basics you need to help build your wardrobe and add the fashionable, trendy you into it.

courtesy of jaimewearsblack; isn’t her inspiration binder darling?

And now for a list of basics, a la moi. [Disclaimer: these are simply things I think are necessary! :)]

The Basics

• 1 black & 1 white short sleeve tee. Preferably fitted for best results. Why? They’re the ultimate basic, acting as the perfect everyday piece, a blank canvas, a layering tool, etc. I absolutely love the ones at Forever 21 – they’re cheap, form fitting, stretchy, and just a tad sheer. Wear it plain with a pair of jeans and boots for a super-chic, clean look. Pair it with a statement necklace to tone down the ornateness of the jewelry; or toss on a scarf for a sophisticated finish. Wear it beneath a sweater, cardigan, blazer or another tee. The possibilities are endless.
• Jeans (obviously). Depending on your body shape/type you may want to opt for different cut jean, but I personally prefer fitted, straight-legged denim – they’re like the more flattering version of skinny jeans (if you will). The shape is perfect for any kind of shoe wear, from flats, heels, and tucking inside boots. I always have one pair in a dark wash, and one in a medium wash!

• Silver Jewelry. Sterling, preferably. It’s what I wear everyday; I rotate between a silver chain necklace with a) the Eiffel Tower (I bought it on the Eiffel Tower – tourist-y, yes, but I love Paris!) b) crystal heart c) Swarovski lock & key d) heart shaped locket on a longer chain. And the occasional something-else pendant. All silver, of course. I always have a single silver bangle on as well, and a ring (that depends on my outfit of choice!). Silver jewelry is pretty, dainty, and light – it’s color isn’t as heavy as gold, and is easier to pair with different outfits than gold.
• Black Tights. Opaque or sheer, they winter-ize a dress, provides coverage, and adds a dash of sophistication. A must-have!
• Blazer. A black blazer, cropped or not, can completely change the overall effect of an outfit – making it one of the most versatile and practical pieces. Typically the piece of a woman’s suit for work, the blazer goes beyond the office. It dresses up a graphic tee and jeans; adds sophistication to a mini dress; and plays up any plain ensemble. Do invest in at least one good jacket – it will be sure to last quite a while!
• Leather Jacket. For that perfect, rock-inspired ensemble. And a warm coat.
• Graphic Tee. For a bit of a fun touch. Whether you like cutsey, punk, vintage, band, etc. tee shirts, owning at least one is a playful way to add personality on a casual day. Sometimes we get tired of the same thing; wearing a tee shirt for a casual day is a great way to change it up: pair it with a blazer and jeans, a vest and denim, or tucked into an adorable skirt.
• 3/4-sleeve Top/Sweater. The most sophisticated cut ever; a tee is too casual, as are long sleeves.
• Butterfly Sleeved Top. Half of my closet must consist of these types. I find them chic, comfy, and feminine. AKA the batwing top, though butterfly sounds much more appealing to me. They’re the dressier version of the tee.
• Lace Camisole. Yes, they can be worn around the house as pajamas or beneath a tee of some sort for added warmth. But when used as a layering tool for tees so that a bit of lace pops out, it adds an element of sexiness and dimension. Or wear it beneath a black blazer for a sexy, formal date. Chic, sophisticated, and demurely alluring.
• The Little Black Dress. It’s inevitable, unavoidable, inescapable. A must. A hemline just above the knees is the perfect length for dressing down or up!

• Black Skirt. Because the possibilities with a single black skirt (whether a pencil skirt, pouf a la Proenza Schouler, etc.) are endless. A feminine blouse or graphic tee tucked makes for such a sophisticated outfit.
• Tailored Shorts. The cuffed hems with a pretty button make fitted short-shorts sophisticated. And they seriously elongate the legs when paired with kitten heels or pumps. One of my favorites!
• Heels. A pair of great heels make the woman, so they say. But I beg to differ: it makes the outfit, and helps the woman with a bit of a hip-swinging, men-entrancing gait. Most of my shoes are black, as they truly are the most versatile and practical: 3.5 inch pumps, boots, & a kitten heel sandal.
• Flats. Every woman needs a break from heels; so for that shopping spree, wearing flats would be most comfortable. I’d suggest  black and/or white  ballet flats & flat, leather boots, knee high.

• Cocktail Rings. So perhaps I’m biased because I have a mild obsession with them, but they are a key piece in making any outfit glamorous. They don’t necessarily have to be expensive; as Coco Chanel said, costume jewelry is a must.
• Scarves. They’re the epitome of classiness and versatility. Worn in a myriad of ways and knots, they provide warmth and color to a more basic outfit; I love knitted, silk, and satin ones – they add a bit of detail and texture to the tee-and-jeans outfit.
• Floral Print: Easiest worn in the form of a dress, a floral printed dress in a light fabric is more versatile than it’s accredited for. In the spring & summer it can be worn by itself with a light cardigan and a pair of espadrilles/pumps/sandals depending on the occasion. In the colder months, pairing it with a dark cardigan cinched with a belt, opaque tights, and stacked heels adds color to a winter-washed wardrobe.
• Belt. A wide one to cinch at the waist (it does wonders in tummy-hiding!), and a thin one to add detail.

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So begin with these items; they act as the foundation and blank canvas. Personalize it with a bit of you, whether it be with an eclectic cardigan or Carrie-worthy hairpiece. Make it yours.

xoxo,

La C.