Friday, May 7, 2010

"Basic" pieces in any wardrobe...

In most books on fashion and style, there's always a chapter dedicated to the basics and must-haves in any wardrobe, what you could call a "uniform" of elegance. There are garments, such as jeans, a white shirt or the well-known little black dress, that could find their place in any wardrobe. However, it's our life and activities  thatthe ones dictate which are our basics. And it is also true that we surely possess more than just basics in our wardrobe. That's why I believe that the must-haves vary from woman to woman and to be able to name mines I must remember what I always pack when travelling...
1. A pair of jeans.
Why? Because they look good with almost everything, from a t-shirt to a sequined top. As it is such a popular garment, designers produce different variations every season to encourage constant purchase.
How? I prefer them in a classic fit, straight or slightly evaseé, in a medium rise that flatters my butt.
2. A long-sleeve white shirt.
Why? Because paired with the jeans or a black skirt you can go everywhere. The white shirt is an iconic piece of style. In spite of being so simple, it communicates freshness and sense, and its delicate color makes it very aristocratic (not conceived for activities that require getting dirty!). It's a basic available to every budget, refined and little pretentious. And will sure light up your face!
How? 100% cotton and slightly fitted. It must be impeccable (a yellowy white would spoil it completely) and perfectly-well ironed.
3. A knee-lenght black dress.
Why? La petite robe noire, created by Coco Chanel in 1926, is the ultimate mistake-free basic. It's comfortable, sexy and flatters any body shape.
How? Simple enough to be natural, sexy without being vulgar and elegant to prove that the woman carrying it has good taste. I prefer those that are sleeveless, with round collar and no cleveage. It's so versatile that you can use it for a cocktail, a party or a funeral.
4. A black skirt
Why? Because it's a perfect match for the white shirt and together they create a perfectly elegant outfit.
How? Pencil-like or slightly evaseé, made of a fabric resistant to wrinkles. It must be over the knee, because that's a length that doesn't add extra age.
5. A black cashmere cardigan.
Why? Because it's excellent to protect you from the chill, soft, light and smooth. Cashmere is spinned from a soft layer of internal wood that a particular specie of goat, that lives in the mountains of China, Mongolia, Afganistan and Iran, uses to protect itself from the cold. It is said that between 60 and 90 grams of this wood is taken from each goat and that 250 grams of it is needed for a single woman sweater... This is why 100% cashmere sweaters are so expensive... Of course you can find less pure options for lower prices, but they'd probably won't last that much...
How? Slightly fitted to your shape.
6. A black mid-season coat.
Why? Because it's an elegant piece to bring out every outfit.
How? Not too heavy, nor to light, enough to switch comfortably between seasons and weathers when travelling...
7. A denim jacket.
Why? Because paired with the little black dress you get to have a really cool young ensamble. And used with  the black skirt and the white shirt, you create another very decontracté look...
How? Not too big, nor too short.
8. A pair of black shoes.
Why? Because high heels bring out the curves of our body and, by toughening our muscles, make our legs and ankles look thinner. To compensate the equilibrium in the new height, we tend to walk more elegantly and sexy. For many, using heels implies power and authority, because they sure are uncomfortable to use while doing hard work. They seemed to exist only for those in command.
How? I prefer slingbacks, with 8-cm-heels... But if I really want to feel glamorous, I use 14-cm-high heels... and I do pay attention while walking, fighting hard to avoid falls!!
9. A pair of shinny earrings to use at night.
Why? Because if they are not too exagerated and don't compete with our outfit, they light up our face and complement our look.
How? Not vulgar, nor tiny, good enough so they don't produce allergies. No need to be of authentic rocks. Stores as H&M have great options in good prices...
10. A pair of sunglasses for day.
Why? Because they bring instant glamour and are perfect allies to hide tired eyes after a long flight.
How? That depends on the structure of your face. You have to try them to see which ones fit you best.

Now, you tell me which are the must-haves you can't live without...

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