A well-balanced wardrobe includes what I call cake and icing. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? The cake of your wardrobe are the wardrobe classics. These are the pieces that are available in some version year after year. They include a white cotton shirt, a blazer, a cardigan, quality t-shirts, a pencil or an a-line skirt, dark wash jeans, a quality leather handbag, a pair of pumps and a pair of flats or loafers. The design and fabric of these pieces change over the years, but you can always find a version of them.
Wardrobe Cake
The collage below shows two types of dresses, one is a wrap style, which is fitted through the waist (great for hourglass shapes), and the other is a shift style, which flows over the waistline (great for apple shapes). Every woman regardless of her age and her lifestyle should have one dress that fits her well and makes her feel like a million bucks. Not to be overlooked in our list of classics, one should own either an overcoat or a trench coat. The coat below is a cross between a classic wool overcoat and a trench coat.
Wardrobe Icing
While wardrobe classics are great, they often lack personal flair. This is where the icing comes in. The “icing” in the collage below may not be your flavor, but they stand out in a way that classics do not: more pattern, color, texture and shine. The icing pieces of your wardrobe show others who you are. They communicate your personality and style. Icing pieces mixed with classics create interesting outfits that are well-balanced. An outfit heavy on classics is dull. Too much icing communicates “trying too hard.”
Where Does Your Wardrobe Stand?
Some of us are cake girls, and some of us are icing girls. And some of us like both! Guilty! Assess your wardrobe for cake and icing. If you are lacking basics and classics, it is difficult to create outfits. An outfit begins with a basic/classic. On the other hand, not having the icing to give your look its flair will leave you feeling bored with your look.
If you need help assessing your wardrobe, call me. Together, we will find your best pieces, create a shopping list and get you on the road to having the wardrobe of your dreams.
