Thursday, January 26, 2012

10 wardrobe boosts for 2012

As we’re all still (somewhat) in the mood for New Year’s resolutions, I thought I’d contribute with a little shot of wardrobe rehab. One thing I do at least once a season is clean out my closet (especially since I’m often on the go and sometimes homeless) and give away everything that does not fit or that I will never wear again. I see it as a chance for a fresh start and a good opportunity to forget mistakes of the past. Except for a few pictures somewhere, no one will ever know that I even owned such a pair of jeans / sweater / tacky belt / etc. You know what I mean. New year, new me, right? I worked on this piece thinking about both men and women, and I think everybody who travels a lot will benefit from this little exercise. And even if you don’t. Just a nice breath of fresh air, and a better-dressed you for two thousand and twelve. So get rid of  that old stuff and concentrate on getting these shiny, new things. Btw, the bf was consulted and every helpful. (Grazie!)


GIRLS

1.  Actually, the first thing does not even involve shopping. Whatever classic pieces you have that does not fit well and is therefore not being worn, EVER – may it be an evening dress, trousers, a skirt – should be taken to a nice man/woman called a tailor/seamstress and be altered to your heart’s content. Chop off the awkward length of that skirt and have that blouse taken in at the waist. Makes a world of difference.
2.     Button-up Oxford shirts. But nice, fitting ones. No frills. Just basic colors and perfect cut. Wear them with jeans. 
3.   Go through your mom’s wardrobe if you’ve never done it before (and with her permission, obv). If she is willing to give you one classic piece, such as a jacket, a blazer, a blouse, take it. And have it tailored if necessary.
4.  Color. And make sure to narrow down what works for you. Dark emerald green and cobalt blue work for me. As well as mustard yellow. And so I’ll make sure to concentrate on these.
5.  Circle skirts. Make any figure instantly pretty.
6.  Bold necklaces. To make any outfit look new again. (and therefore carry less stuff and pack light when travelling)
7.   Perfect pair of trousers, be it high-waisted and wide, or slim cigarette, or chinos.
8.  Color shoes. Go for Tangerine, if you would like to use Pantone’s color for 2012.
9.  One lovely, soft silk piece.
10. Vintage bag. Go browse the second-hand/charity shops. It adds character to any outfit.


BOYS
1. Same goes for you, boys. Get well-fitting button-up shirts. I mean slim fit, nothing boxy. If you don’t already have a dark navy shirt, buy one.
2.  Sometime this year, get a good leather jacket. Nothing more versatile. And ladies love it.
3.  Wool hat. Fedora, newsboy cap, etc.
4.   Long wool coat, in a bright color, such as blue.
5.   Dark brown suede boots. Casual. Clark’s Desert Boots are a classic.
6.   Bow tie, because why not?
7.   Invest in a good pair of sunglasses. Maybe in a tortoise color. Or black. Look for brand Cazal (the bf loves model 735). Persol’s Steve McQueen model are also a chic pick.
8.   Vintage watch, maybe with new leather strap. To be found in antique shops or markets. Or at Grandpa’s house.
9.     Mandarin-collar white shirt.
10.  Fun pattern socks, if you don’t already own them. To be worn with oxford shoes, or those brown suede boots. 


What else would you add? What are your wardrobe resolutions for 2012, if you have any? 


Edited by Dee & Duke. 

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