Read this before you head to the mall
By Diana Pemberton Sikes
Love all the cool clothes you're seeing in the malls, online, and in the catalogs being delivered to your doorstep? There are lots and lots of pretty things being shown for this season, that's for sure.
But if you're trying to figure out where best to spend your money, let me say that it's NOT on all the "must haves" that will be out of date by New Year's. Yes, there are some cute trends out there and yes, you may find them hard to resist.
But remember: trends date quickly.
If you can afford to buy a new wardrobe every season, this probably doesn't mean much to you. But if you're like most of my clients and readers and tend to wear your clothes for several years, trends are NOT the way to go.
Instead, add pieces that are current but that also give you mileage, meaning that you can wear them for several seasons - or in a variety of ways -- without looking dated. Simple lines in sturdy fabrics often wear the best, so keep the details to a minimum and buy the best fabrics you an afford AND properly maintain. Your budget will thank you for it.
Without further ado, here are, in my opinion, the best bets for Fall 2004:
Pencil Skirt
This classic has returned as part of the "girlie girl" trend, but it's a great wardrobe additional any time and for any season. Wear it as part of a suit, under a twin set or pretty sweater, or pair it with a beaded top and put it to work as eveningwear. Pencil skirts look best on bodies with trim hips, flat tummies, and firm derrieres.
A-Line Skirt
Another perennial favorite, the A-line skirt can be a real workhorse since it works well with jackets, twinsets, vests, etc. Another plus? It looks good on many body types, including those with ample hips, tummy, or derriere. Buy in a dark color for a slimming effect and wear it often.
Brooches
Want to instantly update a jacket, sweater, or coat? Add a brooch or a pin. Yep - just like Grandma used to wear. In fact, if you still have some of dear Granny's jewelry lying around, pull it out and wear it. Or pick up an inexpensive bauble at your favorite costume jewelry store.
This is one of those rare looks that offers a lot of "bang for the buck," so add some sparkle to your old favorites and update your look with a minimum of fuss.
Feminine Blouses
Have a bland suit in need of an update? Add a flirty, feminine blouse that means business. It will soften even the most severe of suits, give you an edge in male-dominated business interactions yet take you to after five functions with ease. All that, and it looks great too!
Boots
Boots continue to be a smart cold-weather choice, even if your typical winter weather isn't that cold. Boots can visually elongate, add impact, and even update old favorites. For maximum versatility, opt for a pair that is knee length, a dark color, has a simple line and few embellishments.
Great Outerwear
Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to hide beneath a shapeless, boring coat. There are tons of great styles out there for any weather you have to endure. Look great in transit AND at your destination. With styles like these, it's easy to do both.
Suits
A simple suit is a thing of beauty. It can take you to work, dinner out, weddings, funerals, and just about any place else in elegance. No wonder designers have "rediscovered" this staple for fall - it's as versatile today as it has been for generations. Opt for a simple style in a neutral color and wear it for years to come.
Jacket
Like a great suit, a good-looking jacket is a fabulous wardrobe addition. It can instantly upgrade any outfit, including jeans and a t-shirt, and lend you a sense of authority whenever you need it. You'll find tons of cute jackets available this year, so grab a few in styles that flatter your figure and wear them again and again.
Sweaters
Sweater season is just around the corner, and oh, the sweaters you'll see! This perennial favorite is back in a big way this year, in amazing fabrics that are lovely to look at and feel. If you get the "urge to splurge" on a sweater, opt for a cashmere or a handmade Irish knit in a style that will last for years. Otherwise, keep it simple and inexpensive - and wear it with jeans, skirts, and suits all season long.
Straight Leg, Flat Front Pants
Want a pant style that looks good on a variety of bodies? Here it is: straight leg, flat front. This style visually elongates the leg, and because there's no pockets or pleats to add bulk around the abdomen, it also offers a slimming effect, particularly when done in dark, muted colors. Nice! Nothing like looking taller and thinner just by getting dressed, eh?
So what does this all boil down to?
You're going to see lots of cute clothes this season, many of which you may be tempted to impulse buy. But if you think about your potential purchases in terms of wearability and mileage instead of just how cute they look right now, you'll quickly see that all pieces are not created equal. Opt for the styles you can wear the most that allow you to look great with a minimum of fuss.
And, as always, invest in classic basics and go cheap on trends. It's the only way to get your money's worth out of them.
About The Author
Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of Wardrobe Magic, an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com. Need some other tips and tricks? Pick up a copy of Wardrobe Magic.
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