Must-Have Wardrobe Classics
Fashion trends come and go, but there are some items that never go out of style, and you can find a place for them in any wardrobe. And should!
Style expert Sarah Shirley brought several of her favorite classics to The Early Show Tuesday.
What makes each of the choices a wardrobe classic? Not only do they never go out of style, they're also extremely versatile. You can pair them with virtually anything, which gives you the option to dress them up or dress them down. You can effortlessly mix and match them with some of the trendier clothing and accessories out there, too. Plus, they are virtually season-less, so they make great transition pieces, perfect as we start to transition from summer to fall. Finally, they're readily available almost everywhere, in a wide range of price points.
But, just because an item is a wardrobe classic doesn't mean it has to be boring. Look for classics with a twist (i.e.: interesting details), or add your own by pairing them with something unexpected. The items you pair your classics with, along with how you wear them, have a lot to do with your style, as well.
BLACK PANTS
Black pants are in style every season. You'll always find black pants in department or specialty stores. So, go for a good pair that fit you well. You don't have to spend tons of money on them; the ones on the show were from JC Penny, and you can buy the matching jacket, as well, so you have a suit. But what Shirley did was really accessorize the suit, so it had a bit of an attitude! She took the "boring black suit" and really punched it up with a metallic bag, giving the look texture and shine; a simple cream-colored camisole brightened up the neckline; gold bracelets on each wrist added a great detail that shone, and the gold tone picked up again in her chic gold open-toe flats with hardware details from Steve Madden. Black is the "new black," and you can't go wrong with black pants. It's a wardrobe go-to.
Pants: Worthington by JC Penny, $44, JC Penny Stores, www.jcp.com
Jacket: Worthington by JC Penny, $60, JC Penny Stores, www.jcp.com
Bag: Be & D, available at department stores
Shoes: Steve Madden, www.stevemadden.com
Bracelets: J. Crew, www.jcrew.com
Camisole: Club Monaco, www.clubmonaco.com
WRAP DRESS
Most women have a few dresses in their wardrobe, and one of them might be a wrap dress. Diane Von Furstenberg began making her signature jersey wrap dresses in the '70s, and they're still going strong today. There are no buttons, zippers, or snaps that make this wardrobe classic comfortable. Moreover, wrap dresses come in solid colors or in prints. Shirley loves the bold print show she showed on the show, because you can pair it with black shoes and tights and wear it to work, or throw on some trendy shoes like the ones from Christian Louboutin, and some chic jewels from Dominique Cohen, and the dress is perfect for a dinner out. Perfect for day or night, office or the town. Not to mention the wrap dress fits most body types really well, as it skims and sculpts the shape of the body. And, you don't need to get a DVF one: You can find wrap dresses almost anywhere, at any price. So, what's not to like?
Why did Shirley chose this one instead of a little black dress? Everyone has so much black in their closets, it's fun to add some color. Color can provide an instant pick-me-up as we head into fall and winter, and of course, it's always fun in the spring and summer. It can also be very flattering, since it keeps the eyes moving. And, you can really wear this dress anywhere, from work to weekend, and back again. It also works all year-round, because of the material and 3/4-length sleeves. While a little black dress is great, it may not be as versatile (for instance, you may only be able to wear it to cocktails or a wedding).
Dress: Diane von Furstenberg Julian vintage wrap dress in Teardrop Icat Beet, $325, www.dvf.com
Shoes: Christian Louboutin, available at department stores
Bag: Steve Madden, www.stevemadden.com
WHITE BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT
You may have dozens of white blouses or shirts that you're just not crazy about, or they could be a bit too masculine or even just need to be refreshed, because the white shirt may be turning a bit yellow. First of all, white, like black, is a go-to color. Second, a white shirt goes with virtually everything, which is why it's a classic. Shirley loves the blouse from Rebecca Taylor because of its feminine shape (it follows the curves of the body and fits at the waist). Also, instead of a stiff collar and cuffs, it has a soft, simple, ruffle detail. This is a sure classic, with a twist. Shirley paired it with a simple, grey pin-striped pencil skirt with a pleat detail in the back. The entire look is perfect for work, but makes a great transition to evening with a patent clutch and patent burgundy round toe sling backs from Brian Atwood.
White Button-Down Shirt: Rebecca Taylor, $129, www.rebeccataylor.com
Pencil Skirt: Club Monaco, $129. www.clubmonaco.com
Shoes: Brian Atwood, www.brianatwood.com
Clutch: Brian Atwood, www.brianatwood.com
JEANS
Jeans are so "in," they never go out. Denim, however, has become so trendy with low-waist, high-waist, different colors, washes and treatments. How do you decide? You can't, so Shirley thinks a great classic straight-leg, boot-cut jean (not skinny, not flared) are a fantastic staple. A jean like that always looks chic! Not trendy. To punch up this look, pair it with a cable neck cashmere cardigan in a fun color of the season, lilac. The purple color looks so chic with shade of brown and camel, like the lamb bag in saddle and great flat riding boots from Etienne Aigner. A classic chronograph watch from Citizen is the perfect accent to this look.
Jeans: J.Crew Vintage Boot cut Jean, Classic Jean Fit, $99.00, www.jcrew.com
Cable Knit Cashmere Cardigan: J. Crew, $86.00, www.jcrew.com
Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Riva Chronograph with inlaid Black Onyx Bezel, www.citizenwatch.com
Boot: Etienne Aigner, www.etienneaigner.com
Bag: L.A.M.B. Signature Mandeville Satchel in Saddle, www.shopbop.com