The Evolution of Style
We've all heard that good style is classic and timeless. But has this definition changed since the pandemic? For the past year and a half, we've had the luxury of dressing comfortably at home. Now that we're returning to normal, you may find that your old corporate pieces are no longer appealing.
To guide us on our post-COVID apparel journey, we turned to Jacqui Stafford, author of The Wow Factor: Insider Style Secrets for Every Body and Every Budget, for her tips on the smartest investment pieces to have in your wardrobe.
The Lazy Girl's Guide to Style
On average, we wear only 20% of our wardrobe, 80% of the time. When creating an easy and timeless wardrobe, consider longevity and flexibility. According to Stafford, the bulk of your wardrobe should be pieces that you can wear for years to come. She recommends 10 key pieces every woman needs:
- Denim jacket
- Crewneck cardigan
- Crewneck T-shirts (in every color)
- Classic leather handbag
- Scarves
- Straight, ankle-length cigarette jeans (no rips!)
- Classic wrap dress
- Knit dresses (anything with a stretch)
- Ballet flats
- Neutral colored heels (1-2 inch at most!)
Pay Attention to Fabric
Better fabrics last longer. When shopping, look for a higher percentage of natural fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, and linen. Investing in better fabrics means they will wash better, last longer, and hang better on your body.
For example, pima cotton has longer fibers than conventional cotton, making it softer and wrinkle-resistant. Cashmere is a breathable, smart fabric that self-regulates to the body's temperature. And when looking for linen, don't worry if it wrinkles and creases – that's how it's supposed to look!
Put Comfort First
True style is not about expensive brand names or trendy pieces. It's about having pieces that make you feel comfortable. When we feel good, we look good. Across the country, there's been a shift to a more casual dress code in the corporate landscape. But casual doesn't mean sloppy. Look for jeans with 5% elastane for more stretch, and embrace luxurious, comfortable fabrics.
Add Some Color
Adding colors to your closet keeps things fresh and exciting. When you wear color, it gives your skin luminosity, brightness, and vibrancy. Consider embracing colorful pieces, especially on the top half, to give your skin more vibrancy.
Have a Good Tailor
Clothes that fit well look better. Having a trusted tailor is invaluable. A good tailor can turn something simple into something that looks couture without breaking the bank. Little tweaks can make something fit perfectly and are worth the investment.
