Back to Basics

When picking out an outfit, do you always find yourself saying, “I have nothing to wear!” According to msucares.com, “Women wear only 10 percent of the items in their closets 90 percent of the time!” This happens to the best and worst of us.

Blame it on the trends. From the time we were kids, we would always purchase clothes that were trendy for that moment. Years later, they no longer fit our taste or our lifestyle. For example, remember the boho trend? Were you among the many girls who purchased lots of bohemian skirts, only to have them gather dust at the back of our closet years later because you’ve realized that you’re not really a flower child?

When picking items for your wardrobe, stick to two basic rules: a) pick clothes that suit your individual taste and personality, b) don’t copy everything you see on magazines, and c) Fill up your wardrobe with basics before purchasing everything else.

Rule C is the most important fashion rule that most women don’t realize. Basic wardrobe pieces are classic items that will never go out of style and will work with any look. Project Runway’s Tim Gunn devised the Ten Essential Wardrobe Elements, which works for women of all personalities and sizes:

1. The little black dress – Whether you like it short or long, make sure you pick one that flatters your figure. This is the dress that you can wear over and over again and will still make you feel like a star.

2. Trench coat – While our two-season country isn’t accustomed to trench coats, you can still pull it off by picking a classic or neutral color that goes with anything. It’s perfect for chilly, rainy days.

3. White shirt – You may have a lot of white tops in your closet, but it’s hard to find the one piece that flatters your upper body and comes in a classic cut. Find one that highlights your assets and hides your flaws. For example, the round neck or turtle neck shirt will not flatter women with ample chests, while a v-neck top will make you look slimmer.

4. Dress pants – This piece can go from office to mall, depending on what you pair it with. Black is your best option because it flatters most figures and goes with everything.

5. Jeans – We all have jeans, but how many of us have one pair that makes us feel fabulous, no matter how often we wear it? The classic low-rise, flared jeans is what flatters most figures, and it has stayed in the fashion radar since the ’70s.

6. Sweater – When the temperature goes low, you need an emergency sweater that you can just throw on any outfit. Cashmere is a great option, but may be pricey for some.

7. Skirt – Pick a classic cut that can be used in both the office and at a party.

8. Day dress – Skip the prints and loud colors, as you want to be able to use this dress more than once. Pick a knee-length or longer cut so you can wear it for any day event—whether it’s at the mall, a garden wedding, or just casual lunch with friends.

9. Blazer – Many blazers tend to make women look too masculine, so make sure you pick one that accentuates your silhouette and waistline. When paired with business skirts, it’s great for the office. When worn over jeans, it’s casual chic.

10. Sweat suit alternative – Unless you’re going to the gym, you should avoid wearing sweat suits or jogging pants in the daytime—even if you’re just going to the grocery.

If you need a casual item that makes you feel comfortable on those lazy days, your best choices are khaki pants, cotton shorts, or even a cotton dress.

Dress Up Your Bikini

At the recent Avon Intimate Apparels Fashion Show, we saw the latest swimsuit and underwear collection for Spring/Summer ’08. What also caught our eye were the trendy ways the runway models wore their two-piece suits. We narrowed down the trends to our four favorites:

Mother Nature’s Bling
When accessorizing for the beach, go green by choosing materials that come from nature, such as wood and string. Pile on the bracelets and necklaces because layered accessories are back in the fashion radar. Your accessory colors should depend on the bikini you’re wearing. If your two-piece has loud colors and busy prints, tone it down with neutral or monochrome accessories. If your bikini is plain, then bring on the colored baubles.

Sneaker Theory
If you’re the rocker chic or rebel-glam type, then ditch your flip-flops for colorful sneaks. From high-cut pairs to girly low-cuts, sneakers are a fun and creative way of standing out in the beach. You may even go all the way by donning tribal scarves or skater-girl bandanas.

Revive the Bolero
We all know that bolero tops are so last, last season. But you shouldn’t dump it in the salvation army just yet; bolero tops can actually give your bikini an instant Euro flavor. Instead of covering your bikini bottom with shorts or frilly skirts, leave it bare and cover your top with your old bolero instead. There’s something about this distinct look that channels ’50s glam and Parisian chic.

Get Hatty
Girls will most likely be wearing headbands and head wraps to the beach this summer. Dare to be different by wearing a hat instead—and we’re not talking about borrowing your boyfriend’s baseball cap. Choose trendy hats in loud colors and fun styles. It also doubles as protection for your hair and face against the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Summer ain’t over yet! Shop for fun and trendy beach accessories from the following stores: Avon, Bayo, Get Happy, The Ramp, Tomato, Kashieca, Freeway, Culte Femme, Chocolate Clothing Company.