I am having the darndest time this spring writing. I write all these posts in my head, but when it comes time to put them down on the blog with links and formatting, well, I just go to bed instead.
So sorry ladies.
Generally, when I’m stuck, a series helps. Today, I’m launching a four part Fashion Friday series on The Fashion Basics! I am so excited. It will also really help me as I need to edit what’s in my closet. I’ll photograph it soon (one of my friends has offered to come help), but having the basics in mind will guide you both as you shop and as you pair down your closet.
Here they are, the Four Fs: Fit, Feel, Fresh and Fad. Fit may be the most obvious, yet overlooked, basic – your clothes should fit you well. Feel has to do with the quality of the clothes that you buy with “quality over quantity” as its cornerstone. Fresh relates to how you bring a unique and distinct perspective to fashion. And fad, the logical counterpoint to fresh, addresses when not to embrace a trend just because it’s considered fashionable.
Today we start with the most basic element: FIT.
Your clothes should fit you.
This does not mean they are capable of being zipped or buttoned.
This does not mean that the numbers on the tag comport with the number you carry around in your head as “your size.”
Start with your undergarments. Your body changes shapes and sizes and so should your underwear and bra. Your daily clothes won’t hang well unless you start from a good base. Go get fitted for a bra. Buy panties in three sizes to see what fits. In addition to having “pretty” undergarments for your spouse, invest in a few basic pieces which help clothes lay smoothly like t-shirt bras and underwear with anti-ride “tape” at the bottom. You’ll immediately see a difference.
Next, experiment with different brands. I am a notorious on-line shopper because time is short, but on-line shopping has contributed to mass ill-fitting clothes. You think, oh, this is okay, it will work, because you don’t want to mess with returning it, but you wouldn’t have settled on it in store.
Go to a department store. Nordstrom’s, Macy’s, Dillard’s, whatever you have in your area, and try clothes on. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have a range of sizes. Take a size smaller and larger size in addition to the one you normally wear to the fitting room. You often won’t realize something is too big or too small until you see the alterative. Sit down in it. Move in it.
Does it cause pinch points? Is the dress too short? Does the shirt gap? Can you see your panty line? Does the fabric pull or balloon? Look at belts, buttons, snaps, zips, and see how they hang and where they fall. Do the trousers fall above your ankle or drag on the ground when you pair them with your shoes? Do all blazer buttons button? Where do the sleeves fall – too high or low?
If you have some atypical features like a super narrow waist or short arms, then find a good tailor. Take recommendations from friends and neighbors. Take a piece in and see if he does a good job. If not, try the next one. Tailoring is an inexpensive way to make sure your professional wardrobe looks custom.
Here’s some great examples of perfect fit in action:
Experiment! Have fun! And find something you feel beautiful AND comfortable in. Hope to see you next week.