Every season, overwhelmed by the options the fashion world has to offer me, I strategically build a shopping list. I call it my "would-like-to-have" list rather than the ubiquitous "must-have" list, because really, who must have a pair of cropped trousers or any other clothing item? Must-haves are water, food, shelter, love....you get what I'm saying. Having said that, we all dream of cozy new clothes when the air gets a little crisper. Here is my strategic approach to seasonal shopping expeditions:
Step 1: Flip through magazines or browse style.com and note the looks you are inspired by and what pieces they are composed of.
Step 2: Weed out the styles that you know don't suit your body type.
Step 3: Consider what you already have in your wardrobe and only include items that will complement pieces you already own.
Based on the three steps above, here is my personal list:
- Wool Blazer: I'll wear this blazer with pair of wide leg trousers or a denim pencil skirt.
Joe Fresh Style Blazer
- Super Wide Leg Trousers: Super wide leg trousers are such an easy silhouette for most body types and instantly look more sophisticated than a traditional trouser leg. Check out Club Monaco for great styles.
- Chunky Knit Sweater: A chunky knit easily elevates your look. If you are petite, be careful to pick a style that doesn't overwhelm you, but if you are tall go all the way!
Trina Turk Sweater, ShopBop
- Feminine Dress: I love, love, love, silk, chiffon, or jersey dresses in floral prints or with feminine details like flirty ruffles. What's even better is that we can wear them all year round; in the summer with sandals and in the fall with tights, boots and a long cardigan or fitted blazer.
Banana Republic Dress
- Tulip Skirt: A tulip skirt is a fresher take on the pencil skirt and will look great with a silk top tucked in.
- Long Cardigan: This sweater will go equally well with a tee and jeans or open over a dress.
Gap Cardigan
- Feminine Blouses: Bows, ruffles and ties, oh my! I will stock my wardrobe with a few different styles in cotton, chiffon and silk to pair with just about everything I own. Check out H&M, Zara and even Forever 21 for fun styles that won't break the bank.
H&M Top
- Easy knit tops: Gone are the days of boring knit T's - there are a million iterations that go beyond the basic v or crew neck.
Rebecca Beeson Top, Bluefly.com
- Denim Pencil Skirt: A denim pencil skirt is perfect weekend wear - add a sweater and your favourite boots from your back to boot shopping expedition!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Kena,
I love your 'would like to have' list as it is exactly what I need. otherwise, I end up buying stuff I don't need - and lets be honest, who can afford that? Anyway, what does a tuplip skirt look like?
Thanks,
May
Hi May, I'm glad it was helpful! A tulip skirt has a little more fullness at the top than a straight pencil skirt. This one by Ann Taylor is a good example:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=16206&N=1200011&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=185&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_185&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses&cid=A0001