Athelia Woolley with Shabby Apple shows us how to select classic clothing cuts, colors and hemlines, so you can the most mileage out of your wardrobe, while still looking fresh and updated.
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Truly classic items can be worn anywhere and have the ability to be “dressed-up” for nicer occasions and “dressed down” for more casual events. Everyone should have a few of the basics in their closets including: dress pants, button-up shirts, a dress and some classic jewelry.
Buying and Being Classic: Dress Pants
To keep dress pants classic the pant should be straight leg and either black or beige. If you follow trends, you’ll see the tapered look and the ultra-flared look come and go, but buying a straight leg pant will be in for much longer. The length of the pant should fall to the bottom of the heel of your shoe; so when trying on pants, be sure to wear a shoe that you would actually wear with the pants. As far as fabrics, stick with wool if you want something that will last. You can go light-weight for summer or go with a heavier, softer wool for winter season.
Buying and Being Classic: Button-up shirts
Button-up shirts are as classic for women as they are for men. Again, cuts and fabrics come and go, but every woman should have several of these in her closet. Things you want to look for when buying a button-up that will last are, first, the fit of the shirt. The shirt should be tailored and come in at the waist line so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a man’s dress shirt. Look for darts that angle down from the bust line and that are on the back of the shirt. Second, the cuffs and collar should be relatively conservative in cut in order to keep the shirt classic.
Buying and Being Classic: Dresses
Dresses are a great classic for women because they’re feminine and easy-to-wear. They are the true “one-piece outfit.” As you’re looking for dresses that will last, watch the hemline. To-the-knee is a classic length. Also, classic cuts are either the pencil-cut (form-fitting and adhering to the body’s natural curves), or an hour glass shape (comes in at the waist and has a fuller skirt on the bottom).
Buying and Being Classic: Sleeves on dresses and shirts
The cut of the sleeve tends to change from season to season; there are three-quarter lengths, which have remained pretty timeless since the days of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O’Nassis. The great thing about this sleeve is that it hides flaws in the upper arm, but can be worn during all four seasons. There is the cap sleeve, which is less flattering because it shows off most of the arm, and also comes and goes with the season. Then there is a regular short-sleeve that hits mid-arm and remains quite classic. Pay attention to the sleeve on the items you’re buying.
Buying and Being Classic: Jewelry
All things are subject to trends to some degree, including jewelry. If you’re going to make a big investment (and most jewelry is a big investment), make sure that you’re not following the trends, because you want the pieces to be timeless. Choose classic cuts for gems; like a princess cut or a round cut. Choose simple styles and colors. If ever in doubt, go with pearls. I don’t think they’ve ever been ‘out-of-style.’ There’s something so appealing about a pair of pearl stud earrings or a simple strand of pearls.
Style Tip: Update your classic look with stylish accessories.
To keep your wardrobe fresh, update your classic looks with stylish accessories including purses, shoes, sunglasses, hats and more trendy jewelry, etc.
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Shabby Apple is a local clothing company that features fresh, funky fashion.
After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it. They visited trade shows, marketplaces and designer studios only to discover the problem was not that department stores weren’t buying the right dresses, but that designers weren’t designing them.
Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything else.
For more information call (801) 649-9382 or visit www.shabbyapple.com.
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