One piece that goes with every outfit
When your budget is tight, there's no spending on fickle fashions that are in today, out tomorrow. Instead, count on a core of mix-and-match classics you can dress up or down.
Erin Nadler, fashion consultant and president of Better Styled, outfits professionals of all ages in her midtown Toronto office-cum-wardrobe-warehouse. With a knack for enhancing every body type, Nadler chooses from Canadian and European lines to help clients pull together casual and business chic outfits.
The following five wardrobe essentials, according to Nadler, will stylishly see you through the financial fallout and beyond.
1. A perfect white blouse (PWB)
Why it's essential
"There's nothing fresher or crisper than a classic white blouse," says Nadler. "It provides great pop no matter what your complexion."
What to look for: A fitted style with clean lines. "Think thick and slightly stretchy," says Nadler. You don't want your bra to show through, and the stretch will maintain shapeliness.
Ways to wear and pair a white blouse
- As a "jacket" unbuttoned over a tank, and paired with jeans or capris.
- Buttoned up under a business suit or trench coat.
- Buttoned up and tucked into jeans with a chunky or colourful belt for casual outings.
- Under a black dress -- jumper style.
- With cropped pants and summer-sleek pumps.
FITTING TIP: To avoid button-over-the-bust gaps, Nadler suggests buying one size larger. "Then have a tailor take in the piece at the sides to maintain fittedness."
Ways to wear and pair a black pantsuit
- Combine the suit with a PWB or other blouse you already have.
- Swap the pants for jeans or charcoal-colour pants.
- Dress up the jacket with a brooch, colourful scarf or chunky necklace.
- Slip on the jacket over a black turtleneck and scarf, combined with jeans and your favourite belt.
TAILORING TIP: "Most women's hips are larger than their waist, so we often get that annoying gap in the back of pants," says Nadler. "Have a tailor take in the waistband. It's cleaner, and will look made for you."
Click to continue to two more recession wardrobe essentials...
Pantsuit image courtesy of: Better Styled
Page 1 of 3
The following five wardrobe essentials, according to Nadler, will stylishly see you through the financial fallout and beyond.
1. A perfect white blouse (PWB)
Why it's essential
"There's nothing fresher or crisper than a classic white blouse," says Nadler. "It provides great pop no matter what your complexion."
What to look for: A fitted style with clean lines. "Think thick and slightly stretchy," says Nadler. You don't want your bra to show through, and the stretch will maintain shapeliness.
Ways to wear and pair a white blouse
- As a "jacket" unbuttoned over a tank, and paired with jeans or capris.
- Buttoned up under a business suit or trench coat.
- Buttoned up and tucked into jeans with a chunky or colourful belt for casual outings.
- Under a black dress -- jumper style.
- With cropped pants and summer-sleek pumps.
FITTING TIP: To avoid button-over-the-bust gaps, Nadler suggests buying one size larger. "Then have a tailor take in the piece at the sides to maintain fittedness."
 | 2. A classic black pantsuit Why it's essential You'll have a polished outfit to see you confidently through the workday or job interviews, plus you'll have separates to combine with items already in your closet. What to look for - Suit styling: Invest in a classically clean suit, avoiding lots of detail. "If you choose a seasonless (not 100 per cent wool) wrinkle-free fabric, the suit will be your best travel companion," says Nadler. - Jacket best bet: "If you're bustier, stay away from one-button styles. Two buttons are good," explains Nadler. "Make sure you can do up the jacket so you'll be able to wear it open and closed." - Pant best bet: Wide-leg, not straight-leg. "A wide leg gradually falls away from the hips, making you look longer and leaner," suggests Nadler. |
- Combine the suit with a PWB or other blouse you already have.
- Swap the pants for jeans or charcoal-colour pants.
- Dress up the jacket with a brooch, colourful scarf or chunky necklace.
- Slip on the jacket over a black turtleneck and scarf, combined with jeans and your favourite belt.
TAILORING TIP: "Most women's hips are larger than their waist, so we often get that annoying gap in the back of pants," says Nadler. "Have a tailor take in the waistband. It's cleaner, and will look made for you."
Click to continue to two more recession wardrobe essentials...
Pantsuit image courtesy of: Better Styled
Page 1 of 3
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