Classic Series - Clothing

This is probably the last in my series for classics, and certainly the most subjective one.  Clothing. Everyone has different senses of style, body shapes, and favoured silhouettes so how can one person possibly say what articles of clothing everyone should have? I read Nina Garcia's book The One Hundred and it has guided me to learning which pieces of clothing that I really do need to have in my wardrobe and which ones just don't fit my aesthetic.  I also think that age has some influence on what articles of clothing one should own, as well as what one does for a living and in their spare time. Deciding what are classics, to me, is easier the more general the guidelines are kept, and that is exactly what you will find here; very general guidelines to things that I feel the majority of women should own and why I find them useful.

Like as we grow, I will start from the bottom up.

Bottoms

Jogging Pants

Takina Sweatpant

You need jogging pants. How one lives a life without jogging pants is completely 100% beyond my comprehension for one reason and one reason only: you are allowed to be seen in public in comfy jogging pants.  You should not be seen in public in your pajama pants, however, because it is lazy and ugly regardless of how cute the pink sparkly plaid is; thusly the need for jogging pants arises.  I actually sub-divide my joggers into home and away so that I'm never caught at the grocery store in paint smeared pants looking like a bum.  All you need is one "nice" pair when you run out for milk so go to H&M and spend $30 and you're set.






Jeans

Citizens of Humanity Racer

Obviously.  Buy the fit and style that suits you best and don't worry about what the current trends are or brand name.  Trends can make it hard to find what you're looking for but don't give up.  Try on try on try on until you get it right and find the magical pair  Then buy 10.  Don't buy jeans online; it's so tempting but don't do it because you're mostly likely just wasting your time, especially if it's a brand you're not familiar with or aren't sure of/in between sizes.





Trousers

Evan Wide Leg Pant

Everyone needs well made, well fitting dress trousers at some point in life regardless of how one dresses daily.  Certain occasions such as brunches, showers, religious events, etc. require dressy-ness when attending them, so I recommend a pair of black and a pair of cream to start with. Navy blue and white are a welcome addition and are hard to find for women, so if you come across a pair, snap them up and you won't be sorry.

White is really the only colour I don't recommend wearing in winter because it is so bright, but black, navy, and cream are season-less; your fabric choice is what will dictate what season is appropriate for them to be worn.  For the white and cream trousers, a lining is ideal.  Any decent pair of winter trousers, regardless of colour, will have at least a partial lining in them.

When purchasing dress trousers make sure that the length is long enough, or can be altered so, to be worn with the shoes you will wear them with.  If it's 4" heels, take those shoes shopping with you so you don't waste money on looking like you're anticipating a flood.

My experiences regarding fabric is that dress trousers made of cotton never work out that well. Dark colours fade easily and the fabric it's self can and may shrink therefore ruining your fit altogether.  Also, if it is cotton without any stretch, once you've been wearing them for a few hours sitting and standing you will look like a creased mess. Wool for winter is great and a blend for warmer weather is ideal.

Shorts

Steph Stripe Short

Shorts are such a necessity. I went years without wearing them, I swear almost my entire 20's which is totally insane, but I came back to them with open arms.  Shorts are great because they come in styles that range from casual to dressy and can be worn many different ways.  Having pairs of shorts that are the same as the three styles of pants listed above are necessary for any wardrobe; denim shorts, a sporty/casual pair, and a dressy pair (a cuff is a nice touch here); all will serve you very well in the heat of summer and/or on vacation.

The only drawback to shorts is that they may not be accepted as office attire regardless of the length, in conservative environments and their casual feel is not dressy enough for most religious events.  Aside from this, having a few different pairs in your wardrobe will be of use for so many events that shorts are worth owning.  Denim can be dressed down with a t-shirt and flat sandals or dressed up with a blouse and heels; dress shorts can be toned down for day time with a tank and dressed up at night with a blouse and blazer.  If your thighs aren't your favourite part of your body opt for knee length or capri pants.  Also regarding length, your shorts should NOT show any bum cheek. Ever.

Pencil Skirt

Kelly Skirt

This style of skirt is classic, streamlined, versatile, suits many different body types, and the occasions in which it will provide wear are numerous.  A pencil skirt is cut to hug the shape of a woman's lower half  (hug not suffocate) which makes it streamlined, and the less embellishment and pattern the more versatile the skirt is for wardrobe building. A black one, and a lighter one in grey or cream, will serve you very well. Once the basics are covered, pencil skirts seasonly come in whatever patterns are trendy, or with embellishments such as sequins or embroidery, or in bright solid colours. The style of this skirt can suit many different body types from boy-ish framed to curvy as long as it is altered to fit properly.  If the cut of a pencil skirt is one that doesn't suit you, say for example you feel uncomfortable about your midsection in such a streamlined shape, wear a loose fitting blouse or sweater with this style or go for a high-waisted looser cut A-line instead.

Fancy Pants and Fancy Skirts

Samantha Leather Track Pant

Nicolette Skirt

These are fun pants and skirts, ones with colour, pattern, sparkle, whatever your little heart desires. These are going out items, not for work or errand running or soccer practise with your kids. Purchase one of each and make sure when you buy them they truly make you happy and excited to wear them and then you will pull them out of your closet any chance you get instead of wondering what you're going to
wear.  I suggest spending a decent amount of money here (maybe $100-$200, or more if you can afford to do so) to ensure fit and embellishment are done well. Leather and beading are great options for this category.

Half Way/All The Way

Dresses

A woman needs a dress. In fact she needs several types of dresses for the several types of occasions that arise in life in which a dress is not only appropriate but maybe even exciting. A woman needs: an evening gown, a cocktail dress, a work-appropriate dress, and a casual summer/vacation dress.

Alessandra Maxi Dress

Evening gowns are one of those wardrobe items that don't get worn often but when you need one, there's no substitute (except a tuxedo, and if you're a woman and you've taken the time and effort to own a tuxedo, you damn well better own an evening gown too!). The style, cut, fit, colour, etc., are all up to you, but if you only do own one don't buy anything too trendy as it will date your look quite quickly.  I recommend staying away from light colours such as white and cream, blush pinks, and pale nudes because if you wear your gown to a wedding all of these colours will be too close to the brides' white gown. Those are feet you do not want to be stepping on that day.  Trust me.  Evening gowns are expensive as is so no sense wasting money on something you won't get much wear out of. I've read to stay away from black but that's just malarky to me. Jewel tones are beautiful in the winter months and with tanned summer skin so they are a good idea to try. Brights should be saved for warm months, but metallics are another season-less option.

Karena One Shoulder Dress

Cocktail dresses are necessary because they can be worn to have cocktails with friends, on dates, to holiday parties and casual evening weddings, just to name a few. This is where 'The Little Black Dress' usually falls, but aside from that wardrobe item, cocktail dresses should be fun and a little fancy. Buy what you like, just make sure your bum is covered.

Lizeth Dress

Work-apprpriate dresses come in many different styles: shift, sheath, A-line, and wrap. To me, you should really have all of these in your wardrobe because they are all different fits, styles, and typically made of different fabrics from one another.
Shifts will skim the body in a medium to heavy weight fabric in an A shape or a straight line and can run sleeveless to full sleeved and anywhere in between.
A sheath is typically made of a medium weight fabric cut to hug your curves more than a shift, and is typically sleeveless or with cap sleeves.
An A-line has more flare from the waist down than a shift does and is excellent for figure flattering and hiding trouble areas such as the tummy, derriere, or thighs.  An A-line dress is made from many types of fabric so purchase based on how it looks on you.
A wrap dress is made of light weight drapey fabric, always has a v-neck, and almost always has sleeves. A wrap will fit around the waist where it is tied and flare out from there down and is a very figure flattering and slimming style of dress.
All four of these styles of dresses are infinitely useful, classic, and will make you feel confident and put-together any time they are worn.  Buy what you like and what suits you in terms of colour and pattern; these types of dresses can cost well under $100 each so having a few in your wardrobe won't break the bank.

Summer/Vacation Dress

Cassidy Pleated Maxi Dress

This dress can be whatever makes you feel comfortable and cool. Maxi, midi, short, knee-length, strapless, tank, backless, whatever you like. A dose of colour and/or pattern is ideal, and finding a style that you can dress up or down will add to the versatility of your dress. Just keep in mind that the more skin you're showing, the less appropriate for day wear the dress becomes.







Top Half

Sweaters

Darti Cashmere Sweater

For when it's cold outside, or inside. They come in endless colours, fabric weights, styles, etc. so find out what you like and start there. Turtlenecks can be bothersome around the neck and aren't for everyone. Perhaps the preppy style of a cardigan isn't for you and you prefer the bohemian look of a floor length duster instead. I recommend trying on sweaters before buying them and thinking of items you already own to wear them with; I say this based on the experience of donating endless sweaters over the years because they ended up not being what I wore repeatedly.  If you choose to buy inexpensive sweaters make sure the fabric is thick enough to trick people into thinking you paid more. Cashmere will cost you but won't disappoint you either. If you're into comfort, don't buy wool or wool blends because it's picky. If you're buying the sweater to wear solo (as opposed to a layering piece like a cardigan or duster), don't buy anything that is too tight because it won't keep you warm.  Be trendy with inexpensive pieces but that black v-neck should be quality.

Blouses

Briana Silk Top

I like blouses; they are feminine, comfortable, light weight, and best of all not tight-fitting. A pretty, colourful, sparkley blouse will get so much attention from you that you'll wonder what you did before you had it.  Dinners, holidays, brunches, showers, under a blazer for work, even over jeans with some flats for a casual weekend lunch date, blouses are so necessary in a well-cultivated wardrobe. You don't need 20 of them, 3-4 is good enough (get a black and a white one out of the way then have fun with the others, colour, pattern, etc). Simple ones can be dressed up with accessories and statement ones are perfect on their own. The more expensive the blouse, the more high maintenance the fabric will become, most likely silk which you much dry clean.  If you don't think you can handle that commitment, find a box of Dryel or just don't spend that much on this article of clothing. Blouses can be found at all price points, and besides, the more trendy the item the less I think you should spend anyways.

Collard Shirt

Kefita Silk Shirt

So conservative, yet so professional and understated and necessary.  You should have three of these, a black, white, and a blue. These three colours will go with everything and for many occasions find themselves of use to you.  Now to me, this style of shirt is for my working hours and you won't find me in one outside of my place of employment. For those who are classic 24/7 not just 9-5, this style of shirt is for you and should be of quality. Brook Brothers is the first to come to mind as they do them well, but so do many, many others and at many, many price points. Again, go with what you can afford, but you don't need to break the bank to incorporate these standbys into your wardrobe, especially if you don't wear them often. Here, the fit is what makes them look sharp. One word: TAILOR.

Tank/Layering Pieces

Marcy Tank

When I was little my Mum used to make me wear undershirts under my sweaters in the winter months and I hated it. But Mum knew what was up, because layering keeps you warm. As an adult, there are probably only three months out of the year that I don't wear some type of tank underneath my clothes, mostly because I'm always cold, but also because they keep covered what should be covered (no peeking down my shirts!) and keep my clothing more clean and less in need of laundering so frequently. I buy my tanks at Forever 21 because they are literally $2.00. I have 20 of them and I wear them constantly. You don't have to go this cheap, but whatever you purchase make sure they fit and are comfortable and breathable. Having black and nude will be invaluable to you.

T-Shirt

Sunny Tee

You just need t-shirts. What else do you wear with your jogging pants? Okay, okay, and jeans. And shorts.
Buy what you like. If you're over 25 stay away from shirts that say things like "#selfie".  That's all I've got.

Zip-Up Hoodie
See above.

Sumer Cashmere Hoodie

A word about fit.

Stacy London says, "If you don't have fit you don't have style" and goodness is she right. When your clothes don't fit you properly you look like either a slob-kabob or a sausage; clothing that is too large looks messy/rumpled/baggy and can actually make you look bigger, and clothing that is too small can look tight/stretched/bulging and uncomfortable because you have to constantly tug it back into place. None of these are good looks, so, when shopping for clothing takes a dive into the trash bin and makes you feel like there's something wrong with you because nothing fits "off-the-rack" take relief in knowing it's not you it's the clothes. YOU are just perfect with whatever shape you have and THOSE CLOTHES can be cut, stitched, shortened, whatever to fit you PERFECTLY.  You just need to find a tailor! Buy your clothes to fit your largest part: shoulders, bust, derriere, thighs, and then where there are gaps or extra length, etc., you just have that nipped and tucked to fit you just right.  This information is nothing new but I feel as though I should throw it out there. Sizes on clothing can make people just feel crummy sometimes, men and women alike too, but the numerical size doesn't matter. No one is a perfect size 6 anyways, except the mannequin in the display case.

Right?


TTFN,
Jessica

All photos are from Club Monaco. This post IS NOT sponsored by Club Monaco because they don't even know this blog exists. Some of the price points of their clothing is higher than other stores that i mention because the quality is different. I just love CM and have since high school, and I appreciate that one brand offers so many useful articles of clothing.

Be Respectful.

Classic Series - Shoes

Ahhh shoes. Those little things that have the super strength to ruin my credit score while simultaneously making me feel special and fancy and just plain happy.  Personally there is just nothing like a new pair of heels to make me grin ear to ear, and there are so many women out there that would agree.  Shoes fit all the time, their size doesn't make you feel like eating lettuce, they are a way to get noticed, they polish an outfit, and add some personality to your look.  There are certain types of shoes that you need in your shoe wardrobe because they are insanely useful and will pair with anything in their realm of use without much thought. These shoes you need. Boots are dependant on your climate but unless you live in Brazil you probably could use one or two pairs of those anyways. Read on for what I feel are classic styles of both shoes, sandals, and boots; styles that I feel will never fail you when you need them most, in a rush, packing for vacation, or stocking your closet with items that will serve you well and aren't a waste of your hard earned money. And, as always with classics, spend as much as you can afford and be content with that.

SHOES

Black and Nude Pumps

Duh. 

These two are a no-brainer. They go with everything and you will get miles of wear out of a good quality pair. Buy the best quality you can afford when purchasing these two because you need the shoe to last through repeated wear. The most classically shaped pump has a pointed toe to a softly rounded-out pointed toe with a three to four inch heel height. You can walk in three inches, yes you can. Unless you are 75 or arthritic try for heaven's sake.  You won't fall, you're not drunk (unless you are) and you're not on a tight rope.  A three inch heel is not too high, and the look you will get with a shoe of this height will make you look sophisticated, put together, and like you tried.  This heel height isn't too tall to make you wobble, fall down, or look unproportioned either.  When purchasing this style of shoe avoid a platform. The absence of a platform gives your foot direct contact with the ground beneath you, adding to your ability to walk more confidently because you can actually feel where you are stepping. Having a platform also takes away from the classic style of this type of pump because the popularity of having a platform shoe comes and goes.  Atlantic-Pacific Princess Kate Cameron Diaz

Sneaker

Your weekend go-to.  NOT a running shoe, totally different. Running shoes are for running and the gym where as sneakers are casual lace-up shoes constructed of canvas, leather,  rubber or a combo of the three.  They are perfect for being on your feet all day and have a street-style cool vibe to them, especially when paired with something unexpected like a sequin tank or tee, a moto jacket, a midi skirt, or cargo pants.  A crisp white pair also look totally stylish when paired with a crisp white shirt and perfectly fitting jeans.  See where this is going?? Versatility. And when you can fetch a sneaker for $80 or less you're talking big time bang for your buck versatility.  Need some sneaker inspiration?
Sincerely Jules and Man Repeller

Ballet Flat

This style of shoe came back with a vengeance about 5-7 years ago and for good reason. They are comfortable, easy on/easy off, can be preppy when in solid colours and adorned with a bow, or can be edgy if embellished or patterned that way. Simple styles add a bit of Audrey (read: classic) to any outfit. Any die-hard shopper, busy mom, or city commuter needs a pair of these shoes; everyone else should just want to have a pair anyways.  Need some flat inspiration? Olivia Palermo here, here, and here. (She does flats very well)

Evening Shoe

Evening shoes makes me feel like a 5 year old in Toys R Us, meaning they make me feel like bursting with joy. They excite me with their beauty, colour, sparkle, and fanciness.  Most little girls loved to play dress up and I was no exception, and the fancier the better.  Every woman needs a pair of black evening shoes, and from there a black evening sandal. Once those are covered, may I suggest buying a pair with a little dazzle, to which metallic would be the perfect choice. Be careful with metallics as when they are done poorly they look cheap and misplaced against the elegance of an evening gown. Metallics don't have to include sparkles either, and gold will never let you down. Check out Beyonce here and here.   Evening shoes won't be worn as frequently as the other types in your shoe wardrobe but when you need them, there is no substitute for a good pair so purchase wisely and you won't end up wasting your money on a trendy pair that are more flash (in the pan) than class. Need some evening inspiration? Check out Blake Lively here and here, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and Gisele Bundchen. (Also click here, here, and here for some don'ts because of the platform)

SANDALS

Flat Sandals

Inconceiveable that someone may not have flat sandals. Kim Kardashian has flat sandals. Flat sandals, NOT flip flops; those don't count. Flat sandals that have straps and some type of closure to keep them on your feet. Perfect for a day of riding roller coasters, outdoor concerts, or basically anything in the summer that you can possibly think of.  Go for a simple pair, nude or black with little embellishment, to make sure you have a workhorse in your shoe wardrobe, but from there all is fair in love and flat sandal heaven. Every colour, embellishment, number or straps, buckles, spikes, whatever your little heart desires anything goes with these sandals. You can pick them up for a deal or spend a lot, depending on your budget but the crazier the style of sandal, the less I recommend you spend. Save your bucks for the simplistic pair that you will wear for several seasons; that's the point of a classic. Need some flat sandal inspiration? Sincerely Jules has plenty.

Minimalist Ankle Strap Sandal

This style of a sandal can be worn with outfits that range from casual jeans to formal floor length gowns. These sandals, when chosen in a nude that matches your skin tone as closely as possible, will practically disappear into your skin, lengthen your legs, add height to your frame, and can be paired with any colour for a chic look.  This sandal is a must have in your shoe wardrobe as long as the style of it is kept as minimal as possible; forgo embellishment of any kind and limit the number of straps to two, one at your toes and one around the ankle. Make sure the heel is on the thin side, nothing chunky, as the point is to look streamlined.  This is not a statement making shoe, this is a shoe meant to disappear, like a wallflower, in comparison to the rest of your outfit. These sandals in black provide just the same amount of frequent usage opportunities except are noticeable against the skin. I had a pair of black ones years ago and wore them to death, they literally fell apart from wear.  I cannot say enough how much use you will get out of these.  Need some sandal inspiration?  Kim Kardashian Blake Lively Jennifer Aniston Song of Style

The Wedge

Ahhh, the wedge. My very favourite sandal (and boot) type because of their versatility and comfort. Wedges are appropriate during the day and can transition into evening very easily with the right ensemble.  Wedges also have a casual vibe to them so they can tone down a sexy look if necessary and pair well with dresses, shorts, skirts, all styles of jeans, and wide legged or flared pants of all types. The only type of look that I don't recommend a wedge to be paired with is conservative office wear, unless the wedge shoe is closed toe and sleek in style and construction with little to no platform (example here).  Wedges are the most comfortable of all elevated shoe types because they have a lot of support, and often come with some type of platform which helps cushion the ball of your foot when you walk. A neutral wedge in your shoe wardrobe will prove to be a very useful shoe; a perfect example of the versatility would be an outdoor wedding -- wedges don't sink into grass and, because they are so comfortable, can be worn for longer periods of time without killing your feet.  Need some wedge inspiration? Chiara Ferragni/The Blond Salad Jennifer Aniston

BOOTS

Dress Boot

The most versatile, biggest bang for your buck dress-boot is a black wedge knee high boot.  What you're looking for when selecting a boot of this style to purchase is a sleek wedge three to four inches high, with little to, preferably, no platform in black leather with a pointed to softly rounded out point toe and a zip closure (no pull ons). This boot with work over any skinny cut pant, under any boot cut or larger pant, and with skirts of all lengths.  The wedge is preferable to a heel because they are so much easier to walk in and keeping your balance when faced with snow and inclement weather. Need some boot inspiration? Here here and here.  (P.S. black wedge knee boots without a platform are very hard to find; I blame it on the current popularity of ankle boots and booties.) 

Ankle Boot

This little boot is a good style to add to your collection of footwear because you will get a lot of use out of it.  Ankle boots come in many styles, from casual to dressy, and can be worn for a night out with friends to errand running.  Ankle boots work well over a skinny cut pant, a boot cut or larger pant, as well as with opaque tights of the same colour when paired with a skirt or dress, making them very versatile.  Going for a more fun look with this boot is a good idea because they are not your everyday dress boot.  Some embellishments or colour will add a touch of your own person style. Need some ankle inspiration? Man Repeller and Sincerely Jules can help.

Snow Boot/Cold Weather Boot

One of the warmest boots out there are Uggs. Short for ugly or not, these boots are well made and are very warm.  If they are sprayed with a protectant after purchasing and the now brushed off them after wearing they will last for years and are completely worth the cost. Another classic choice are Sorel boots. Sorels are made of rubber so clearly they are durable and waterproof, and they are lined to keep your feet warm and dry. Snow boots are clearly not dressy in any way; these type of boots are made for casual errand running, snow shovelling, tobogganing, going to and from work, etc.  Snow boots are made to work.  If you need a boot to battle the snow, don't cheap out. Spend the money on quality boots and they will last you for years and function as they are supposed to: by keeping your feet dry and warm.  Need some boot inspiration? Man Repeller (appreciate the humour)

All above pictures are my own. From top to bottom: Aldo suede pumps, Tory Burch flats, Aldo black flowered evening shoe, Sam Edelman gold sandal, Ash crystal skull flat sandal, Steve Madden nude ankle strap sandal, Christian Louboutin espadrille wedge, Aldo black embellished booties, tall Uggs.  I have yet to acquire sneakers as I am not a sneaker person, but Superga's will be on the way this spring. I have yet to also acquire wedge boots, but I am always on the lookout for a pair and one day the perfect pair and I shall meet.

Enjoy, and thank you for stopping by :)
Jessica