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Start With A Couple Essentials and Build From There
Amy Smilovic, designer of the celebrity favorite fashion line Tibi, selects six favorite pieces--her closet essentials--and builds her wardrobe around them. "Everything I purchase should work with those items. It's the failsafe way to make sure that everything in your closet can be layered in some form."
Your Wardrobe: A Top 10 Checklist
After you select that edited collection of basics you'll be in the good position to carefully add to your wardrobe. Just be sure you don't clutter your wardrobe with impulse purchases.
Skip the Impulse Purchase
Supermodel Beverly Johnson, who was the first African-American woman to grace the cover of Vogue in 1974, says that limiting the number of times a year she actually goes shopping helps her make better purchasing decisions. "For me shopping is not about quantity," says Johnson. "I go shopping four times a year. I maybe buy two good pieces a season." Perhaps that is why Johnson always looks classic on the red carpet in looks ranging from a black and white pinstripe suit to a black belted cocktail dress.
Shop For Your Body
Cut and fit is crucial when building a wardrobe of great basics. Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, says, "Women don't often buy what's best for their bodies, they buy what's best on the model." Go through your closet and get rid of anything that doesn't fit you properly. If you can, salvage ill-fitting items by taking them to the tailor, if they can't be salvaged, donate them. When buying new clothes, spend some time in the dressing room to really assess if an item is right for your body. It's also important to factor in your lifestyle when making wardrobe choices. Most women actively balance multiple roles--a work life, family commitments and hopefully a bit of a social life too, and a wardrobe should reflect that.
Avoiding fads doesn't mean you should be buying staid clothes.
If there is any place to truly invest in your wardrobe, it's accessories. A statement necklace can completely transform that basic black dress--and take you from day to evening in 30 seconds. Belts and bags are another great way to add a bit of personality to your look.
When You Love Something, Go For It!
Bottom line: Don't be afraid to indulge in a few items you'll love forever. And if you have an item that is dependably chic in your wardrobe--buy in bulk.
