VOIR COUTURE

BASIC DOESN'T HAVE TO BE BLACK

What is a basic wardrobe? The question of basic is determined not by color but by lifestyle and individual taste.

A casual, social, or meeting wardrobe could be built around off-white, red, purple, navy, pink, etc. An executive wardrobe would be no different, although the intensity of the color might vary.

Starting with your favorite color -- the color you feel good wearing -- add shades of this color and contrasting colors. The intensity of your color and the amount used, coupled with shades of the same color, equal basic.

Using one color for all seasons and layering for colder weather gives your wardrobe all-season versatility. Gone are separate wardrobes for summer, fall, spring, winter.

For a different seasonal looks, change hose color. For example, a black dress in summer, with beige hose and shiny black shoes, is a cool look. The same dress in winter, with black hose and black leather shoes, is a warmer look.

Appropriate, classic designs in any "basic" color constructed in silk or wool are seasonless. Only the polyesters are too hot for summer. Note the enclosed samples: silk in a suit or dress weight, wool in a tropical weight through which you can see light.

Designers seem to be confusing us again. Basic this season is defined in plaid. "Plaids are in!" -- at least in the stores. Carefully choosing a plaid or tweed in your basic color can extend your wardrobe, but a bright plaid may only work for this "plaid fashion year". In other words, if plaids have not been a part of your wardrobe in the past, start your addition of plaid carefully and slowly. Add a tweed or a muted plaid, always with your basic color in mind.

Many people, no matter what their size, are not comfortable in plaids. These people should carefully consider these feelings, how they have felt in plaids in the past, before following a fad.

And more confusion -- "basic" clothing is now decorated with nonremovable beads, sequins and jewels. Garments from jogging suits to plaid, yes, plaid jackets, now sparkle. For those of us who were taught that sparkle meant evening, don't be afraid to gasp at the inappropriateness. Despite what you see in the stores and magazines, these fashions are definitely not basic. While they could be fun for you this year, they could be "out" next year.

Before making a costly investment in plaids or sparkles (or a combination thereof), remember past fads and "mistakes" which may still be hanging in your closet.

If you want to see more colors of tropical wool or silk tweeds or learn how you can create a truly basic and seasonless wardrobe, just call me at my studio.

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Voir Couture is the recognition and confirmation of each Judith, Couturiere client. You are confident and distinctive, value tradition, and demand quality and individuality. Voir celebrates your uniqueness!