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Closet must-haves! The top 10 items
Is your closet bursting with trendy items? Check out this list of items that never go out of style!
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1. The Trench-ish Coat. Like so many other enduring looks, the trench coat got its start in the armed services. As its name suggests, the coat was worn by British and French soldiers while fighting in the trenches of WWI. A rather sad association, but the coat has also enjoyed enduring peacetime popularity. The traditional trench is double-breasted, belted, and often has a lining that can be removed for warmer weather wear. It is also rather long, hitting well below the knee. Today there are hundreds of trench spin-offs to choose from. The slightly shorter and narrower version is a foolproof way to finish a look. It gives jeans and a T-shirt some starch while keeping dressier looks from veering into fussy. And although Burberry still rides high in the trench world, there is no reason to feel that you must spend $1,200 just to get that plaid lining. Everybody now does something trench-ish, from Prada to H&M. Just remember that in a trench, as with all great design, form should follow function. Ask yourself if the coat provides adequate warmth for where you live, assuming you'll be wearing it from the early spring into late fall. Is it waterproof? Does it hit at a flattering spot on the leg? Is it too voluminous for your frame? Because even the world's most expensive plaid will be cold comfort if you look like your coat is swallowing you alive.
2. The Sweat Suit Alternative. There is something appealing about pretending we live lives that require prim little suits during the day and only the most challenging vintage Balenciaga by night. Even if that is your life, isn't it safe to assume that every so often you just need to be comfortable and enjoy some easy, unrestricted movement? For some of us, that might be almost every day, which makes the ease of the warm-up suit, running suit, or sweat suit all too seductive. The truth is, with a bit of investigative effort and imagination, you can find something just -- or almost -- as comfortable that will not tell the world that you may take a nap or hit the gym at any moment. For winter, try some cashmere pants, but instead of topping them with a matching cashmere hoodie, opt for a cardigan or sweater-coat that can work with all sorts of other pieces in your wardrobe. Why not try a cardigan with a crisp white tee, some black Capri pants, and a pair of skimmers? Or how about some slim black pants or dark jeans with a dark gray V-neck sweater? In warm weather, a great-fitting tee and some breezy linen pants will also do the trick. Maybe bring along a cashmere cardigan from your winter collection in case you encounter a blasting air conditioner. Soft cotton jersey pants should be avoided if one is going anywhere other than the yoga studio. Many a woman is walking around New York City right now with no idea that her pants not only reveal the shape of her bottom, but the shape her bottom is in. The only dimples that one should display in public should appear next to one's smile.
3. The Boot, the Pump, the Ballet Flat. Far, far more useful and interesting than an "it" bag, is a beautiful boot. Whether it is a traditional flat equestrian style or something with a dangerous heel, there are few fall and winter looks that don't work with a boot. A black boot is always useful, but a gorgeous brown pair is less expected. Dark greens can also be subtle and work with autumnal colors. Since strappy heels are now expected year-round, a classic pump is a fresh alternative. Classic means a rather delicate heel and a toe not so rounded as to evoke Minnie Mouse. The ballet flat, which should have a place of honor on every shoetree, can function like the sweetly sophisticated older sister of the flip-flop. Flats are just as comfortable, and, unlike the flip-flop, they work with both the most casual looks and the most sophisticated. Peeking out from under a wide-legged trouser or with a skirt, ballet flats are feminine and graceful. They are also perfect for travel. They are easy to get in and out of at airport security checks and comfy for the flight. You'll arrive in style while your plane-mates -- many in velour tracksuits and clunky sneakers -- look ready for bed and/or some jogging.
Get more great fashion tips from ELLE Canada Magazine. Click here to subscribe!
Text copyright 2007 Tim Gunn and Kate Moloney from the book Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style, published by Abrams Image www.abramsimage.com
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