My whole life I have been a tomboy. I never wore a dress, skirts, makeup, etc...Now as I enter my masters at West Virginia University I need to buy a business suit and dress more like a lady. I don't own that many dress clothes or shoes.
What do I do? Where do I start?
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It's tough to start your wardrobe from scratch, but my good friend Natalie Lecomte, Fashion Direction Coordinator at Holt Renfrew has some great suggestions for this ELLE Canada reader.
First thing's first -- you need a starting point! Do some research to get you inspired; look online (style.com) and pick up some fashion magazines. Find a style/design aesthetic that you like that's is realistic for your lifestyle and budget. A good business wardrobe needs some great basics to build up from there.
1. Basic Suit - in a neutral colour (black, grey or navy), which is perfect as a pant or skirt suit but can also function as separates offering optimum versatility.
2. Crisp Shirt - white is a great shade for any skin tone.
3. Simple Dress - a great basic for the modern woman. A basic shift, wrap or shirt-style dress will work with just about any body type.
4.Cardigan - the ultimate layering piece.
5. Hosiery - you can't go wrong with a sheer hose that matches your skin tone. The sheer coverage offers a little sheen and gives that appearance of a toned leg (but stay away from reinforced toes with open toe shoes).
6.Accessories - are what will really make your basics pop. Of course, the way you chose to accessorize should reflect your personal style - trend pieces will update your look from the season.
7. Pump - consider something with a low "kitten" heel (1-2 inch).
8.Tote - the "big bag" offers both fashion and function and is the ideal carry-all for the modern woman on the go.
