Fashion Basics: Look Good on Little

Don’t read this article if you have unlimited funds right now and can buy anything you want to make yourself look good. But if you’re like lots of people these days, you need options because even though you’re down in the ditch money-wise, you don’t want to look like that in front of everyone, especially if you’re hustling to get or keep your job.

The first motto is this: get basic. Neutral basics form the core of a good wardrobe at any age. Now isn’t the time to get that dress you might only wear once or that have-to-have outfit bought on the fly that you wonder about later when the fashion statement of the season is past its season. The seasons pass, and soon that dress will be too short, the pants too wide, the jacket color impossible to wear with anything other than the skirt you used when you tried it on the first time. So let’s begin with those basics and see how your wardrobe will come alive, make you feel good, and not cost much.

First, what are the basics? Some folks don’t know. Most people don’t look good in all black, but with a collar, scarf, chunky piece of jewelry at the throat, lots of ladies look smashing. Have something black around, pants, skirt and dress, especially that little black dress you hear about needs to be a closet staple. Two scarves, that one chunky piece just discussed, and a string of fake pearls and you’re in business. You can look smart from a.m. to p.m. with just minor adjustments.

Try beige not white for that next neutral. White for most things soils quickly, is limiting seasonally, and actually exaggerates figure flaws. Choose white for blouses not for dresses, or pants. Several long-sleeved and short sleeved basic shirt blouses in white can be stand-outs for the same reason that black dress can be. The simple white blouse screams class, and those two scarves, chunky neck piece or simple string of fake pearls will make you look like a million, even over a pair of well-fitted jeans.

Back to beige: it’s not a good color without dressing up a bit, but it’s great basic in summer and spring for that little dress you can wear anywhere. Color accents from large earrings, bag and shoes with sizzle; and you’ll look like the high-priced spread.

Brown and navy form the rest of the neutrals you’ll always need. Color should be in jewelry and scarves with a bright blouse or jacket to bring out that pink in the cheeks and flash of eyes. Notice that those basics can be put together easily, and a few outfits you can organize in different combinations can allow you to get dressed in a hurry for work, get on a plane without struggle or get lost with your love in a moment.

Have fun, look good, but get back to basics. Women learned long ago that they could get lots of attention with simple statements. Now go speak softly in clothes that can make you look sensational that you can acquire easily and without spending much.