Perfect wardrobe
How to make the most of what you wear By Jennifer Alfano
EACH runway SEASON, I make dress? I love a valiant effort to build women with the perfect wardrobe, an thoughtful style, idea that always begins with women like Gaia Repossi, a list. I love lists. A list is a promise Charlotte Gainsbourg, and of things to come—places to visit, Kate Moss. Women who know shops to explore, movies to see. Being what works for them and aren’t a fashion editor, I most love the list that afraid to be somewhat repetitive gets scribbled in my agenda and says about their look while still updating Spring 2012, Fall 2011, or now, Summer and refreshing it in unexpected and 2013. My list is a mix of runway pieces inventive ways. Of course, we could that I’m coveting, basics that need replacing all use a little help now and then. Here (skinny black pants, white shirts), long-term are some tips on how to create an (and pricey) desirables (a Chanel black 2.55 anything-but-ordinary wardrobe. is still on there), and items from the previous
The Rules year that continue to look chic. Without my list, I—and my closet—would be hopelessly For ideas to live and build your closet by, lost. The fact is, devising a fully integrated, I suggest using these tools to scrutinise well-edited wardrobe that epitomises my style, every major fashion purchase. If the item covers everything I need, and looks fresh and fits all three categories, then it’s a green light to splurge. exciting is a strategic (but completely BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE, AND BUY ONLY pleasurable) endeavour. WHAT YOU LOVE What you wear should be in sync
I know you’re probably thinking, Why with how you live. A diet of dresses and four-inch heels bother? Sure, you can shop willy-nilly all may be okay in an office environment, but not if you’re over the place and wind up with a closetful someone who works from home or spends the day of fantastic one-offs that conveniently fit running around. Luckily, there are so many choices every fashion trend of the season. But as that no matter what your needs, you should be Dareth Trenary, a senior buyer at Forty able to find pieces that complement you. “Wear Five Ten, Dallas’s most fashion-forward what you love and what makes you feel good,” boutique, says, “Investing in trends advises Ken Downing, fashion director at can create a contradictory Neiman Marcus. “Don’t buy something wardrobe.” Plus, wouldn’t you because your friend is wearing it. Buy rather be known for a clothes that feel like your best singular style than for friend.” Also, be sure that what ‘that’ bag and you purchase has a ‘that’ cohesive aesthetic.