Every groundhog has her day ...
Let’s take another look at some of the clothing many of us reach for again and again.
Let the groundhog have his few minutes of fame today.
Who in Oklahoma really cares if he sees his shadow or not? Whether it’s six more weeks of winter or an early spring, average temperatures typically are in the mid-50s in February and mid-60s in March. Not much to complain about.
It probably won’t affect wardrobes either. Most of us will keep replaying our favorites, which brings to mind a classic movie with a similar theme.
So with a nod to “Groundhog Day,” where Bill Murray’s character finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again, let’s take another look at some of the clothing many of us reach for again and again.
“Each wardrobe has go-to items, items that are easy to throw on and that go with nearly everything,” said Barbara Jansen, shoe and contemporary clothing buyer for Balliets. “They are the neutral pieces in our wardrobe that transcend the definition of trend.
“For instance, a chambray shirt is an easy item to grab since it pairs back to a white or black jean, can be worn over a dress or put back to a printed short. A white button down shirt acts similarly — always classic and sophisticated,” she said.
“Even more important, denim has become our off-duty uniform. Whether skinny or cropped, it continues to be a major player in street style fashion as it evolves each season.”
One pair of perfect fitting jeans usually isn’t enough either. A few pairs, maybe in white, black and indigo, work back with other essentials or basics that have become the mainstays of many wardrobes. It’s easy to throw on denim with a great white tee to run errands, Jansen said.
“Since we are creatures of habit, we tend to gravitate to the same pieces season after season. It just makes mundane everyday choices a little easier,” she said.
Capris are another style women keep embracing, but first a little clarification. Capris are most often associated with pants that hit midcalf, the widest part of the leg. Not the most flattering look.
Capris first came on strong in the 1950s and ’60s as a ¾-length pant that was tapered, chic and, yes, flattering. Mary Tyler Moore and Audrey Hepburn wore the look well, and that’s the style that’s so appealing these days because it can go dressy or casual depending on the fabric and how it’s pulled together.
Nancy Warehime, owner of Nancy’s at Shoppes at Northpark, said many women feel more comfortable in a pant that covers the knees, and they like the versatility and look over a pair of shorts.
While a white tee and chambray shirt have earned places of importance in women’s wardrobes, so have stripes. A striped tee is a comfortable complement for dress pants or jeans. It pairs nicely under a leather jacket or a black blazer. Stripes are classic and can project Parisian chic or a nautical feel. What’s not to love?
Some women think stripes are unflattering and make them look larger, but Warehime is quick to come to stripes’ defense. Women who wear stripes with ease know they’re a neutral and can be paired with any color and that they make a statement when worn with solid colors.
Warehime encourages women who are reluctant to at least try on a striped tee or blouse. Consider small or uneven stripes, she said. And if the top is a bit too much on its own, at least at first, wear it under a jacket or sweater so just a little shows.
It’s not just clothing that gets recurring love. Booties are go-to footwear not only in winter but summer when styles tend to be breezy with cutouts, open toes and lace-up detail. Booties work with leggings and crop boyfriend jeans, as well as dresses and tights or bare legs.
“Women always come back to the short bootie because there are so many versatile options,” said Betsy King, owner of Betsy King, A Shoe Boutique. “You can have a flat, low or high heel, block heel, stiletto, wedge, peep-toe. With so many variations, it’s an easy silhouette to wear. My favorites for spring are definitely the perforated suedes and leathers. Adds an element of texture.”