Fashion - The Basics: Part 1 - Home Talkers Off-Topic Cafe'

Turtleheadfred · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 07:22 PM

Well my Fashion Mavens... I thought I'd give you some fashion tips to get you through the hot, humid days of summer!

I have a book, "Tim Gunn's Guide To Fashion" (not that any of you are surprised) and his tips are almost identical to some shared on Oprah today...

10 Basics for Every Wardrobe - As Seen on OPRAH
(meaning: every woman needs these 10 things in her closet)

1. A Classic Trench Coat
(You can use this over other piece, pack it easily, and wear it over dresses, pants, everything! Buy the best you can in a great color you love! Great alternative to a heavy coat.)

2. A Turtleneck (black or white)
(This is a basic for everyone... and hides or neck wrinkles as we get older! Perfect with suits, skirts, jeans - everything!)

3. A Pair of Trousers (black)
(A perfectly tailored pair of black slacks is essential. If you're petite, get something with a narrower leg - but if you're curvey like most of us, something with a wider leg is going to be best. And a tip from Auntie Susan... FLAT FRONT!!! Pleats make us look bigger - unless you're a stick - so flat front and if possible, just stitch those side pockets shut! I SWEAR it makes you look thinner! Try it!)

4. Tunic
(This was from today's show... a tunic top can dress almost anything up and it's very easy to wear. Nothing too fancy - and when in doubt... go with black or white - you can add colors later as accessories.)

5. White Jeans
(Also from today's show - I wasn't expecting this one. A nice pair - trouser cut - of white jeans can really make you look good... I'll have to get back to everyone on this one... they make my already large rear look even LARGER!)

6. Dark Jeans
(I totally agree! Nothing too tight - just a nice pair of dark jeans can be worn with flats, heels, boots - almost anything and go anywhere.)

7. Black Dress
(Not a "little" black dress - but just one, well made black dress that fits you well and makes you feel great! You can wear it over jeans to look mod - or with heels to dress up. Add a scarf or jacket - again it's different. Find one you LOVE!)

8. White Denim Jacket (or Dark, DARK blue)
(This looks great on pretty much everyone! But get a nice cut - not the old 80's Springsteen look - not that I don't love The Boss - but you don't want to "date" yourself. And it can be a shorter cut with the right top under it. Try LOTS on!)

9. Black Skirt
(Full, a-line, pencil, whatever looks best for you. Every woman needs one in their wardrobe as their "go to" piece. You can wear it forever!)

10. A Cashmere Sweater
(It feels SOOOO good! It can be crew neck, short sleeved, whatever - but you owe it to yourself to have one to layer. And if you hunt - you can find them on-sale at the end of the season!)

Accessories: purses and shoes. You really DON'T need tons - though I tend to disagree , but if you have a medium to large purse and at least a pair of ballet flats and a pair of dress pumps, that's all you REALLY have to have!

Those are the basics! Hope it helps... and I'll go look at the book and see how we compare!!!

Sexy Strawberry · #2 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 04:14 PM

Nice threads (both Part 1 and Part 2)!

I think I have all those things except for the white jeans, I don't consider them basics anyway, I have to disagree with you on this point, I think that white jeans only fit if you have a nice figure, otherwhise they might look ridiculous. Personally I don't know when I'd wear them, in Summer they would look nice, but I don't wear jeans in Summer, I only wear dresses and skirts. They could be nice on sunny days which aren't hot, and in winter I wouldn't wear them, maybe on a special occasion.

As for the bags, they're really important, I think brown, black and white are musts! Then, you can own more colors, but those are basic!

I think I didn't see a white blouse on the list, I'd also consider it a basic... I have one which I just love, I bought it once because I needed it for an occasion and thought I'd never wear it again, but I found out how useful it is!

Turtleheadfred · #3 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 09:29 PM

Thanks Strawberry!

I agree on the white jeans - that wasn't from MY personal list... but the list they gave out on "Oprah's" show... I also don't have ANY white jeans - and just have never had a pair that I thought looked good (except when I was little). I also think you need a specific shape for them!

And I also agree about the white shirt... I can't remember if it's mentioned in "Tim's" book or not - but I'm thinking it probably is. A crisp, white shirt I agree is a MUST have!

On the Oprah show - they DID discuss a new no-iron men's inspired shirt from Brook's Brothers that they were saying "everyone must have" - but it's $89. I have several I've gotten for less - but I DO have them professionally cleaned when I'm lazy and don't want to iron.

heather6773 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 04:11 PM

I like those tips. I haven't had a pair of white jeans in about 15 years...mabe worth a try though

Turtleheadfred · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heather6773

I like those tips. I haven't had a pair of white jeans in about 15 years...mabe worth a try though

You notice Heather - in the Tim Gunn book - he DOESN'T recommend white jeans. He's more "classic" - and I tend to go with his viewpoint over the other... if I can.