Classic, well-tailored clothes create a professional appearance.
A small wardrobe of well-chosen, well-made classic pieces will make you look good and save you money. Classic clothes are environmentally responsible as well. Because they never go out of style, they can be worn for many years, rather than discarded every time fashions change. As a result, they consume fewer natural resources -- and ultimately less of your money -- than a trendier wardrobe. Search for top-quality pieces on sale or at high-end consignment stores.
Instructions
Classic Pieces for Men
1. Build your wardrobe around two wool gabardine suits, one black and one gray, with single-breasted jackets. Add a classic trench coat with a removable lining as an ideal year-round outer layer. In very cold climates, you may need a wool coat as well.
2. Select two pairs of khakis, a pair of wool dress pants and a sport jacket. These items help fill out your business wardrobe, covering business casual days and weekends. Add a lambswool or cashmere sweater to keep you warm in winter and substitute for a jacket in casual settings.
3. Add three to four white cotton shirts for work and a few button-down shirts and polos for casual Fridays and weekends. Many cotton shirts are available in convenient wrinkle-free blends.
4. Accessorize with one pair of black dress shoes, one pair of dark leather lace-up shoes, and half boots for snowy winters. Loafers are comfortable choices for weekends. A small selection of silk ties, a cashmere scarf, a good watch and a leather briefcase complete your business wardrobe.
5. Invest in a dinner jacket, if you attend very formal events frequently. For most other circumstances, a black suit -- perhaps with a dark gray shirt and matching tie -- is adequate for most evenings.
Classic Pieces for Women
6. Start by selecting a color palette. The more pieces match, the more versatile your wardrobe. Select black or navy as your basic dark color, although black is more versatile. Choose gray or camel as your second solid color. A classic trench coat with a removable lining will handle all but the most extreme weather. In very cold climates, a classic camel hair wool coat is timelessly elegant.
7. Chose one classic suit with either a skirt or trousers as your outfit for interviews and important meetings. Black or dark gray are the best choices, with navy a possible option. A medium to lightweight gabardine will work for all seasons and all occasions. Select one jacket and a few pairs of microfiber or wool trousers or skirts for non-suit days. Substitute a cardigan for a jacket on casual Fridays. Add a silk or linen jacket for very hot climates.
8. Add a few white cotton, long-sleeved blouses as work essentials. One silk blouse can dress up a suit or separates for dinner, and a few short-sleeved shells are nice for summer. A little black dress or flowing black trousers cover evenings, and dark blue jeans or khakis are good for dressing down on weekends.
9. Find well-made, smooth, black leather shoes, and keep them polished for a pulled-together look. A low-heeled pump works with a skirt or trousers equally well, and flats can be worn with trousers. Plain dark leather boots or half-boots keep your feet dry in winter. Experiment with inexpensive strappy sandals for fun evenings and comfortable walking shoes for weekends.
10. Accessories take classic basics from boring to stylish. Invest in a good set of pearls for the office and formal evenings, but play with colorful scarves, costume jewelry or interesting ethnic pieces for weekends. Handbags, computer bags and briefcases in dark leather are versatile and professional. Inexpensive, bright, cloth bags make a nice change for the weekends.
Tags: dark leather, black dress, business wardrobe, casual Fridays, Classic Pieces, classic trench
