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Posts Tagged ‘wardrobe’

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These 10 Wardrobe Essentials Never Go Out Of Style

In fashion, style on February 12, 2021 at 8:30 am

Fashion makes the world go around and every season we are bombarded (delightfully so) with the hottest trends for the upcoming season. It’s only natural to want to go shopping to fill your closet with more clothes for maximum style options. There is nothing inherently wrong with this approach because it’s always nice to have something new to wear. However, it’s important to be mindful of and continuously edit what’s already in your closet. This will help you to determine what you already have, what fits and what is appropriate for various occasions. Continuously editing your wardrobe prevents you from endlessly shopping for items you may not need. Needless items can lead to having a closet full of nothing.

Trends are not a bad thing. As a matter of fact, adding a few trendy pieces can add the pop your wardrobe needs. They are fun, but like a vapor, they exist for but a moment. And while certain trends can re-emerge, it’s important to build a wardrobe out of essential foundation pieces that never go out of style. If you find yourself cleaning out your closet, these are items that you will want to keep. Conversely, if you don’t have these items, consider investing in these before you purchase more trendy items. The following 10 items are the essential wardrobe pieces for every closet.

Blazers. Once reserved for corporate settings, blazers have become a key style piece that performs many wardrobe functions. They can be worn with a multitude of items like denim, skirts, dresses, and shorts. If a blazer is an “appropriate” length, it can also be worn as a dress. Blazers can also serve as outer wear and depending on the season, they can be worn throughout the year and for various occasions. Get creative with your blazers by adding belts, lapel pins and even switching out the buttons. Roll or push up the sleeves and add arm cuffs for a modern, edgy vibe.

Slip Dresses And A-line Skirts. The versatility of two these pieces is endless. No longer reserved for work or dressing up, slip dresses and a-line skirts work with multiple wardrobe pieces and most body types. Go from work to play by pairing with blazers, t-shirts and cute sweatshirts. Wear any type of footwear from pumps to boots to sneakers. Depending on the fabric, you may even be able to finesse these two pieces at a semi-formal event. Hem sizes may vary per season so the best way to approach the “appropriate” length is to wear works best for your figure and your lifestyle.

White Button Down And White T-shirt. You can never go wrong with a white shirt of any type. Button downs may not be your style but use your imagination and let your sense of style lead you to the type of white blouse and white t-shirt staple to add to your wardrobe. Wear it with anything any time of year. These types of shirts also make excellent layering pieces.

Denim. Denim has become the main go to piece in everyone’s wardrobe. Once reserved for activities such as working and playing in the yard, denim is acceptable for many events and occasions. Skinny jeans are losing a bit of steam but with the high rise and straight leg options, you will always look polished. Pair with a sequin shirt and strappy sandals or a button down and statement jewelry with loafers for maximum style impact.

Tote Bag. Large enough to carry everything and stylish enough to elevate any outfit, totes are a staple that everyone on the go needs. Opt for something that is practical but still stylish.

Clutch. Once considered a go to bag for evening and special occasions, clutches are now worn any time of day. For those who are looking to streamline or downsize their carry-all, the clutch is a perfect solution. With varying fabrics and designs, clutches can go with anything

Sneakers And Loafers. More than an option for comfort, these two styles of footwear expand the versatility of your wardrobe. They also can be stylish alternatives for when your feet have grown tired of your boots and stilettos.

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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Try These 10 Ways To Breathe New Life Into Your Wardrobe

In fashion on September 29, 2020 at 7:53 am

Falling into a style rut is almost always inevitable – even if you are quite stylish. It’s easy to get bored with your clothes and to become uninspired. Your first thought might be to go shopping and while that is usually fun, sometimes that is not the answer. You might not have the time or budget to do an overhaul. You might not even like what’s online and in the stores. And chances are you might have a closet full of clothes that you haven’t worn in a while.

Many times when you get into a style rut, it’s not that you don’t have anything to wear. It might be that you need to re-imagine what you already have in your closet. Whether it is seeing your clothes styled in ways you haven’t thought of, examining your mindset around what is appropriate, or that you are missing wardrobe staples to complete your look, there are ways to make getting dressed exciting again. Continue reading to discover 10 ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe.

Change your mindset around what is considered casual and dressy. The rules around getting dressed as well as ideas around personal style have evolved. For instance, where sequins may have been reserved for special occasions like parties or galas, people now wear sequin shirts with jeans and sneakers and sequin bottoms with t shirts and denim jackets – during the day at that. Lace camis and bodysuits are no longer reserved for silk suits or undergarments. They are now worn with leggings, jeans, motorcycle jackets, oversized blazers and combat boots. The options are without limit.

Do you have a busy day of running errands? You don’t have to wear sweats and raggedy t-shirts to do so. Consider wearing a cute flowy dress and a pair of slides. If sweats are your preference, pair them with a tube top and sweater with a pair of sneakers or even combat boots. Everyday is an opportunity to get dressed and look cute.

When you go clothes shopping, think about how to maximize the wardrobe pieces that you purchase. Ask yourself questions such as how can you wear one piece of clothing 5 different ways (like a t-shirt) or how many different places/occasions you can wear a particular item.

Change your underwear. Of course change your underwear daily but in addition to that, purchase underwear that fits and that looks good under your clothes. In many instances, poorly fitting undergarments don’t help with posture and shaping/smoothing of the figure, thus making your clothes not look as good as they could.

Experiment with mixing patterns and textures. Many times it gets boring pairing solid colors with each other. Instead, try mixing patterns and textures. For instance, mix stripes and polka dots with the same color scheme or are complementary colors. Pair stripes with leopard print (which is neutral). Consider mixing various size prints and patterns like flowers in similar colors. Mix opposite (inverted) color schemes or mix your prints with neutral colored patterns.

Look at athletic wear differently. Those track pants and joggers can be worn with a nice blouse or cami and coordinating blazer/jacket. Add strappy sandals, a great purse and accessories.

Always wear accessories. Sometimes all an outfit needs is a few accessories to go from boring to exciting. Add bow ties, belts, hats, hoisery and scarves to your collection. When you get dressed, build your outfit around your shoes, a purse or even a belt.

Shop somewhere you usually don’t shop – even online. Different stores style various articles of clothing in different ways and can provide you with style inspiration in ways that you haven’t thought of. You don’t have to purchase anything to see how the items are being styled and to see what the suggested pieces are. Chances are you own similar pieces that can be use to create new looks. Create mood boards to get inspired. Pinterest, magazines, and other social media platforms have plenty of styles to inspire you.

Image Courtesy of Artem Beliaikin via Pexels

Organize your closet. When things are hung and shoved haphazardly in your closet, it doesn’t allow you to see what you actually have to wear. Seeing (or remembering) what you have can inspire you and help you to see your clothes differently. Hang like items together in similar colors, fabrics and lengths from left to right. Fold/roll items neatly in drawers/ storage bins. Find creative ways to display jewelry, purses, scarves and shoes.

Plan ahead. Sometimes when you have to rush to get dressed, it doesn’t give you enough time to put any thought into how you really want to look. Planning ahead will give you time to coordinate and level up your look.

Have you been in a style rut? What are some of the ways you have revived your wardrobe?

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Needs In Her Closet

In fashion, style on July 18, 2019 at 7:40 am


Have you ever looked in your closet and felt like you had a closet full of nothing to wear?  Perhaps you had an interview or dinner to attend and an in a panic went shopping for the “right” outfit.  We have all been there.

Every season we are inundated with the hottest and newest trends off the runway that we are convinced we must have.  While there is absolutely nothing wrong with indulging in said hot trends, it is important to have key or staple items in your closet.  Doing so will be be the difference between feeling like you have nothing to wear and feeling (and being) ready for almost anything.  This concept is also helpful when building or updating your wardrobe and although staples items (and colors) will vary from person to person, the right pieces increase wardrobe functionality as well as creativity when planning outfits.  

Below are 19 essential pieces to add to your wardrobe if you don’t already own them:

  • Jumpsuit.  This one piece can be styled multiple ways, and, depending on the material, can be worn year round.  Pair it with a blazer and pumps/loafer for work or strappy sandals and a clutch for a night out on the town.
  • Lightweight Neutral Blazer.  A blazer can be worn with anything at anytime.  Great for layering over a sheath dress or for wearing with a t-shirt and jeans/skirt.  A tuxedo styled blazer adds instant elegance if you are heading out after work or if you prefer to wear something that is edgy yet professional.  If suits are not your thing, it can still be a good idea to invest in one because you don’t have to wear it together but you can instead take the pieces and incorporate them into other parts of your wardrobe to create other looks.
  • Denim Jacket.  Denim jackets are great for in between temperatures or for when you want an outfit to take on a more casual vibe.
  • Leather Jacket. There is nothing like a leather jacket to add a nice edge to your wardrobe. Leather jackets are great for fall weather and look great with a scarf and of course a great pair of sunglasses.
  • The LBD (Little Black Dress).  It goes without saying that having an LBD (or two) in your closet will keep you ready for a multitude of occasions.  Know your shape for the perfect silhouette.  Keep in mind that styles such as the wrap dress is simple yet elegant and is flattering on most body types.
  • Dark Wash Jeans.  Creates a look that is polished and can take you from casual to elegant depending on what you pair them with.  Keep it simple by avoiding distressed styles which can distract from a clean, polished look especially if you are in a casual “professional” setting.  Pair with a chic blazer or blouse for work and a sequinned top and stilettos for a night out on the town.  If you want an option that is more dressy, consider a high rise, flare leg silhouette in a more flowy denim material.
  • Basic White T-Shirt/Tank top/button down.  These are great foundation pieces that create endless options for anytime and anywhere.  In addition to your basic round or v-neck t shirts, add one in a silky material or with embellishment for a dressy look.  Other basic colors to include in your wardrobe:  black, grey, and cream.
  • Black trousers and black pencil skirt.  Both are great pieces to take you from work to play and can be paired with various tops and accessories.  Again it is important to know your shape to find your perfect silhouette.
  • Hats and Head Wraps.  These items aren’t only for not so perfect hair days but can be that one piece that takes your outfit to the next level.  Include styles such as a classic straw hat and fedora as well as head wraps in black, leopard and pops of color.
  • Kimonos.  Nothing takes a simple outfit like jeans/shorts and tank top to the next level like a kimono.  Explore a variety of textures, colors, and prints to include in your wardrobe.  Want to level up your look, add a belt, head wrap and a nice pair of shoes/sandals to make your look top notch.
  • Pump.  A simple pump can take you from work to play and can be paired with almost anything. A platform pump is a great middle ground and creates great structure for many looks, including wide leg pants.  Pointy toe pumps make the legs look longer and leaner.
  • Loafer. An excellent alternative if heels are not your thing or for when you cant take another step in those pumps.  Opt for loafers in various skins (alligator), colors such as oxblood or even leopard print which can add a little pizzazz to an otherwise neutral outfit.
  • Sneaker/Slip on.  This footwear choice can be a more casual or sporty/athletic alternative to the above mentioned loafer or an addition to your shoe wardrobe.
  • Tote Bag and Clutch.  A roomy, well constructed tote bag is essential for carrying your belongings while on the go.  A basic clutch is the perfect add on for when you don’t want to carry everything you normally carry in your tote or for when you need to make that quick transition from work to play.

What are some of your favorite wardrobe staples?  Do you have go to pieces to keep you looking stylish or do you find that you have some opportunities in your wardrobe?  Please share your thoughts below.