Getting
back to the basics
Janelle L. Burns - Fashionably
Tuesday
An
unfortunate thing happens when you’re a
college student—you have no money. Nonetheless,
what extra money you do have, somehow finds
its way into a Starbucks cash register—
five days in a row. Its amazing how small
amounts of money equal a larger chunk if
you save or invest.
I view fashion as an investment. A Frappacchino
can make you feel guilty, whereas your favorite
jeans are priceless. That’s why if
you invest correctly, you’ll always come
out on top.
The rule for fashion investing is to pass
up on seriously trendy items. These items
will get you nowhere the next season; therefore,
your investment was essentially just spending.
When you’re on a budget, you don’t have
money to indulge in every trend of the season—
but that doesn’t mean you can’t look fashionable
either.
The key is selecting the basics. Place your
liquid assets on the building blocks of
a wardrobe. When you have them, they will
carry you through each season if you choose
them well. The best thing about basic pieces
is that everyone turns them into unique
assets; so don’t worry about looking like
a clone.
To establish a framework for any season,
consider the following eight pieces: a fabulous
bag, denim pants in two different rinses,
black pants, the little black dress (for
guys, substitute the dress with a suit),
the perfect white T, a white button down
shirt, and a fitted jacket or blazer. When
you keep these items trend neutral, it’s
effortless to update your look with accessories,
shoes and trends— without breaking the bank.
We all have a monetary limitation. However,
a $50 bag can look just as chic as a $700
bag, dress, et cetera. To achieve chic at
any price range, keep the word classic in
mind. Look for simple lines, pass on frills
and trims, and say no to outrageous colors.
If you want multi-functional pants, choose
a boot cut. With this cut you can wear boots,
chunky wedges, flats, you can even dress
them up with some killer Manolos. Flare
and some straight leg cuts often overpower
half of the before mentioned.
Take these eight articles and layer on trends
as they apply. Dress them up and down, make
an outfit appropriate for any occasion,
and most importantly— make them your own.
Your investment will pay for itself over
and over again.
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