|
|
Style Basics
|
Style Basics for South African Ladies
|
"There is no such thing as an ugly woman - there are only the ones that do not know how to make themselves attractive."
Christian Dior
The ten basic pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe:
- A dark, well fitting trouser suit
The pieces can, and should, be worn separately. It is absolutely essential; however that this is an investment suit where the jacket is tailored to fit and every detail is perfect for your shape.
- A pencil skirt
If it is more flattering for your shape, a slight a-line is also acceptable.
- A crisp white shirt
Clean, ironed and in a fabric that flatters the bust, a white shirt will never go out of fashion and can be dressed up or down. Buy two.
- A pair of jeans or denim trousers
Jeans should flatter your figure so a classic selection for the ladies is a boot cut that balances the hips out and can lengthen the leg. A darker wash is more flattering as you get older too.
- Wide leg trousers
These are an absolute staple in every wardrobe, no matter what you size. A pair of wide leg, floppy trousers is comfortable, can be dressed up or down and can be worn with a normal top/shirt or with a tunic dress over.
- Little black dress
The LBD has been in fashion since the 50s and has never dated. You can choose one in a style that suits your figure brilliantly and that stands the test of time.
- A wrap dress
Diane von Furstenberg, my favourite designer for real women, launched the classic wrap dress in the 1970s. The dress was instantly both a fashion phenomenon and an immediate classic.
- Vests or camisoles
To wear under everything. From jackets to dresses, a matching or contrasting underlay can provide just the right finish for an outfit.
- Overcoat
Even in South Africa we all need a classic, well wearing coat that takes us through season after season. Just remember that a coat is the first and last thing that people will see during the winter months, so invest wisely.
- T-shirts
Basic black or white tees are a key part of your wardrobe. Neckline is key to ensuring a flattering choice, so make sure you know which is better for you.
And possibly one more thing...
- A pair of killer heels
They don't need to be expensive or 100mm high, but it is better if they are. Invest in one pair of super comfortable but stunning Jimmy Choos that can go with your jeans or with your LBD in black, red, gold or silver.
"She wears her clothes like a badge - they don't wear her. Her style is unmistakably her own.
Her personal style is her personal uniform."
Johnson Gross
|
Style Basics for South African Gentlemen
|
"Personal style isn't about buying the trendiest labels or most expensive suits. It is about establishing a look that's all yours and sticking with it."
Jack Kerouac
The ten basic pieces every man should have in his wardrobe:
- A dark, well fitting modern suit.
Every man, no matter what their lifestyle, should own at least one suit. And it should fit well. Even if you don't wear the whole suit that often, you will be able to wear the jacket with your jeans or trousers for smart casual occasions.
- A contemporary blazer.
A blazer is something you will always use. You can wear it to smarten up your jeans, or as a smart alternative to the suit, with a pair of dress trousers.
- A crisp white shirt.
All men. At least one. Possibly with double cuffs so that you can dress it up with cuff links, or down by rolling up the sleeves to achieve the more relaxed look.
- Faded blue jeans.
Find the perfect jeans for you - it is worth trying on as many pairs as you can bear to find the perfect fit. And then wash them a few times before wearing them.
- Flat fronted trousers.
A good pair of trousers with a flat front, narrow pockets and a straight leg is a wardrobe essential.
- A cashmere jumper or cardigan.
A good quality knit will move through many seasons in a classic wardrobe and is a good way to introduce colour.
- A vintage leather belt.
It will go with your jeans and trousers and never date. You can't go wrong if you keep the buckle to the classic shape.
- A good quality watch.
It doesn't need to be a Rolex, but it should be a classic. It should be quietly confident - not flashy. And it should be size appropriate to your wrist. Try the watch with jeans and your smart suit.
- T-shirts.
While every chap should have a couple of classic white t-shirts in their wardrobe, I do believe that he should also have a black tee, a grey tee and one or two Fred Perry/Lacoste/Polo t-shirts in suitable colours.
- A slim tie.
Think Reservoir Dogs, The Beatles and Muhammad Ali and go black, or think longer term and get something with a stripe. But keep it relatively narrow to remain contemporary and then tie it using an asymmetrical four-in-hand knot.
And possibly one more thing...
- A Tuxedo / Dinner Suit
This totally depends on your lifestyle, but if you wear a tuxedo more than once a year, you really should invest in your own. In the warmth of South Africa, it is best to go for a shawl collar, single button DJ in a very, very dark blue - it looks black but has depth and shimmer to it.
"Wear a slim dark suit, white shirt and dark tie and you will look like a man.
That's all you need to know. It's that simple."
Muhammad Ali
|
|
|
