Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Clinton Kelly's Must Haves Part 1: The basics

These basics in a well-defined color palette means that your wardrobe is infinitely mixable and matchable. Look for timeless cuts with tiny details so you can embrace your anachronistic style yet still possess basics with mileage.


1. Dark Wash Jeans: Get yourself a pair like from The Limited ($70), they lengthen the legs and make them look thinner. Choose a pair with a medium rise and skinny silhouette so you can tuck them into your boots in winter or flip the cuff a few times for '50's style capris!


2. A pencil skirt: So basic, so essential, but who actually owns one? This pencil skirt from White House | Black Market ($78) is perfectly stretchy and hugs all your curves so you can embrace your inner mid-century secretary. Wear this on the weekend with your ballet flats, a tee and pearls for Audrey Hepburn chic.


3. A Day Dress: You want this dress to be something you can dress up for work with accessories or throw on with your sandals for a quick weekend look. How cute is this one from The Limited ($90) with the little shoulder detail and baby blue color?


4. A Jacket/Blazer: Look for good seaming to create an hourglass figure. This one from Mod Cloth ($59) is a little goth, a little prep, and a little Victorian all at the same time. Love the shawl collar and shoulder details, wear this with the pencil skirt for work or pair it with the skinny jeans worn open for a casual shopping trip.


5. The Cardigan: Choose a basic color with not-so-basic details and a good weave suitable for your climate. The Limited's Bow Pocket cardigan ($50) comes in white and cream for cool- and warm-toned skin respectively. Imagine this with those skinny jeans and ballet flats!


6. A Colored Cocktail Dress: A lady should remember that it is better to be overdressed than underdressed so it is important to keep cocktail wear on hand for gallery-openings, anniversary dinners, evening weddings and more! The Madison Dress from Candy Violet ($165) comes in silver and gold brocade. The elbow sleeves and full skirt make a great 1950's statement!


7. Cotton blouse: Beyond basic, choose a pretty color and pretty details. A woman's blouse is all about making you feel pretty and should never be mistaken for a men's shirt on a woman's body. This one from Banana Republic ($50) promises quality construction and details that are just...well...pretty.


8. The LBD: This is the dress to end all dresses so spare no expense because you will wear it every week. This one from Kate Spade ($355) is perfect with the full skirt, sleeveless style, and waist-defining bow. So many ways to wear it but if you've fallen in love with the pink tights you can pick this up from WeLoveColors.com.


9. Walking Shorts: Summer happens so shorts are a necessary evil, the key here is to make them as lady-like and polished as possible. Choose a short that hits you right above the knee in a crisp, clean white that is easy to dress up or down. This pair from White House | Black Market ($60) will look great with a summer top and heels or a feminine tee and ballet flats.

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