Every wardrobe should start with a solid foundation. There are five fundamentals every woman must have in her closet. By layering your own accessories onto these five basics, you can build a timeless look that suits your individual style and shows off your unique fashion sense.
White Blouse
With a tailored shape that suits your figure, you can easily dress up when it's tucked in, but still look polished when it's worn un-tucked with a casual outfit. Shirts that hit you about 2" below your hipbone prevent a juvenile or frumpy look.
Tailored Wool Pants
You can wear all-weather fabric like lightweight, breathable wool no matter the season. It resists wrinkles for a polished look throughout the day. Trousers that show the outline of your upper leg and flare from the knee add length and flatter your shape.
Tailored Skirt
Pick a basic color and you can wear it with a sleeveless shell for warm weather events or structured jackets for a sophisticated business look. A-line silhouettes are universally flattering, minimizing hips and creating curves. Keep in mind skirt lengths that fall at the widest part of your calf can make legs look shorter and thicker.
Tailored Dress
With a basic silhouette that suits your figure, you can change your layers and accessories to suit every temperature and occasion. Wrap dresses easily accommodate a curvy figure since you can cinch to suit your shape, while an empire silhouette elongates as it gently floats over your hips and waist.
Trench Coat
The creation of the trench coat design is attributed to renowned designer Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, who created a coat for the British War Office. The coat's name is said to be coined by soldiers in the trenches who called the raincoat a "trench coat." During World War I, epaulettes were added at the shoulders to hold gloves. After the war, many veterans included the look in their civilian wardrobes. Structured and stylish, this classic silhouette has endured through the years, offering a sophisticated look for many occasions. For a flattering silhouette, remember that long torsos are evened out by a 3/4 length coat, while coats that hit just below the hips won't overwhelm a petite figure.