Classic Sheath Little Black Dress - Anne Klein

We all get stuck in a fashion rut at some point. However, when dated, washed out, non-flattering pieces make up the majority of your wardrobe it’s time for an intervention.

As mothers, care givers and the matriarchs of the home it’s sometimes easy to get caught up catering to the seemingly more urgent needs of your family and letting your clothes and appearance take a back seat. Wrong. 

Our outward appearance directly affects our confidence and how we present ourselves to others. True, confidence comes from within but the power of a great fitting pair of trousers with a great tailored white button down and pumps to make you feel polished and on top of the world is undeniable.

Step one - open your closet. If it is filled with light washed tapered jeans, shapeless, faded, floral patterned tops and square toe, chunky heeled shoes it’s time to bring in some new life. Do so with modern, affordable pieces that will instantly update your look and provide a good foundation for continuing to build a winning wardrobe.

Updating your wardrobe is not as daunting as you think. Begin by tossing out anything that is unflattering or that you have not worn within the last year. Unless it is a special occasion piece such as a formal gown, if you have not worn it in the last year it is just taking up space in your closet and must go. 

Once you have purged yourself of the ill-fitting and outdated, it’s time to start fresh. Classic, key pieces that will stand the test of time are what you are looking for. Peppering in trendy, fun items can always be done, but every wardrobe must have the 10 basic wardrobe essentials. These are your core pieces, the pieces you will wear the most. Don’t skimp by purchasing low quality basics, these are the pieces you will want to invest in because they will be the worker bees in your closet.

1. Tailored blazer
2. White long sleeve button down shirt
3. Little black dress
4. Perfect pair of pumps
5. Great pair of dark denim jeans
6. Tailored neutral colored suit
7. Dress trousers
8. Pencil or A-line dress skirt
9. Structured every day bag
10. Lightweight cardigan

To get you started, here’s a little guideline to help you when choosing the perfect blazer. You’ll want a blazer that fits you perfectly, but a good tailor can take a store bought blazer and make it look custom made with just a few nips and tucks.

Two Button Princess Seam Blazer - Old Navy

Tailored Blazer

• An absolute must-have. This will be the piece you reach for to dress up a jeans and T-shirt look, or that you pair with a beautiful sundress to warm up on a cool Caribbean fall evening.  There are a few main characteristics you need to look out for when buying a blazer. 

• Two buttons - unless you’re built like Giselle Bundchen - very tall, lean and straight up and down with little curves, a two button blazer is most flattering on your figure

• Look for a blazer that hits you at your hip. Anything longer will visually shorten your frame.

• Single breasted - this is most flattering as it does not have the extra bulk that a double breasted blazer adds. It’s also more functional because it is a classic silhouette, double breasted styles are more trendy - popping up when military or nautical trends are in fashion.

• Structured fabric - the worst thing is a blazer that is shapeless and just hangs on your frame. A heavy, structured fabric is what you are looking for in a blazer. For our warm climate, heavy cottons or cotton blends are best

• Darts and princess seams are your friends. Darts in the front and back of a blazer are great. They are tailoring tools that provide a well-fitting blazer with structure and shape that will create the illusion of a curvy, womanly silhouette.

Building a winning wardrobe is a process. All you have to do is take the first step!

Tyrina Neely