"When I'm asked, 'What's the one wardrobe must-have?' this is it. It's unbeatable," explains Tim Gunn to InStyle.com about that fashion staple on everyone's list: the Little Black Dress. "Wear it during the day with a jewel-toned cardigan and flats, and accessorize at night with a statement necklace and strappy heels." His other 9 wardrobe essentials include a trench, classic dress pants, a knee-length skirt that can dress up or down, a fitted blazer, white shirt, chic day dress, jeans that fit just-so, a cashmere sweater, and a viable alternative to a sweatsuit...like this uber fab Mike & Chris Spencer nylon jacket.
Here's more of the wisdom of Tim on each piece you need:
TRENCH COAT "This is the one item of outerwear that looks as appropriate at the grocery store as it does at the opera." While you always have the option of classic khaki, if you can take a shrunken version in red patent and make it work, you have Gunn's blessing. "The right trench can be worn with anything. Pull it over your LBD for a night out, or layer over your T-shirt and jeans on the weekend." (Burberry Ivybridge cotton trench)
CASHMERE From your jeans to a classic shirt & skirt combo, a cashmere sweater makes a luxurious style statement. "It can be a cardigan, v-neck, or turtleneck, but please be mindful of crews - very unflattering on many." (Marc by Marc Jacobs Alyra cashmere cardigan)
VERSATILE KNEE-LENGTH SKIRT The length here is key: no shorter than just above the knee, and no longer than the bottom of your kneecap. The style, however - pencil; tulip; A-line - depends on what best flatters your body. "This is a skirt that you can dress up with a blazer, tailored shirt, or turtleneck, or dress down with a denim jacket, keeping it casual with a t-shirt." (Bill Blass mosaic-brocade skirt)
CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT For a clean, polished look, wear with the other classic pieces in your wardrobe. "Whether paired with dress pants, a skirt, or jeans, this item is always polished and sophisticated." The only caveat: keeping it crisp and bright requires regular maintenance. (Calvin Klein Weghorn cotton shirt)
DAY DRESS Less cocktail frock and more sportswear alternative, this chic dress can take you from the office to meetings to a date with ease. In a solid color, try bright shoes, while black or brown pumps are the right choice with a print. "My style favorites are the classic shift (thank you Michelle Obama), the never-fail shirt-dress, and the wrap (thank you DVF!)." (Diane von Furstenberg Tessa printed wrap dress)
BOTTOM:
PERFECT FIT JEANS In addition to a dark wash (the most forgiving), Gunn advises trying on as many pairs as you have to in order to find the perfect fit: a slightly lower rise that flatters your booty and falls straight from the widest part of the hip. (True Religion Billy straight leg jeans)
FITTED BLAZER Whether it's with a textured skirt for work or a girlie blouse and jeans for the weekend, few items can dress up a look so effortlessly. "You're doing Saturday catch-up at the office in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, when your boss calls to thank you with an invitation to lunch. Can you think of a better save?" (Matthew Williamson cropped wool jacket)
LITTLE BLACK DRESS (Alexander McQueen deep V-neck dress)
AN ALTERNATIVE TO SWEATS Under no circumstances should you ever be seen publicly in a tracksuit or velour sweat suit (airplanes and gyms included). However, if you want a comfy walking-the-dog outfit, Gunn suggests leggings, a detailed tee, chic flats, and an interesting hoodie. (Mike & Chris Spencer nylon jacket)
CLASSIC DRESS PANTS Stick to classic hues like black, navy, chocolate, or charcoal and choose a fit that falls straight down from the widest part of your hip. "They can be worn with a chic blouse or a cashmere sweater, and by adding a blazer, you can wear this look anywhere." (Vivienne Westwood Anglomania classic wool pants)
- Lesley Scott
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