Some of my friends seem to think that, because I write about fashion and read about fashion, that I never experience a fashion emergency. Often, my own wardrobe is the last thing I think about, especially during this busy holiday season. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in my own closet, frantically trying to find an outfit that would work for my own Christmas party, when I heard the door bell ring announcing the arrival of the first guest. As I scrambled to pull an outfit together, I wondered how I had wound up in this situation. Fortunately, I was able to pull something together. What I am discovering, through a series of unfortunate fashion blunders, is that often the easiest solutions are also the most elegant, and the most affordable. So here, just in time for the weekend, is my list of fail-safe fashion fallbacks:
1. Stock Up and Save: Yes, I’m talking dresses here, and not canned soup. My strategy, and one that has always saved me, is to buy dresses I love when I find them, even if I have no occasion in mind. For example, Kevin and I were recently outlet shopping during Thanksgiving vacation, while my in-laws took the girls to a circus, and I bought a handful of dresses that I adore at amazing prices. Running out to buy a dress for a specific event almost always spells trouble, in my mind. You settle for something that you don’t adore at a price you can’t afford. After all, an amazing dress can be hard to find, so when I do find one, and especially if it’s on sale, I always buy it. And I always end up having the perfect occasion to wear it. Another point: I am a firm believer that you should spend most of your money on clothes you wear the most often. That’s why you’ll find my wardrobe filled with high-quality casual clothes and fewer expensive evening gowns. It just makes more sense for my lifestyle.
2. Find a Fabulous Top: A gorgeous, tunic-length top with a bold color or beautiful sparkle and sequins (so easy to find this season in every price range) is a great backup plan. Pair it with the bottoms of your choice (skinny black pants, jeans, a pencil skirt, even a black pantsuit) and great heels and you’re out the door dressed for all but the most formal occasions.
3. Invest in Accessories: Right now I am in the market for a great, neutral-but-statement-making necklace to wear with almost everything this season. It’s a gap in my wardrobe that I am trying to fill, because the right necklace, bag, and pair of shoes can upgrade everythign you are wearing. Recently, an adorably pregnant friend of mine turned up at a baby shower dressed simply in black stretch pants, a white knit top and a cardigan, but the perfectly placed addition of a layered-look necklace took the whole outfit from basic to beautiful. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it, and asked her where she got it. The answer was Banana Republic, an affordable, not-so-obvious choice for costume jewelry. And I bought a cool, current pair of black scrunch high heeled booties from Cynthia Rowley. I wear them almost constantly – they are my go-to shoe this winter, and they make everything I own look hipper, fresher and more fashionable. But a few great accessories every season and wear them to pieces. They will become your trademarks.
Tomorrow, specific options you can buy right away to take you through the rest of the season!
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