Wardrobe Basics
June 24, 2011 | 
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Isn’t it ironical that even when we have our closet full of clothes, there are times when we realize that we do not have even one suitable piece of clothing that suits the occasion? Piling up your closet with clothes is just not enough. It is essential to have the right pieces in the right style, in order to build a perfect wardrobe. Take a look at your wardrobe and ask yourself whether you have your wardrobe basics right? For those men who are wondering what else can their wardrobe include except for shirts, trousers, denims, suits and shoes, know that it is all about choosing the right piece. As for women, please understand that it is not about picking many, but picking right. This article entails few wardrobe basics for both men and women.
Wardrobe Basics For Men
Shirts
A basic white and blue cotton button-down shirt is a must-have. You should also have French cuff shirts and spread collars to add a touch of sophistication meant for more formal occasions. You can team these shirts with suits as well as dressy pants.
Suits
If you plan to have just one suit in your wardrobe, let it be purposeful enough to be worn in any given occasion. Be it a wedding, a job interview or a funeral; make sure you can wear it, without hesitance. A classic black or a deeper shade of gray would be a perfect choice. It should be a well-tailored and preferably a single-breasted one.
Pants
You cannot trot around everywhere in your denims, can you? So, it is essential to have few basic shaded pants in your wardrobe in colors like black, gray and beige. You can also include softer cotton fabrics like khaki. Be it a boardroom or a golf course, you can slip into these pants anytime. Avoid pants with pleats and tapered cut, lest you cannot wear them just because they are out of fashion. An elastic waist is definitely out of question.
Ties
A tie rules a man’s image. It exudes power, authority and confidence. Matching the right tie with your attire is essential. Have a decent stock of at least 2-3 pieces of ties and neckties in your closet, which complement your outfit. Go for neutral shade ties that can team up with all combinations.
Casuals
There would be times when you would be out there with your business colleagues for a casual treat or hang out with your old college friends. What do you plan to wear then, to lend a casual yet suave look? Go for Khaki chinos which are a winner if you wish to dress up for a business casual dress code.
For other casual occasions, you can pick up the ever trusted crisp white shirt. Even t-shirts with few basic shades like white, black and gray can give you a killer-look. Also, get yourself a pair of straight-cut dark or light blue denim. Leave out or tuck in a straight-fit, full sleeves white shirt and couple it with the classic denim – you are set to rock!
Shoes
Shoes can speak the most about you. Also, did you know that shoes are the mirror of a man’s personality? So, always go for quality footwear made out of genuine leather and it would be worth it. A pair of rounded-toe and leather sole shoes serves all occasions smoothly. Whatever shoes you intend to wear, make sure you give them an occasional polish.
Wardrobe Basics For Women
Pants and Shirts
If you are a working woman, well-fitted formal trousers and semi-casual pants are essential part of the wardrobe. A crisp, white, straight-fit shirt suits well in a formal setting. You can also go for pin-striped shirts or simple plain shaded ones in colors like baby-pink and blue. They look both smart and feminine. A well-stitched business suit is another prerequisite. Even formal high-waisted skirts are a good option for those craving for the ‘out-of-the-crowd’ look.
Casuals
Shop for basic denim shades like black, blue and, gray. Also, capris, cargos and denim shorts are few other wardrobe basics, if you wish to look cool and casual. Round, V-neck or collared t-shirts in feminine colors or neutral shades is a must-have. For more adventurous ones, strapless, tube-tops, halter necks lend a funky touch to your overall look.
Gowns
Be it a prom, a business event or a wedding, gowns serve all purpose. And it must occupy at least one shelf of a woman’s wardrobe. Go for various fabrics, necklines and patterns and rest assured, your attire would be a hit.
Dresses
An entire summer gone and you didn’t wear the classy little black dress for the evening rendezvous? Dresses are truly feminine and every woman should have a fair collection of them well-stocked in their wardrobe. Be it a knee-length, tea-length, full-size or short one, a cute well-fitted dress can keep the guys drooling over you and gals eyeing at you with jealousy. You can even consider a wrap dress or sarong to look sexy on your date.
Accessories
A woman’s wardrobe can have an endless list of accessories, but there are few basics which cannot be missed out for anything. A classy narrow or broad leather waist belt for formal occasions and a fabric belt for casuals is a must. Footwear comprising of a pointed toe dress shoe in stiletto pattern, a semi-casual peep toe with medium heels, knee high boots, pair of sneakers in feminine shade and funky flip flops will suit every activity you plan to indulge in. Besides, for parties, you should own a classy clutch and a purse. A business bag is another necessity. Fashionable sunglasses, hats, chic jewellery and cosmetics and hair accessories are few other basics that you should possess in order to meet the requirements of the wardrobe basics.
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Hair Accessories for Women
Whether you sport long hair or short hair, you can add a chic look to your style by wearing matching hair accessories. If you are tired of wearing the same haircut, and if you do not wish to go for a haircut or color your hair, just try any of the cool women’s hair accessories available. Just add a flower, a headband, or cute clips and voila, you just created a new style for yourself. There is absolutely no necessity to spend long hours in your hairdresser’s seat, anymore. There are plenty of natural looking hair accessories available for women that you can pair with your dress and wear for evening parties, work, or just while running on daily chores. Hair accessories also help tame your hair and keep that unmanageable frizzy hair away from your face while doing work. There are a wide range of hair accessories available in the market today so you can choose the one that fits perfectly to your style. Different hair accessories are available for baby girls as well. Headbands and hairclips are the most common hair accessories for kids. If you want to know more about popular hair accessories for women, read the sections below.
Popular Women’s Hair Accessories
Headbands
Headbands are the most popular hair accessories for women. Headbands have been in fashion for a long time. This accessory looks cute on babies as well as on adults. Whether you sport a short hairstyle or a long hairstyle, headbands can be worn for any occasion. In addition, headbands help to hold back your hair firmly. Headbands are available in different materials and styles. If you need to hold your hair firmly for a long time without adjustments, use the ones that come with in-built combs. Headbands with embellishments also look cute on young girls.
Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are the most popular hair accessories among women. This helps you to experiment with different hair color, without actually coloring your hair, and try different hairstyles, without getting a haircut! If you sport a short hairstyle, use hair extensions to make your hair look long.
Hair Pins
Hair pins are very handy to hold your hair in place. Hair pins are available in different colors, shapes and sizes, so you can match them with your outfit and wear them. Hair pins can be studded with colored stones, made of plastic or decorative wires. If you have nice hair bangs, secure you hair partially with hair pins so that your bangs get highlighted.
Hair Stick
If you have long hair, with decorative hair sticks you can create your own style. Beautiful hair sticks are available in bright colors, studded with pearls, and fine water stones. Weave your cascade in a soft bun and secure it with a nice decorative hair stick for a smart and elegant look.
Hair Clips
Hair clips are also known as ‘barrette clips’ and are one of the most common hair accessories for women. Hair clips can be worn with any kind of outfits, casual or formal. They help you to updo any kind of hairstyles, be it a French roll or just a casual bun. Hair clips also help to create your own hairstyle.
Hair Scarves
Hair scarves are cool hair accessories that were highly popularized by Marilyn Monroe. You can wear matching hair scarves with your attire and create your own fashion statement. Hair scarves are available in different fabrics and different colors.
Beach Wedding Accessory
A beach themed wedding is the perfect way to tie a nuptial knot. Sturdy and consistent, a beach offers a perfect backdrop for starting a new life together. When it comes to beach wedding, you might be confused between what to wear and what not to wear? However, beach themed wedding needs special consideration, when it comes to picking dresses and accessories. Whatever you wear to a beach wedding, khaki shorts and tank tops is a strict no no! Don’t be the one, who spoil wedding photographs with their funny dressing sense. Similarly, coastal winds can send skirts flying, so better avoid short and flowy dresses! If you are a bride-to-be then, you have to be all the more careful about what you are picking, as you will be the center of all attention. Beach wedding gives you a golden chance to look both casual and stylish. So, why not pick a stylish dress and accessorize with seashells, pearls, nautical jewelry and set into the mood of beach wedding theme! While shopping for an upcoming beach wedding, keep in mind the time of year and expected temperature. Here are a few pointers, which will help you in picking right accessory for your beach wedding.
Beach Wedding Accessory Ideas
- Beach weddings are considered more informal than a church wedding. Full-length formal skirts and headpieces are not what are required for a beach wedding. Instead, what looks appropriate is a sleek and casual style. What you need to opt for your wedding dress is beautiful yet informal wedding gown. From halter, sleeveless, to strapless, there are varieties of options to choose from. So look classy and elegant with your pick without being dressed like a Christmas tree.
- Since beach wedding requires casual attire, a wedding veil in most cases is not required. If you want to complement your dress with a veil, then you will need to pick one, which matches with the style of your dress.
A bride should look like a bride irrespective of what she wears. When it comes to bridal jewelry for a beach wedding then, you should be very selective. Formal pearls might not go along with your wedding dress, as they are best suited with a formal wedding dress. Seashells can be your perfect choice! You can pick from a large variety of seashells to make your perfect bridal jewelry. Whether you are looking for bracelets, anklets, necklace, or earrings, you simply can’t go wrong with seashell jewelry. It is a must-have beach wedding accessory! You can also opt for freshwater pearls. You can try pink pearls in contrast with your white dress. They too serve as a great wedding accessory!- For accessorizing your hairstyle, you can wear flowers, pearls, or a simple but beautiful hair band. You don’t need to have an elaborate hairstyle. You can pull your hair in a stylish ponytail or leave them open.
- If you have planned your beach wedding at around midday under the scorching heat of the sun then, a straw hat or beach hat can be a great fashion accessory. If you are a bride then, you can opt for a white hat with some shells or pearls to complement your beach wedding theme. Your guest can pick hats of their choice, matching their dresses.
- Shoes are an optional beach wedding accessory. Most brides prefer to walk barefoot to complement the theme of beach wedding. Whereas there are also some, who would not like to feel sand in between the toes. Usual satin bridal pumps won’t be a great choice for the occasion. You can opt for flip-flops but instead of opting for plain flip-flops, opt for jeweled ones to give you a classy look. Opting for a pair of strappy sandals can also be a perfect choice!
- Bridal purse is an essential accessory, which complements any wedding theme and is a must have for a bride. Stock your purse with tissue papers in case the make-up sears up, a small perfume bottle and lipstick. They are must-carry items for your purse.
- Remember that it can get breezy even at beach weddings so you shouldn’t forget a bright color pashmina shawl or an alternative wrap.