Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Wardrobe checklist

Always in Season

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Black tank. A white tank has its place—at the gym or on casual outings—but a black one is more universal. Dress it up with dark jeans or a skirt.
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Short-sleeved white T-shirt. White tees become unwearable quickly, so skip the costly designer versions and buy a bunch of good-looking inexpensive ones. Then replace as needed.
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Short-sleeved black T-shirt. The best short-sleeve length is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right amount of arm.
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Long-sleeved white T-shirt. For a trim silhouette in white, choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims your body but doesn't cling.
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Long-sleeved black T-shirt. A surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works well under a dress shirt—or even a dress.
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Black turtleneck. Consider investing in cashmere: You get more warmth with less bulk.
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White button-down shirt. A fitted one will get the most wear: It's easier to tuck in and looks neat when left out.
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Crisp white blouse. Softer looking than a button-down, a white blouse is a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
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Crewneck sweater. Thin knits, in cotton or wool, layer easily for versatility and comfort.
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Cardigan. A neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures.
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A black dress. The “little black dress” is a cliche for a reason: It’s a wardrobe necessity.
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Pencil skirt. This classic piece should be tailored so it grazes the tops of the knees.
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Jeans. It's worth paying extra for jeans that fit and flatter. Your best bet? A pair made from stretch denim with no more than 2 percent Lycra. (The fabric will follow your curves while keeping its shape.)
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Black pants. To get the most from this wardrobe staple, select a style made of an all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose.
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Skinny jeans. Once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. Skinny jeans look best when they don’t fit too snugly at the waist.
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Khaki pants. For a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease.
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Denim jacket. A dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished.
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Cropped jacket: Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. You’ll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed.
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Black cashmere wrap. A fabric that was once seen only in fall and winter has become a year-round regular.





Fall Basics

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Cotton waffle robe. Perfect over pajamas or after a shower, this robe is far less bulky than its terry cloth cousin.
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The tuxedo shirt. The ultimate day-to-night top, it has a crisp quality that makes it a great multitasker.
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Fleece vest. Terrific over a turtleneck or peeking out from under a coat, a vest offers versatility in unpredictable autumn weather.
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Athletic sweatshirt. As comfortable as a flannel pajama top—but appropriate for wearing in public.
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Lightweight waterproof coat. Ideal for traveling, this practical item looks as right with a skirt as it does with a pair of jeans.
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Khaki trench coat. Structured and stylish, it’s a true classic.
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Leather blazer. A trim leather blazer brings a little sophisticated edge to any piece. Add a scarf and you’re ready to go anywhere.
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Peacoat. No longer just navy blue, peacoats come in a range of colors and a variety of lengths.

Winter Basics

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Heavy sweater. Look for a big, chunky knit that’s both comfortable and stylish.
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Cashmere hoodie. More luxurious than the cotton variety, this layering piece is a sportier version of the cardigan.
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Dark-wash jeans. A wardrobe standby in the cold winter months that’s available in a variety of cuts. Keep in mind that boot-cut and wide-leg styles work well over boots.
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Pantsuit. Wear the jacket and pants together to show you mean business—or treat them like separates to maximize their use.
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Gray flannel pants. These stylish standards look great with brown, navy, and black—and also with brights.
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Wool trousers. Look for a lined pair in fine gabardine wool, made with a twill weave, which won’t feel too heavy.
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Down vest. Works best in a neutral color like brown, black, or navy, so you can wear it with anything.
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Black cashmere wrap coat. Whether calf or fingertip length, this elegant item will work for day or evening.
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Winter coat. Fur-trimmed, down, or wool, a winter coat should offer enough room to accommodate a sweater or jacket.

Spring Basics

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Cotton polo. More tailored than a T-shirt, it offers cool comfort on even the stickiest days.
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Cotton blouse. An airy and attractive springtime fundamental.
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Printed tops. A few boldly patterned pieces add life and color to spring basics.
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Lightweight cashmere sweater. Single-ply cashmere offers comfort in over-air-conditioned offices and movie theaters.
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Cotton button-up cardigan. Combines the softness of a sweatshirt with the elegance of a cashmere sweater.
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Lightweight waterproof raincoat. Easy to carry as a guard against spring’s fickle skies, it blocks wind and rain without weighing you down.
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One-button blazer. A cotton or lightweight-wool jacket is a pulled-together layer that can be removed when the temperature rises.
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Inverted pleat skirt. As good looking with a tailored button-down shirt as it is with a tank top, it can be paired with a jacket for a more professional look.
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Capri pants. These ankle-baring bottoms look great with ballet flats or strappy sandals.
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Chinos. Comfortable cotton pants that are durable enough for a day in the park but still look proper in the office.

Summer Basics

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Bathing suit. A well-fitting one- or two-piece in a go-anywhere color like black, white, or navy never goes out of style.
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Convertible strapless bra. This adjustable undergarment looks smooth and natural under a strapless dress, tank top, or halter.
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Cotton pajamas. A pretty patterned pair works as both loungewear and sleepwear.
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Built-in bra tank. Offering coverage and support (and an end to visible bra straps), this tank can be worn to workouts or cookouts—and even to the office, under a jacket or sweater.
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Ribbed cotton tank. Originally made for men, these shirts are now available in female-friendly shapes. Pick one that fits your figure—it works well alone or under a suit jacket.
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Cotton blouse. Choose a lightweight top from a range of colors and a variety of prints.
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Cotton printed dress. Stay comfortable even in heavy-duty humidity.
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Strapless dress. A white one will show off a great tan, but black, navy, and camel also work beautifully.
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Khaki shorts. The summer-wardrobe equivalent of air-conditioning, khaki shorts keep you cool, comfortable, and looking crisp.
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Cotton drawstring pants. A good-quality pair will take you straight from yoga class to lunch with a friend.
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White jeans. Available in a wide range of styles, white jeans look chic with almost any warm-weather top.

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