Updating For Spring
Yes, yes, yes. I realize there’s some snow on the ground and you’re still wearing your down parka, but it’s not too soon to start thinking spring.
It’s time to weed out the fads from last season and make room for several new additions that will update your wardrobe and give you a more contemporary look.
First, what should you get rid of? Knit stretch pants, especially stirrups. Face it; this fashion statement has run its course and then some. When a style has infiltrated every possible niche within the population, it’s time to bid it adieu. Stretch pants have definitely reached that point. It may be difficult at first to part with these old standbys, but you’ll learn to live without them.
Next on the Out List: vests. Again, I know we have whole closets full of this once trendy style, but that’s the point. We’ve worn them with jeans and dresses and everything between. It’s time to find a different accessory.
Third on the Out List are skirts that are ultra short (especially leather or suede) or extremely long, including those crinkly, wrinkled things. They were cute for a while, but now they look dated.
Black is never popular in spring. Put most of your black clothes away until next winter. We want color and light for the new season.
Those tiny clutch purses that aren’t big enough to carry more than a lipstick and a credit card are has-beens. What’s the point of a bag that doesn’t hold anything? Get rid of it.
And finally, one last item that’s seen better days: Leather bomber jackets. These looked trendy six years ago, but now everyone has them, from little kids to middle-aged businesswomen to retirees. This style has reached the saturation point and needs to be retired.
Fashion hint: The bomber jacket is one item I would recommend storing properly because in about 15 years it will experience a revival and your kids or grandkids will be thrilled you have an authentic one for them to wear.
Enough of the bad news. Now let’s concentrate on what you should add for spring.
The No. 1 item is a white, tailored shirt. Choose one in cotton with long sleeves and a collar. You’ll find a variety of attractive shirts in the women’s departments, but I also recommend shopping in the men’s departments for really sharp-looking shirts that can be worn with trousers or knee-length skirts.
They also look good as informal jackets over tank tops or mock turtlenecks.
Cotton drawstring pajama pants in white or a light hue are another must-have. Buy them too long so you can roll the hem up.
A hooded, zip-front jacket in white cotton knit will be the cover-up of choice. It looks crisp and clean, yet it’s comfortable and warm, too.
Grey is the basic color of the season for jackets, skirts and slacks, but the accent colors are bright, tropical hues, such as turquoise, lemon, tangerine and lime.
To replace that tiny purse, look for an urban tote or hobo bag. These leather or nylon carryalls are big enough for carting around a few files as well as your lunch and other necessities but without the hard look of a briefcase.
That should get you in the mood for a new season. I’ll keep you posted as other cool items appear on the horizon. xxxx