Building Up Your Basics

     Along with the end of summer--the sad goodbye to strappy tanks, shorts, and sunglasses and the reluctant greeting towards chilly weather-- comes the need for some serious wardrobe evaluation.  You know what I mean; you want to continue feeling summer warm and are hesitant to jump into itchy sweaters just yet.  However, before you go on a frantic shopping spree and buy anything crazy, create a plan.  You need to make sure your foundation is sound before you build up your wardrobe!

     Before you head out the door, pull .out your basics.  What are basics, exactly?  Basics are un-embellished tanks and tees, camis, dark jeans.  Lay them out and take a good, long look.  Do you have an array of neutral colors in your tanks, tees, and camis?  Do you even have a pair of professional-looking jeans?

     Because layering is so important during the winter for warmth (and the cuteness factor), you need tanks and camis in several neutal tones.  Every outfit has a foundational color, typically either black, brown, white, or navy, and this is determined by your top (or pants, if you like brightly colored or patterned trousers).  Think of the neutral tone the back drop behind your family picture.  It simply flatters.  Match your makeup to your neutral tone for simplicity and sophistication.  Once you, have tanks and camis in black, brown, white, and navy, you can branch out into more neutrals tones like olive, dusty rose, cream, and nude.

     Basic tees are so vital as the chilly weather sets in because they are an easy, go-to top.  Basic tees are like comfort food (or even Ugg boots)-- familiar and simple.  Again, look for them in neutral tones, and add some of your favorite colors in at your leisure.  Also, basic tees are easily paired with a patterned scarf or mittens!

     Dark jeans are a must for any woman.  Dark washes are always more flattering than light washes.  A simple bootcut pair can be worn with nearly every cut of top, and to a huge variety of locations: a buisness-casual workplace, classes, church, on a date... you name it.

      One you know you have these necessities within your closet, shop and smile, knowing you won't be caught saying the next day, "But what do I wear with it?!"