Defining your own “style uniform”?
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Annette Tapert's article in WSJ "A Salute to Women in Uniform" conjures up Slim Keith's "sexy,outdoorsy, chic and athletic" style". Though I wonder if she kept her "slim" figure with the cigarette habit that was so accepted as part of the lifestyle in those days--she was dubbed the first "California Girl" at the time which envisions outdoorsy good health. She favored a "house uniform" which was somewhat preppy--including khakis, tailored shirts, jackets, and soft moccasins. Audrey Hepburn (not mentioned in the article) paired her everyday to Lacoste shirts (as I do today, including RL polos) with jeans (I love my Nike pants and/or jodphur style pants). Carolina Herrera was also not noted, but should have been for her long sleeved white shirts worn with her daytime to black tie looks.
The ultra simple wardrobe items I mentioned are classics--and easily implemented and transformed by accessories (including shoes/boots). One of the important points Ms Tapert makes is "A uniform should be a tool to help us define our style. The paring down of a wardrobe actually inspires you to use your imagination more, and to experiment with fabrics, colors, accessories or whatever your passion may be".
Comments:
What a great post! I’d love to see more images on daily ‘uniforms”. Being retired is a challenge after dressing up each day for work. The idea of paring down is also most appealing, as retirement is often accompanied by downsizing one’s dwelling. Outfits for special occasions seem simple enough, it’s the day to day image that I find difficult, unless you count jeans and polos, every day!!!
Jill on December 22, 2011 at 5:24 MST
Jill,
The basic outfit can change—keeping the polo as a constant. Jeans can vary in style, shape, weights, texture, color ( i.e. white jeans in summer). Polos can have different colors and sleeve lengths. Jackets, sweaters can layer and change the “uniform”. So can shoes or boots change the look. Different bags ,sunglasses, belts, sporty and jewelry accessories also multiply your ability to morph your “uniform”.
Best,
Sherrie Mathieson
Sherrie Mathieson on December 23, 2011 at 12:20 MST