What Are Basics?

I am very confused now. In other posts, in response to my questions, you suggested some flattering styles for a tummy and thick thigh, like the wrap blouse or wide cut trousers. But are they basics? Here's the dilemma: The basics - to my knowledge, are not always the one that are the most flattering to my body. So what kind of basics should I buy?

I think in my wardrobe, the most basic is the black suit - classic blazer and straight cut trousers, and the cami to wear inside. For casual wear, I usually stick to my straight cut jeans and the cami alone. But such basics bore me, while the fads come and go; and I also get bored very fast with any more complicated design.

And sometimes you just cannot find straight cut jeans when the fad is about skinny jeans, ultra low waist, which I hate so much because it does not flatter my tummy at all! The market and my budget just does not allow me to find the thing I want.

Thanks,
Smile


Hello, Smile!

Ignore all labels! Even the word "basic" is a label. It's how pieces look that count.

Never buy anything, no matter how black, basic, or sale priced, that doesn't look great on your body. You aren't dressing a fashion doll, you are dressing the body that you have.

It sounds like you can spot a trendy fad item, and you know that they don't interest you for very long. (You're lucky! Some folks fall for a current item, and then can't let go! They wear them for too long, and they troll thrifts to find ones that others have discarded.) Trendy items should command the lowest amount of your budget, and you can plan to donate them as soon as the season changes. They won't be back next year, but they are a way to keep up the visual interest that you crave in an outfit.

An item that has been around for a few seasons, like the wrap top, should go for a few more, but you cannot always be sure of this. Once upon a time, the DvF wrap dress went out with a crash. And the ultra low rise is over, too.

To choose basics, pick something that looks great on you. Try for a neutral color, like black, brown or gray. (Even neutrals move on. Gray is the hot one right now.) Avoid prints, because they can be dated very precisely. Don't buy too many at any one time; just the amount that can get you through without laundry disasters. In every season, cull the old "basics" from the back of the closet, and add one fresh outfit up front.