Why The Pres Method?

What's the point of all the talk about the Pres Method? Can't we check magazines layouts and ask aquaintances if clothing works? It's not difficult. It's choosing whatever you like. Your favorite colors&prints from all decades work best for you. Following fashion rules isn't original. And stores have sales help to give advice. They don't have an agenda. Their opinions are completely trustworthy.


Techniques for shopping and managing your closet may seem obvious to you, but judging from the mail that we get here, not everyone is so confident. And lots of luck with the store clerks, too; their opinion is objective, with the tiny exception that they are there to sell garments. Passing an orphan piece off on you, with no hopes of a supporting outfit, isn't a problem for them. (BTW, you can counter by asking, " and what is being shown with this?" ) And have you ever asked them where the trouser jeans are and been directed to a wall of mixed denim? Do they know which jeans have a yoke in the back (5 Pocket, not Trouser), and on whom they look best?

It always helps to have technique. Knowing the Pres Method will help you to avoid that sinking feeling when your packed closet and offers nothing to wear. If you keep the Pres Method in mind when you shop, you will have a closet filled strictly with things that you love.

The Pres Method: Find a beautiful item (top or bottom) that is the hardest to fit for you. Then add the perfect piece for the other half. Perfect: no conflict in waistline, pockets or hem. Walk the pieces over to shoes, and find the perfect pair to support the hemline. Add perfect accessories, and you are good to go!

Remember, each part should be the most flattering, the best color, and the best fit of your life. Do you have any outfits like this? Even one? They should all be like that. When they are, you can dis The Pres Method. Until then, Good Luck!

Pres' outfit: Jacket, Kenneth Cole Reaction, L&T; Skirt, ATL; Tights, L&T. Blue Scarf, Ricky's 14th Street.