We have all stood in front of our closets, unsure what to wear. Many of us have this feeling regularly, even if our closet is full of trendy items. This feeling may come from a tendency to focus only on trendy pieces, which can feel out-of-date quickly. We promise that you will never run out of clothes if you invest in these timeless wardrobe staples.
According to Entrepreneur.com, with social media and smartphones becoming a part of our daily lives, the business model for fashion is shifting from a “see now, buy now” assembly line. The consumer is clamoring to buy runway clothes immediately.
This access to fashion was unheard-of only 10 years ago. Harper’s Bazaar says that consumers could either buy tickets for fashion shows, read the news in the morning paper or watch them online.
1. Basic Black Pumps
The versatility of this shoe is what made it to the list. These shoes can be worn with jeans, dresses, or skirts. These shoes look great at casual or formal events, day or night. Make sure you choose a pair of high-quality leather heels with a heel that is manageable. You will not wear heels that are uncomfortable and too high.
2. Black Evening Dress
The little black dress is a wardrobe essential for a good reason: It flatters every figure, and it can be worn at almost any occasion. Avoid anything that is too trendy and choose a dress with a flattering shape. It is possible to accessorize the LBD so that it works for any occasion. Dress it up in jewelry and high heels for an elegant black tie event, or dress it down to go casual with ballet flats.
Catwalk and Phones
Smartphones are the most popular devices on catwalks, and they bring consumers virtually to fashion shows. Snapchat and Instagram allow them to see the creation behind the scenes of innovative designs. According to Entrepreneur.com, they can watch live streams of innovation.
When these revolutionary designs reach the store, no one will want them!
3. Black Pants
A good pair of black pants can be one of your most versatile pieces of clothing. If you invest in a pair of trousers that fit well, you’ll have a versatile piece you can wear with anything. Black is neutral, so you can wear it with many different colors of tops, jackets and shoes. The black dress is a wardrobe staple that can be transformed from office wear to a night out with just a change of tops and accessories.
4. Blazer
Every woman needs a blazer, whether she works in an office setting or not. A well-fitting, neutral colored blazer can be used to dress up casual clothing like jeans and pull together many outfits. When buying a jacket, the fit is crucial. If you can’t find one that fits, buy one that is a little too big and have it tailored.
Immediate Availability
To keep up with consumer’s insatiable hunger many large companies are making their clothes available the same day as the fashion show. A day after at the latest.
Harper’s Bazaar says some designers already moving to this model are Michael Kors and Proenza Schouler. Their core pieces were available after New York Fashion Week of 2016.
And yet, others are rallying against this fast-fashion shift. Francois-Henri Pinault, representative of Kering, the parent company of “Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga”, and Ralph Toledano, the captain of France’s fashion, announced in WWD that they will use the current system.
But in our world of instant gratification, there’s no time for slow. Fast is the only fashion that stays in style.
This speed-of-thought business model may be able to be picked up by larger companies, but for smaller companies doing two separate presentations will be a struggle, says Harper’s Bazaar.
5. Silk Blouse
Almost nothing feels better against your skin than pure silk. Few blouses are as flattering and versatile either, as they look great tucked into jeans or worn with a sophisticated skirt. Choose one in a color that you love, or pick several in many different colors. You can’t go wrong with the timeless silk blouse. Just be sure to follow the care directions carefully so that you don’t ruin these beautiful items.
Indeed, it may be impossible.
Technology and Retail
Many companies, such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Target have already rolled out a visual search. This software helps shoppers find items using “color, shape, size, and proportions”, according to entrepreneur.com. The consumer only needs to take a picture of the item and the app will find a similar product. With increased click-through rates and a return of investment for companies, visual search technology is unlikely to go out of style.
3D Body Scanners
Another breakthrough technology is virtual fitting rooms and 3D body scanners. These advancements will reduce a lot of returns. Much to the relief of retail stores, 3D body scanners allow users to virtually try on clothing, using avatars. No longer will they have to ask, “Will this fit?” They’ll know before pressing “buy” on their phones.
6. Pencil Skirt
This is another item you should have in your closet, even if you don’t work in an office. They look flattering on just about every body type and can be dressed up or down with the right top, shoes, and accessories. They can be worn from anything to a job interview to a PTA meeting, to nice dinner, too. Choose one in a dark neutral, like black or navy, and you will find yourself wearing it all the time.
Heels were worn by men for centuries. Rather than a marker of gender, they were an indicator of high social status. Besides the social update, heels were needed to keep men safe on their horses. To keep from falling they put their heel into the stirrups.
King Edward II, Shoes, and Barleycorn
In the early 14th century King Edward II of Britain declared shoe size would be based on the length of barleycorn. Three barleycorns would equal one inch, he proclaimed. And so the first standard shoe size was written.
