By: Katrina Kinney
Fall is here, which means the air is filled with new scents, there are new flavors to taste and new colors are all around us. Holidays are fast approaching, meaning fun gatherings and parties. Have you been gaping at the new looks that are out there? Are you looking at your closet and asking yourself what you need to purchase to have fun from Christmas to Valentine’s Day? Can I go from work to festive in matter of minutes? Yes, you can!
Let’s start with a few basics that most of us have in our closet to build from. Black, white and gray are great naturals in any core wardrobe. Dress pants, skirts, jackets and dresses in black and gray for fall and winter are wonderful staples to take you from every day to after-hours activities. Add a few white and off-white shells, a white button-down shirt, a V-neck tee and a cardigan sweater. Having one or two made in lace or with accents of lace adds a touch of elegance for this season.
Adding color to these items is as easy as your shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry. Again, accessories are the keys in changing the look of your core wardrobe. When adding accessories this season, look at the 2017 Pantone colors then pick a color or two that you like and make your list for shopping wisely!
Are you ready to break this down? Let’s take a peek in your closet. First, pull out two pairs of pants, one pair of jeans, one skirt or dress and two to three shirts in natural colors. These items must be items that you love to wear and like how they fit. Do you have a black blazer/jacket and or a denim jacket? Go ahead and pull them out and put these items on your bed or on the floor. Now take a step back and see how many outfits you can you make with these items. You should have at least nine looks—impressive!
I want to work with the color Grenadine from the Pantone. It is a powerful, evocative, dynamic red. Grenadine is a confident and self-assured attention-getter color. It is a great way to add a classic color, update a core wardrobe and get the glam look needed for Christmas gatherings to Valentine’s dinner with my man. So what does my list look like to do this? It is as simple as this: pair of red jeans, scarf, shell, cardigan and pair of pumps. Will I break the bank with these items? No way! Add a few jewelry items and I am still a winner. Are you ready to do the same?
First I pulled out my black blazer and white shirt with touch of lace with skirt/dress pants and jeans. Add the red pumps and I can go from work to special gatherings. Add pearls for an elegant look or some sparkle for a glamorous look. Now think about it when I find the red jeans. They can be worn on a business casual day or lunch with the girls with my white button-down. How about the white cardigan and shell with the red jeans? Do you see how your possibilities are endless and we have only added one item to my closet?
Now let’s look at adding both the red cardigan and the scarf. It will look great with the black and gray pants, skirt and/or dress. Business casual look with the white button-down shirt and fun casual with your tee and jeans. Do you know that you wear your tee with the dress pants and the cardigan? Add a strand of pearls, statement necklace or layered necklace and you will be stepping out feeling glamorous. Do not forget the arm party. Why not accent the smallest part of your body?
Last but not least, a red shell. It can be worn under the blazer, white cardigan or denim jacket for a pop of color. Wear it under the white button-down leaving it open with either your jeans or dress pants with red pumps.
The second color I am going to work with next is Navy Peony or Ballet Slipper. My list will be basically the same. Do you see how this will give me more looks staying on a budget and will not pack my closet out?
Need help in getting started with picking out your core wardrobe? Want an easy list to go shopping with? Contact me and I will be happy to consult with you.
Katrina Kinney is Personal Fashion Stylist and Wardrobe Consultant since 2000. She attended St. Johns River Community College, and has taken courses in both business and fashion design. In 2008, she started coordinating spring fashion shows informing audiences of upcoming styles.
Katrina transplanted to Goose Creek, SC from Florida in 1993 with her husband David and 3 children. She married her high-school sweetheart in 1983, raised 3 children and is currently a proud “MaMaw” of 6 grandchildren. Contact her at: katrinadavid.mypremierdesigns.com or katrinalovnherjewels@gmail.com