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The Gift of Clothes
When it comes to buying clothes, many of us consider ourselves gurus on the subject.
We understand, that not everybody can wear certain type or color of the clothes, but it rarely stops us from buying things for somebody else. I happened to discover black/white combination early, and I’ve never regretted it. As the saying goes, “ When in doubt, it’s better to be underdressed, then overdressed”, unless, of course, the goal is to be very visible and not to be missed. Anyway, I would like to offer a few basic ideas here:
Always think of the recipient’s preferences on the style and color and the lifestyle of the person. Although, I have to admit, sometimes we really deliver a surprise revelation to a recipient with our choice of the “wearable art”. Anyway, here is to the point:
White shirt
It’s a small wonder how many women don’t realize what a good, crispy white cotton shirt can do for an image. It can be worn anytime, anywhere; and paired with a correct choice of accessories, is always an easy solution to a dressing dilemma.
(Anything white, in fact, reflects the light to your face, which helps to look more radiant, especially after a long, tiring day).
As a business attire with pants or straight skirt, flats or heels, gold/silver chain or pearls: acceptable anywhere. Add a bit more of a spark (bold chains, large earring, and a great bag) and you are ready for the evening on the town. A good pair of jeans paired with boots, shoes, heels or flats, and rolled up sleeves, can change the image to a comfortable and elegant traveler, shopper, an employee (if jeans permitted), etc.
The look can also be changed with men’s style vest for a stronger statement, or simple knitted vest for simpler, homier country look style.
Silk or satin shirt
A simple georgette type silk or satiny silk shirt (is not as bulky, as a cotton shirt) in white or black color: the uses are countless. Wear it anywhere, anytime paired with jeans or formal attire: it’s always appropriate.
Black jeans
Ever considered wearing black jeans, flats, black T-shirt and a reasonably short, good cut, gray or checkered jacket? Looks divinely elegant, modern and casual at the same time.
Cashmere
With an abundance of choices available starting October, it should be possible to find a few things cashmere.
V-neck pullover is something everybody should have (women and men, alike). It could be worn by itself or over a shirt, paired with business attire or with jeans; it constantly delivers a look required for the occasion. The choice of color is yours, but the basics I would recommend, are: black and powder blue.
I also love thick white, cable design high-necked cashmere sweaters. Somehow, they feel cozier, then any other color cashmere sweaters, but the wear on it is much more visible, then on any other color sweaters (and they have very limited use in everyday life). So, if the recipient does not really need anything else, it could be something to consider.
All Things Knitted
I like knitted things, because they stretch, and hang, and drape, and by being so versatile, they reveal or hide certain parts of our figure. Knitted items are comfortable, and it’s easy to achieve a polished or casual look by adding accessories, such as belts and chains. It’s great for layering and traveling. Sometimes, I buy identical thin, front-buttoned jackets in black (or white) and light blue, because these colors are always appropriate, easy to pair and they make you feel good, calm and in control.
Pants and Skirts
A pair of black pants is always a good gift. The straight, the wide and the slim fitting pair is a necessity. Keep it simple, and look for the best quality you can afford.
Black skirt
Pencil-slim, straight, below the knee, long, mini, hitting-at the-knee, wide or straight: the possibilities are endless. Find the best cut and the quality, but keep in mind: the simpler, the more elegant.
The Great Gray
I’ll be shopping with vengeance this season: the gray has finally found its way to fame. I’ve always loved gray color, only the choice of the shades and the variety of the items were really minimal. And now, the great gray has finally taken its place on the podium. It is one of the leading colors of the season and I really hope to see all the wonderful shades of it represented: from pale silvery to bluish gray, to dark charcoal, to combination of many. I found, that gray is as somber and classy as black, but not so in-your-face and powerful, which, while making a statement, leaves you a bit in a shadow, when the strong presence is not required. It pairs easily with almost any color.
All of the above said, look for the best shade complementing the skin tone of the recipient, (or your own, if buying for yourself), and get a thin cashmere V-neck or crew-neck sweater. Wear it by itself, or with a tank top, or white sleeveless fitting shirt underneath (not as bulky). If you can get an absolute match of the color, wear it with gray skirt or pants (more than three slightly different shades of the same color don’t look good if worn head to toe). As for the accessories, the choice of white gold, platinum, and blackened silver jewelries is enormous: just unearth the best piece.
Gray for Men
It should be mentioned, that men always look good in darker shade of gray striped suits, wearing a great tie and a nice shirt. Also, a superb quality black t-shirt works well with a correctly chosen gray suit (in a right, more informal situation, of course).
Shoes
The wrong pair of shoes can destroy the outfit and the right one will elevate it to a stunning presentation. If you saw a woman trying the shoe on three times, get it.
With all of the above reflected: if you know what a recipient wants-buy it. If not - comment on her/his clothes and you’ll hear the opinion and the wish.
