Next year always seems so far away, until suddenly, it’s upon us, and then it’s a few days old, and we realize that this year looks startlingly similar to the last, and that not much has changed except for the date. That’s because, for so many of us, resolutions are broken the moment they are made. Success specialists and life coaches have multiple reasons for this, each with their own fancy names, but I can sum up “Broken Resolution Syndrome: much more succinctly.
Resolutions are boring.
Do sit-ups. Yawn. Drink water. Double-yawn. Eliminate white sugar. Yaaaaawnnn.
These aren’t resolutions. They are life sentences.
So here’s a different kind of resolution for you: Look cute daily.
Sounds simple, non? Well, it is. Sort of. Like most worthwhile endeavors in life, it’s both a lot simpler and a lot more complicated than it looks. Fortunately, I’ve distilled the art of dressing well into a few key elements. These are the investments, the key pieces that will up your style quotient in 2014. Stocks may plunge or soar, but the value of a fashion classic endures forever.
Here then, are five fabulous fashion investments — essential pieces you can buy now, and wear forever. (Find all of the fashion investments, and more essentials, in one place by going topinterest.com/nadamanley/fashion-essentials/)
The Black Dress
Sure, it gets a lot of press, and deservedly so. It’s chic, not showy, and, if chosen properly, it can also be timeless and flattering. Look for clean, simple lines from designers who understand the art of dressmaking. Diane von Furstenberg and Nicole Miller have been making simply stunning styles for years, or look for more moderately priced versions from White House Black Market, Donna Morgan, and Maggy London. Either way, choose a clean, classic design with details that make it special, but not too memorable, and buy the best you can afford. You will be wearing it for years to come.
Splurge: Ted Baker London “Jimena” dress, $248 (Nordstrom); “Leala” full lace dress, $289 (Club Monaco); Sheer dot shift dress, $129.99 (Ann Taylor); Diane Von Furstenberg “Bailey” strapless lace dress, $425 (dianevonfurstenberg.com); Nicole Miller ruched ponte sheath dress, $185.80, sale price (Nordstrom)
Steal: Anne Klein twist and embellished neckline dress, $72, sale price (Bloomingdale’s); Matte satin dress, $59.99 (White House Black Market); Alyx pleated fit and flare dress, $39.99, (JCPenney); Embroidered jersey dress, $34.95 (H&M)
Classic Jewelry
Accessories don’t just make the outfit. In some cases, they can be the outfit. I know a very stylish woman whose uniform of classic, casual shapes, mostly simple jeans and tees, is made superstylish by the signature accessories she wears. I have never seen her without layers of links around her neck, in gold and pearls, mostly, and on her wrist, a man’s gold watch and a few slim bangles. Day after day, she always looks flawless. Start with a core jewelry wardrobe in your metal of choice: hoop earrings, link or chain necklace(s), bangles or cuff, and a chunky gold watch. Buy the best costume jewelry you can afford, and then upgrade as life permits.
Splurge: Roberto Coin wide ribbed gold hoop earrings, $1,340 (fine jewelers nationwide); Trina Turk gold link necklace, $198 (Amazon.com); Michael Kors gold chronograph watch, $250 (ShopBop.com); Ippolita hammered rose bracelet, $250 (Neiman Marcus)
Steal: Kenneth Cole New York “Jet” hoop earrings, $28 (Amazon.com); Roberta Chiarella gold/Swarovski hoop earrings, $38 (MaxandChloe.com); Adia Kibur link chain necklace, $70 (ShopBop.com); Style & Co. chronograph, $29.98 (Macy’s); Kate Spade “Spade” thin hinged bangle, $48 (Nordstrom)
Shoe Shine
There are a few universals when it comes to women’s shoes. One, of course, is that you can never have too many. The second is that you never seem to have exactly the right pair. So I set out to find the “exactly right” pairs: your choice of style (pump, flat, or wedge) in black, a metallic, a leopard print, and an accent color. The styles should be classic, with no trendy details (i.e. studs) or exaggerated shapes. Once you own these, you’re covered for all but the most formal and the most casual of events. (But that doesn’t mean you should stop shoe shopping).
Splurge: Kate Spade “Karolina” black pump, $298 (piperlime.gap.com); French Soles “Gale Heart” leopard ballet flat, $185 (Amazon.com); Cole Haan Air Tali lace wedge in gold, $158 (Zappos.com); Banana Republic “Abby” ballet flat in cobalt, $79, (BananaRepublic.com)
Steal: Bandolino “Courteous” black pump, $49 (Zappos.com); Lucky Brand “Emmie” leopard ballet flat, $59 (Amazon.com); Nine West “Flax” red patent leather pump, $55.99 (Zappos.com); Merona women’s leather ballet flat in cobalt, $33 (Target); “Ella” platino ballet flat, $24.98 (SoleSociety.com)
The ‘It’ Bag
Virtually nothing in your closet gets as much use or as much abuse as your go-everywhere, wear-with-everything bag, so make it a good one. This means choosing a timeless style with minimal hardware in a neutral color (black, brown or cognac – nothing too light), and a durable material, like patent or textured leather, in the best quality you can afford.
Splurge: Ivanka Trump “Arabella” quilted glaze top handle satchel, $109.99 (6pm.com); MICHAEL Michael Kors “Selma” medium satchel, $298 (Macys.com); Rebecca Minkoff “Amorous” satchel, $325 (ShopBop.com)
Steal: London Fog “Wesley” tote in Moss, $61.25 (6pm.com); Free People slouchy vegan tote, $68 (FreePeople.com); Tommy Hilfiger pebble foldover tote crossbody bag, $93.99 (Amazon.com)
The Trench
In warmer climates, when rain falls more than temperatures do, the classic khaki trench offers the best defense. Consider it chic armor against the elements. Go for the iconic style with minimal details, and you’ll wear it forever. If the Burberry version isn’t in your budget, check out one of the many stylish alternatives, below. (Bonus: Sneak out of the house in sweats? Throw on the trench, and no one needs to know.)
Splurge: Club Monaco “Emma” trench coat, $178 (ShopBop.com); J. Crew Collection “Icon” trench, $298 (JCrew.com); MICHAEL Michael Kors trench coat with detachable hood, $129.90 (Nordstrom.com)
Steal: Calvin Klein belted trench coat, $94.99 (Macy’s); Tommy Hilfiger water resistant trench, $91.13 (Amazon.com); Coffee Shop plus-size trenchoat, $57.99, (Target.com)