I firmly believe in the power of classic wardrobe items because of their extreme versatility. They are like play-dough that you can mould into any shape and form. I am not trying to convert you to classic dressing if that’s not your thing. Not at all. My point is entirely different, and the outfits below illustrate it very well. 

Both models are wearing fashion forward and somewhat avant-garde trousers and shoes. Yet they’ve been paired with perfectly classic blouses and a blazer. Of course, these trousers could have been successfully paired with fashion forward and avant-garde tops and toppers, and the outfit effect would have been a lot more theatrical. And you may have felt self-conscious wearing the theatrical combination. 

The classic items ground these outfits, making the trousers completely wearable. That’s the lesson. When in doubt about what to pair with a hectically fashion forward item of clothing, try a classic item. Chances are high that the outfit will work and you will feel more comfortable wearing it that way. 

I’d welcome both of these trousers into my own wardrobe. I would match them up with true classics like a tucked in, white button down shirt, very fitted turtleneck, charcoal pinstripe blazer, cropped tuxedo jacket or denim jacket. I’d also wear low heeled booties, flat oxfords or slipper flats instead of high heeled sandals. The versatility of classic wardrobe items cannot be beat. 

This cap toe oxford is beautifully made, extra soft, very comfortable, and $89.95 at full price.My client, who has feet just as fussy as mine, bought these in teal yesterday and looked spectacular in them. She was grateful to find an on-trend and fun walking shoe that was kind to her feet. She intends to wear them with tapered jeans and trousers. Both colours are great in my book.

This is the last in a series of five outfits that showcased some of client Karen’s everyday Summer looks. You’ve seen stunning Karen love leopard print, rock white jeans, wear crops with fun flats, and sport a green linen blazer and stripes. Today she’s gorgeous in my favourite of the five looks — a cold shoulder top with flares and denim jacket. Her confidence in this outfit makes it look even better. 

Karen was excited to show me her new zebra printed top. It was such a coincidence because I had written about cold shoulder tops just that morning! Thoroughly delighted, we put together some outfit possibilities. What drew Karen to this top was the pattern, the semi-structured silhouette, the crease-resistant fabrication and the cut-out detail on the sleeves. Karen still wants to look and feel alluring at her age, and this is one way to show some skin while staying covered. 

I love Karen in this top because it’s bold, simple, dramatic, and of course, flattering. It’s in her favourite colour palette, black and white, and in one of her favourite patterns, animal print. It meets her strict sleeve length coverage requirement. It’s in a knit, which is Karen’s preference. And it’s on trend. This spells perfect in my book. 

We added even more drama to the top by pairing it with flared black jeans. Somehow, the extra volume on the bottom creates the best visual balance for the top. Because things cool down in Seattle, having a topper on hand is a good idea on most Summer days. We went with a denim jacket because Karen LOVES her denim jackets, and because it tones down the boldness of the top. That way Karen gets to enjoy the drama and tone it down all in one day. 

We finished off the outfit with Anyi Lu’s Luisa sandal in black patent, a black patent bag, graphic silver earrings and all essential shades. Karen’s beautiful glass green eyes provide the pop of colour along with a bit of magenta lipstick and gloss. 

Thank you Karen, for generously sharing your time and style with us. I can’t adequately express how much I love working with you and how much you inspire me. Apart from getting serious about how we feel about fashion and style, we also laugh and laugh and laugh. And laugh again. We truly have the best time. Cheers to many more seasons of fashion fun! 

As you can see by her reaction, my little assistant on photo shooting day was as impressed as we were with Karen’s stamina and grace.

Also on Karen’s Summer Style

1. Skirt and Denim Jacket
2. White Jeans, Tee and Jacket 
3. Cropped Pants and Fuchsia Flats
4. Denim Skirt and Linen Blazer
5. Cold Shoulders with Flares (this post)

I have suggested that you make a pile for sentimental items when you edit your closet. These are the items that you don’t wear, but that you can’t part with either because they tell a story, remind you of good times, or just make you smile. You can store them in a “sentimental box” that you keep away from the rest of your wardrobe items. That way you can look at them from time to time and think about those memories. 

I also have clients who prefer to take photos of their sentimental items instead of keeping them. The photo serves as the keepsake.

Personally, a photo is not an adequate substitute for the items in my sentimental box. But I have so few items in there that it’s no bother to store them. So for now, I definitely want to keep the physical items so that I can hold them when I want to reminisce.

How about you? Will a photo of the item work as well as keeping the sentimental piece itself?