OverDressed for Life

These things you ought to bear in mind always: buy good things only and never be afraid of wearing them too often or of not ‘being in style.’ If you have good clothes, in good taste, you will always be chic and you can ignore passing fads. 

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973). Italian fashion designer.

In these modern days of throwaway fashion, this is good advice.

I used to have a problem with wearing something too often. But since I started making my own clothing as well as having them made, I want to wear my things over and over. That’s kind of the point, right? Plus this is the way to create a signature look. (I have several unique summer and winter hats that I’ve been wearing for years. Now people recognize these hats as my signature.)

The trick is to stay with simple silhouettes that never really go out of fashion – a-line skirts that hover around the knee; sheath dresses; straight-leg pants; Oxford shirts or button down blouses. A basic t-shirt is always in style (but not the ubiquitous cold shoulder). Accessories will add any needed interest.

One might ask – how about getting bored with the same old thing? Well, I don’t find that to be the case because I dress by season. Yep, even up against Climate Change and warming temps I stick with certain styles and colors for each season. After a winter of greens and browns in tweed skirts and cardigan sweaters by spring it feels fresh to revisit my violet shirtwaist dress or my cotton black and white skirt.  It’s almost like a new wardrobe only better because it’s familiar.