wardrobe

Jul

2020

Fashion Essentials in The New Normal

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we live our lives in many ways. It has also had a major impact in the way we dress and think. We now put more attention to comfort and safety in the clothes that we wear. What do you wear to an online meeting? What are the fashion essentials that we must consider in the new normal?

The basic fashion essentials have evolved to include items that focus on keeping us safe and healthy as we adapt to the new normal. Check to see if you have these items already. Add them to your wardrobe if you don’t have them yet.

Hand Sanitizer

This is not news but it’s necessary to emphasize this. A hand sanitizer is one of the basic fashion essentials in the new normal. It’s a must-have accessory that needs to be in your pocket or bag or hanging on your keychain at all times.

Some of us already have these in our daily purse or bag. It’s not just useful for keeping your hands clean, but also to keep your work areas clean. These are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. They also come in gel-type, foam-type and as a spray. Make sure to pick one that also has natural ingredients for moisturizing so you don’t end up with dry, cracked hands.

Face Mask

This is now a basic fashion must-have. Not having one on you when you go out could land you in a police station. Fortunately, this pandemic has sparked a lot of creativity in the design of this accessory. There are different colors and styles available to cater to unique personal preferences.

For those who prefer to go minimalist or neutral, there are face masks in cute, pastel colors. Of course, there’s also the go-to black face mask to match almost every style, for those who want the classic look. Go for washable ones that you can use multiple times so you can stay eco-friendly while looking stylish.

Face Shield

For those who want extra protection, there are face shields in designs that will complement your style. Face shields are generally transparent but some parts of it can be styled in different ways.

Just like the face mask, you also have many style choices for the face shield to suit your personal taste. If you don’t want to fuss too much about it, then just go for the basic, transparent one.

Meeting-Ready Top

Even though most of us have become comfortable working from home in our favorite personal outfits, we do need to make the effort to look presentable in our online meetings. Fortunately, most of us already have one, or several of these, as one of the fashion essentials in our wardrobe; it’s still very useful in the new normal.

A button down shirt is a basic fashion must-have that comes in handy for when you need to attend an online meeting. Just make sure it’s well-ironed and fits you comfortably so you look well put-together, especially if your meeting is recorded. It would be great to wear a matching pair for the bottom but if you’re just wearing shorts or your pajamas, just remind yourself to stay in your chair the whole meeting.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Some of us need serious protective gear. This is for medical workers but also for those who need to go back to working in their offices and need to interact with other people. While medical professionals require medical-grade PPEs, the fashion-forward need not worry as there are styles that offer the extra layer of protection without being too inconvenient to wear.

There are wrap-around PPE dresses in various colors and fabrics that you can layer over your regular clothes. If you’re the sporty type, then opt for the 2-piece PPE that combines a top jacket (usually with a hood) and bottom pants (some look like jogging pants) that look like a track suit when worn together. There are also one-piece PPEs that come in different styles and colors. Most of these are made with water-resistant fabric that makes them easy to clean.

Easy Clean Shoes

We now know that the coronavirus can survive on various surfaces for a number of hours and even days. That’s why we need to disinfect ourselves and our clothes before we enter our homes. Footwear is often overlooked as it is not easy to just throw them in the washing machine like our clothes. Thus, jelly shoes have made a comeback as they require no-fuss cleanup.

Jelly shoes are made of plastic materials that are designed to be comfortable to wear and easy to clean with just soap and water. You can wipe them clean with disinfectant wipes for daily use too. They come in various colors and designs to suit your style. Different brands also offer them in different price ranges to suit your budget.

For those who’d rather stay with their favorite shoes, there are also plastic shoe covers that you can wear over your favorite pair of footwear so they don’t get dirty. These come in different styles and are also washable so you can use them multiple times.

These are the basic fashion essentials that you need to consider as you go about your day in the new normal. With these items, you can still express your personal sense of style while keeping yourself protected at all times.

Feature Image: Original Photo by Bára Buri on Unsplash.

May

2020

Must Have Items in a Man’s Wardrobe

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Fashion changes. It changes fast. Every season, there is a new trend. It is hard to keep up with trends unless you have the means and the closet space to do so. But style is different. Style is all about you. Style is constant. It does not follow the trend. Style is forever. If women has a list of must have items, there are also must have items in a man’s wardrobe.

If you want to look stylish at all times, there are certain pieces that you must own to help you achieve that classic, timeless and stylish look. It is easy to build any outfit from these essential items.

1. Plain White T-shirt

If you will have only one t-shirt in your wardrobe, it has got to be the classic plain white t-shirt because It never goes out of style. It is timeless and so versatile that you can pair it with anything. In other words, it is so simple yet so stylish.

2. Jeans

Denim jeans are a must have in a man’s wardrobe. However, not all jeans are created equal. You should choose the correct fit, cut and color to achieve that classic stylish look. They will only look good if they fit you perfectly. If you will only have one pair, get the slim in dark blue.

3. Dinner Jacket

A dinner jacket is known as man’s best friend. Also known as a tuxedo jacket, it is a type of jacket worn on formal occasions matched with tuxedo pants. Yet, you can also use them for smart casual events when paired with jeans or even shorts. The most important aspect to consider in buying a dinner jacket is that it should be tailored fit to your body. Get a black or a navy blue jacket.

4. White Button-Up Shirt

Every man should have a white button-up shirt. You can wear it in any dress code. Buy something that has good quality. That way you will not only look cool while you are out with friends, you can also exude confidence while in the boardroom.

5. Black Trousers

Any man should have black trousers in their wardrobe. They are classic and timeless. Black is the colour that is most dependable. It is an integral part for any business look. You can wear them on formal events. You can also wear them on your day-to-day activities.

6. Polo Shirt

If the button-up shirt is too formal and the t-shirt is too casual, then a polo shirt will do the the trick. Choose basic colours like blue, black or white to achieve that simple yet classic look.

7. White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is an essential item for your everyday casual look. They literally go well in almost anything. Opt for the minimalist look. Just make sure that they are always clean.

8. Black Oxfords

Oxfords are dress shoes with shoelaces. Although it is a must-have for formal wear, you can also wear them for business and smart casual wear.

9. Wristwatch

A wristwatch is a necessary accessory for men. There are many kinds of watches available out there. Choose something that you can wear with any outfit. Look for something classy and timeless. Invest in a luxury watch if you can because it can also serve as an heirloom piece.

10. Black Dress Belt

Most of the time, your outfit will not feel complete without a belt. Choose a belt that you can wear on a formal event, a job interview or in your everyday casual wear. A black dress belt is the perfect finishing touch to complete your outfit. Buckles should be clean and simple. As for the colour, pair it with your wristwatch. For example, if your watch is silver, go with a silver buckle.

First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 07.24.2019

Feature Image by R A from Pixabay

May

2020

10 Must Have Items in a Woman’s Wardrobe

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Our world is now getting used to the new normal, where more people will be working from home and less people will be going out unless truly necessary. Consumers’ spending habits are also changing. According to a New York Times report, retail sales plummeted on apparel goods. People would now rather buy essentials such as health, self-care and grocery items. While shopping for the latest fashion and trends now took a backseat, it does not mean that you should no longer care about how you dress when you go out. Dressing up is still part of success. There is no need to buy new outfits. All you need are the basics. For ladies, all you need are the must have items in woman’s wardrobe.

The must have items in a woman’s wardrobe never go out of style. These pieces are classic and timeless. They may not be trendy but wearing them will always make you look stylish and effortlessly chic. You can create polished outfits if you have these 10 essential items in a woman’s wardrobe:

1. White Button-Up Shirt

If you still don’t have a white button-up shirt, then it is time to purchase one. It is simple and classic yet you can use it in any occasion. You can pair it with anything.

2. Jeans

No other garment is as popular and well-received in the world as jeans. They are comfortable, easy to use and durable. You can wear them for years and still look good. It does not matter whether they are skinny, straight, cropped, flared or any other style as long as it is the perfect fit for you. You can have them in black, dark or light. It is all up to you. What matters is that you look great on them.

But if you only have to choose one pair of jeans, choose a dark washed skinny or jeans. They are the most flattering. They are also the perfect jeans for dressing up of dressing down. If you find skinny jeans too uncomfortable, you can opt for slim straight jeans.

3. Black Trousers

Gone were the days were women were not allowed to wear trousers. Today, black trousers are essentials in a woman’s wardrobe especially for a career woman. Obviously, you can’t show up in a job interview wearing jeans. Black trousers are comfortable and easy to pair with.

4. Crew Neck White Shirt

Everyone should have a white crew neck shirt in their wardrobe. It is the most basic piece and essential piece of all. You can build any outfit from it.

If in doubt, anything looks good with a white shirt.
Victoria Beckham

5. Knee-Length Pencil Skirt

If you will only have one skirt in your closet, make sure it is a knee-length pencil skirt. You can wear this skirt in the workplace. You can also wear it in formal events just by pairing it with high heels. In the same way, you can wear it on casual occasions by pairing it with sandals or flats.

6. Little Black Dress

7. Classic Black Blazer

Every woman should invest in one classic black blazer. You can wear this blazer with anything from jeans to dress, trousers, shorts, skirts, etc.. The colour black will go well with anything. The classic cut will make it look stylish yet elegant at the same time. It does not matter what brand. What is important is the fit.

8. Classic Black Pumps

A classic black pumps is a must have shoes for women regardless of age. The classic black pumps will go well in any occasion whether you are going to a party or simply going to work. You can wear them with gowns, dresses, jeans, trousers, shorts and skirts.

9. Ballerina Flats

Ever since Audrey Hepburn was seen wearing ballet flats in the movie Sabrina in the 1950s, the ballet flats became a must-have in a woman’s wardrobe. It is simple, elegant and never go out of style. It is also comfortable that you can wear it all day long.

10. White Sneakers

For your everyday comfort and casual wear, a pair of white sneakers is a must-have. Sneakers are classic and will never go out of style. They can be worn not only in jeans and shorts but also in skirts and dresses if you want to look cool.

Edited Version. Original first published in Pinoy Smart Living 07.23.2019Image Credit: Photo Mix from Pixabay Images

Feb

2020

Items You Must Have in Your Closet

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Do you know what you’re wearing tomorrow? Did you previously plan what you were wearing today? If you’re one of those who already has their whole week’s outfit planned out according to your schedule, then you are one of the lucky few and we envy you. You should start learning more about the psychology of dressing and how to dress for success. However, most mortals wake up every morning not having a plan of what to wear and usually waste precious time rummaging through their closets and cabinets to put together an outfit for the day. Doing this daily can become tiresome and in the long run, quite stressful. To avoid this scenario every morning, a simple solution is to go back to the basics. There are just a few items you must have in your closet. With fewer choices to go thru, picking an outfit is faster and easier.

If you already have a closet-full of clothes but you still look at your closet every morning thinking you don’t have anything to wear, then a little decluttering and a new perspective on what you should have in your closet should refresh your style senses.

Or if you are trying to overhaul your fashion style, then these basics are a good way to start. These basic items can be mixed and matched for a casual to a semi-formal look or amped up for a formal event. Later on, you can add to this collection to come up with a wardrobe that expresses your very own personal style.

First, decide on a color palette. A basic tip is to have a neutral, a darker and a lighter color in your wardrobe which complement each other so that they can mix-and-match easily.

1. T-Shirt

A classic t-shirt is a good foundation for most attires. T-shirts can be round-necked, v-necked, loose or body-fitting. Pick the style that you are most comfortable with. Get one with a solid color that you can wear every day or one that goes well with the color palette you want for your wardrobe. Having a white, grey and black t-shirt in your wardrobe can give you several options.

2. Jeans

Jeans are a fashion must-have. They can be used for many different occasions depending on the tops and accessories you pair them with and with proper care, they can last you a long time. Pick a pair of jeans in a dark or light color. Make sure that they fit you well because you will find yourself wearing them most of the time.

3. Button-up Shirt

A button-up shirt comes in a variety of styles and colors. You can choose from plaid, chambray or even a denim one in a light fabric. You can use this shirt alone tucked into your pants or as a layer over your t-shirt for colder seasons.

4. Blazer

To amp up your attire, for a client meeting for example, then go business-casual by putting on a blazer on top of your t-shirt or button-up shirt and your jeans. You can even use the same attire to attend a wedding.

5. Jacket

A versatile jacket can take your outfit from basic to casual in a jiffy and its pretty useful when the weather gets extra cold. Choose a style that goes well with your daily activities. There’s denim, leather, military-style, etc.

6. Shoes

A good pair of shoes is essential to complete your outfit. For women, a pair of flats, comfortable heels or ankle boots can be used from errands to office. For men, a pair of dark-colored loafers, a classic oxford or brogues, or ankle boots can also take you from a simple date to a business meeting.

7. Statement Jewelry

To put some punch to your outfit, accessorize with statement jewelry. The easiest one to go for is a wristwatch. Pick one in a classic design so that it compliments any of your attire combinations. If you have the budget, you can also go for a luxury watch because it serves as an investment too.

For women, a pair of pearl earrings or a chunky necklace are also great ways to accessorise and are great for all occasions. These days, both men and women can also make a fashion statement with a uniquely designed bracelet or a ring.

These are some basic fashion items that should make up your wardrobe. For more variety to your outfits, here are some items that you can add to your clothing options.

For Women

Dress
A little black or white dress, or one in another color, is a basic clothing item that you can wear on many different occasions. Choose a knee-length dress or go for a maxi dress for more flair to your outfit. You can wear it as is for a party or a day out. You can top it with a blazer for formal occasions or top it with a jacket for the colder seasons.

Skirt
A skirt is a great way to exchange for your jeans if you want to go for a more feminine look. Just be sure that it is comfortable enough for you to wear all day and that the length is just right for you to be able to enjoy your daily activities.

For Men

Polo Shirt
On occasions that you don’t want to be too casual with a t-shirt but you don’t want to look too formal with a blazer or you just don’t want to bother with a button-up, then a polo shirt is just the right thing to put on. It can go well with your jeans, and it can also look good with a blazer or jacket for colder months.

Neck Tie
For more formal events, a neck tie can take your jeans and blazer ensemble to a more formal level. Grab one or two on your next shopping schedule for more mix-and-match variety.

Day Bag

Finally, every man and woman should have a day bag which can carry your all-day essentials whether you’re running an errand, braving the traffic or attending a conference. This is different from your laptop bag. If you can, try investing on a designer handbag. Some luxury handbags can be a great form of investment too. Moreover, your bag can also serve as your statement piece.

Most women will carry their make-up and toiletry essentials in their bag and most men may think that they don’t need one and that their wallet carries all their essentials. However, a handy bag can be used to carry your electronics with you, such as your chargers as well as work stuff like your notebook and pens, a book for some reading, and maybe an extra box of tissue or wet wipes or a handkerchief for occasions when you might need one.

First published on Pinoy Smart Living 08.28.2018
Original photo by Artificial Photography on Unsplash

Jan

2020

5 Tips on How to Get A New Wardrobe

Reading Time: 4 minutes

If your closet is crowded because of too many clothes and you’re not wearing most of them, then it’s time to clean out your closet and get a new wardrobe. If you’ve just graduated from college and need clothes to go to work, or you’ve lost weight and your old clothes don’t fit you anymore, or if you just want to look differently to align with your future goals, then a new wardrobe is a good idea.

Here are some tips to get you started on getting a new wardrobe.

1. Review Your Lifestyle

Take a look at your daily schedule and see what activities you often do. Do you exercise daily? Then you need some exercise clothes. Does your office require corporate attire?

Then to dress for success, you will need some tops, bottoms and a blazer or a suit for your daily work. Assess the kind of clothes that you need for daily activities as these will be the items that you will need to invest in first.

Of course, you will need to put in your list some clothes for activities like going out to dinner with friends or for swimming or clothes for the airport if you travel a lot. Consider the types of footwear that you will need to go with each clothing category too.

2. Declutter Your Closet

Now that you have an assessment of what clothes you need to for your lifestyle, it’s time to do the same for your closet. Sort them out according to the different activities that you use them for. Then for each category, decide which ones you can keep for your new wardrobe and which ones to toss, sell or give away.

You will need to be ruthless about deciding which clothes to actually keep and let go of because this is the only way you can make room for new items in your closet. If you want to achieve the lifestyle that you truly want, then you can start by dressing for success. Tailoring your closet staples to your goals is a good first step.

3. Create a Plan

Clearing out your close space should help you declutter your mind as well. Then it’s time to sit down with a pen, paper and a calculator and create a plan.

First, review the clothes you are keeping and list down what clothing items you need to buy in order to complete your ward robe. If you’re aiming for a promotion to girl boss, consider these tips on power dressing must-haves. If you’re just starting out to build your wardrobe, then check if you already have the basic pieces in your closet or check out the must have’s for a man’s wardrobe or a woman’s wardrobe.

Next, you will need to create a budget for the new clothes you will buy. Figure out what each item of clothing costs and how much you will need in total to buy them all. Remember to look for good quality items so that they will last for a long time. Your wardrobe is an investment after all. Then, see how much of your budget you can save for new clothes each month.

4. Go Shopping

Once you’ve figured out your shopping list and your budget, you can set your plan of attack. You can decide to save until you can buy all of the items you need in one go. Or you can buy one to two items each month.

A good tip is to shop in different stores instead of the ones you used to go to. This way, you can see different clothing styles and even sharpen your fashion sense as to what combinations of styles you can do for your own wardrobe. Consider these tips on how to look expensive on a budget.

Remember to buy the ones you need at the moment first and save up on buying the others items that you will need for a later season.

5. Organize Your New Wardrobe

Now that you have new clothes in your closet, it’s time to organize your closet again. This time, display all the clothing items that you will use daily. You can mix and match them or color coordinate them if you want. You can also start pairing them up with the accessories and shoes and bags that you have.

There will be clothes that you won’t use as yet so store them neatly so you that easily take them out when you’re ready to wear them for the next season.

Once you’ve completed your wardrobe staples, then go ahead and enjoy the experience. In the future, if you decide to change your style and create your own, then you will have an easier time in making the transition.

We hope these wardrobe tips help you get ready to work on your goals every day. We would love to hear about your wardrobe transformations too. If you already have a wardrobe , then check out these tips on how to organize your wardrobe.

First published on Pinoy Smart Living 07.27.2019.
Original photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash.

Jan

2020

Tips to Organize Your Wardrobe

Reading Time: 2 minutes

We all need our clothes, shoes and bags for our daily work but we don’t need all of them all the time. The changing seasons also means that we use a different set of our wardrobe for a different season. Here are 5 tips to organize your wardrobe. An organized wardrobe keep your stuffs in order and keep clutter at bay.

1. Store Off Season Clothes

If it’s summer don’t keep clothes for cold season on the rack or on your shelves. Store them away so you can keep them clean and not have to pick them up on the floor every time you’re choosing what to wear. This keeps them in good condition and saves space in your closet. You can then take them out when it’s the season to wear them and store the previous season’s clothes away.

2. Organize Your Closet

Sort your clothes and decide what organizers you need and what your closet or cabinet allows. For example, if your closet has a hanging rod but you want more shelving, then you can buy hanging shelving to store clothes you don’t want stretched out on hangers. You can do the same for bags and other accessories

3. Use a Garment Rack

To clear more space in your closet, use a garment rack to hang clothes you use most of the time such as your favorite jacket, blazer or shawl; your go-to jeans and blouse, etc. You can also hang your favorite accessories here such as your fave scarf, hat, sunglasses, handbag, etc. The floor space can be used to line up your shoes too.

4. Organize Your Accessories

Gather your accessories and sort them out. Do you have a lot of bracelets or watches? You can DIY an accessory organizer customized to your collection so you can easily display them on your dresser or DIY separators to organize them neatly in your drawers. You can also DIY or purchase a jewelry organizer that you can hang in your closet or on a wall to save more space. You can also hang your scarves and belts for easier access. This makes it easier to see what you have so you can easily decide what to use.

5. Display Your Shoes

If you have the wall space, use tension rods to display your shoes or get shoe organizers the you can hang on your door. This means you don’t have to go thru boxes each time you need to select what shoes to wear with your outfit.

These quick tips to organize your wardrobe might take some work but it’s all worth it. If you can see what clothes and accessories you have, you will be able to use all of them. Having them organized also lets you spend less effort trying to remember what you have and searching for what you want. Remember that you only need a few basic pieces in your closet to stay stylish and chic.

First published in Pinoy Smart Living on 04.20.2019
Feature Image: Original Photo by Yasmine Boheas on Unsplash