Accessorize

I love a beautiful necklace or a new pair of earrings as much as anyone. I also own my fair share of shoes. However, I have always believed that outfits should not be designed around accessories. Don’t get me wrong, accessories can complete a look. But the garments you wear should have the capacity to stand alone without the need for accessories. For example, I do not think an outfit should ever revolve around a pair of shoes. Rather, when people look at you they are viewing the entire package. From a distance (and often up close) it is nearly impossible to tell if your shoes cost $100 or $1,000. What is apparent at first glance is the quality of the fabric you are wearing and the way it forms a silhouette.

When best utilized, accessories alter the mood of an outfit. An addition or substitute of the right accessory can transform your ensemble from day to night. Accessories can convert a tunic dress into formal attire or a cocktail dress into a more casual dress that is suitable to wear to lunch.

One of my favorite, and most functional, accessories is the belt. You only need a couple of belts to accessorize the majority of your wardrobe. A wide black belt and a lighter brown or taupe belt cover a range of styles. It is fun to dig into the back of your closet and try belts on with some of the dresses that you haven't worn in a long time. A belt can quickly modernize a dress and flatter your figure. Best of all, a belt compliments rather than dominates your outfit.

I am in full support of beautiful accessories. I just prefer that the garment is the centerpiece of my look.

The Anti-Trend

Keeping pace with women's fashion is challenging. Some years it is wide-legged pants, tight to the knee and flared at the ankle. Other years it is straight leg, painted-on jeans. There are the colorful tops and (increasingly vintage) sunglasses, earrings and bracelets - all constantly evolving to the point you begin to feel that your wardrobe and accessories require an annual overhaul. While it's fun to experiment with new looks to see what feels best, you know that most of this year's coveted pieces will not see the light of next year.

There is one major exception to this rule: the classic dress. This is the wardrobe staple in which basic rules always apply, regardless of the year or season. The most beautiful dresses are timeless ... elements of your wardrobe that you can wear year after year. You have the option of adding a new belt or necklace, but the structure of a great dress never goes out of style. You can select a classic dress based on its clean lines, which flatter your figure and inspire you to look beautiful. A dress can be the easiest part of your wardrobe; an item you can turn to at the last minute - dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

While pondering the latest trends, remember that a dress is the only item in your wardrobe that can be considered an investment. As you stand in your favorite store, deciding which of the latest fashions to adopt, follow your instincts to the dress that caught your eye. Chances are, there will be opportunities to wear it five years from now and it will still make you feel great.