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.