If you have read about creating a wardrobe on purpose, you know that you must have 3 components:  core, color, accessories.  Let’s talk about your Key Core.

The concept of a “key” core is not new.  Women who know how to dress have done it for years.  Now it’s time for YOU to do it.  First a definition is in order.

Key Core:  A core stable base of garments that contains at least 3 pieces in a suit-jacket, slacks and skirt.  Yes, a suit…You may not wear any of the pieces together, but they will form the best foundation for building a wardrobe on purpose.   One additional piece might be a dress.  The key to this core will be the neutrality of the color.  It must be a good color on you that is perceived as a neutral (navy, brown, black, tan, taupe, beige, etc). Since we have 2 style seasons, you should focus on 2 key core foundational bases.

• Spend as much and get the highest quality you can afford
• Keep the detail classic and simple
• Minimize embellishments (no bling, minimal fringe or any detail too trendy)
• Quality 3-Season Worsted Wool

Your Key Core Neutral provides the foundation for your creativity and accent colors to follow.  Interior decorators have always used this methodology when decorating homes.  I once continued to buy sofas in search of the perfect fabric/color/design.  After about 7 sofa purchases (I’m NOT kidding), I realized that all I had to do was buy a “boring” solid, neutral color and change my pillows and paint whenever the mood struck me!

Voila!  That’s it!  Consider your Key Core your “sofa”.  Yes, buy a “boring”, neutral color.  The excitement will come next!  With selecting your fun, exciting, personally expressive accent colors!  Come back tomorrow to read Part 2 A Wardrobe on Purpose – Your Accent Color.

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Posted by Karen Hughes on January 6th, 2010 in Articles, Fashion Tips, Image, Style, Trends, Wardrobe