Last week, I talked tips for always looking put together, including having a defined fashion uniform. I thought I’d expand on why I think having a fashion uniform is a great idea.
I want you to imagine Jackie Kennedy. Go ahead, I’ll wait …
Ok. Got her picture in your head? Chances are you’re all thinking of a different photo you’ve seen of Jackie Kennedy. And chances are that she’s wearing seemingly the same thing. Jackie Kennedy’s style was iconic, and she had the concept of a fashion uniform down to perfection. As she transitioned from a reporter in the 1950s, to mom and First Lady in the ’60s, jetsetter and working woman in the ’70s matriarch in the ’80s, and as fashion shifted, her style was the same–but it wasn’t. She knew clean lines and minimal patterns worked for her, but looking closely–the shoulders changed, the hemlines changed. Her fashion stayed relevant but seemingly the same.
Some people will hear the word ‘uniform’ and ask, “So I can’t have any fun?” No. Definitely have fun. It’s a fashion rule I’m a slave to. But know what works for you. Having a fashion uniform isn’t about depriving yourself of trends and fun fads. You just want to have styles, silhouettes, colors, patterns, etc., that you know always work for you. You want to have consistency and variety to keep your closet easy and function but still relevant.
I love fashion, and I’m constantly looking at what other people are wearing. But when I’m trying to live day to day life and put focus on something else, I don’t want to worry about whether or not my outfit looks okay. I don’t care who you are, what you do, or how you like to dress, we’re all lacking time. And if throwing on a pair of jeans, button down shirt, and loafers will cut down the time it takes to get dressed in the morning, I consider that a game changer.
For me, I know I like high-waisted denim, neutral colored button down shirts, loafers or flats, and sleeveless sweaters. While I experiment with fashion, for the most part I stick with what I know. It may look like I’m wearing the same thing every day. But if you were to look in my closet: Some of those button downs are over-sized, some are tailored to fit snug, some silk, some sleeveless. The jeans? Some are dark, some are cropped, some are distressed. I have some sleeveless sweaters that are mock neck, some are a simple crew. And most are shades of white, black, cognac, or navy. See? Different.
While I love uniforms, and think you should have a handful of go-tos for various occasions, there are no rules in fashion. Well, there are a few, but one of them is to have fun. Having a flamboyant and expressive wardrobe is amazing. But having a few basic pieces you know work for you every single time is amazing too. Being comfortable and confident in your clothing is important, and if it can help you get dressed in less time, why not give it a shot?
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