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Fashion's Alpha Wardrobe

by Petria May

Pssst! Lean close. I have a secret to spread: Classic clothing pieces trump all others in a truly fashionable wardrobe. If you have analyzed fashion trends for more than a minute, you likely recall oft-repeated declarations like Basics are Back or Build a Basic Wardrobe in Five Easy Pieces or some variation on that theme. You are encouraged to buy new clothes often, of course, or risk being grossly outdated faster than you can max out your credit card.

I am proposing very specific, international classics that will keep women current and chic for a lifetime and at any age. There is sometimes a fuzzy line between looking fresh and looking foolish. I have no doubt that we both prefer freshness.

My secret list is comprised of what I have observed to be the foundation of designers' inspirations season after season, year after year, decade after decade. In the law, one might call the evidence irrefutable. I believe in going straight to the source, shunning remakes and fakes, particularly if they are expensive copies with only high-end labels to recommend them. In this case, authenticity is less about a high price and conspicuous label and a lot more about clarity of vision-owning what I call the Alpha Model, few genuine articles from which all else emanates. My list is not all-inclusive; yet, it should provide you with a quite good beginning to a quite acceptable wardrobe.

So here we go:

France
●A blue and white striped mariner's top, as Picasso wore, in natural fiber such as cotton or wool.
●A midnight blue wool beret

Greece
●Flat, strappy leather sandals

Eastern Europe
●A peasant top with hand-embroidered features (the embroidery often features burgundy and black). Usually, these tops are found collarless and in lightweight, creamy cotton.

Mexico
●A loose, cotton dress with hand-embroidery
●Turquoise jewelry

United States
●Levi's
●Cowboy boots

Japan
●Silk kimono. Each length traditionally has a different meaning in Japan, but you are free to wear the length and neckline that work best for you.
●Flip-flop sandals made with bamboo soles and cotton or kimono fabric

Italy
●Just about anything, frankly, but a leather accessory such as a handbag or flat loafers provide a great beginning

Great Britain
●Rainwear, including: Hunter boots and a Barbour jacket
●Hand knit Irish sweaters in all forms-turtleneck, vest, cardigan, pullover-but closefitting, not baggy

China
●Silk jackets

Portugal
●Port wine for a festive dinner party-women always say they have no occasion for nice clothes, so host your own party folks

Kenya
●A natural dye dress

India
●A large cashmere scarf in your best color and in a neutral color

Switzerland
●A watch. Whatever you do, skip the overwrought Rolex, please.

And from this beginning, you can add additional pieces such as silk scarves, a signature vintage piece (costume jewelry, outerwear and dresses go a long way), inherited or found objects and whatever goodies make you feel like your favorite version of yourself.

Stay tuned: I will next discuss what I learned about fashion during a recent visit to titanic Tokyo, an eye popping city accommodating a gazillion Starbucks Coffee shops. Surely, it has perfected the Shop Till You Drop lifestyle.

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